Millions of us are struggling with weight. We look to every new fad diet hoping that this one will be the one that brings us into a new and healthier life. A common diet those of us unhappy with the extra weight around our waists are apt to try is the low-fat diet. At a glance, it sounds reasonable. I have too much fat, so I will limit my intake of fat. However, the answer is not to ask yourself “Low-fat?” the answer is to ask yourself “Which fat?”
There are healthy fats which are, or should be, incorporated into any healthy diet. These fats are necessary for our bodies to absorb essential vitamins like A, D, E, & K. These important fat soluble vitamins are useless to us without fat. Essential fatty acids keep our bodies healthy and are found in whole foods like nuts and seeds.
The fats to avoid are found in places like fast food burgers and fries and processed foods. Check nutrition labels for Trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, and an excess of animal fat. These are the unhealthy fats and they are found lurking in more places than you might think.
Following a low-fat diet not only restricts your intake of important healthy fats, but it leads you to buy food labeled “low-fat” or “reduced-fat.” As low in fat as these products may be, they are also low in nutrients and fiber. They digest too easily, keeping you hungry and wanting more processed low-fat (low-quality) food. This leads to taking in more calories than you need, which are then stored as fat. The very thing you were trying to avoid!
The wiser plan would be to stay away from as much processed food as you can. Eat well rounded meals everyday with complete proteins, fiber, carbs and vitamins. Real food is what will keep you full and fuel your body. Many sources of good fat are also good sources for nutritional fiber, excellent for keeping you feeling full. Do not restrict your intake of healthy fats and Omega-3s, which are necessary for optimum body function. |
