A Few Fast Facts on Fats

By now most of us have heard or read somewhere that trans fats and saturated fats are some of the worst things for arteries and cholesterol levels. Some of us may even be aware that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are very beneficial. It seems like anything that’s cooked and tastes good has fat – the more the tastier. But is fat really a necessary part of our diet? If so, why?

I think one of the most interesting facts about fat is that the body is not able to produce it’s own fatty acids. That may also be one of the most annoying facts. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather blame that five pound gain on genetics than chocolate cake. The good news is that there are certain oils and foods that can be used in place of the bad stuff on those days when we actually feel like exercising the necessary self-control for making healthy choices.

Putting the right fats into our bodies does not, unfortunately, eliminate the need for exercise. But when eaten in moderation, they will increase our energy level, boost the body’s ability to protect vital organs, keep us warm, help hormone production, and promote healthy skin and hair. The trick is to do enough exercise that a healthy weight is maintained – because good fats can cause weight gain if we don’t. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is ideal. Some of the best forms include brisk walking, hiking, biking (or a stationary bike), swimming and dancing. And it doesn’t have to be done in one thirty minute block. For example, 15 minutes on lunch break and 15 minutes before dinner is also beneficial – and sometimes more doable in our busy lives.

A few changes that we can incorporate into our diets that will yield healthy results are:

• Olive oil in place of lard, bacon grease or corn oil
• Whole wheat bread in place of white bread
• Whole wheat flour in place of white flour
• Whole wheat pasta in place of white pasta
• Skim milk in place of whole milk or 2% milk
• Smart Balance in place of butter or margarine
• Ground turkey in place of hamburger
• Chicken in place of beef or pork

While this is not a complete list of changes that can be made, they are a few fast facts that can be applied for the sake of maintaining (or getting one step closer to) the blessing of a healthy body.