The Skinny on Fit Fats

Choosing the right fats can help you end cravings, feel satisfied after meals, increase your energy and YES, lose weight

In the often confusing world of dieting, where groups offer different theories regarding what to avoid and consume, current research has made one thing abundantly clear: optimum cellular health = healthy weight management! Eating the right kinds of fat and decreasing bad fats can make all the difference in maintaining a fit, healthy body.

Oh, Those Amazing EFAs

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, act as precursors to hormone-like prostaglandins, regulating every body function at the cellular level. These functions include items related to weight loss like sodium balance, retention of water and fat metabolism. In fact, a membrane made of healthy fats protects every cell in your body. Since Australians tend to be deficient in the good fats while overindulging in the bad, the healthy decision is to:

1. Decrease the consumption of saturated fats and eliminate trans fats (hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils) because these fats can actually interfere with the body’s use of essential fatty acids and its healthy functioning. Be sure to read those labels – trans fats are hidden in many processed foods such as crackers, biscuits and bars etc.
2. Increase your intake of EFAs. This can be accomplished by eating cold-water fish and other Omega-3 rich foods or taking supplements.

What Research Has Found

Omega-3s are proving to be a sure winner in the battle of the bulge. These fats are known to raise metabolism, lower triglyceride levels and flush water from the kidneys.

They also increase the activity of carnitine, which helps the body burn fat more efficiently. Researchers have also noted that EFAs consumed early in life can prevent development of excessive fat cells – a clear advance in addressing obesity in children.