If you simply walk down an aisle in the middle of the grocery store, you will be able to confirm the North-American obsession with low-fat foods that have become the latest craze. We have been bombarded with food obsessions that are supposed to be guilt-free such as baked potato chips, fat-free ice cream, low-fat candies, etc. However, ever since these types of foods have exploded onto the shelves of grocery stores, the obesity rates have also increases. It's clear that low-fat foods and diets have not delivered the health benefits they claim to provide. Although it has been a common misconception, fats is not necessarily the bad guy when it comes to loosing off inches from your waistline. Ban fats are definitely guilty of unhealthy things such as weight gain and clogged arteries. However, good fats have the opposite effects and play a huge role in managing your mood, mental health, fighting fatigue, and even controlling your weight. The answer isnt necessarily cutting out all fat from your diet, but rather making healthy choices by replacing bad fats with good fats that promote health and improve your overall well-being.
Myth: All fats are equal—and equally bad for you.
Fact: Trans fats and most saturated fats are bad for you because they raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of obtaining heart disease. However, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are good for you as they lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of obtaining heart disease.
Myth: Lowering the amount of fat you eat is what matters the most.
Fact: When it comes to your cholesterol and health, the key is to mix the types of fats that you eat as supposed to considering the total amount that you are consuming. The key here is to eat more good fats than bad fats.
Myth: Fat-free means healthy.
Fact: A “fat-free” label doesn’t mean you can eat all you want without having any consequences to the amount of fat around your waistline. It turns out that many fat-free goods are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and calories.
Myth: Eating a low-fat diet is the key to weight loss.
Fact: In America, the obesity rates have doubled in the last 20 years which coincides with the low-fat revolution. Clearly cutting calories and exercise is the key to weight loss, and since fats are filling they can actually help to curb overeating thus reducing your calorie intake.
Myth: All body fat is the same.
Fact: Where the fat in your body is located is quite important. The health risks tend to be greater if you carry most of your weight around your abdomen as opposed to areas near your hips or thighs. A lot of belly fat is stored deep below the skin surrounding the abdominal organs and liver which is closely ties to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Is it a fact, or nah?