No... not THAT one... I'm talking about FAT

Does the mere thought of eating it scare you? Do you avoid it at all costs? Have you always heard, read or assumed that red meat was the devil?
Eat meat to build muscle

It's astounding the ignorance that exists about this highly misunderstood nutrient. I'm here to tell you that if you are trying to lose body fat and/or build muscle, you are going to have to get over your fat phobia.

There are 9 calories to 1 gram of fat and there are 4 calories to 1 gram of carbohydrates and protein. This means that fat is the highest caloric nutrient of them all, but don't let that dissuade you. Our bodies need a certain amount of fat from the food we eat. The most important sources of fat are from fish, olive oil and nuts but we also need a small amount of saturated fat from animal sources to ensure proper hormone production and cell formation.

For best results, choose the leanest cuts of ground beef and steak and if possible buy organic. It's more expensive, but organic beef means the cattle were grass fed rather than corn fed. Organic beef contains 300-400% more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than regular beef. In research studies, CLA has been determined to cut the risk of certain cancers by 60%. Grass fed cattle also contain higher levels of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that may have anti-aging properties.

Olive Oil is another great source of fat that may control "bad" LDL cholesterol, protect against heart disease and protect against stomach ulcers and gastritis. Extra Virgin olive is considered the best source because it is the least processed.

Fats from nuts and seeds are another healthy source of fat and serve as a convenient snack between meals. They are filling, help with elimination (going #2) and are high in antioxidants. All healthy fats help support proper thyroid and adrenal (hormone) function, boost the immune system, promote healthy skin, nails and hair and promote the feeling of satiety (feeling full after eating).

Including a small amount of red meat, chicken and turkey in your diet a few times per week is alright as long as you have a healthy cholesterol level and normal blood pressure. If these things are an issue, limit your fat consumption to the Omega-3's such as olive oil, flax oil, fish and nuts.