Long ago people used to believe that fat was the enemy…I can distinctly remember my mom buying Fat Free Italian Dressing when I was a kid….Let me repeat that, FAT FREE Italian Dressing. You don’t have to be a Michelin starred chef to know that Italian dressing is basically oil, vinegar, and spices…so WTF WAS IN THAT DRESSING?
Luckily, things have changed, and people are starting to wise up. Keto diets are popping up, and Bulletproof coffees are a plenty (click here, for an awesome recipe). However, there are still people out there that think fat is the devil. I’m here to tell you that fat is only good for you, but it can help you increase your performance.
1) Fuel w/Â Fat to Use Fat
There has been an overwhelming amount of research that indicates a high fat and low carb diet is superior when it comes to fat lass. One of the best aspects of having more fat in your diet is that you become fat adaptive. That basically means your body starts to become used to using fats (including stored body fats) as fuel, as opposed to glucose or glycogen. And one of the best ways to become fat adaptive is to increase your fat intake, and reduce carbohydrates.
                      Avocados are a great source of healthy fats
Becoming fat adaptive has benefits on athletic performance as well. Studies have shown increased fat as having a positive correlation to long distance endurance. The results are not as strongly correlated with shorter, more strength based activities, so finding a balance that suits you would be ideal.
2) Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a major problem in this country. Inflammation is a leading factor in predicting cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses.  Every heard someone who starts a diet say the phrase “Yeah I just think I lost water weight”. Well, they’re right and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A high degree of inflammation can lead to water and fluid retention .
Having a diet higher in fat, especially omega-3 fatty acids can be very helpful in reducing in inflammation. This is wear supplements like fish, flax seed, or hemp seed oil become very important.  From an athletic performance standpoint, reduced inflation can help improve join pain, and help with recovery from training sessions.
3) Increase Energy and Brain Power
As you guys my know, I love my MCT oil.  I have it in the morning just about every day as part of my morning routine. MCTs stand for medium chained triglycerides and are basically a derivative of coconut oil. Some of the benefits of MCT oil include fat loss, decreased insulin sensitivity, and are associated with the treatment of cognitive disorders. What’s amazing about MCT oils is that unlike most substrates or other fats, they are almost immediately available for use.
MCT oils are broken down much faster, and are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which makes them available for immediate use and gives us a great boost of energy and cognitive focus. If you are starting your day, or getting ready for .a workout, MCTs can be a great way to give you an extra boost.
With nutrition, it’s important to realize that it’s not a “one size fits all” thing. Every person has their own needs and preferences. But what’s also important with nutrition is adaptability. As more and more research comes out, it’s clear that the benefits of fat on performance and overall health can be profound and cannot be ignored.
So for all you “fat is the devil” people out there, open your eyes, adapt, and for God’s sake..buy the REAL Italian Dressing!
