For years we have been told that you are what you eat.

If you eat fat, you’ll be fat.

When I tell my clients, friends and family to eat more fat they often look at me like I’m crazy! But before you run a mile, hear me out on this one…

When you eat products that are low in fat or ‘”fat free”, what this actually means is “high in sugar”. When food companies extract fat from their products they in turn add sugar to add flavour, making the product highly addictive so you eat more, and buy more – expanding their pockets and your waist line!

While all fats seem to have been given a bad name, the only ones you need to be avoiding are trans fats.

Foods containing these nasties are known to clog arteries, cause inflammation, and contribute to obesity, cancer and heart disease.

So what shouldn’t I be eating?

Stay far away from ‘ready to eat foods’, ‘diet’ foods, margarine, processed meats and hydrogenated oils.

What should I be eating?

The good news is that there are plenty of delicious and healthy fats to enjoy. Healthy fats – also known as monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats – not only keep you fuller for longer, but also nourish your body, and curb your sugar cravings. Stock up on coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, pasture raised meat, cold-water fish, free-range eggs, and natural organic dairy.

Why are these healthy fats so good for me?

 Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats…

Provide essential fatty acids that your body can’t produce itself

Are a concentrated source of energy

Help maintain your cell membranes

Keep the nervous system in working order

Boost the body’s immune system

and enables the body to absorb super important fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K!

Good fats also slow down absorption, so our feeling of fullness and satisfaction after a meal lasts longer – making them perfect for weight loss and management!

Wanting to add some healthy fats to your next meal?

Try my Green Goodness Smoothie with Avocado or my Sesame Roast Salmon with Sweet Potato Mash. For pudding? My Vanilla Sponge Cake with Pomegranate Jam featured above!