For peak performance and health, the human body requires a balanced intake of three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrate and fat. Too much or too little of any can lead to a variety of problems.
Fat: The Good, The Bad, The Truth!
Good fats : Found in natural vegetable and animal sources , including both “saturated” and ”monounsaturated” types, play a critical role in your health. You need natural fats to do the following:
- properly absorb minerals, calcium and protein
- correctly make use of essential fatty acids (omega-3s)
- protect the liver from alcohol and other toxins (poisons)
- enhance the immune system – to keep you healthier and less prone to sickness
Examples of good, natural fats include wild, ocean-caught salmon, grass-fed beef and lamb, omega-3 (organic) eggs, natural and organic butter and cheese (unprocessed), cold pressed olive, safflower, and coconut oils, avocado, walnut, almond, fresh coconut and seeds.
A friendly warning : Keep in mind that while these foods are good for you, consume them in balance and within the boundaries of your daily caloric needs. For the average person, the daily fat requirement is around 15% of total calories. Stay in check or you may find yourself gaining weight!
Bad fats : “ Hydrogenated ” fats are liquid fats which are made solid at room temperature by injecting them with hydrogen gas. Hydrogenation is a process which transforms the fat into indigestible trans-fatty acids. Studies associate hydrogenated fat consumption with a growing list of diseases including cancer, diabetes, obesity, birth defects, sterility, weakened immune function, vision impairment and problems with bones and tendons.
These poisonous fats are found in unnatural , manufactured/processed fats such as margarine and processed meats, sauces and cheeses (nacho cheese is killer). Coincidentally, many times, bad fats accompany “bad carbs”; namely in packaged products including cake, candy, cookies, fruit juices, ice cream and processed white flour (think pasta, bread). The good news is that if you avoid “bad carbs”, you will more than likely also be avoiding “bad fats”! And vice-versa!
Truth : Many people are deceived into thinking that since a gram of fat has 9 calories and a gram of carbohydrate only has 4 calories, then eating fat is more “fattening”. In his very helpful book ‘The Bible Cure For Weight Loss & Muscle Gain', Dr. Don Colbert shares that, “ the hormonal effects of fat are not nearly as dramatic as the hormonal effects of carbohydrates and sugar ”.
Fat does not stimulate insulin, the fat-storing hormone . Sugars and starches do! Not only do carbohydrates trigger fat-storing insulin, they also impair the release of glucagon, the fat-releasing hormone . The truth is that when it comes to fat-storage, weight gain and “fattening” foods, carbohydrates are the real culprit, not fat !
What is the “Fat Burning Zone” anyway?
When it comes to exercise and weight loss the term “fat burning zone” is frequently tossed around. Your body's choice for fuel is based on a highly intelligent and organized hierarchy: carbohydrates first, protein is next and finally, fat.
When you first start moving, whether you are exercising or just getting out of bed, your body will look for energy to burn from the carbohydrates in your bloodstream. After using up carbohydrate fuel, the body then goes to the muscles for protein. Finally, in its wisdom (and to our dismay); the body goes to fat reserves as its last resort for fuel. This is one of the reasons you are encouraged to exercise on an empty stomach (the bloodstream is free and clear or carbohydrates): so that your body will start burning fat for fuel, sooner! |
