Fat & Calories

[kimstarr]

It's me agatin with another nutrition question I was curious about. I hope my question won't be too confusing. I know it takes 3,500 calories to gain one pound, but can a certain amount of fat grams cause you to gain one pound? Or is it just 3,500 calories worth of fat grams (which is about 389 grams)would make you gain one pound? I've read that only 30% of your calories should come from fat, but if it's more than 30% do you gain more weight? Sorry for all the questions. Sometimes I find in my diet that my calories amount is ok, but I probably ate too much fat and I'm wondering is it more of a health thing vs. losing weight. I have plans to redo my diet, but I've always wondered about this. Thanks for any help!

Kimstarr

 

[Debra]

You gain one pound when you consume 3500 more calories than you burn no matter whether it's carrot sticks or bacon. But there is some research that suggests people are more likely to store fat calories than carbs or protein. The primary reason you want to limit fat to less than 30%, & saturated fat to <10% is for cardiovascular health. You can be thin & still be closing up the arteries. Also if your calories budget is used on fatty foods it crowds out nutrient dense choices - vegies, fruits, whole grains, & beans. People who eat a high fat diet, even if they're weight is ok, usually aren't consuming enough vitamins, minerals & phytochemicals. America's fatty but skinny teens are prime examples.

You don't want to drop fat calories too low but try to chose your fats carefully. Limit hydrogenated & saturated fat.

Post again if this doesn't make sense or it triggers more questions.

Debra