Ah, fat. The misunderstood villain of the food world. For years, we were told to avoid it like the plague. “Fat makes you fat,” they said. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t (well, not all of it). In fact, healthy fats are the unsung heroes of your diet, especially if you’re an active person who enjoys smashing PBs, sweating it out in the gym, or just power-walking to the pub on a Friday evening.
But here’s the thing — not all fats are created equal. Some will love your body right back, while others will clog up your arteries faster than you can say “double cheeseburger with extra bacon.” For instance, salt and pepper chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with healthy fats like avocado oil for giving an extra boost to the body.
So, let’s break down the good, the bad, and the downright oily.
Why You Need Healthy Fats (Yes, You Do)
Healthy fats are like that mate who always has your back. They keep your hormones in check, help your body absorb vitamins, and give your brain the fuel it needs to come up with witty Instagram captions. And if you’re active (which I’ll assume you are unless you’ve stumbled here looking for cake recipes), fats are a great source of long-lasting energy.
Plus, fats help keep your joints happy. And trust me, when you hit your thirties, your knees will thank you for every ounce of avocado you ever ate.
The Good, the Bad, and the Greasy
Let’s talk about oils, shall we? You’ve got a cupboard full of the stuff, but do you know which ones are your best gym buddies and which are the culinary equivalent of a frenemy? No? Well, buckle up.
1. Olive Oil: The OG of Healthy Oils
If olive oil were a person, it’d be that effortlessly cool Italian friend who drinks espresso at 10 pm and never gets hangovers. It’s packed with monounsaturated fats (the good ones) and antioxidants.
For a healthier take on salt pepper chicken, try using olive oil or rapeseed oil when cooking to keep the meal nutritious and tasty.
Best for: Drizzling on salads, roasting veg, or dipping bread when you’re feeling fancy.
Not so great for: High-heat cooking. It’ll burn faster than your hopes of getting Glastonbury tickets.
2. Coconut Oil: The Tropical Superstar
This one’s a bit controversial. Some people swear by it; others think it’s as overrated as avocado toast. But here’s the tea — it’s high in saturated fats (gasp!). However, they’re medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which your body burns for energy quicker than a Love Island contestant burns through fake tan.
Best for: Frying, baking, and pretending you’re on holiday in Bali.
Not so great for: Salad dressings. Unless you enjoy eating solidified oil. No judgement.
3. Avocado Oil: The Millennial Favourite
Ah, avocado oil. Because apparently, we weren’t satisfied with just spreading the stuff on toast. This oil has a high smoke point, meaning it won’t go up in flames when you crank up the heat.
Best for: Stir-fries, roasting, and impressing your mates with your posh cooking habits.
Not so great for: Your wallet. Seriously, have you seen the price?
4. Rapeseed Oil: The British Classic
Often overlooked, but actually a bit of a legend. It’s got a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and it’s grown right here in good ol’ Blighty.
Best for: Frying, roasting, and supporting local farmers. Keep it patriotic.
Not so great for: Fancy drizzling. It’s not that kind of oil.
Oils to Use Sparingly (Or Not at All)
Look, I’m not here to be the food police, but if you’re deep-frying everything in vegetable oil or slathering margarine on your toast like it’s going out of fashion, we need to talk.
Vegetable Oil & Sunflower Oil: High in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation if you go overboard. Not ideal if you want to recover quickly from your workouts.
Palm Oil: Environmental nightmare. Let’s just leave it at that.
Top Tips for Cooking with Oils
- Know Your Smoke Points: No, this isn’t a weird fitness trend. Different oils have different temperatures at which they start to burn. And when they burn, they release harmful compounds. Keep it cool, people.
- Store Them Properly: Heat, light, and air are the enemies of your precious oils. Keep them in a cool, dark place. Basically, treat them like a vampire.
- Don’t Be Stingy: Healthy fats are good for you, so don’t be afraid to use a splash (or a glug) when cooking. Your taste buds will thank you.
So there you have it — the lowdown on healthy fats and oils for an active lifestyle. They’re not the enemy; they’re your secret weapon. Choose wisely, cook boldly, and remember: life’s too short for bland food. Now go forth and drizzle responsibly.
Featured Image Source: https://www.foodforfitness.co.uk/wp-content/smush-webp/2023/08/salt-and-pepper-chicken-recipe-2-scaled-e1692004197571.jpeg.webp
