DO Not Avoid Good Fats

One of the worst pieces of advice you can fall for is that all fatty foods are bad for you and will pack on the pounds.

This creates a situation where you end up eating healthy-sounding low-fat foods that really aren't so healthy. And, at the same time, you avoid foods higher in fat that might actually be much better alternatives.

Here's what you really need to know…

A lot of healthy-sounding foods have replaced fats with substances that kick insulin – which is basically your "fat" hormone – into high gear. This causes your body to store fat.

At the same time, many of these foods are laden with allergens, sugars, sodium, bad fats and ingredients that not only affect your weight, but also create an inflammatory response in your body.

Let me suggest to you a few of the delicious fatty foods you might be missing out on, and why they may be better for you than their lower-fat counterpart…

Why eggs are better than whole-grain cereals.

 Most whole-grain cereals on the market today contain gluten. Many people are sensitive to this protein, and it could be what's causing your bone and joint pain. Gluten can leave you feeling fatigued, with a bad case of brain fog. Headaches, muscle cramps, rashes and depression have also been linked to gluten intolerance.

Additionally, even some of the healthiest-sounding cereals can include GMO corn products, a hefty dose of added sugar, and more sodium than you would imagine.

It may surprise you to learn that a two- or three-egg omelet is a much healthier choice for breakfast, even though it might contain more fat and calories. In the past, everyone was convinced eggs would clog your arteries, give you a heart attack, or lead to a stroke. But the evidence shows just the opposite.

We now know the nutrients in eggs may actually be protective. They not only lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, they also raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels. In fact, people who eat more eggs have about a 25% lower risk of suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. This is the type of stroke when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain.

I prefer eggs from pastured chickens from farmer's markets or from "whole-food type markets." If you're still concerned about oxidized cholesterol, then don't break the yolk exposing it to air before cooking… and don't scramble it. 

Instead, have it over easy/medium, soft-boiled, poached, hard-boiled, etc.

A nutty alternative to those high-protein snack bars.

 I admit. It's really easy to grab a protein bar for a snack. Some of them are even labeled as "meal replacement" bars. And they market themselves as healthy, low-calorie food options.

In reality, most of them are nothing more than a glorified candy bar. Many of them are made with granola, which is often contaminated with gluten. And, almost all of them are loaded with sugar, corn syrup, sodium and artificial ingredients. These ingredients not only expand your waistline, they also fan the flames of inflammation.

If you need a high-protein snack, you're much better off enjoying about half of a cup of nuts. Sure, nuts are high in fat and calories. But surprisingly, people who eat nuts have a lower body mass index and smaller waists. They have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer… and they live longer, too.

Nuts with the highest protein content include almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts.

To be cont'd. 

Have a great day.