Fats for Fitness

Do young people need to eat fat              YES!

 

 

For Growth! We need essential fatty acids for healthy growth and development.

For Energy! Fat helps fuel our muscles for sports performance.

For Important Body Functions! 

  • to transport fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K around the body

  • to manufacture important hormones

  • to promote healthy skin and nerve function

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