Download DID YOU KNOW that fat is essential for many bodily processes? You

DID YOU KNOW that fat is essential for many bodily
processes? You must consume fat to remain healthy; just
make sure your source is a nutritious option. Certain fats
contain substances called essential fatty acids that cannot
be manufactured inside the human body. These fatty
substances, found both in animal products and some
vegetables, help your body properly metabolize food. To
give your cells the fatty substances they need, I
recommend chomping on nuts and seeds, avocados,
olives and coconuts. Flaxseed oil is also a great source for
essential fatty acids! (LifeScript)
A GOOD KIND OF FAT The olive tree originated in
Asia, but the Mediterraneans have been cultivating it
for more than 3,000 years. To make olive oil, olives are
pitted and then ground to a thick pulp. The pulp is
pressed to squeeze out all the juice and then placed in
a machine that separates the oil from the water. Even
though the oil is high in fat, it is mostly
monounsaturated, which means it helps to control
cholesterol levels and is easily digested by the body.
Oil also protects the heart; the populations of Italy,
Spain and Greece where olive oil is consumed
extensively have a low rate of cardiovascular
diseases. Olive oil also provides a good dose of
vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can protect
against free radical damage. In order to reap all of
these benefits, make sure you choose a bottle labeled
extra virgin. This means the oil has been pressed
from freshly harvested olives and doesn t contain
any chemical additives. Look for oil that s a golden-
yellow color, not green. To enjoy, drizzle olive oil over
sautéed veggies or purée it with garlic, garbanzo
beans, lemon juice and tahini paste for a tasty dip.
Olive oil on bread is also a yummy alternative to
butter. In addition to olive oil, foods like nuts and fruit
make up the healthy Mediterranean diet and can help
you lose weight and look fantastic. (LifeScript)
When you see Fat-Free! emblazoned on the front of
your favorite snack food, what goes through your
mind? Awesome! Now I don t have to worry about
gaining weight when I want to eat these. But does
fat-free really mean you won t get fat eating it?
Nope! What it all comes down to is calories: How
many you take in versus how many you burn off.
While a fat-free product may seem like it s giving
you free reign to go hog-wild, take a moment to
compare the nutrition facts panel on the fat-free box
to the full-fat version or a similar product. Chances
are the calorie count is the same or pretty darned
close. How is that possible? When food
manufacturers take the fat out of a product, they also
remove the flavor. So, if they expect anyone to buy it,
they have to find a way to put the taste back. The
usual culprit for balancing out flavor loss is adding in
more sugar. And what do you get when you reduce the
fat and increase the sugar? Calories. So if you ve
been using the excuse that fat-free is calorie-free,
it s time to get real. Fat-free is not always low-cal.
Instead of obsessing over the fat content or letting
pretty Fat-Free! stickers sway your opinion, watch
your total caloric intake and eat balanced meals.
(LifeScript)