Why do low-fat diets still exist?

The other day, I saw someone write on a shared recipe post that she would totally make this salad with “much less oil to avoid all of the fat!” Hang on- the recipe called for EVOO- or also known as extra virgin olive oil, so why the fear of fat?

Yes, not all fats are created equal; trans-fat is terrible for us and used in products to make a longer shelf life (but it also is only in products in trace amounts at this point- for the most part). Saturated fats come from two sources- meat and fats that are solid at room temperature. Avocado? I am sorry to break it to you but loaded with saturated fat and so is coconut oil; there is literally no reason to praise some saturated fats and demonize others; saturated fat is saturated fat. End of story. Companies have really powerful schemes to market their products in a way that makes us believe their fatty product is fine but others aren’t. I can’t lie, I love debunking someone’s theory on why avocado toast with a side of steak is fine but olive oil is not.

I just want to clear this up, I believe in eating a little bit of everything. I try to have more whole foods than processed but for the most part, I totally try to strive for a balance that works for me.I understand that a high meat-protein diet unavoidably contains saturated fat, so there is no way to avoid all saturated fats especially since I do not avoid meat. Interestingly enough? There is research that suggests saturated fat may not be as bad as we have believed previously.  Keep in mind, trans-fat was still found to have the negative effects on cholesterol levels and heart health that has been well understood for some time.

My oils of choice, especially when I am cooking are olive oil or canola oil. EVOO is loaded with unsaturated fats, making it a heart healthy option. EVOO also contains healthy antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and to be honest, tastes great as a freshly made salad dressing.

If I am roasting vegetables and using high heat, I will use canola oil.  Canola oil stays intact at a higher heat than olive oil and the taste will not spoil. It is especially important to not use olive oil when you are searing meat or deep frying anything. Canola oil is also rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins K and E.

The moral of the story? Fat is an integral part to a healthy diet. Both saturated and unsaturated fat can provide vitamins A,D,E and K otherwise known as the fat-soluble vitamins and unsaturated fat can also provide heart healthy benefits. Life is too short to not have the oil provided in a recipe for your salad, don’t let someone shame you for eating with balance.