Now, I’m no doctor and would never claim to be a expert in nutrition, but I’ve been reading (and eating) for many-a-year. The idea that a fatty diet leads to more fat and weight gain has long since been disproved. It is widely known today that many of the myths around the dangers of eating good fats are just that, myths. “Facts” debunked. In fact, we’re finding that the opposite is true.
Fat is good. We crave it. Moreover, we actually need healthy fat for a healthy body and, surprisingly, for weight loss.
What is important is the type of fat we’re putting into our bodies. Things like avocados (can’t get enough!), nuts, clarified ghee or real butter (depending upon your eating preference), and good old organic olive and coconut oils are the “healthy fats” that help our bodies function and actually aid in weight loss. These unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, help promote healthy skin, hair and nails, can help clear up acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Most importantly, increased healthy fats in your diet is associated with a decreased risk in heart disease, diabetes and cancer, Western diseases that have become epidemic in our Western cultures.
Cutting out processed foods, refined grains and sugars is also a sure-fire way to trim down and aid your body in the uptake of nutrients needed to ward off dis-ease and un-wellness. These “food” items, even if they are deemed “light” or “diet” or claim to be low in calories, offer mostly “empty” calories devoid of precious nutrients that our cells, bones and brains need for high function. What’s more, they leave us wanting and craving more, which can lead to consuming more of the same, creating a wicked cycle that can quickly pack on the pounds.
Start slow, if you need to. Drink one less soda each day. Eat an apple verses a candy bar. Enjoy cut cucumber slices, rather than chips, with your guacamole. Or even a plate 1/2 full of yummy, buttery veggies with your other dishes, verses your vegetables being an afterthought… this adds up.
So, go ahead and indulge in the fatty goodness (while cutting unnecessary empty carbs) and you just may notice a real difference in your energy level, sense of well-being and your waste-line.
My favorite Summertime Smoothie!
• 1 organic avocado
• 2 stalks organic celery
• 2 cups organic kale
• 1 smallish organic fuji apple
• Small chunk of ginger (for immune boosting)
• 1 Tbls organic tahini (or almond butter)
• 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil
• 1/4 Tsp salt
• 8 oz. water
Toss it all in a semi-strong blender, whip for a good minute or so and joyfully ingest.
Enough for you and a pal.
Cheers…to your extraordinary health!
Heidi Michelle
P.S. Disclaimer: I repeat, I am not a doctor or nutritionist. Please consult an expert if you are curious about these claims. Listen to your body and make your won wise choices.