What, what what? Eat fat to lose fat? This may go against everything you’ve believed for the last 20 years of your life. But, if you’ll bear with me, you’ll see that there might be something to enjoy about fat, other than the flavor and mouthfeel. It may just help you lose weight.

But first, before we talk about the benefits, let’s dispel some myths so you’re not so scared to enjoy some fat. Here are a few:

Our Bodies NEED Fat: We need fat in our diets. Our bodies need fat for making hormones, for our skin and for satiety to name a few. Eating fat is necessary for our brains especially as they are made of at least 60% fat. Yes it’s true, you’re a fat head! And, did you know that people who have followed low fat diets on autopsy have shown smaller brains? Yes, your brain will shrink if you don’t eat the fats that your body needs.

Fat Doesn’t Clog Arteries:  It’s true, fat does not clog your arteries like you’re been told. What clogs arteries is inflammation caused by too much blood sugar, and fat does not contribute to this problem. I have put many patients on higher fat diets to reduce their triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Fat is not the enemy, too much circulating blood sugar the bigger culprit, but that’s another post altogether.

Fat Won’t Make You Fat if you’re not overdoing it on the other macronutrients of protein and carbohydrates you won’t gain weight from eating fat. You see, fat does not raise insulin levels in your blood. Insulin is released to help blood sugar get into your cells when you eat carbohydrates. Fat does not cause a release of insulin like carbohydrates, so it does not get stored in the same way that carbohydrates are stored. You can actually eat a lot more fat that you’re probably eating now without gaining weight.

Ok, so enough of the myth dispelling, now to the benefits of fat:

Feeds your Brain:  Like I said above, our brains need fat, it’s sort of important, really

Creates a Feeling of Satiety: Fat helps shut of hunger signals to your brain. There’s a reason why the mouthfeel of ice cream is so appealing if you let yourself enjoy fat, it is satisfying.

Eating Fat Sustains you Longer: You’ll notice this if you include fat in your previously low fat breakfast. You’ll go longer without feeling hungry as your blood sugar stays level longer because food is absorbed more slowly into your blood stream when fat is in the mix.

Beautiful Skin and Body: Need I say more? Your cell walls require fat. Don’t you want healthy cell walls? I know you want healthy skin.

This is not an exhaustive list, but you get the idea. So, will you try to add some more fat to your diet? It WILL help reduce cravings. Here are some ideas, and you’ll be drawn to some, but not others depending on your food preferences, so ignore what doesn’t sound good. Also, obviously ignore what you’re allergic or sensitive to, okay?

• Avocado
• Organic and humanely raised eggs
• Full fat organic milk
• Full fat organic Yogurt
• Organic butter
• Raw nuts and seeds
• Coconut oil
• Olives or olive oil
• Grass fed beef
• Wild salmon
• Hemp seed oil
• Ghee (clarified butter)

There’s a few ideas to get you started. You’ll notice that many of these foods are probably foods that your great or great great grandparents ate liberally when given the opportunity. I know mine did and they lived long and healthy lives.

My Suggestion:

For one week add some form of fat to every meal you eat. Eat something with fat in it and notice if you get full faster or stay satisfied longer. You may find you don’t need to eat as much or as often, but you feel better and more satisfied. And, did I mention it will help reduce food cravings?

*You’ll notice that I left off several fats you may have heard are good from the past. Here are a few I don’t eat, and just ask me why and I’m happy to tell you:

• Non Organic Canola oil
• Margarine
• Corn oil
• Vegetable oil
• Soy oil

There’s more to losing weight than eating fat, but this is an important part of weight loss and to your overall health. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and you enjoy eating a little more fat. Let me ask you:

• What Fats do you enjoy?
• Does increasing your fat intake scare you?

I’d love to hear from you, please leave a comment or a question.

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All the best,