By now, you’ve probably heard how bad trans fats are for you and you might even be trying to avoid them in the foods you eat. But trans fats can be lurking in food where you wouldn’t expect to find them. And even if you are diligent, they may even escape labeling in packaged foods. Read on to find out where trans fats could be hiding in your daily diet and learn the easiest ways to avoid them.
Fats come in several different kinds that depend on the chemical structure of the fat molecule. Saturated fats are typically found in animals. They’re dense in energy and solid at room temperature like butter. Unsaturated fats are typically found in plants. They’re less dense in energy and liquid at room temperature like olive oil. While unsaturated fats are typically the healthy kind, trans fat is a specific kind of unsaturated fat that’s only made in manufacturing. It’s an unnatural fat and can cause inflammation in your body and raise your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.
Forgive yourself, and start walking toward a healthier you.
For those of you who have put on the Pandemic Pounds or added several new COVID Curves, you are not alone. Alarmingly, the American Psychological Association has recently published that almost half of all adults in their survey now have a larger physique. In fact, 42% of people reported gaining roughly 15 pounds (the average published was surprisingly 29 pounds but that included outliers) over the past year. Interestingly, 20% of adults in this survey lost about 12 pounds (I am surely not in this group). Clearly, there is a relationship between stress and weight change. In addition, one in four adults disclosed an increase in alcohol consumption, and 67% of participants distressingly revealed that they have new sleeping patterns.
This past year has brought about what has been called the 'new normal.' Social isolation and inactivity due to quarantining and remote working have sadly contributed to the decline in many people's mental and physical health, as demonstrated by the widespread changes in people's weight, alcohol consumption, and sleeping patterns. Gym closures, frequent ordering of unhealthy takeout, and increased time at home cooking and devouring comfort foods have had a perceptible impact. In addition, many people have delayed routine medical care and screening tests over fear of contracting Covid-19 during these visits. Unfortunately, the 'new normal' has now placed too many people at risk for serious health consequences, including heart attacks and strokes.
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