Eat Fat To Lose Fat

There are so many contradictory opinions out there in regards to fat. Fat always seems to get a bad reputation. Most of us have been eating low to no fat in our diets for years and we as a society have gotten progressively fatter and less healthy. This obviously is not the cure for optimal fat loss. It is really imperative to incorporate healthy fats in your daily nutritional intake. This may be a strange concept to digest, since most of us want to banish the fat we already have. But ultimately we need to eat fat to lose fat. Let me explain how this works. When we incorporate healthy fats into our diet we will experience the many benefits it has to offer. You will see an increased rate of fat loss, healthier skin with more moisture and durability, increased energy, improved recovery from our workouts, and you will stay fuller longer. This of course will help to curb your hunger and will keep you away from eating all of the wrong foods.

So what kinds of fats should you eat? Obviously we want to aim for “healthy fat” sources. These are unsaturated fats (mono and poly) and the omegas. Some examples of these types of fats are olive oil, salmon, avocado, and flax seed oil. Try your best to stay far away from saturated fats and trans fats. You’ll find these nasty little culprits in foods such as margarine, commercial baked goods, fried foods and hydrogenated oils. My three favorite fats that I prefer and find to be the most effective when trying to either lose fat or maintain a healthy weight are olive oil, flax seed oil and coconut oil. All three of these oils have many amazing benefits. Let’s take a closer look at each one and see just how great these fats really are.

This flavorful oil is one of the best sources of fat around. Not only is it loaded with monounsaturated fat (the good stuff) but it also has a high content of antioxidant substances. Studies have shown that olive oil provides protection against heart disease and regulation of cholesterol levels. It also helps to assimilate vitamins A, D and K. It even aids our body with healthy bile, liver, and intestinal functions. Olive oil has many different blends and varieties to choose from. Extra virgin olive oil is primarily the highest quality. It has a low acidity rate and is very pure and untreated. Try using it for flavor in your salads, marinades, and just cooking with it. You won’t be disappointed.

Coconut oil

Before you panic that I even dare mention coconut oil in this article, give me a moment to show you what it is really made up of and how it is favorable in our daily nutritional intake. The unique health benefits of coconut oil are directly related to its chemical structure, which is the length of its fatty acid chains. Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MFCAs), which is much better for you than long fatty acid chains. These MFCA’s are small and very easy to digest, which puts less strain on our digestive system. They also move to our liver very quickly, where they are immediately converted to energy rather than fat. The MFCA’s that are found in coconut oil actually stimulate your metabolism, which leads to weight loss. Coconut oil also contains no trans fats.

This yummy oil keeps your skin looking youthful, supports your immune system, provides you with instant energy, aids in a healthy heart and regulates your thyroid gland. What more could you ask for? It also has a great taste that you can bake with, cook with or throw into a protein shake or smoothie. The only thing I would highly recommend is to be selective with which type of coconut oil you choose. We want to aim for extra virgin coconut oil because it is not refined, bleached, hydrogenated or genetically modified. So give it a try and you won’t regret it.

Flax seed oil

This natural oil (also known as linseed oil) is highly recommended for optimal well-being and complete body nutrition. It’s said to be one of the most abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It contains omega-6 and 9 essential fatty acids, zinc, potassium, vitamin B, and magnesium. Flax seed oil can truly restore our body’s natural balance. It has been proven to help lower cholesterol, increase our metabolism by stimulating brown fat cells, protect our body from high blood pressure, increase our energy and stamina and many other things.

When purchasing flax seed oil try to make sure you find one of high quality and don’t forget to keep it refrigerated for a longer shelf life. Unfortunately I wouldn’t recommend using it to cook with because when heat is applied to it, the color turns dark brown and it becomes bitter in taste. Flax seed oil is best used in salad dressings, to drizzle on an already cooked item, you can put it in a shake or smoothie, or you can even just use plain flax seeds. So go ahead and add flax seed oil to your diet and watch what it does for you. So there you have it folks. Fat is our friend not our enemy. We need to have it in our diet in order to lose fat and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is the type of fat you eat that matters and how much of that fat you consume. Just remember these two things and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Careful Planning In Shopping

Finding that perfect piece of furniture can be an exercise in futility. And when the search involves a specific look, the quest can turn into a prolonged affair void of the fun usually in store from a shopping foray.  So, before you go shopping for that piece of furniture you want, measure your room and then draw it out on paper. It doesn’t have to be artistic. Make it a rough sketch, but make it accurate. Write the dimensions on it, including the size of your doors, windows and the height of your ceiling. It is surprising what this exercise will reveal, and what you will learn about your space. Take photos of your room for reference. Take your drawings and your photos with you when you shop, as well as your tape measure, a sample of your paint color, and swatches of fabrics that need to coordinate. Now, is your proposed furniture placement comfortable or awkward and does it suit the function of the room?