Fats for Fitness
Do young people need to eat fat YES!
For Energy! Fat helps fuel our muscles for sports performance.
For Important Body Functions!
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to transport fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K around the body
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to manufacture important hormones
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to promote healthy skin and nerve function
For Growth! We need essential fatty acids for healthy growth and development.
25-30% of a young person's diet should come from fats.
The majority of this should be unsaturated fats (omega 3’s and omega 6’s) which can reduce the risk of heart-related disease, as well as improve immunity levels,
mood and brain development.
Too many saturated fats can lead to
greater risk of heart-related diseases
in later life.
Unsaturated fat?
That's avocados, nuts, seeds, salmon, sardines, peanut butter.
Studies have shown that a diet rich in unsaturated fats can enhance sports performance
Saturated fat?
Butter, cheese, milk and meat is good to eat in moderation BUT .... watch out for processed foods! They can contain high levels of fat and salt. These are
processed cakes & biscuits, pastries, sausage rolls, pork pies, processed meats such as salami.
Cook something YUMMY with healthy fats!
Homemade tortilla chips
and spicy guacamole
