Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Best Fats to Get Lean

By Whitney Provost via Beachbody newsletter
You might think that to lose weight, you need to cut the fat out of your
meals. After all, fat is higher in calories than protein and carbs, and low-fat
diets have been popular since the Senate Nutrition Committee first recommended
them in the late 1970s. But research shows that a moderate-fat diet (with about
35 percent of calories consumed coming from fat) will help you drop pounds
permanently, feel full longer, and avoid bingeing. The trick is to eat the right
kind of fat to increase satisfaction and boost weight loss. Here's why it's
important to eat fat—and we offer five of the best fat sources to add to your
diet.

Salmon

How eating fat will help you lose fat.


In 2008, researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel found
that people who followed low-fat diets lost less weight than people who followed
low-carb or moderate-fat diets. The low-fat group lost an average of 6.5 pounds
over 2 years, but the low-carb and moderate-fat groups lost about 10 pounds.
Women did especially well on the moderate-fat diet, losing an average of 13
pounds during the study.

Fat is an important element in weight loss for several reasons:

  • Fat helps your body control blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating
    carbohydrates. Better sugar metabolism means less fat storage.
  • Fat slows down digestion and aids nutrient absorption. You'll stay fuller
    longer and get more health benefits from the food you eat.
  • Essential fatty acids (like omega-3s) may boost your metabolic rate and
    increase fat burning.
  • Fat tastes good. It also provides a "mouthfeel" that is satisfying, which
    can help you be happy with less food.

Eating more fat may also help you stick to your diet longer. In a study
conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, participants got either 20
percent of their calories from fat or 35 percent of their calories from fat.
After 6 months, both groups had lost weight. But after 18 months, only 20
percent of the people in the low-fat group were still following the diet,
compared with 54 percent of the people in the moderate-fat group. Likewise, the
subjects in the moderate-fat group had maintained their weight loss, while the
low-fat group participants had gained most of the weight back.

If you reach for a box of low-fat or fat-free crackers or cookies because you
want to lose weight, you may actually be sabotaging your diet. Manufacturers
frequently replace fat with sugar in packaged food items to make them taste
better. You think you're making a good decision by eating fat-free products, but
the excess sugar and refined flour can lead to fatigue, cravings, mood swings,
and weight gain caused by the overproduction of insulin—the fat-storage hormone.
As a snack, a sliced apple with some peanut butter or a salad with oil and
vinegar dressing would be a better weight loss choice. The complex carbs and
healthy fats will maintain your blood sugar levels, boost your energy, and keep
you satisfied longer.

What kind of fat should you eat?


To get lean, you need to eat the right kind of fat. Avoid saturated and trans
fats (which are found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and many packaged
foods), and instead choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Here are
some of the best sources of fat to help you reach your weight goal.

  1. Core Omega-3™Fish. Fish like salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, and
    sardines contains beneficial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Most experts agree
    that eating two servings of fatty fish per week is safe for people who are
    worried about mercury or other toxins. (Pregnant women should consult with their
    doctors about consuming fish.) If you don't like fish, a quality supplement like
    Beachbody's Core
    Omega-3™
    will give you the benefits without the fishy taste.
  2. Olive oil. Heart-healthy oils like
    olive, canola, and peanut oil are excellent sources of fat for dieters. They
    have also been shown to lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart
    disease. Use them sparingly when sautéing, or drizzle them over your favorite
    salad or vegetables with a little vinegar and some herbs to maximize the
    absorption of nutrients. Moderation is important: You really only need about a
    teaspoon of oil to get all its benefits. Using more will add significant
    calories.
  3. Avocados. Eat a spinach and carrot
    salad with a little avocado, and you'll not only get a dose of good fat, but
    you'll also absorb more phytonutrients like lutein and beta-carotene. Scientists
    at Ohio State University in Columbus found that more antioxidants were absorbed
    when people ate a salad containing avocados than when they ate a salad without
    this tasty fruit. One-quarter of an avocado will add flavor while only adding
    about 75 calories.
  4. Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and
    peanuts are powerhouses of good nutrition—full of antioxidants, minerals, and
    monounsaturated fat. The Nurses Health Study, where more than 86,000 nurses were
    followed for 14 years, found that those who ate nuts regularly (about an ounce
    per day) tended to weigh less than those who didn't. The protein, fat, and fiber
    make nuts more filling, which helps dieters stay on track. Plus, there's a
    psychological bonus to eating nuts: Because they're rich and satisfying, you
    probably won't feel like you're on a diet.
  5. Flaxseeds. Packing the triple wallop
    of fat, protein, and fiber, flaxseeds are a delicious and healthful addition to
    any diet. You can grind them up and add them to oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or
    vegetables, or pretty much anywhere you want a nutty crunch. They're a plant
    source of omega-3 fatty acids, making them a good choice for vegetarians or the
    aforementioned non-fish-loving folks. Ground flaxseeds also have 3 grams of
    fiber per tablespoon, which helps slow digestion and keep your blood sugar
    stable.

Making room for fat.

Certain fats might be considered necessary for health, but that's not a cue
to overindulge. At 9 calories per gram, fat is a more concentrated energy source
than either protein or carbohydrates (each has 4 calories per gram). You need to
be mindful of your overall caloric intake if you want to eat more fat and lose
weight. But when you feel full and satisfied after eating the right kinds of
fat, you'll probably find it a bit easier to manage your calories.

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