Are you trying to be totally fat free? Here’s why it’s not a healthy alternative. It never happens on purpose, but sometimes we just go overboard. It may be caused by a lack of education on the subject in question. It may be that we somehow become obsessed with a certain issue and we just push the envelope a little too far without noticing it.
Body fat index is one of those issues. Losing a few pounds and achieving the body we always longed for does have the potential to control us in an unhealthy way if taken too far. We start working out and sometimes things go better than we had originally planned. Our body fat index is lower every time we are measured. Soon, all we see when we look in the mirror is a lean, toned physique. But what if we don’t stop there?
What if we begin to mercilessly scrutinize our food intake? Every ounce of fat is frowned upon and we find ourselves desperately trying to remove it from our diet. Almost as crazy and debilitating as an addiction, we’ve slipped into a similar state of mind.
In order to return to a healthy balance, first realize that removing fat completely is not only impossible, but unhealthy. Our body needs fat in order to function properly. Fat is not only a source of energy, but also a nutrient that is important in the production of cell membranes. Fat aids in the production of certain hormones that help blood vessel construction as well as regulating our blood pressure and clotting ability. Dietary fats protect vital organs and keep our hair, skin and nails healthy.
There is a difference between healthy and unhealthy fats, though. So, instead of trying to eradicate every ounce of it from our diet, choose monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat instead. These fats do not contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. These unsaturated fats can be found in foods such as nuts, olive, sunflower, and canola oils, avocados, and soy.
Another type of fat, Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in salmon, herring, mackerel, and flax oil, is actually beneficial to the heart. Nutritional and medical studies have shown that this type of polyunsaturated fat protects against irregular heartbeats, helps to decrease the risk of artery disease, and helps to lower blood pressure.
Fat is not the enemy. It’s only when our fat intake reaches levels that are too high for our bodies to immediately use that it chooses to store the fat on our belly, hips, and thighs. That’s when our workout regime comes into play. Proper amounts of resistance and interval training will quickly burn off the excess fat; keeping us healthy and toned. Balance is the key to everything. Make educated choices when it comes to fat, and enjoy healthy living!