Featured Article on HealthyStyleNY.com

Hey Everyone!

Check out my featured article on HealthyStyleNY.com, "The Slim Side of Sushi".

http://www.healthystyleny.com/2010/07/the-slim-side-of-sushi/

HealthyStyleNY.com is the ultimate NYC girl's guide to all things healthy and beautiful. The stylists are some of the city's top experts, and are there to help you look, feel, and be your best. HSNY believes that living a healthy and balanced lifestyle (in all areas) is key, and want to make sure you are tuned in to all that is hot, healthy, and happening in New York city!

Check it out: http://www.healthystyleny.com/

Don't Fear the Fat

For several years, fat in our diet has been considered the cause for various health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels. Many of us have aimed for a low fat diet, which really hasn’t resulted in becoming healthier or in weight loss. In reality, the reverse is true.

You should not be looking to eliminate fat from your diet, but you should be focusing on the type of fat you’re consuming. Limiting your intake of “bad” fats and increasing (in moderation of course) your consumption of “good” fats will go a long way in helping you reach your healthy weight and feel your best.

Limiting the bad, saturated fats in your diet (think red meat and whole fat dairy) can help reduce your risk for coronary heart disease. Trans fats, which help keep food from going stale for longer periods of time, is also a fat you want to avoid, unless you’re a manufacturer.

Trans fat increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad) cholesterol that increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease as well as lowering HDL, or good cholesterol.

The most common sources of trans fat are vegetable shortenings, various margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, and other processed foods prepared with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Good or healthy fats, on the other hand, are essential to our well being, aiding in everything from building cell membranes to performing key functions in our eyes, brain, and lungs. Healthy fats are also critical for digestion. When you eat fat, your digestion process slows down, so your body has more time to absorb nutrients from the food you just ate. Fats also keep you feeling full for longer periods of time and help you avoid the late night fridge raid.

Omega 3 fatty acids are a term a lot of us have heard lately. These fats are very good for us, controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes within the brain. Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, and mackerel have a high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, and have been linked to lowering the chances of developing certain brain problems that can lead to memory loss and dementia. Other common sources of Omega 3’s are walnuts, olive oil, and ground flax seed. You can also obtain Omega 3 fats through supplement form.

Remember, don’t eliminate the fat, just choose healthier fat.

Keep on shining!