• Facebook
    • Instagram

Girlmentum

  • Body
  • Mind
  • Love
  • Life
  • About Us

Body, Food

What You Should Know to Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet

It's not all bad! Some fats have serious health and beauty benefits.

Credit: bit24/ Adobe Stock

by Dr. Amy Herold

Dr. Amy is Girlmentum's Medical Director.  ... more

In a society focused on dieting and non-fat fixes, it’s easy to forget that we actually do need some fat in our foods. You should definitely include healthy fats in your diet. They support your brain development, keep your skin and hair shiny and strong, and help your internal organs function properly. How do they do it? They provide important nutrients and help your body absorb important vitamins including Vitamins A, E, and D.

But not all fats are healthy. There are fats that can contribute to weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The trick is in knowing which ones are which.  Here’s a breakdown:

Unhealthy Fats :

These unhealthy dietary fats (sometimes referred to as “solid fats” because they are solid at room temperature) occur in foods like pork and beef, butter, margarine, and shortening.

Saturated fats – Present mostly in animal products like full-fat dairy products and red meat. They can up your cholesterol and put you at risk for disease without offering the benefits of healthier fats.

Trans fats – Naturally present in some foods, but often, we see them in the form of “partially hydrogenated oils.” (If you see this on a label, find something else to snack on whenever possible!) Foods containing these oils have been processed to make them easier to cook with and less likely to spoil. They may be easier to store in the pantry, but you want to limit the amounts you’re eating. Like saturated fats, eating too much trans fat can lead to disease and unhealthy weight gain.

Good fats:

When it comes to fats, unsaturated choices are the way to go. Choose olive oil and avocados over margarine and processed cheese puffs any day.

Unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) – can be found naturally in plant-based foods and oils, like olive oil and avocados. They can protect your heart and help stabilize blood sugar. When your blood sugar is stable, you have less food cravings and decreased risk of developing diabetes.

Omega fatty acids – make up some types of polyunsaturated fats, and are usually found in fish. They can also be found in some plants like algae, flax seed, and nuts. These fat are great for protecting your heart and keeping cholesterol down. Some studies show that they may help with brain function and long-term brain health.

Applying this to your life:

Sometimes, when you are busy, on a budget, or someone else is cooking for you, it can be hard to monitor what you’re eating. To get more healthy fats into the mix, try these suggestions:

  • Fill your diet with more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (like fish, turkey, and chicken), and whole grains.
  • Eat fewer processed foods.
  • Choose lower-fat dairy and non-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt.
  • Avoid products listing “hydrogenated oil” as an ingredient.
  • Read labels and choose products with 0 grams of trans fat.
  • Limit portions of red meats like cheeseburgers, steak, and roast beef.

One more thing: Does this mean you can eat all the healthy fats you want?

Well, no. Too much of anything can throw your body out of balance and put you at risk for unhealthy weight gain and disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the following general guidelines:

  • Children and adolescents ages 4 to 18: total fat consumption should be 25% to 35% of your total calories
  • Adults, ages 19 and older: total fat consumption should be 20% to 35% of your total calories

 

Nutrition is a personal formula, and it’s always best to have a qualified professional recommend what will be best for you as an individual. So, with this information as a guide, ask your doctor how much you should be eating for your age and body type. If counting calories doesn’t work for you, your doctor can give you some other ways to manage your nutrition. He or she will also be able to tell you some good ways to access healthy food in your geographic area and community.

Sources & Resources

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The Mayo Clinic

Your reaction?
  • LOL (0)
  • Awkward (0)
  • Sad (0)
  • Love it (3)

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

More Articles by Dr. Amy

    Think There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Caffeine?
  • The IUD is Trendy – But is This Birth Control Method Right For You?
  • What’s the Deal with the HPV Vaccine?
  • Popping Pills Prescribed for Others Isn’t Safe – Prescribed Drugs Are Still Drugs
  • A Guide to Terms Used by Gynecologists

Current Faves

  • Vaginal Discharge: When It Is Normal, and When It’s Not 23 views
  • What You Need to Know to Make Losing Your Virginity a Better Experience 13 views
  • Excuses You Shouldn’t Accept When He Doesn’t Want to Wear a Condom 5 views
  • How to Block Out Haters and Achieve Your Dreams 3 views
  • Drinking and Losing Your Virginity: Why You Should Definitely Avoid Doing This Your First Time 3 views

Current Faves

  • Vaginal Discharge: When It Is Normal, and When It's Not Vaginal Discharge: When It ... 428 views
  • What You Need to Know to Make Losing Your Virginity a Better Experience What You Need to ... 153 views
  • Drinking and Losing Your Virginity: Why You Should Definitely Avoid Doing This Your First Time Drinking and Losing Your ... 122 views
  • Excuses You Shouldn't Accept When He Doesn't Want to Wear a Condom Excuses You Shouldn’t Accept ... 117 views

Learn more about Girlmentum!

About Us

About Us

We know you have goals for your health, hopes for your relationships, and plans for your future. ... read more

Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

There's an issue with the Instagram Access Token that you are using. Please obtain a new Access Token on the plugin's Settings page.
If you continue to have an issue with your Access Token then please see this FAQ for more information.

Instagram

Load More...
Follow on Instagram
  • About Us
  • Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

Copyright © Girlmentum Media, Inc. 2019

 

POPUPS ARE SO ANNOYING!

But our newsletter is awesome!

Get our newsletter. Get Girlmentum.

I am at least 13 years old. *
I agree to the Terms of Use. *

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy