Eating Fat: Why, What and How

Let’s face it: we have fat-phobia. We’re afraid of not being able to lose the fat and we’re also afraid to eat it! “Doesn’t fat make people fat?” is probably one of the most commonly asked questions. November is Diabetes Awareness month. There is no better time to address this issue than now. Our fear of fat and eating low-fat, can actually be part of the problem in developing Type II Diabetes! Fat, good fat, in and of itself, does not make us fat. I, too, was in the same boat for a long time, having lived through the glorious early 90’s low-fat/ fat-free craze. Here’s the thing: real, healthy, unrefined fat balanced with wild proteins and plenty of fresh, local, seasonal veggies will help you lose weight, not gain it! If you’re dressing your veggies with olive oil or topping your salad with avocado, you’re 50% there. Try upping you intake and see what happens. One client reported using a scant teaspoon of olive oil on her salad with the juice of an entire lemon; another said she often relied on seven almonds and an apple as a snack. It’s not enough, not by a long shot. I’m not suggesting you chug a bottle of Greece’s finest, but add a little more than you normally would and see if you don’t feel more satiated after every single meal with a more balanced blood sugar level as a result. Give it a week and I’ll bet you won’t go back. Remember to use extra virgin olive oil, raw avocado along with coconut oil as your go-to fats. And, don’t go nuts with nuts! Nuts are high in Omega 6’s and meant to be eaten as the occasional garnish, not by the handful because they’re ‘easy’. With information popping up left and right in the world of Paleo, it’s easy to get caught up in some of the recommendations that may or may not be accurate. Some of the suggestions you might see:

• Eat unlimited fat the Paleo Diet, as long as there’s no trans-fat.
• Use as much butter and cream as you like; just make sure it’s from grass fed cows (this one in particular is interesting, since dairy is not part of the Paleo Diet!).
• Have as much bacon as you like.

None of these are the right idea. Looking for what the real deal is? Click here to read my full article on Dr. Cordain’s Paleo Diet Website!