If someone told you that you needed fat would you believe them? Fat can either be categorized as good fat or bad fat. When we grocery shop it is important to look at the labels yet many of them look like a different language. Watching fat content helps reduce the clogging of our arteries, increase energy and limits the amount of weight we put on.In our food there are four types of fat that we should know: saturated fats, Trans fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Whoa what? They may seem very intimidating but each one has a different chemical structure which affects each body differently. In real terms which one should we stay clear of and which are ok for our healthy body?Saturated and Trans fats usually become solid when left at room temperature unlike both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which tend to be liquid. Although some are seen as good fat and bad fat they are all high in calories so having more of one is still not in your healthiest interest. Saturated and Trans Fats are referred to as ‘bad’ fats because they raise the level of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can actually lower your LDL cholesterol levels.Your body must have fat in order to function. Replacing the bad fat with the good fat will help your feel and look healthy when done in moderation. Essential fatty acids are not able to be made in the body which means we have to receive it through what we eat. Eating foods such as; nuts, flax seed, omega 3, soybean oil, canola oil, salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and fresh tuna will achieve obtaining the correct essential fats.What kind of fat did you eat today?Learn more about what Nordic Walking is and how it can help you live healthier at Learning – York Nordic