The skinny on FAT

Fat is finally being released from its shackles as a dietary no-no. It’s hard to avoid the love fest happening these days with fats- healthy fats that is. I am proud to say that I, too am a convert from fat-fearing to fat-loving.

After much research of my own and dabbling with adding fats back into my diet (after years of fearing it) I was surprised to find that not only did I NOT gain weight, I had more energy, my hair, skin, and nails became stronger, shinier and healthier looking and a biometric screening showed all good results, even after a year of daily fat intake. See, the truth is that our bodies NEED fat to function properly. It is part of the basic macro-nutrient profile of protein, FAT, and carbohydrates. So why all this fear of fat???

Well, there is certainly plenty to be scared of when it comes to unhealthy fats but here are two of my favorite fat-filled foods that offer many health benefits. Avocados and Coconut oil. Both are great sources of energy, help increase the levels of good cholesterol and reduces the bad, and reduce inflammation. Avocados are rich in vitamins and minerals, in fact, one avocado has more potassium than a banana. Coconut oil can help improve brain function and memory, improve digestion and skin disorders.

I love both of these so much that I have them stocked in my kitchen at all times. I have even been known to spread some coconut oil onto my skin while cooking or use it to smooth down my hair as an extra conditioning boost. Both of these have enormous health benefits. I choose organic for both and extra virgin coconut oil to ensure that I am getting the greatest health benefits. I add avocado to my egg scrambles, salads, tacos, and always enjoy a bowl full of homemade guacamole. I use the coconut oil daily in my cooking and also add a tbsp to my smoothies on occasion. Here are a couple avocado recipes to boost your own healthy fat intake.

Avocado Toast

1/2 Avocado

1 tbsp of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 clove of minced garlic

Sea Salt to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes

Mash the avocado with a fork then add in olive oil, garlic and salt. Toast one to two slices of sourdough bread. Spread avocado on top and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes. Add a fried egg to complete this delicious breakfast. Or feel free to add anything you want on top from fruit to nuts.

Avocado Cucumber Salad (pictured above)

1 Avocado

½ to whole Cucumber

handful of cherry tomatoes

small handful of cilantro

¼ c of feta cheese

1 lime

Sea Salt and Pepper

Dice avocado and cucumber, halve tomatoes, chop cilantro and mix in a bowl. Squeeze juice of lime, add feta, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix together and serve.

Cheers to good health!

Oriana Micaela @foodbeauty_10