Body of Life.4 - Fats Fetish

by Norris Tomlinson

Only on LifeLube

Jumping on the “fat-free” band wagon can actually do you more harm than good. Achieving your personal best body requires a balance of healthy food intake, exercise, and rest. The food definitely should include some fats---“good” fats, that is.

What makes certain fats good for you? Check out the labels on the food you buy. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and oils are beneficial, even necessary for your health. The fatty acids---omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9---that make up poly- and monounsaturated fats may reduce the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and other health issues. Great food sources are salmon, tuna, walnuts, and almonds; among the various oils - corn, sunflower, olive, and canola top the list.

Like any good thing, taking in too many “good” fats can actually put you in a “bad” situation for your weight management. Fats contain over two times the amount of calories per gram than both protein and carbohydrates. Eating more calories than your body can use will cause you to gain unnecessary and unhealthy weight that could lead to a host of problems, including high cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and gout.

“Good” fats are like good sex. Having just the right amount can be so good for you. In general, making sure that you include the items above---as well as seeds and avocado--- in your diet, and, severely limiting the amount of fried foods and animal products---red meat and whole milk---will start you off on the right track to a more healthy diet and to less excess baggage and all of the problems associated with carrying it.

Don’t forget the importance of keeping things moving along, as we have discussed before. Keep eating the fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables and whole grains to perfect your diet design.

For more information on “good” fats check out:

http://www.healthcastle.com/

http://www.realage.com/

http://www.pamf.com/

Stay tuned to Body of Life. Next time well discuss getting longer and leaner.

Read past Body of Life posts here.

Bio Norris
Norris Tomlinson has been a professional in the fitness industry for 18 years. He is currently the Program Director and a master Pilates instructor for Cheetah Gym Chicago. He is the former Director of Fitness Services for Bally Total Fitness Corporation, responsible for fitness programming at approximately 400 clubs across North America.

Have a question for Norris? E-mail him here.