Lifestyle: Doesn’t Eating Fat Make You Fat?

Lifestyle:  Doesn’t Eating Fat Make You Fat?

In the previous issues, I’ve discussed my weight loss journey of losing 60 lbs by following the ketogenic diet. I explained that the ketogenic diet is a low carb, moderate protein, high fat way of eating. It’s the high fat part that often makes people pretty uncomfortable.

You’ve been hearing for years that fat is bad for you and should be avoided, but that’s just not the case! This is where we ditch the low fat or fat free items that are supposed to be helping us live a healthier lifestyle. The fear of fat in society is real but its unjustified when consumed as part of a low carbohydrate diet such as keto.

It takes a little time for you to get used to the idea of eating high fat, especially after years of buying low fat foods, skimping on dressings, and being light on the butter. Eating higher fat is one of the reasons the ketogenic diet is so enjoyable. Fat is fuel on this diet which is why you can eat foods like bacon, butter, heavy cream, cheese etc.

When you’re eating extremely low levels of carbohydrates, your body needs fat for energy! When you’re in a state of ketosis your body can tap into stored fat – yes, the fat on your tummy or your arms – for its energy needs, which is why many people on the ketogenic diet don’t feel hungry often.

You’ll often hear people say to eat fat until full, don’t be misguided. Most keto dieters do not pour butter and cream sauces on everything that they eat. Majority eat healthy salads with high fat dressings and cheese. Other favourite meals include high fat cuts of meat like steak or skin-on chicken thighs with buttered roasted veggies like zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, and broccoli.

I recently celebrated my 60 lb weight loss with a photo session with my photographer friend Erwin Loewen from Aylmer, ON. It felt amazing to feel confident enough to take the photos and eating fat got me here!

For more helpful info on the ketogenic diet, connect with Joanna Wilcox on Instagram: @ketoincanada, Youtube: ketoincanada, Facebook: IAmKetoinCanada or her web site where she offers a beginners guide and group support: Iamketoincanada.com.

Joanna Wilcox is Canadian Health and Fitness Influencer from Woodstock, Ontario.