Fat – Does it make you fat?

I used to be petrified of fat. For years, I would refuse to eat anything containing even a trace of fat. Chicken had to be skinless.  Tuna in brine.  If there was dressing on the salad, I wouldn’t eat it. I missed out on so many delicious avocadoes. 

The first time I cooked a curry for my husband (who is a Mauritian of Indian origin so he knows his curry) he told me I should never cook for him again. I used water instead of oil and the flavour and aroma of the spices literally boiled away.  It was horrible. 

All of this misery because I didn’t want to eat fat. I thought: Fat contains many calories so eating fat must make you fat. 

While living this fat-free phase, life was miserable. I was hungry all the time. I used to crave sweet things constantly. I couldn’t eat anything at restaurants. Going to visit friends was stressful because…what would I eat? And, my weight fluctuated wildly…which caused a lot of stress and anxiety. 

Fast-forward to now: About 40% of my calories come from fat. I don’t have cravings. My weight is constant. I am in control of my appetite. And, my food tastes amazing. Husband says I make REALLY good curry now!

Nutrition knowledge has exploded. We now know that it’s not just the calorie content of the food you eat that determines its effect on your weight. It’s how the food affects your hormones, fat storage mechanisms, emotions, microbiome, appetite, and metabolism. 

So, eating fat does not make you fat.  Of course, you must choose the right fats.  Eating good healthy fats makes you healthy and happy.