Posted September 13th, 2008 at 8:43 pm in Low Carb

Consuming fat is crucial to good health

If you find that hard to believe then you are among the 60 million American dieters out there that have a misplaced fear of fat. Here is why the right kinds of fat are your friends. In order to change your opinion about certain kinds of "good" fats you have to understand what "good" fats can do for you. Not only are they satisfying to the palate they are essential to weight loss. Now pay attention because this is the whole premise on which the sensible low-carb diet is based.

Eat healthy and good tasting fats to lose weight!

Healthful fats can lower bad-cholesterol levels because the body uses fat, not just carbohydrates, to create energy while, at the same time, regulating blood pressure and heart rate. Sounds crazy I know but it's true. Foods like monounsaturated fats; olive oil, avocados, most nuts and fish oil are some of natures finest and most healthy fats. Incorporate polyunsaturated fats like soybeans, whole grain wheat and vegetable oils, including corn, saffron and sunflower into your diet and you are off and running. The weight will fall off dramatically and will increase with regular excercise.

Cut down on saturated fats

After that all you need is to do is limit trans and saturated fats found in things like baked goods; crackers, cookies, etc and fried foods like donuts, french fries, etc. These fats are most often found in animal products (steak) and dairy products and partially hydrogenated oils like coconut, palm and Crisco.

Moderation is the key to weight loss

All types of fat are high in calories and most nutritionists will advise you to keep your fat portions small. They say a handful of nuts is all you need for a snack - and that's true. If you are cooking with olive oil try to use small amounts, just like you would with mayonaise or butter. Just be aware that weight gain doesn't come strictly from fat (or carbohydrates) - it comes from consuming too much overall and not enough excercise to offset it.

Eat well and excercise

Good fats can help you through the hard times of dieting when you need something that is satisfying. Vegetables brushed with olive oil and grilled, avacodos in a leafy green lettuce salad with hard boiled egg and celery. Poached salmon, herring and flaxseeds. These types of polyunsaturated fats have been documented to lower the risk of coronary disease and can help lower blood pressure and irregular heart beats.