My summer book recommendation: Eat fat, Get Thin Dr. Mark Hyman
By: Michelle Hagel
Dieting, majority of my patients wouldn’t mind losing a couple pounds, even if it is not the primary reason for coming into my office. Holding on to a few extra pounds can increase your risk of many serious diseases. With all of the dieting fads out there, how do you know which one to follow? I can tell you a diet low in fat, and high in carbohydrates(often refined) will not provide you with the results you want. This diet became popular in the 1960’swhen the American Heart Association linked saturated fat to coronary heart disease. As a result the no fat or reduced fat products poured onto the shelf. What people didn’t realize is that when you reduce/remove fat from foods it tastes bad so in order for it to taste better sugar must be added- so begins the sugar/carbohydrate addiction.
Unfortunately this addiction leads to many poor habits and health concerns. Another reason why fat was considered to be “bad for us” is because it contains more calories than other food sources. We were then taught calorie counting to lose weight. Each calorie is not created equally and the old saying calories in=calories out needs some revision, as each one is processed differently. Coconut oil is a great example, it is high in medium-chain fatty acids, these are not readily stored as fat but instead digested and used easily by the body.
To clarify, when I am raving about fat I do not mean deep fried fats, or hydrogenated fat. Avoid trans fats which are not good for us and contribute to heart disease, inflammation, cholesterol and other diseases. I am talking about healthy stable fats that are not heated above their smoke point, some of my favourites include omega 3’s (fish), avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Fat helps bust our sugar cravings, keep us satisfied, balance hormones, improve mood, boost cognition and focus, anti-inflammatory anti-aging, can even help you loose weight.
The now popularized ketogenic diet which entails 60-75% of your daily calories coming from fat, have been shown to be beneficial for numerous neurological conditions, weight management and other inflammatory conditions. This can be a difficult and extreme diet to follow but demonstrates the many benefits of healthy fats. I encourage people to work with a professional or educate themselves prior to taking on the ketogenic diet.
Healthy Diet Calgary
If healthy fats aren’t a staple in each of your meals and snacks I would challenge you to bring them in and watch for the benefits! Please enjoy the Match Chia Pudding recipe I have attached, including 4 healthy fats it is sure to be a winner with everyone in the family.
Matcha Chia Pudding
•1 1/2 cups Organic Coconut Milk (canned, full fat, refrigerated overnight)
•1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
•2 tsps Green Tea Powder
•1/4 cup Chia Seeds
•1/2 Avocado
•3 tbsps Maple Syrup (can also substitute with 1tsp stevia)
1.Add coconut milk from the can into a blender with almond milk, green tea powder, chia, avocado and maple syrup (or stevia). Blend until smooth. Place in fridge to thicken about 10 to 15 minutes.
2.Once it has thickened up, layer chia pudding into mason jars or containers. Add toppings if you wish, and enjoy!
*Adapted from that clean life.
Eat Fat and Get Thin! Change your lifestyle with Docere Wellness Centre today!