A little of what you fancy!-The Fat War

The old adage remains current ‘a little of what you fancy will do you good’ especially when we’re talking food.

There are so many food advice channels making screaming headlines with regrettable little balance. Many such channels would have us believe that a healthy diet means all or nothing. Even the new eat well guidelines from the government have caused consternation. It appears that all fats have been ‘lumped’ together in the recommendations- but we all know there are good fats and bad fats -or do we!
Headlines saying butter is now good for you versus low-fat margarine is ‘bad’. Lower your cholesterol by using good fats?? Who on earth is telling the truth -what is the new truth-arguments such as this one;
‘Urging people to follow low-fat diets and to lower their cholesterol is having “disastrous health consequences”, a health charity has warned.
In a damning report that accuses major public health bodies of colluding with the food industry, the National Obesity Forum and the Public Health Collaboration call for a “major overhaul” of current dietary guidelines. They say the focus on low-fat diets is failing to address Britain’s obesity crisis, while snacking between meals is making people fat.’ (Official advice on low-fat diet and cholesterol is wrong, says health charity, 2016)

Common sense needs to prevail. In my opinion, eat as close to nature as you can for the most of your diet and having the occasional treat is OK. I have always chosen butter over margarine-have you looked at the difference in the processes of making both? Believe me, you’d choose butter all the time but the secret is to use it moderately.

Good fats help you to feel full and help your body make the correct balance of hormones and immune system messengers. Include lots of good fats such as Avocado, fish and/or good fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is high in good oils such as olive oil. We produce lovely seed oils such as rapeseed and flaxseed products in Ireland north and south -use them.
Be fat aware-choose good quality fats-include them regularly in your diet.
Lose the guilt when having that lovely treat -you can have you cake and eat it -occasionally.
Be well -be informed