How eating the right fats can keep you in shape

When we think of eating fat, we immediately think of the fat on our bodies - and this is often not in desired places. Although eating a lot of and especially the wrong kind of fats can indeed cause weight gain in the form of an increased fat percentage, we actually need a healthy amount of fats to keep our bodies in balance.

Our metabolism depends on having sufficient reserves. Our body needs proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the right proportion to be able to do its work optimally. Of course, within these three building blocks, also called macronutrients, a distinction can be made between different macro-types. 

Deficiencies of any of the three macronutrients (protein, fats, carbs), or of the many vitamins and minerals we depend on, can cause an imbalance. This can result in all kinds of problems, and can therefore affect the metabolism in a bad way. This in result can cause a chain reaction of negative impact on your body health wise. Eating food with bad nutrition values can cause the same result. In the fats spectrum for example we want to avoid trans fats, found in junk food and fast food. Unsaturated fatty acids, however, our bodies can use very well. 

Very simply put, eating not enough fat can cause too much fat on the body.

Huh?

Let us rephrase. Eating not enough of the right fats (unsaturated), will cause a negative impact on your metabolism, which can cause your body to store more reserves on your body. At the same, time eating too much of the wrong fats (saturated) will cause your body to get too much to handle and store it as fat.

So, don't let the word fat scare you off. Foods rich in fats are often also rich in calories, so try to enjoy those in moderation, but enjoy them nonetheless. To get you started, here are some examples of good fatty foods and why you should eat them now and then.

- Salmon
Rich in omega-3 and therefore good for your heart, brain and vitamin D for strong bones.

- Avocados
Contain a lot of fiber, and thus help the metabolism.

- Almonds
Protect cells, blood vessels and organs through it richness in vitamin E.

Bon appetit!