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Just 1g of fat contains 9 calories - more than double the calories in 1g of protein or carbohydrate. It's easy to consume too many calories when eating high-fat foods which can contribute to weight gain.
Fat transports the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K around the body
It supplies essential fatty acids - EFAs (EFAs must be supplied from the diet, and maintain a healthy heart and immune system).
Omega 3 fatty acids
assist in growth, development, and brain function
It improves the flavour and perception of foods.
It's stored in a thick layer of tissue under the skin as a long-term fuel reserve
It maintains cell membrane
It cushions and protects the internal organs
Some dietary fats promote good health while others increase risk of heart disease. The key to a healthy diet is to substitute good fats for bad fats, and to AVOID trans fats.
The Good Dietary Fats: Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated
Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) are the good fats. They increase
HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
the "good cholesterol" while lowering
LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
the "bad cholesterol". These can be found in nuts: peanuts, walnuts, almonds and pistachios. Also avocado, canola and olive oil are high in MUFAs. MUFAs helps in weight loss and are a focal point in various diet plans, such as the Flat Belly Diet and the Mediterranean Diet.
Polyunsaturated fats also lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. They can be found mostly in grain products, fish and sea food (herring, salmon, mackerel, halibut), soybeans, and fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, (fish and seafood) have been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks.[1] Omega-6 fatty acids in sunflower oil and safflower oil also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but can contribute to allergies and inflammation.
The Bad Dietary Fats: Saturated and Trans
Saturated fats are dangerous because they raise 'bad' cholesterol and can block up the arteries to the heart. Saturated fats are mainly found in animal products such as suet, tallow, lard and fatty meat; dairy products (especially cream and cheese but also butter and ghee); coconut oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, chocolate, and some prepared foods.
Serum saturated fatty acid is generally higher in smokers, alcohol drinkers and obese people.
Trans fats were invented as scientists began to "hydrogenate" liquid oils so that they can perform better in the food production process and provide a better shelf life. As a result of hydrogenation, trans fatty acids are formed. Trans fatty acids are found in many commercially packaged foods, commercially fried food such as French Fries from some fast food chains, other packaged snacks such as microwaved popcorn, some biscuits as well as in vegetable shortening and some margarines.
Recomended Amount of Dietary Fat
No more than 11% of our energy should come from saturated fat.
Men should eat no more than 95g of fat per day and only 30g or less should be saturated fat.
Women, and children aged 5-10, should eat no more than 70g of fat per day and only 20g or less of this should be saturated fat.
How to Avoid Unhealthy Fat?
Ditch cooking oils that are high in saturated fats and/or trans fats such as coconut oil, palm oil or vegetable shortening. Instead, use oils that are low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as canola oil, olive oil and flax seed oil.
Avoid the trans fat. Read the label to find foods that are trans free. In restaurants, steer clear of fried foods, biscuits, and other baked goods.
Buy lean cuts of meat and reduced-fat minces. Trim any visible fat off meat and poultry. Choose low-fat milk, and eat full-fat cheeses in small amounts.
Poach, steam, grill or bake food rather than fry it.
Eat at least one good source of omega-3 fats each day. Fatty fish, walnuts, and canola oil all provide omega-3 fatty acids.
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