Acknowledged. The title to this Post has probably been used thousands of times, but here we are anyway. While the title may be cliched, it carries a certain weight to it. Simply stated: To get skinny, you have to eat fat.
The medical and health community started its campaign against fat in the 1950's and 1960's. This campaign ended in the late 1990's when more and larger studies clearly showed the critical role dietary fat plays in (i) energy, (ii) weight management, (iii) mental clarity, (iv) heart health, and (v) physical health.
The unfortunate carryover from the war on fat was a growth of diets based around lean proteins (which are very good for you) and carbohydrates (some of which are very bad for you) and a total avoidance of fat.
The carbohydrates we started favoring were simple and processed: Bread, pasta, white rice, white potatoes, and sugar. The increased consumption of these carbohydrates resulted in a rapidly expanding national waist-line. Long story short: We got fatter.
Not only did we get fatter, we become less healthy overall. The occurrence of heart disease, adult on-set diabetes and other obesity related diseases skyrocketed. Another long story short: Our bodies became inflamed. This inflamation leading to many of these conditions.
Based on the current scientific- and evidence-based research, an ideal breakdown of macronutrients (fat, carbs, protein) is approximately 40-30-30: 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, and 30% Fat. An appropirately structured diet coupled with a routine and effective exercise program will result in weight loss (or maintenance or gain depending on your goals).
The key is the type of fat. Limit yourself to the "healthy" fats: Unsaturated (any type really). You’ll find them in nuts, olives, certain cooking oils (coconut and olive preferably), avocados, and certain fish. But...don’t stay away from dairy, eggs, or red meat. They are ALL crucial components of any healthful diet!
While this should go without saying - NO FRIED FOODS.
Our Fit2You consultants are expertly trained and experienced in nutritional counseling. Contact us at info@fit2youfitness.com for more information.
