Fat Primer

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

The obesity epidemic seems to be reaching astronomic proportions…every time you turn there is a television special or magazine article focusing on the growing number of overweight Americans. In response to this, there has been an influx of “fad” diets that all claim to be the answer to a healthy, rapid weight loss.

Evelyn Tribole is an award-winning nutrition expert and author who believes that, “a healthy relationship with food is just as important as proper nutrition.” Join Suzanne and Evelyn as they discuss the different types of fat and simple alterations that you can make to your diet to get the maximum benefit from your meals.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly! Good Fats
Polyunsaturated Fats--These fats are essential for growth and body function. The body cannot produce these fats on its own, so they need to be incorporated into your diet. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in flax, corn, soybean, sesame and sunflower oils. Fish is also a great source of this type of fat.

Monounsaturated Fats-- This is actually a “really good” fat to include in your diet, as it lowers bad cholesterol levels in the body. Olive and canola oil are good sources of this fat, as are nuts, avocado and soft margarines.

Omega 3 Oil--This fat can mostly be found in fatty fishes and plants. It has been used to treat depression and bipolar disorder, and lubricate joints that have been affected by arthritis and other bone and joint ailments. The best sources of Omega 3s are fish such as tuna and salmon. Walnuts and soybeans also contain this fat.

Bad Fats
Saturated fats--There is evidence that saturated fats increase the bad cholesterol levels in your body and can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure. According to Evelyn, these fats have no place in your diet, and should be avoided. They can mainly be found in meat and dairy products.

Trans-fats—These fats also increase bad cholesterol levels and clog the arteries. When liquid oils are converted into solid fats, trans fatty acids are produced. They can be found in most processed foods, fast food and commercial baked goods.

Animal Fats- Although these fats don’t need to be avoided completely, they should be consumed in moderation. These include butter, fatty meats, whole milk and poultry skin.

But What If I’m “Eating On The Run”?
With our busy lives, it is too easy to grab something on your way out of the house…or even worse, stop at the local fast food joint! No matter how we try, there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to plan a healthy meal. Evelyn’s book, “Eating On The Run” suggests healthy fat substitutions that are easy and quick!

While “healthy fast food” seems to be an oxymoron, there ARE some selections on the menu that are healthier than others. The trick is knowing how to navigate through your choices. Most menus have at least one sandwich or salad that is a healthier alternative to the rest—it’s good to know what’s on the menu beforehand, so as not to make a snap decision.