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Is Cutting ‘Healthy’ Fats The Fast Route To Fat Loss?

Is Cutting ‘Healthy’ Fats The Fast Route To Fat Loss?
Jennifer Blow
Editor & Qualified Nutritionist6 years ago
View Jennifer Blow's profile

If you've opened your favourite social media app lately, you'll know that fats (especially the pretty-coloured ones) are well and truly on the health and wellbeing menu. But at 9kcal per gram of fat vs. a mere 4kcal per gram of carbohydrates, is it the time to forgo the fats to lose your love handles? We investigate the facts.

So, why did fats get so darn popular, and is there any weight behind the trend? Diets like Atkins without doubt struck a hefty blow against carbs back in the 70s – lasting a few decades until keto and paleo charged through, armed with butter-laden Bulletproofs, bacon-weave bread and all-you-can-eat halloumi.

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However, it's well-known that when you're trying to lose weight, it's important to look at your energy balance – based on first law of thermodynamics. In plain terms, energy can't be created or destroyed, only transferred, which means good old calories in vs. calories out. Exercise more and eat less and you're going to lose weight, but switch in an avocado at 300kcal+ for your burger bun on the regular and you might end up eating more calories than you realise.

eggs and avocado

But, before you go binning your entire fat stash, there are countless benefits of eating fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, as well as oily fish like salmon and mackerel. They're chock-full of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (just MUFAs and PUFAs for short). Even some saturated fats have their place, like coconut oil that's been shown to be healthier than olive oil for frying due to its high smoke point.

Scrimping on your carb intake in favour of fats mightn't be doing you any favours, either, as restoration of muscle glycogen (carb stores) is vital for reparation and growth. Plus, any exercise above steady-state requires carbs for a rapid release of energy.

Our verdict? Control your portions and avoid the healthy fat frenzy that sends your calories skyward.

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Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.

Jennifer Blow
Editor & Qualified Nutritionist
View Jennifer Blow's profile

Jennifer Blow has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Science and a Master’s of Science by Research in Nutrition, and now specialises in the use of sports supplements for health and fitness, underpinned by evidence-based research.

Jennifer has been quoted or mentioned as a nutritionist in major online publications including Vogue, Elle, and Grazia, for her expertise in nutritional science for exercise and healthy living.

Her experience spans from working with the NHS on dietary intervention trials, to specific scientific research into omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and also the effect of fast foods on health, which she has presented at the annual Nutrition Society Conference. Jennifer is involved in many continuing professional development events to ensure her practise remains at the highest level. Find out more about Jennifer’s experience here.

In her spare time, Jennifer loves hill walking and cycling, and in her posts you’ll see that she loves proving healthy eating doesn’t mean a lifetime of hunger.

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