Weight Management, Gastric Bypass and Diabetes

Editors Post:

What do these three things have in Common?

Well, the above subjects are the three main areas of focus for me at the present time in my professional life. I will continue to entertain your questions, but I have decided to have more of a "Focus" to my blog and what better areas to focus on than what I am specializing in professionally? In addition, even if you aren't diabetic and don't need gastric bypass surgery, weight management is a subject that affects most of us.

On that note... it brings me to the question of the day: What is the difference between all the different types of fat?

Answer: First of all, all fats contain 9 calories per gram and therefore, they all need to be portioned in to your diet in order to avoid weight gain. However, not all fats are created equal outside of their caloric density.

Omega - 3 fatty acids: A type of polyunsaturated fat that aids in the body's development, especially the brain and eyes. (Found in fatty, cold-water fish, flaxseeds and walnuts).

Omega -6 fatty acids: A polyunsaturated fat that aids in the body's development; especially the brain and eyes (similar to omega -3 fatty acids). Found in cereals, eggs, poultry, whole-grain breads and margarine).

Monounsaturated fat: Provides essential fatty acids for healthy skin and the development of body cells. (Found in olive/peanut/canola oil, avocados and most nuts)

Polyunsaturated fat: A source of essential fatty acids for healthy skin and the development of body cells. (Found in vegetable oils)

Saturated fat: The number one cause of high blood cholesterol. It raises your LDL (bad) cholesterol and can contribute to clogging of the arteries. (Found in red meat, poultry, butter and whole milk).

Trans fat: Act like saturated fat in the body and can raise your LDL levels as well as lower your HDL (good) cholesterol. (Found in crackers, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, french fries, shortening).

Bottom line: Fat is essential to a healthy diet. But choose your fats wisely and try to make most of your fats from UNSATURATED sources.