Diets: Facts and Falacies (III). The low fat diet.

The low fat diet

 

Fat has higher levels of calories per gram than either proteins or carbohydrates.

The low fat diet can therefore be a good way to reduce the total amount of calories consumed.

Although fat has a bad reputation, it is also vital for us to live. Fat is:

1. our energy store: fat is stored energy to be used when there is not food.
2. insulation: our body is insulated by fat to keep us warm.
3. organ protector: organs are protected by a layer of fat.
4. toxin storage system: toxins are removed from the body are stored in our fat cells.

The problem with a low fat diet is that it is very hard to find good sources of proteins that are low in fats. The body also needs ‘good fats’, omega 3 and 6. Good sources of these are found in fish, nuts, olive oil and avocado.

I would recommend reducing saturated fats (animal fats, butter, eggs, red meat...) and trans fats (margarine, chips, fast food, baked products, cereals...) rather than putting all fats in the same category.