Fat

Fat is very high in energy – but sadly the wrong sort of energy for anything other than very low intensity exercise. Because of this, it becomes very easy to consume more calories than we burn up by eating too much fat. The only place for these calories to go is to the ‘storage sites’ at various places around the body, raising body fat levels and causing a gain in weight.

Consumption of some fat is essential because it contains certain vitamins and nutrients that are essential for daily health and well being. Click here to access more information about vitamins, minerals and essential oils. Unfortunately most of us eat far too much fat – not only resulting in weight gain but also increasing the risk of major illnesses like heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure and obesity. It’s recommended that we obtain between 20–25% of total energy intake from fat. For most people, this means reducing the amount of fat they eat each day. Some examples of high fat foods include:

• Mayonnaise

• Dairy products

• Pâté

• Red fatty meats

• Cakes

• Biscuits.

In addition, fat can easily be added to foods through frying – wherever possible, grill, boil, steam or microwave foods.