If you’re trying to lose weight and boost your fitness performance, don’t make the mistake of avoiding fats altogether. Yes you should cut down on saturated fats but healthy ones are proven to enhance your performance (and could help you lose weight too).
These compounds – which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 and 6 fatty acids – do amazing things! Specifically, they:
- Keep your nervous system healthy,
- Boost your immune system, and
- Lower the bad cholesterol in your body (that’s the cholesterol that causes heart disease!).
Take a look at five fats that will improve your fitness performance.
1. Nuts (or nut butter)
Nuts contain a fair amount of monounsaturated fats and omega fatty acids, as well Vitamin E. Be careful not to eat too many nuts (they can add a lot of calories to your diet), and avoid the roasted and salted varieties, since these aren’t so healthy. When it comes to the nut butters, invest in a brand that doesn’t add oils, salt or sugar to their butter products.
2. Avocados
Avos are high in healthy fats, promoting the health of your nervous system and heart, and also helping you burn fat. You can also use avocado oil. Need any more excuses to add guacamole to every meal?
3. Eggs
The humble egg is actually a powerhouse, nutritionally speaking. The yolk is very high in Omega 3 fats, as well as other nutrients that make you healthier and happier. Scientists also say that, as long as you don’t consume too many eggs each day, the cholesterol found in eggs will actually improve testosterone production (and testosterone plays an important role in muscle strength).
4. Olives and olive oil
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats. So add olives to your salads. And be liberal with your olive oil dressing.
5. Salmon
Fatty or oily fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Experts recommend you eat at least one or two servings of this fish every week to bolster your omega intake.
You see, fats aren’t evil. They’re a very important component of your diet, if you’re trying to get fitter, stronger and leaner! Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Specialised Nutrition Course will show you the ins and outs of good nutritiona nd how it goes hand in hand with fitness. To find out more about this course, click here.