It is hard to believe, but yes some people still think that fat makes you fat. But here is some hard-hitting truths about nutrition, fat on the the plate does not equal fat on the waist. Let’s dive in and set the record straight.

The Fat Fallacy

In nutrition things are seldom what they seem, and outdated thinking dies hard. A plate loaded with fats, does not necessarily man it is an indulgent waistline-expanding feast. The truth is that not all fats are created equal. Their impact on your body goes far beyond the mere grams on your plate. In fact, it is essential that humans get linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) through food.

Fats: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Let’s break it down into three categories of fats: saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats.

1. Saturated Fats: These are the hearty fats. They’re found in animal products like meat, dairy, and certain oils like coconut. Country to popular belief, saturated fats have been wrongly vilified. They are essential for hormone production, brain function, and providing a slow-burning energy source for athletes.
2. Unsaturated Fats: These are the MVP’s of the fat world. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in foods like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish. They lower bad cholesterol, hesupport cell growth, and reduce inflammation.
3. Trans Fats: These are the villians, you want to avoid these like the plaque. Mostly found in processed junk foods and partially hydrogenated oils, trans fat wreak havoc on your cholesterol levels, heart health and overall well-being.

Quality Over Quantity

Here is the thing, when we talk about “fat on the plate” we need to look beyond the mere presence of fats and focus on their quality. Remember, we want to optimize performance, not only look good in the mirror. Prioritize nutrient-dense, whole foods. Load up on lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and good fats. Make friends with avocados, olive oil, some nuts/seeds, and fatty fish like salmon. These foods not only support muscle growth but also fuel brain and keep inflammation in check.

Performance and Wolverine-like Recovery

Let’s get to the good parts- how quality fats enhance your performance and recovery. When you fuel your body with the right fats, you’re giving it a steady, reliable source of energy. This means sustained power output during workouts, games, and quicker recovery.

Moreover, healthy fats are vital for nutrient absorption. Without fat, you will not absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A,D, E, and K. You will fall short!

Remember not all fats are created equal. Embrace the good fats, trach the trans fats, and focus on quality over quantity. Your body with thank you for the increased performance, and improved recovery. If you want to get the skinny on your nutrition, head over to https://powerathletehq.com/nutrition-coaching/?coach=rob to master your macros and get the body you want!

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Coaching: Power Athlete Nutrition Coaching

Podcast: PA Radio Episode 723- Unlock Your Emotional Barriers

Education: Power Athlete Academy

Blog: Ignite Your Performance: Fuel the Fire Within by Rob Exline

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