LEVEL UP YOUR HEALTHY FATS

Despite the claims about, healthy high-fat foods are not one to shy away from. Your body needs fat, the healthy kind, to aid in the absorption of nutrients, help with hormone function, keep your brain healthy, and to help improve your memory. Plus, for those who are looking to lose weight, eating healthy fats can add some delicious flavor to your food and can help create a sense of fullness. So maybe it’s time to break your training of always going for that low-fat food, and reach for some healthy high-fat foods instead.

Despite what you may have heard, fat can be considered a superfood. If you didn’t think healthy high-fat foods existed, think again. Many fatty foods are incredibly nutritious and healthy.

Eggs– While eggs used to be considered unhealthy because of the yolk, eggs are actually one of the most nutrient dense foods around, and almost all of the nutrients are found in the yolk. Considered to be the perfect protein, eggs are loaded with amino acids, minerals, vitamins. Despite being high in fat, eggs are a weight-loss friendly food due to its high protein content. (opt for local/pastured eggs)

Cheese– Did you know that a single slice of cheese contains a similar amount of nutrients as a glass of milk? An excellent source of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats cheese is incredibly nutritious and delicious. Which is good news, considering the powerful fatty acids found in cheese has been linked to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Fatty Fish– Fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines, trout, and salmon are all considered to be fatty fish. Loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish are packed with vital nutrients and high-quality proteins. So if you eat fish, make sure you eat fatty fish (or take a fish oil supplement) to take advantage of its many health benefits for improved health and reduced risk of disease. (opt for wild/sustainably raised)

Dark Chocolate– Loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, dark chocolate is a healthy high-fat food that tastes incredible. Well, dark chocolate can be healthy as long as it’s pure and high-quality. To ensure that the dark chocolate you are eating is pure, read the ingredient list and make sure that it contains at least 70% cacao chocolate.

Avocados– Unlike most fruits, avocados are loaded with fat instead of carbs. In fact, by calories, avocados are 77% fat, which is higher than most animal foods. However, oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat) is the primary fatty acid contained in avocados, which is the predominant fatty acid found in olive oil that is associated with many health benefits.

Seeds– Small in size, but packed with nutrition plus healthy fats, seeds are nature's power foods and are some of the healthiest foods around. You'll find widely popular seeds like quinoa, sunflower, flax, pumpkin, and sesame in virtually any grocery store. Up-and-coming seeds such as hemp and chia are easily located in health food stores, and more local markets.

Olive Oil– The health benefits of olive oil are extensive. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin E, and Oleocanthal, which is an anti-inflammatory agent as powerful as ibuprofen. Increased consumption of this healthy fat shows why the Mediterranean diet has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and lowered cancer risk for those who follow it.