Yes, you need to eat fat. That means drinking full fat milk, eating fattier cuts of meat, not skipping the yolk when you have eggs and getting in plenty of omega 3 fatty acids from foods like fish and nuts.

FYI: If you eat fat, you will not only lose fat but you will be healthier and more alert.

Fat is a necessary nutrient as it contains fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A which ensure proper metabolism, stellar cognition and vibrant health. The cells in our bodies need good, healthy fat to function efficiently, make hormones and keep our immune systems strong. Recent research has even shown that fat not only keeps our brains working optimally, but that healthy fats combat depression.

So, why does fat get a bad rap? Because of bad fats like those found shortening and crisco are extremely unhealthy and toxic to our bodies. Trans fats and fats from refined vegetable oils like corn, soy, safflower and sunflower are disease-causing, inflammatory and noxious agents. Don't touch them.

But, what you should eat are saturated fats–those fats found in butter, whole milk, cheese and fatty meats. These fats which are mainly found in animal products are superb for for our health and should be consumed in 4-6 times per week (in 3-4 ounce servings).

And for all you ladies wanting to improve your fertility: A recent study of over 18,000 women found that consumption of low-fat and skim milk products resulted in decreased fertility while consumption of full-fat dairy products saw increased fertility making good quality butter, heavy cream and whole milk good choices for women planning to conceive (Hum Reprod. 2007 May;22(5):1340-7). Eat fat!

And, our favorite fats are the monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and Omega-3 rich fats like those found in olive oil, avocados, fish and nuts. These foods are amazingly nutritious for us and have been shown to have “heart-protective effects”, benefit the nervous system, regulate hormone levels and decrease inflammation. You should be eating 1-2 servings of these types of fats per day!

Lastly, I wanted to put in two words on eggs– eat them! With the yolk! Your body needs cholesterol and your heart will not stop nor will the valves in your arteries get clogged from this nutrient dense food. Eggs are the absolute best source of protein and should be consumed daily! Check out my recent blog on the egg and cholesterol myth here.

Eat fat and be healthy!!