Myth Busting: Fats are bad for you
While it seems like we’re finally jumping off the “low-fat” train from the 1990s, some fears about fat persist. You may still find yourself opting for cooking spray instead of oil or butter, fat-free yogurt instead of full-fat, or eating naked salads instead of those flavored with salad dressings.
For starters, fat is beneficial for our health. Eating fat is not only important for hormones and our cell membranes, but also for absorbing nutrients in our food. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning we need fat for their absorption! In addition to making foods like ice cream or a melty grilled cheese taste good, fat actually keeps us full for longer by slowing gastric emptying. It can also add satisfaction – for example, if you’ve ever had fat-free yogurt and full-fat yogurt, you might’ve noticed that full-fat yogurt is creamier and more satisfying. Of course, if you genuinely enjoy fat-free yogurt without the fear of fat, go ahead!
The way our bodies digest food is also complex. Just like how eating a ton of protein doesn’t mean you’re going to magically build muscle, eating fat doesn’t mean it’s going to turn into body fat. Your body might use it to make hormones, line your neurons in your brain, use it for energy (yes, fat provides energy too!), or some other function.
It is also important to work though the fears around a particular food group/nutrient. Is one particular macronutrient likely to change your body size? No. In fact, we have very little control over our body size in general – factors like genetics, environment, and even dieting history play a big part in determining our body size.
If you feel like you have particular fears around certain foods or food groups, you’re not alone. Our dietitians are here to help you work through this so that you can enjoy all foods without guilt or shame. Give us a call at (630) 474-5321 or fill out the contact form on our website to find out about whether our services are right for you.
