Did you
know?
How much fat do we
need and how much should we consume?
In the past year we have been
bombarded with information on diets allowing 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% fat as well
as diets that allow unlimited fat intake. Not all diets have been armed
with research to back up their claims as we have seen with the last fit
tip.
First we need to know what is
essential fat? Essential fat is a fat that our bodies cannot produce so we
must get it from our diets. The best sources for essential fats are plant
foods (i.e. avocado, nuts, olives and olive oil are just a few choices) and
fish, not reduced fat mayonnaise or polyunsaturated margarine.
But keep in mind although these are
essential fats we still need to moderate their intake.
Dietary fat is also necessary for
the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K).
So now we know what good fat
is and why we need it. So how much should we consume?
There is agreement among health
professionals that we should not exceed 30% of our daily calories from fat and
that we should not go below 15% of our daily calories from fat without the help
of a physician.
Your body type (i.e. genetics) and
your activity level will determine where you should be in that 15%-30%
range.
We all need to take in some fat in
our diets but remember too much fat is bad and too little fat is
bad. The unsaturated fats like plant foods and fish are best
choices.
For more information on fat in your
diet feel free to call or e-mail us.
Have a Healthy Day,
Executive Fitness
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