Understanding Fat - Fat doesn't make you fat!

Fat is one form of a larger group of substances known as lipids. Fat refers to lipids that are solid at room temperature, and oil refers to lipids that are liquid at room temperature. They provide essential fatty acids needed for cell membranes, production of hormones, healthy skin, the feeling of satiety and the transportation of fat-soluble vitamins. The proportion of fat that is burned during exercise depends on the level of intensity. The lower the intensity, the higher the proportion of fat is burned. The higher the intensity, the higher the proportion of carbs is burned. However, the higher the intensity, the higher the total overall amount of fat is burned, therefore you have to push yourself hard if you want to see the best results. The daily amount of fats that should be consumed is 20–35% of total calories.

Many people think that fat is what is making you fat. Well, it’s not. When bodybuilders are getting ready for a show, in order to lose weight, they actually drop the amount of carbs and increase the amount of fat they consume. Unfortunately, the majority of people have diets that are high in both carbs and fats. As I’ve mentioned already, the body’s favourite source of energy is carbohydrates. As a result, the body will use up the carbohydrates that it needs first, store the amount it doesn’t need, and store the fat too. Therefore, obesity and the risk of heart disease is dramatically increased.

Listed below are sources of healthy fats: