Guest post by Anna Lavonne Richardson
From a young age we are taught to avoid the “f” word, FATS. Fats have a reputation for being the cause of obesity or weight gain, but what if I told you there are healthy fats you should be eating?! Yes, you should be eating fats. I know this is completely opposite of what we learn growing up or what we see while roaming the grocery store aisles, but fats are a necessary component of a healthy diet. The trick is knowing the difference between a healthy fat and a “bad” fat.
I plan on sharing my top 3 favorite healthy fats, but before I proceed I want to share with you more on why healthy fats are important. Fats provide your body with energy and fats help move fat soluble (A, D, E, K) through your bloodstream. Essential fatty acids are important for blood clotting, controlling inflammation, and brain function. Since our body cannot create essential fatty acids on its own, we must provide important nutrients through our diet. Without fats in your diet your body struggles to complete basic, but important daily functions.
I add healthy fats to each one of my meals. I spread my healthy fats out throughout each of my meals and keep a steady supply of healthy fats in my body throughout the day.
- Fats from Oils: My favorite healthy fats come from oils. Coconut oil is first on the list because of the many benefits it offers my body internally and externally. There is also hemp oil, MCT oil, and flaxseed oil. I add about a Tablespoon to my veggies after they have been heated.
- Fats from Nuts: Fats from nuts is, in my opinion one of the most common or popular ways to consume healthy fats. You can choose unsalted, roasted nuts or nut butter. Almonds, cashews, or pecans are great options. Grab a handful of almonds with your meals or a tablespoon of almond butter with an apple.
- Avocados: Avocados are in season and lucky us, they are considered a healthy fat. First word of advice; too much of a good thing can be considered a bad thing, so be careful not to over consume these little guys! I would say add a half of an avocado to your salad or smash avocado with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to spread on your grilled steak. Avocados are also very tasty in your own green-machine smoothie. Add spinach, half an avocado, ice, almond milk, a kiwi, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Super green, super tasty.
About the author: Anna Lavonne Richardson’s health and fitness journey started in 2012 when she made the decision to compete in a fitness competition. Since August of 2013 she has competed three times, twice placing top 10 in her division. She has taken time to become more than just a fitness competitor, though. She believes health and wellness are so much deeper than strength and physical appearance. She strives to learn the best practices to create a healthy balance through great nutrition, physical exercise, and mental strength. She loves being a fit wife and an inspiration to other women. She works hard to grow and develop personally through self teaching, trusting in great mentors, and sharing/teaching through my blog. Confidence, health, and happiness start from the inside out! Her goal is to teach everyone how to reach their maximum potential through health and wellness. She wants to motivate other women to push past what is considered the “average” and to think beyond genetics.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annalavonne
Instagram: http://instagram.com/anna_lavonne
Blog: http://glamlegacyfit.blogspot.com/
20 Replies to "Healthy Fats and My 3 Favorite Options"
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
June 17, 2014 (8:06 am)
I could eat avocados at every meal! Yum
o
Lara
Twitter: uptite_mamas
June 18, 2014 (6:29 am)
Love avocados (and nuts and oils)! I try to add avocado to my salad every day. But their time for being ripe has to be timed so perfectly, Sometimes I get impatient or I wait too long! #wowlinkup
o
GiGi Eats
Twitter: dubagee
June 18, 2014 (9:48 am)
I AM OBSESSED with Barlean’s omega swirls! They’re SOOOOO GOODD 🙂 I cannot walk by my fridge without squirting a TBS in my mouth! 😉 I love the chocolate mint and the key lime flavors! Don’t mix them together though, LMFAO!
o
Heather
Twitter: divasrunbling
June 18, 2014 (10:39 am)
I am not a big avacado fan, but I LOVE nuts. Almonds are my favorite by far and I usually eat almond butter and drink almond milk as ways to add the good fats from the almonds to my diet. #wowlinkup
o
Amanda H
Twitter: eathardworkhard
June 18, 2014 (10:46 am)
Oh man avocado season in California definitely means I’m getting my healthy fats in. Not to mention peanut butter season ie day every day 🙂 #wowlinkup
o
Deborah Davis
Twitter: debsmikdav1
June 18, 2014 (12:34 pm)
Hi Diatta,
I just hopped by from #wowlinkup Workout Wednesdays!I was so happy to discover that healthy fats were good for us–in moderation, of course. I use coconut oil, avocado and nuts regularly. I also use flaxseed oil and hemp oil sometimes when I find it on sale.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
June 18, 2014 (12:36 pm)
Hi Deborah! I have to do better with my good fat intake and go beyond olive oil.
The Frugal Exerciser
Twitter: Laurend1985
June 18, 2014 (8:31 pm)
I don’t like avocados but I hear that avocado oil is really tasty. Has Anna Lavonne Richardson tried it? Visiting from #wowlinkup
o
Cassi
Twitter: lawrtw
June 18, 2014 (8:49 pm)
Of the fats you have listed nuts would definitely be my favorite. As far as oils go I just don’t like using them. Sure I have some evoo and canola but they’re rarely used.
o
Michele
Twitter: apaceofbalance
June 19, 2014 (10:37 pm)
I eat all 3 of the things listed. Raw almonds are a staple in our house. #wowlinkup
o
jill conyers
Twitter: jillconyers
June 21, 2014 (7:29 am)
Nuts and avocados are staples in out house. Yum.
o
Jennifer F
Twitter: thefitfork
March 3, 2015 (7:31 am)
Aaaah, I love these fats!
o
Ivanna
Twitter: petiteheartbeat
March 3, 2015 (11:03 am)
I love the fish oils that you show here, they actually taste good. I also love avocados and hemps hearts. Great information, thanks
o
Pragati // Simple Medicine
Twitter: pragatigusmano
March 3, 2015 (11:24 am)
I love coconut oil and avocados – YUM!
o
Shannon Peterson
Twitter: muchmostdarling
March 3, 2015 (2:42 pm)
I was always so afraid of “Fat” unit I learned that some are actually really good for you! Chia and Flax seeds along with Avocado are my favorite sources 🙂
o
Camesha
Twitter: CameshaGosha
March 3, 2015 (11:20 pm)
I have become a big fan of avocados. I get a lot of my healthy fats from nuts.
o
Louise Mensah
Twitter: LouiseAMensah
March 5, 2015 (7:04 am)
I am really trying to get into avocados. I don’t really like them that much but I know they are meant to be really good for you. Need to find a way to eat them, where I don’t get to taste them too tough!
http://www.iamlam.co.uk
Louise Mensah
Twitter: LouiseAMensah
March 5, 2015 (7:18 am)
I dont really like avocados but really need to find a way to incorporate them into my diet as they are so nutritious. HELP? Please!
o
Sunday Funday Blog Love 3/8/15 - Skinny Fitalicious March 8, 2015 (7:15 am)
[…] Healthy Fats and My 3 Favorite Options via Femme Fitale – Learn about healthy fats & ways to get more of them. […]
Myrabev
Twitter: myrabev
March 10, 2015 (12:23 am)
I love avocados big time and eat them whenever i can, its very important to have the good fats in our diets but enough not too much