A New Lease . . . On Life! - Getting thin – on fats?
By Judit Rajhathy, B.A., RNCP, D.Ac.
You betcha! But I am talking about the right kinds of fats – such as the amazing Omegas – Omega 3s in particular, which are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna and cod, and oils made from flax and hemp seeds. “Omega 3 fats raise your metabolism, help flush water from your kidneys, and lower your triglyceride levels. These fatty acids also increase the activity of carnitine to help your body burn fat better.” (The Fat Flush Plan, Ann Louise Gittleman). Not only does this liquid gold burn fat but it also gives a feeling of fullness, satisfaction and more energy! And most of us do not get enough essential fatty acids from our diets—hence the increase in sales of these important fats among health conscious people.
Essential fatty acids are necessary for your body’s biochemical processes and without them your body senses a famine and begins to convert more carbohydrates into fat, turning it into a fat-producing machine (fatsforhealth.com). Eating processed foods that contain hydrogenated trans-fats to further shelf life, consuming margarine, eating a diet high in sugar and alcohol all interfere with proper absorption of essential fatty acids, particularly the Omega 3s.
Deficiencies in essential fatty acids not only help us burn fat but also aid in the following conditions:
- Memory loss
- High blood pressure
- Elevated triglycerides
- Dementia
- Chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Insulin resistance (syndrome X) leading to type 2 diabetes
- Itchy, dry skin and skin disorders such as eczema
- Hormone imbalances
- Behavior problems such as ADD, ADHD, bi-polar and depressive disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fibromyalgia
It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 (another essential fatty acid found in soy, sunflower, canola, peanut and corn oil) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most Omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 2 - 4 times more Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 - 25 times more Omega-6 fatty acids than Omega-3 fatty acids! Many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the western world.
Good quality Omega 3 oils should be fresh, contained in a darkened bottle and if derived from a fish source, should be free of mercury and other contaminants. Freshly pressed, top quality flaxseed oil is now available right here in Lakeside! In fact, a combination of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese - well known worldwide as the Budwig formula – is believed to be one of the most potent influences for those recovering from cancers and is one of the best preventatives.
So if you want to drop those extra unwanted pounds and enjoy a disease-free existence filled with vitality, cut those empty carbs down (sugar, white flour, white rice, etc.), reduce your intake of saturated fats (butter, fatty meats), eliminate preserved meats, avoid processed foods which contain hydrogenated fats, emphasize fruits and vegetables, and add some of these healthy fats back into your diet!
(Judit is the owner of Change of Pace Fitness Center and is the Author of the Canadian best-seller Free to Fly: a journey towards wellness. She can be contacted at rajhathy@gmail.com or www.changeofpacefitnesscenter.com or 766-5800)
Judit Rajhathy, BA, RNCP, D.Ac. is a nutritional consultant, licensed acupuncturist (Canada) specializing in food and environmental sensitivities. She is a dynamic lecturer, having regularly appeared on national television shows and has produced and hosted her own television series on holistic health. Judit is the author of the best selling Canadian health book, Free to Fly: a journey toward wellness and most recently is owner of Change of Pace Fitness Center in Ajijic.