Fat gets a bad rap

Hey, Hey, Hey: It's Protein Albert!! Doesn't have the same ring, does it? Nor does it create the same mental picture. Let's face it, fat gets a bad rap. If it weren't for simple semantics -- that is, the fact that 'fat' is also the word that we use to describe an excess of adipose tissue -- fat may be given a more fair shake.

But, what's done is done, and what remains is the fat fear. "Don't eat too much of that, it has a lot of fat in it. You'll gain weight." Or, "I'm on a low-fat diet -- I'm trying to lose weight." Sound familiar? It should, because statements like this are thrown around every day by people who are only partially correct in what they are saying.

First of all, there are both good and bad fats. Making the distinction between the two can mean the difference between raising blood pressure/increasing body weight/increasing bad cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure/decreasing body weight/increasing good cholesterol levels. The point is that not all fats are created equal, and they are certainly not all bad for you.

But, there of course is some truth to the whole 'fat' makes you fat assertion that so many are eager to proclaim. Trans fat is perhaps the most widely talked about culprit these days, to the point that Starbucks has eliminated all trans fats from their products. Bad fats such as these can and will cause you to gain weight, in addition to wreaking havoc on cholesterol levels.

Just like anything else, fats must be eaten in moderation in order to help avoid health risks. Insofar as calories go, just remember that there are about 9 calories in each gram of fat, whereas there are only 4 in each gram of protein and carbohydrates. Try adding almonds, olive oil, avocados and other sources of healthy fat to your diet, while at the same time cutting out Krispy Kreme, McDonald's, and KFC. By following these simple guidelines, you'll soon find that fat as bad as everyone wants to make it out to be.