The oil you cook with can make a big difference both in your health and your fat loss efforts. Most people today use either a generic “vegetable oil” or canola oil. Both of these are poor choices, and can actually impair your health. It is only partially true that fat makes you fat, BAD fats do make you fat, but GOOD fats will actually make you burn fat. Both generic vegetable oils and canola oil are very high in Omega-6 fats and therefore easily turn rancid and cause fat gain and inflammation (pain) in the body (See 6 Reasons You Need Fish Oil).

There are three oils that I recommend for my clients to use: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), Macadamia Nut Oil, and Coconut Oil.

Both EVOO and Macadamia Nut Oil are good choices because they are very low in both Omega-6′s and Omega-3′s, which makes them great for cooking because these fats can be damaged relatively easily with heat. They also add great flavor to your dish. When not using very high heats, these are a great option. Another option, to add variety, is avocado oil.

Coconut Oil is another great option because of the high saturated fat content. I know that might sound odd, but saturated fat from high quality sources, like organic coconuts and grass-fed beef or butter, are actually healthy and good for you. The only saturated fats that are bad for you are the ones from sick animals and processed/packaged foods. In fact, in order to properly utilize the Omega-3′s in fish oil and other foods, you need a healthy amount of saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat also means the oil will be stable at high temperatures, which makes Coconut Oil ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Alternatives are either butter or ghee (grass-fed only, and no margarine).

Coconut Oil Bonus: Coconut Oil is very high in something called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s), which are a type of fat that is very easily burned by the body, and rarely stored. It is a great food to add to your diet if you are trying to lose fat.

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