losing weight

Fad diets are consistently popping up that claim fat free diets are the key to shedding those unwanted pounds. In the supermarket, shoppers are usually given a choice for a fat-free option of their processed grocery item. Individuals are bombarded with the idea that fat is bad, but in reality fat is a necessity for a healthy, well-balanced diet. Fat also brings a boost of beauty to our skin, by making it extra soft. It is also essential for brain function and can affect hormones. So even though fat is actually good for us, it still gets a poor reputation. This is because there are different types of fat, and it can be confusing when deciphering between the good fat and the bad fat.

Even with all the options for low fat food items, the obesity rate is still on the rise. This is because a variety of factors play into the role of obesity, such as protein, carbohydrates and whether an individual lives a sedentary lifestyle. Though there are more factors than just fat, most individuals are consuming more fat in their diet than they truly need, and it usually not the good fat either.

Trans fats are found in snacks you get at the vending machine and baked goods. Saturated fats are usually found in animal products, such as meat and dairy. Saturated and trans fats are not absorbed by the body the same way good fats are, so they play a role in weight gain and clogging arteries. There has also been speculation that saturated and trans fats play a role in other diseases, such as cancer.

Good fats are found in your non-processed foods like avocado, nuts and salmon. These are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats and play a vital role in the overall health and diet. These good fats provide essential nutrients to the body and actually contribute to weight loss success if consumed in moderation. These healthy fats provide nutrients to the body, therefore leaving an individual satisfied after consumption and curbing their hunger.

Since excess weight gain is stored fat, it is important where the fat is stored on the body. If a person is more of a pear shape, where they hold their weight on their hips and thighs, then they are at less at risk for health issues than someone who is an apple shape. A person who is an apple shape stores their fat in their abdomen, which gives them a belly. This fat is close to organs and the liver and can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

The key to being healthy and getting rid of unnecessary fat is to switch out the bad fat with the good fat. Individuals should not go non-fat but rather get their fat from different sources, and not from convenient processed food and red meat. The correct amount of fat a person should consume depends on their height, weight and age. Though the amount is variable, individuals should keep their good fat intake below 35% of their daily calories. By eliminating bad fat from their diet, individuals will be on the right path for losing weight and getting healthy.