Fat can sometimes get a bad reputation from the general public. However, fat is good for us and we should actually be getting 20-35% of our calories from fat sources. Fat helps regulate certain hormones within the body as well as keeping the body insulated. It also serves as a backup source of energy and is used for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. There are different kinds of fat so we want to be choosing healthier sources. These sources include monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The kinds of fat that we want to eat less of include saturated and trans fats which are found mostly in processed foods.
Sources of monounsaturated fats:
- Avocado
- Peanut Butter
- Olive Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Canola Oil
- Nuts
Sources of polyunsaturated Fats:
- Walnuts
- Flax seeds
- Fish (salmon, tuna, trout)
- Sunflower seeds
- Safflower Oil
- Soybean Oil
All of these food sources can be easily added into your daily meals. Remember that eating fat is actually good for you and supports your overall health and wellbeing!
-Kylie Serie, SDSU Dietetic Student
