Healthy Fats

Eating healthy fats, in moderation, during weight loss fulfills your dietary fat needs without increasing your chronic disease risks. Examples of heart-healthy fats include plant-based oils — such as olive, canola, walnut, soybean and flaxseed oils — nuts, seeds, nut butters, avocados and olives. Nuts and seeds are rich in heart-healthy fats as well as fiber and protein, which increase satiety more than carbs or fat, so they are an ideal choice when you’re trying to shed pounds.

Fats to Avoid

Bad fats are those that increase your chronic disease risk when consumed in excess. These include saturated animal fats — found in butter, lard, whole milk, ice cream, cream, cheese and high-fat meats like bacon. Plant-based fats that have been hydrogenated and contain trans fat — found in margarines, shortenings, fried foods and commercial baked goods — also increase your risk for heart disease, so avoid them when you’re trying to healthfully lose weight.