Does Fat Make You Fat?

Non-Fat. Reduced Fat. Fat-Free. These buzz words have become a requirement for many people’s grocery carts. Sure, opting for lower fat options in already high-fat foods can aid in weight-loss. But by avoiding all-together what should comprise of 10-30% of your daily caloric intake may be what’s expanding your waistline.

Healthy fats found in olive and canola oils, fish, and nuts are found to play a key role in preventing a number of life-threatening diseases. Even better, fat also slows food digestion and keeps your blood-sugar stable, which keeps you full for longer. If you’re not eating healthy portions of fat, your body is likely going to replace it with carbohydrates to keep you satisfied. Your diet should contain 40-60% of carbohydrates for fuel. But if you’re making up for your lack of fat with carbs, you could be eating up to 80% of your calories in carbs alone!

So, those crackers you snarfed down at your desk for lunch may be fat-free, but they contain higher amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, and sugar to make them taste good. And because there’s no fat in them to control blood sugar, your body will likely store what it didn’t use as body fat.

Another thing working against you is that you’re more likely to eat bigger portions of fat-free foods because you think it’s not bad. But remember: fat-free does not mean calorie-free!! So, enjoy healthy “fat” foods and watch your portions, and your stomach — and waist — will thank you!