05 Jan The Myth of Fat

Does anyone still believe that fat is still the enemy?

Maybe the simple question is, is fat bad?

The key to getting the body you want may be more directly related to the type and how much fat you consume.

We already KNOW that over consuming carbs makes us fat.

What I mean is that if you consume a typical “low fat” diet (~10-15% fat) because you think that too much fat will make you fat, increasing your fat intake will actually help you get leaner and lose weight faster.

Fat is a very important component of many functions in our bodies, you probably know that.

And most people realize the importance of reducing carbs to reduce body fat.

Excess carbs equals excess body fat, that’s not even a question, at this point.

If most people know this, why do most people still over consume carbs and eat the wrong carbs all the time?

The easiest way I can illustrate the importance and effectiveness of eating fats for weight loss and fat loss is with Primitive or Paleo Diets.

The premise of these diets is eating like our primal ancestors ate – which is essentially lots of plants and animals.

How simple is that?  Lots of plants and animals.

Let’s not forget that lean meats are highly nutritious.

In today’s world, it’s critical that you have to get the right kinds of lean meats, meaning organic, grass fed beef or organic, free range chicken, as examples.

Just eating lean beef and chicken is not enough.

As a matter of fact, conventional meats can be highly toxic for you.

Getting back to primitive diets, this is the way we were designed to eat.

It wasn’t until the development of the agricultural revolution that significant changes were seen in the way we eat.

And, basically, this has led to the ever rising incidence of overweight and obese, somewhere in the range of 70% in America.

Yes, 70% of America is overweight or obese.  

How did that happen?

One major reason is the increased “processing” of our foods.

The fact is that Primitive diets were high in fat and protein.

This type of diet has demonstrated peak health and a prevention of major diseases, not to mention a fitter, leaner body.

Primitive (or Paleo) type diets have also demonstrated great benefits in today’s world in helping to prevent and alleviate many major, life threatening diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

It all comes down to eating the right types of fat.

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “healthy fat” before.

What exactly is this “healthy fat?”

Here are some specific examples:

• Avacodo’s
• Nuts & seeds
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Butter
• Flax seed
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
• Nut butters (almond butter and others, but not peanut butter)

These are classic examples of the so called “healthy fats.”

Eat fat to shed fat?

Yes, exactly, if you are eating the right fat types.

The healthy monounsaturated, some polyunsatured, and even saturated fats are the ‘green light’ fats while ‘red light’ fats are the toxic trans fats and partially hydrogenated fats and oils.

I know I’ve had major benefits from this type of diet in terms of weight loss, fat loss, increased energy, and improved performance.

You want to see what it can do?

Take a look at Mark Sisson of Mark’s Daily Apple and see how ripped the guy is.

Here’s a guy that eats upwards of 50% fat intake.

Fats are necessary elements in our diets and can significantly boost your health, such as the case with the powerful and healthy Omega 3 fatty acids.

Is dietary fat the enemy?

The real answer is not if you’re eating the right types of fats and not over consuming the wrong types of carbohydrates.

Eating fat to lose fat is an effective strategy for many.

While there are many variables in weight loss, fat loss, and optimal health, we need to get of FATS right.