Fat Confusion

Confused about all the different types of fat?  What is good and what is bad?

Good and limited fats can fight inflammation and help to prevent the onset of heart disease while also providing our body with essential vitamins and minerals needed for daily living.  Bad fats have little to no role in our health, and while they may not be prevented totally, they should only be consumed on a limited basis. 

Below is an easy to decipher low-down on the good, the bad and the ugly and what you should or shouldn’t eat.

GOOD FATS

Monounsaturated Fats: Best sources are olive oil and canola oil.  Olive oil should be used for cooking, while canola oil should be used in baking.

Polyunsaturated Fats: This includes the much heard about omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.  Most people get plenty of omega 6 through the commonly refined oils available in the grocery store such as corn and soybean oil. 

Omega-3 oils and products: Omega 3 rich foods are walnuts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil and fatty fish products including salmon, sturgeon and striped bass.  Try to increase your intake of these products to balance out the intake of omega-6 products.

FATS TO LIMIT

Saturated Fat:  These are most commonly found in animal products, such as milk, cheese and ice cream.  The calcium and minerals available in these products are essential for optimal health, however, choose skim or low-fat/non-fat versions to limit the saturated fat intake.

UGLY FAT

Trans Fat: These are found in commercially prepared products, especially baked goods.  To avoid these, look at the ingredients list of commercially prepared products and if partially hydrogenated oils are listed, look for a comparable food item without this item. 

The most important thing to remember is not to deprive yourself of food items to avoid, just limit your intake and enjoy the ‘real’ thing on occasion.

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Smoothies

One of the best post- (or pre) workout carbohydrate replacement drinks you can sip is a smoothie made with low-fat milk, fruit and juice.  Its all natural, high in protein and carbohydrates and cheap on your wallet compared to traditional sports drinks.  Use your imagination to create exciting and fun flavors or check out the link below for hundreds of smoothie recipe ideas and suggestions.

 http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Drinks/Smoothies/Main.aspx

Its always great to get ideas from other people.  If you would like to share your favorite recipe with other Tritons post it on our blog. 

Happy & Healthy Eating!

Sherri

Nutrition News Coming Soon!

Hi fellow Triton members!  I am up and going on our exciting new blog.  Please bear with me as I am not familiar with blogging and twittering.  I am planning on posting nutritional tidbits once a week and I am excited to help any of you out if you have any nutrition related questions, whether it be general or sports specific.  I will begin posting next week (once I am sure I can get this one on the site), so please be sure to check back regularly for the newest and latest nutritional information.