Many people think that fat makes you fat. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Fat is an essential macronutrient, most importantly acting as a backup storage fuel–second to carbohydrates–for energy.Â
Fat comes in two main forms: Saturated & Monounsaturated. Saturated comes from animal sources and is solid at room temperatures (think butter, cream, salad oils, lard, cheese, egg yolk, and meat fat). In large amounts, saturated fats do carry health risks to the body while high amounts of plant based fats help reduce these risks. Monounsaturated fat is liquid at room temperature and comes from plants like olive oil, avocado, lean meat, seeds, and nuts.
Fat fuels low intensity activities, builds cell membranes, covers nerves, adds flavor and satisfaction. Fat supplies critical tissue needs as structural material for cell membranes, protective padding for vital organs, and insulation to maintain body temperature. Fat breaks down into essential fatty acids–Linoleic (Omega 6) and Linolenic (Omega 3). Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble so make sure 30% of your daily caloric intake comes from F-A-T.
P.S. That Artisana coconut butter in the photo is the most lushly scrumptious spread I have EVER tasted. We eat the fats pictured in the photo daily along with egg yolks and the fats that come from lean meats.Â