Fat Is Your Friend

Credit: Darwin Bell

This entire week, we’re featuring select posts and articles by some of the best-of-the-best writers and bloggers across the World Wide Web as part of FBG’s first-annual Guest Blogger Week. Click here to see all of the great guest posts that inspire, make us think and crack us the heck up!

Believe it or not, fat is essential for the body, even if you want to lose weight. In fact, avoiding fat can be disastrous, leading to depression, fatigue, dry hair and skin, and the inability to build muscle, not to mention insatiable hunger. People who avoid fat often wind up eating more unhealthy carbs to feel full, and then the whole weight-loss plan backfires.

For women, eating too little fat messes with the production of hormones, which can lead to period loss and hair growth in unwanted places…probably not the effect you’re going for! Plus, if the body doesn’t get enough fat, it tries to store the fat it has around its organs and as subcutaneous fat under the skin. Again, not a pretty thought.

Not all fats are healthy, though, and it’s important to understand which ones are good and bad for you.

Know Your Fats

Bad Fat: Saturated fat is mostly found in animal products, including meat, milk, butter and cheese. Eating too much of it increases the risk for heart and artery disease. In short, stay away from it!

Good Fats: Mono- and polyunsaturated fats are the good guys. Sources for monounsaturated fat include canola oil, olive oil, avocados and nuts. Essential fatty acids (Omega-3) and flax seed oil (Omega-6) are polyunsaturated fats that we absolutely should consume. Fish, shellfish and vegetable oils are also examples of polyunsaturated fat.

So, eat (good) fat and you will burn fat. And keep your hair where you want it! —Tanja Djelevic

Swedish-born fitness trainer Tanja Djelevic motivates her clients with her “have fun and sweat-it-out” attitude. She holds a master’s degree in psychology, with a specialization in stress management therapy and behavioral life coaching. Tanja has trained Uma Thurman, Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, Pink and Jennifer Garner; however, her approachable nature and positive attitude make her accessible to anyone looking to shape up. She can be found teaching classes and training in Los Angeles.