The Skinny on Fats

I attended my first "Wise Women" Nutrition Seminar yesterday. The topic "The Skinny on Fats." Cute, I know. Here's a long weekend lesson on fats:

Saturated fats are found mainly in four legged animals (except venison). Trans fats are often found in highly processed foods (cookies from a box, chips, fast food). Monounsaturated fats and Polyunsaturated fats are found from plant sources and fish: olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, and avocados.

The TOP TEN foods for Heart Health:

1. Fish

2. Flaxseed

3. Oatmeal

4. Black or Kidney Beans

5. Nuts (almonds, walnuts and nut butters)

6. Soy Milk

7. Tofu

8. Brown Rice

9. Berries

10. Vegetables

The good fats found in vegetable based oils will maintain cell membranes, skin and hair health, absorb vitamins and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots. The bad fats basically do the opposite. I'm not a professional in this field at all but I highly recommend the Mediterranean diet pyramid, which is what I eat and believe is truly the most fulfilling, sustainable and healthy way to live!