Healthy fats play an important role in weight loss by helping us feel satisfied at the end of a meal. The addition of foods that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids) instead of trans and saturated fats aid in weight loss and over-all health. "Good" fats are essential for proper nerve function, boosting metabolism and immune function, reducing inflammation and enabling the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
It is also important to remember to eat enough calories to prevent your body from going into “starvation mode.” We require somewhere between 1000-1800 calories a day just to maintain the normal function of the body. When calorie intake drops below this minimum level on a regular basis, the body is triggered to prepare for famine. Metabolism slows down and the body begins to store calories as fat. Not to mention, our energy takes a dip, making it difficult to maintain our daily workouts and activities.
Therefore, calorie restriction and low-fat/non-fat diets become self-defeating. A drop in metabolism results in quick weight gain when a person returns to a normal calorie diet. "Good" fats help boost metabolism, create satiety, stabilize blood sugar, fuel your workouts and help you stay on track.
Some of these healthy fats include, cold water fish like salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and anchovies; plant oils, such as coconut oil, avocado, hemp and flax; nuts and seeds, like hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, chia, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin; and dairy, such as organic butter, Greek yogurt, and whole organic milk.
If you are on a weight loss plan, keep track of your calorie intake to avoid overeating. Just like eating too little, eating too many healthy calories still leads to weight gain. It's all about balance!
Have you been cutting too many calories or avoiding these healthy fats for fear of weight gain? How do you think you can incorporate more "good" fats into your diet this week? What sources will you choose from?
I hope you all have a happy, healthy week ahead!
It is also important to remember to eat enough calories to prevent your body from going into “starvation mode.” We require somewhere between 1000-1800 calories a day just to maintain the normal function of the body. When calorie intake drops below this minimum level on a regular basis, the body is triggered to prepare for famine. Metabolism slows down and the body begins to store calories as fat. Not to mention, our energy takes a dip, making it difficult to maintain our daily workouts and activities.
Therefore, calorie restriction and low-fat/non-fat diets become self-defeating. A drop in metabolism results in quick weight gain when a person returns to a normal calorie diet. "Good" fats help boost metabolism, create satiety, stabilize blood sugar, fuel your workouts and help you stay on track.
Some of these healthy fats include, cold water fish like salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and anchovies; plant oils, such as coconut oil, avocado, hemp and flax; nuts and seeds, like hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, chia, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin; and dairy, such as organic butter, Greek yogurt, and whole organic milk.
If you are on a weight loss plan, keep track of your calorie intake to avoid overeating. Just like eating too little, eating too many healthy calories still leads to weight gain. It's all about balance!
Have you been cutting too many calories or avoiding these healthy fats for fear of weight gain? How do you think you can incorporate more "good" fats into your diet this week? What sources will you choose from?
I hope you all have a happy, healthy week ahead!
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