Fats on the Run: Unveiling the Bad and the Good Ones for our Performance

Feasting at Chris Sports Store

Are you ready to talk about fats? Don't worry, I won't judge you for that little bit of extra cushioning. After all, I've had my fair share of yo-yo dieting too (and a little bit of love-handles already growing).

But let's get serious for a moment, because what we eat really can affect our running performance and overall health.

First, let's talk about the different types of fats:

We've got saturated fats, trans fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Now, I know that's a mouthful, but bear with me.

Saturated fats are the bad guys, the Darth Vaders of the fat world. They can be found in certain cuts of meat, cheese, butter, and other delicious but oh-so-evil foods. Consuming too much saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, and a host of other health problems.

Coconut oil is also one example of saturated fats, but there's still a lot of debate about the pros and cons about this (I bet not all saturated fats are created equally). So do your own research and be vigilant of your choices.

So if you want to keep your heart healthy and your arteries clear, it's best to limit your intake of these bad boys.

Trans fats are even worse than saturated fats. They're like the Emperor Palpatine of the fat world, pure evil. Trans fats can be found in vegetable oils, baked goods, processed snacks, and fried foods (going to the max if fried in low smoking point oils such as olive, nuts, and seed oils. This is another topic we should also learn about).

They raise your bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol, and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. So just say no to trans fats, okay?

Monounsaturated fats, or as I like to call them, the "Good Guys" of the fat world. These fats are like the charming and elegant heroes who come to save the day in a romantic comedy movie, except in this case, they're saving your running performance and overall health!

Monounsaturated fats are the smooth operators that can be found in foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. They are known for their heart-healthy benefits, as they can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

They can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty fish, and olive oil.

But that's not all! These fats are also great for runners because they provide a slow and steady source of energy, helping you keep that pep in your step during those long runs.

Monounsaturated fats also add flavor and depth to your meals while promoting health. So, don't be afraid to embrace the "Good Guys" of fats and make them a delicious and nutritious part of your diet to enhance your running performance and overall well-being!

Polyunsaturated fats, the "Mavericks" of the fat universe. These fats are like the rebels who march to the beat of their own drum, and they're here to make a splash in your running performance and overall health!

Polyunsaturated fats can be found in fish oils or fatty fish like salmon (just be cautious about the farmed ones), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sunflower oil, and even dark chocolate (yes, really!). They are packed with essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are crucial for brain function, heart health, and inflammation control.

For us runners, polyunsaturated fats can be a game-changer. It helps reduce inflammation in the body, aiding in muscle recovery after those intense workouts. Plus, they can help improve lung function, which is essential if you're seeking to boost your endurance.

Polyunsaturated fats bring unexpected benefits to the table. So, be a "Maverick" and embrace these healthy fats to elevate your running game and overall well-being. It's time to ride the wave of polyunsaturated fats and let them work their magic!

Source: Dr. Sears Zone

Of course, fat isn't the only thing that affects our running performance. We also need to make sure we're getting enough carbs and protein, and staying hydrated. By making smart choices about the types of fats we eat, we can give ourselves a little extra boost.

So there you have it. The lowdown on fats and how they affect our running performance and overall health. Remember, balance is key. Don't be afraid to indulge in a little bit of the bad stuff every now and then, but make sure the majority of your diet is made up of the good stuff.

And who knows, maybe one day you'll be running so fast that you'll feel like you've got the power of the force on your side. May the fats be with you!