What type of fat should I avoid?
In general, the types of fat you should avoid consuming excessive amounts of are saturated and trans fats.[1] In addition to contributing to weight gain, both of these fats contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and increased LDL cholesterol levels.
The Australian dietary guidelines recommend that saturated and trans fats should make up no more than 10% of daily energy intake.[2] It may seem difficult when you realise that saturated fats and trans fats are usually present in high concentrations in the following:
- beef and lamb;
- processed meats, such as salami and luncheon;
- butter, cream, and lard;
- full-fat cheeses;
- coconut-based products;
- ice cream;
- cakes and pastries;
- crisps, chips, and crackers;
- fried takeaway foods; and
- chocolate and other sweets.
Even though it might seem impossible to give up all the foods we like, we don’t have to eliminate them completely. Like most things, foods high in saturated fat should be eaten in moderation and according to the recommended portion size or your doctor’s orders.
When you’re not sure about which foods are healthy and what is good fat, we encourage you to seek advice from a doctor. Our Mosh doctors and nurse practitioners can entertain your questions like ‘How many calories do I need to burn for weight loss?’ or ‘Where does fat go when you lose weight?’ without judging you about your health.
What are examples of healthy sources of fat?
You may have been told that all fat is bad for you, so you may be wondering: what is good fat? And what are some sources of good fat?
Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They’re considered healthy because they reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can contribute to the risk of heart disease, in your blood. Moreover, some foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats also contain essential nutrients for our bodies.
Although foods can have more than one type of fat, they usually have higher concentrations of one type of fat. Some sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats include:
- avocado;
- nuts;
- canola, peanut or olive oil;
- seafood; and
- vegetable oils.[3]
However, even if these are excellent sources of good fats, they should still be eaten in moderation. Now that you know what is good fat, you must combine a healthy diet with regular physical activity to lose weight.
At Mosh, you can easily connect with a doctor to discuss your health concerns via our online health platform. All you have to do is fill out a quick questionnaire, and your Mosh doctor will contact you to set up a virtual appointment to discuss your concerns further.
Gone are the days of endlessly searching online for answers to questions like ‘What is good fat?’ or ‘How can I lose weight without exercising?’ Get your questions like ‘What exercise is best to lose weight?’ answered by AHPRA-registered doctors and nurse practitioners online.
How much fat should I have daily?
Your total fat intake is generally recommended to be around 20% to 35% of your daily calorie intake.[4] If your goal is to lose weight or burn fat, then we encourage you to consult a doctor, as this measure will vary depending on your dietary goals and requirements.
Moreover, if you are overweight or obese and are at risk for heart disease or other health problems, your doctor may limit the amount of fat you can eat every day. You may be having a hard time finding the answer to questions like ‘What foods should I eat?’ and ‘What is good fat?’ without the help of a doctor since the answer varies from person to person.
At Mosh, we offer a variety of personalised, high-quality products and services to assist you in reaching your weight loss goals. Our subscription model allows you to easily access these options, including dietician-designed diets and meal replacement shakes.
We make it simple to continue your commitment by easily refilling products or renewing services. Additionally, you have the freedom to decline any treatment plans recommended by our doctors and nurse practitioners and can cancel your subscription at any time without additional fees.
You are not obligated to accept any treatment plan recommended by our practitioners. Moreover, if you ever want to cancel your subscription to Mosh, you can easily do so without extra charge.
If you’re trying to lose weight and you’re keen on learning ‘How is body fat percentage calculated’ then let Mosh help you address your health concerns. We want you to achieve your desired results without taking any chances.
Consider connecting with Mosh today for all your questions like, ‘What is good fat?’ and ‘What is the best way to lose weight?’.