Most of us know that consuming a diet that’s high in fat isn’t good for us, but what about visible fat? The fat we can see on cuts of meat, bacon, or cheese.
Should we avoid it? In this article, we’ll explore the risks associated with visible fat in your diet and why it’s time to cut the fat.
What Is Visible Fat?
Visible fat is fat in your diet that you can see with the naked eye. It’s the white part of a steak, for example, or the fat running through bacon, cheese, or even butter.
The fat helps to improve the flavor and texture of food, and in some cases, it’s necessary for cooking.
Why Do We Need To Cut The Fat?
The primary reason you should consider cutting down on visible fat in your diet is that it is not healthy. Consuming too much fat, particularly saturated fat, can increase your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and obesity, among other things.
If you eat a lot of high-fat meat, for example, you are also consuming a lot of calories at the same time. These calories can contribute to weight gain and make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
High-fat foods tend to be high in calories, too, which can make it more difficult to lose weight. If you’re trying to lose weight and you’ve hit a plateau, consider reducing the amount of visible fat in your diet.
Saturated Fats Vs. Unsaturated Fats
Not all fats are created equal, and it’s important to understand the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature and are found in animal products like butter, cheese, and fatty meats.
Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are liquid at room temperature and are found in plant-based foods like nuts, seeds, and avocados.
Unsaturated fats are considered “healthy” fats and can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
When it comes to visible fat, it’s typically the saturated fat that you need to worry about. This is because consuming a diet high in saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
How to Cut Down on Visible Fat in Your Diet
If you’re looking to reduce the amount of visible fat in your diet, there are several things you can do:.
- Choose leaner cuts of meat: When shopping for meat, look for cuts that are labeled “lean” or “extra lean.” These cuts will have less visible fat and be lower in calories.
- Cook meat in a healthy way: Avoid frying meats, as frying can increase the fat content. Instead, try grilling, broiling, or baking your meat.
- Trim the fat: If you do buy a cut of meat with visible fat, trim off as much as possible before cooking.
- Replace high-fat foods with healthier options: Consider trading in your high-fat cheese for a low-fat version, or replacing butter with a healthier fat like olive oil.
- Watch your portions: Even if you’re eating a lean cut of meat, it’s important to watch your portion sizes. Aim for three to four ounces of meat per serving.
Conclusion
Visible fat in your diet can be a significant risk factor for several chronic diseases. It’s important to choose leaner cuts of meat, trim as much visible fat as possible, and choose healthier fats like olive oil over butter.
By making these small changes, you can reduce the amount of visible fat in your diet and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.