Slimming Down for Spring? Don't Forget the Fat!
By Charles O. Palmerson

 

(ARA) - Springtime is about new beginnings. The season typically conjures up thoughts of spring cleaning, planting a garden, and starting a new diet and exercise plan so we can look our best in spring and summer attire; but for most of us, losing weight is a temporary measure. Before we know it, those dreaded extra pounds are put right back on.

For years, consumers have been taught that cutting the fat out of their diet is the key to weight loss. When in fact, new studies show that incorporating good fats into the diet help satisfy your appetite and cravings for sugar. They also decrease sugar highs and lows which in turn helps people achieve weight loss.

Good fats, such as unrefined polyunsaturated oils, also help boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, increase good cholesterol, and alleviate symptoms that come with ADD and ADHD, colitis, Crohn's disease, arthritis, type I & II diabetes and more. Since appearance and vibrant health are important to us for spring and summer, adding polyunsaturated oils to your diet gives the added bonus of healthy hair, skin and nails. So, you will not only feel good on the inside, but look great on the outside! Examples of polyunsaturated oils include flaxseed, fish, safflower, sunflower, pumpkin, soybean oils. They contain the fatty acids known as the omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids that are necessary for health. The omega-3 essential fatty acid cannot be manufactured by the body, you must get it through your diet. Flaxseed and fish oils are the best sources for this important nutrient. Since they cannot be subjected to heat, these two oils are better added into salad dressings or already cooked foods.

Here's a tasty dressing recipe:

Garlic & Herb Dressing

Yields: 1 cup

1/4 C Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed Oil

1/4 C Spectrum Naturals Organic Olive Oil

1/4 C + 1 Tbs reduced sodium soy sauce

3 Tbsp Spectrum Naturals red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp Mirin, white wine or sherry (Mirin is a rice vinegar that can be substituted for white wine)

1/4 C unsweetened ketchup

1 tsp. Lemon juice

3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp crushed garlic, jar variety is fine

1 tsp. Italian Herb seasoning

1 tsp. Maple syrup

Blend together all ingredients. For a thinner dressing, add more Mirin. For a slightly spicier flavor, add a dash or two of hot sauce. Serve on salads and steamed vegetables such as broccoli and kale.

Monounsaturated oils, high in oleic acid (omega-9), are also important to your health. Recent research links these oils, which include canola, olive, and avocado oils, to the management of cholesterol in the blood. Laboratory tests show populations in the Mediterranean region, which are high in olive oil, have a low rate of heart disease when compared to North American populations.

Processing is another important factor to consider when choosing an oil. Look for oil that is mechanically pressed or expeller pressed and minimally refined. These oils keep their nutritional value in tact and add flavor into your meals.

How do you incorporate good fats into your diet? A combination of olive oil and flaxseed oil with freshly cut herbs is an instantly delicious vinaigrette. Add flaxseed oil to already cooked pasta and potatoes, into salads, fruit smoothies, yogurt or cottage cheese. Drizzle it over toast or a bagel, or mix it into natural peanut butter. Peanut butter by the spoonful has never been better for you! If you aren't an inspired chef, consider taking flaxseed or fish oil capsules along with your daily vitamin..

For looking and feeling your best for spring, summer and beyond, add the good fat back into your diet. Spectrum Organic Products makes it easy to incorporate good fats with their extensive line of organic dressings, dips, vinaigrettes and an extensive line of cooking and nutritional supplements.