We need to
talk about fats. While they were once the ‘bad guy’ of the food world, studies
over the last few decades have shown that good fats are essential to a healthy
diet.
They help our bodies absorb vitamins and minerals, and they’re a major
source of energy before a Virgin Active gym sesh. Healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and aid muscle
movement.
If you’re
looking to boost your nutrition, consider adding more of these amazing fats to
your healthy eating plan, or chat with one of our Personal Trainers about how to incorporate healthy eating into your plan.
AVOCADO
Millennials,
rejoice! Your favourite substance is actually a great source of healthy fat. Unlike
most fruits, which are mainly made up of carbs, avocados are made up of 77 per cent fat. The humble avo is also a wonderful source of potassium and
fibre, making these little green friends a superfood.
FISH
It’s recommended
that you eat two to three serves of fatty fish each week. Salmon, trout and sardines
contain those beautiful heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to
improved health and lower
risk of illnesses such as heart disease, dementia and depression. You can
get your intake of fishy fats via fish oil tablets if you struggle to pack more
into your meals. Book your tour of our club today and chat with one of our Personal Trainers to learn how else to incorporate healthy foods into your healthy living plan.
CHIA
SEEDS
Chia seeds
don’t exactly leap to mind when thinking of fatty foods, but they’re actually 80
per cent fat! They contain a particular type of omega-3 fatty acid called
ALA, along with fibre and minerals to enhance your health. There are plenty of
ways you can add
more chia seeds to your diet to benefit from their healthy fats.
EGGS
Scramble
them, boil them, fry them, poach them – however you do eggs, do them with the
knowledge that they contain healthy fats, iron and B vitamins. It’s easy to fit
more eggs into your diet, by adding them to sandwiches, salads, wraps or even
eating them on their own. Up your egg intake for all
the nutritious goodness they add to your diet. Learn more about the awesomeness of eggs in our article here.
OLIVE
OIL
So what’s the
deal with olive oil calories? While high in fat, olive oil is a healthier oil
option to cook with in the kitchen. It also contains
a beneficial fatty acid that reduces inflammation. You can use more olive
oil by using it for cooking, drizzling it over salads and using it as a base
for dressings.
CHEESE
Have your
cheese and eat it too, because it’s actually really good for you. Cheese
contains powerful fatty acids that are linked to reduced
risk of type 2 diabetes. It can be eaten as an appetiser, snack, topping or
dessert and is packed full of calcium and good fats. There you go. No need to
deny yourself the pleasure of a tasty cheeseboard.
NUTS
When it comes
to nuts, go nuts. Many types of nuts are packed with healthy fats, as well as
other nutritious vitamins and minerals. Walnuts are an incredibly rich source
of omega-3 fatty acids, and a handful
a day can lower your cholesterol and improve blood vessel function. Almonds
and pistachios are also great nuts to eat more of if you’re looking to get more
healthy fats in your diet.
Looking for
more advice on what to eat to bolster your healthy eating and fitness plan?
Many of our Virgin Active Health Club Coaches are trained in nutrition and
would love to help! Take
a club tour today and kick-start your journey towards a healthy lifestyle.