Should I get rid of all fat from my diet?

 

The short answer is no. Fat plays a key role in our diet, and what’s most important to look at is the type of fat that you eat.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the good ones, as these help to reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. You’ll find monounsaturated fats in avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds; and polyunsaturated fats in oily fish like salmon, tuna and sardines, sunflower oil, linseeds and walnuts.

Saturated and trans fats are the baddies, and these are the ones to limit as much as possible. The consumption of these types of fats, found in butter, cream, fatty meats, biscuits, cakes and fast food has been found to have the opposite effect on the heart, increasing the chance of a having stroke or cardiac event, as well as increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

An easy way to remember is to try to include more plant fats in your diet, and cut down on the solid animal fats.

But remember, you can have too much of a good thing, and sticking to small portions is the key. For example, a small handful of nuts each day can help with weight loss, but a large bag of nuts each day is another story. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you identify what portions you should be having to ensure you’re getting the right fats you need, without the worry of gaining weight.