Midlife Confusion – Which FAT? 

Full fat, low fat, fat-free can be very confusing. 

Here’s a fact – FAT DOES NOT MAKE YOU FAT; SUGAR DOES

Healthy fats in the RIGHT amounts help build hormones, reduce inflammation, and keep our cells and skin supple. They provide energy, helps with the absorption of vitamins and protects our brain, heart and bones.

Most of all, for us, mid-lifers are concerned with weight gain; healthy fats slow the rate at which the stomach empties, thus making carbohydrates slower releasing and we feel full for longer. 

I stick to full fat in SMALL amounts because foods labelled low or reduced-fat tend to have the flavour enriched with sugar, flour, thickness, and salt and add to the calories. 

Top tip: Read The Food Label

Before eating a fat-free or low-fat food, make sure the food item is not full of added sugar or additives and that it’s lower in calories than the regular version. 

Check the serving size. Is it smaller than expected, and do you need to eat more than the full-fat version?

Foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and salmon are ideal because they’re high in healthy fats and lower in saturated fats, which may be less beneficial to your health. Portion size matters – full fat in small amounts.

Eat more vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. They provide nutrients and fibre to keep you feeling full longer, have fewer calories, and are naturally low-fat.