The Big FAT, “FAT” Debate

11-14am

One of the biggest issues when eating Low Carb High Fat (LCHF)  is the debate about eating FAT! Gary Taubes well known book Why We Get Fat includes the phrase “fat doesn’t make us fat!” For most people who launch themselves into LCHF, the main challenge is getting your head around the idea that fat is okay! It is a process which takes a lot of time. It also takes a bit of experimenting in finding what actually suits your own body. We are all unique and that includes our stomachs and what goes down well with them! But don’t be too afraid of fat, especially if it is good fats, such as avocado and free range eggs and meat.

Professor Tim Noakes will be on Rise and Shine talking more about this topic on Tuesday 6th August between 7 & 8am.

The other day, Trish posted a link to a fascinating article on the history of heart disease. I copied and went through it quite carefully, noting the big fat ‘fat’ debate has been raging for  many years. Here is the link if you have a few minutes…

The History of Heart Disease

What is interesting is that there have always been voices over the decades crying out that Low Fat is not the answer. The only problem is that the voices promoting Low Fat (and lining their pockets at the same time) have been far more numerous and louder than the proponents of Low Carb High Fat eating.

I have concluded that there is a balance to be had. I am not an expert, at all! I don’t even come vaguely close to understanding all that is going on in the liver or the pancreas when we eat sugar or fat. I generally am someone who eats the fish (which is good for you!) and leaves the bones. I grab onto that which I know is true and all that is complex or not easy to understand, I lay to one side for a possible time where it becomes more clear. With that in mind, in my simple way of thinking, I suggest 3 ways or progressing on a Low Carb journey.

1. If you are carbohydrate intolerant,  diabetic/pre-diabetic or have diabetes in the family, go the whole hog when it comes to LCHF. Follow as low carb as you need. Lose the weight, get good stable blood sugar levels & eat high fat and protein.

2. If you are like me – healthy, not pre-diabetic, no diabetes in the family, but slightly over-weight and keen to lose a few kilogrammes, then look at the LCHF way. Cut out all sugar, measure carbs, eat high (good) fat and fill up on protein.  I do have treats, but 5/7ths of the week, I am very careful. I have found myself with more energy, no more stomach issues, no more carb drowsiness, less eczema and I do believe a better memory.

3. Then you may be like my husband Mike, not carbohydrate intolerant, not pre-diabetic, not overweight and healthy. To you I say at the very least, cut out all sugar! If you do want to eat bread, eat low G.I. and try and be aware of the overt carbs you eat. Still avoid refined carbs.

That’s the thought process I’m going through at the moment! This whole topic is evolving as more information and scientific research is being done.

 James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

After all, He is the Author of life!

Off to gym.

God bless you loads!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂