EEK! 40% FAT??

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2009-07-17 9:07 AM

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Subject: EEK! 40% FAT??

I've always thought of myself as a healthy eater but lately (ie past year) I've noticed it getting harder to shed those extra winter pounds (usually have a 5 pound gain).  I'm thinking it's related to age.  In a little experiment I recently increased my daily calorie intake and managed to get rid of them (must have been eating too little for the amount of exercise) Yay!  So currently I'm feeling pretty good about my diet and while the bod isn't perfect - I can happily live with it.  I work out often, eat many small meals throughout the day.  I feel as though I have a good energy level and have a healthy glow about me.  When I get tired (usually mid-day) I eat some nuts or have a little protein snack to perk me up.  But then I was reading this thread about the % you should take in - that a typical day should be 45% carbs, 20% fat and 35% protein.  So out of curiousity I started tracking mine and !!!  I take in almost 40% fat every day!!  Healthy fats but fat all the same.  Should I be concerned? 

As an example - here's today's running tally (of what I know I'll likely consume by dinner time):
Breaky: Banana & hard boiled egg
Snack: Unsweetened applesauce & string cheese
Lunch: 1/2c brown rice, veggies grilled in olive oil & garlic with a wedge of avocado & an ounce of goat cheese, splash of balsamic vinnegar
Snack: plum

A typical dinner might be a salad with bbq meat - I have to confess I have a weakness for cheese.  Salad might be spinach, blueberries with goat cheese or green leaf with asiago and grilled mushrooms.  I don't know if I have the strength to cut back on the cheese - I don't drink milk so that's my justification   But ya - factor in a mid-day snack of nuts and I'd be through the roof on the fat!

My running tally for today equates to 43% fat, 14% protein and 43% carbs.  Should I be concerned? 

2009-07-17 9:19 AM
in reply to: #2291350

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Subject: RE: EEK! 40% FAT??
Concerned about what?
2009-07-17 9:27 AM
in reply to: #2291394

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Subject: RE: EEK! 40% FAT??

DerekL - 2009-07-17 10:19 AM Concerned about what?


Are there health concerns about eating a diet so high in fat?  Should I be trying to cut back?

2009-07-17 9:38 AM
in reply to: #2291350

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Subject: RE: EEK! 40% FAT??

You do not get fat from eating fat. There are many theories on the proper % of macros to eat. 40/30/30 , 60/20/20 etc, etc. 

You say you feel good and have plenty of energy, so this might be right for you. Just keep your overall calories in check to lose weight.

As an endurance athlete, I would be more concerned that your protein is so low. You need that to repair your muscles.

2009-07-17 9:48 AM
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Subject: RE: EEK! 40% FAT??
kimmax - 2009-07-17 9:27 AM

DerekL - 2009-07-17 10:19 AM Concerned about what?


Are there health concerns about eating a diet so high in fat?  Should I be trying to cut back?



You said that most of it was from good fat.  Are you worried that good fat is bad after a certain amount?
2009-07-17 10:00 AM
in reply to: #2291503

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Subject: RE: EEK! 40% FAT??

DerekL - 2009-07-17 10:48 AM
kimmax - 2009-07-17 9:27 AM

DerekL - 2009-07-17 10:19 AM Concerned about what?


Are there health concerns about eating a diet so high in fat?  Should I be trying to cut back?



You said that most of it was from good fat.  Are you worried that good fat is bad after a certain amount?


Yes - that's my concern.  My fat primarily comes from eggs, avocados, cheese, nuts and olive oil so I think it's all good fats but at some point - should I be concerned that my diet is fat heavy compared to my protein/carbs intake.  I'm not worried that by eating fat I'll become fat (silly notion imho).  But perhaps eating such a high amount might be hard on my body in other ways... things I should be concerned about...?

2009-07-17 10:32 AM
in reply to: #2291558

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Subject: RE: EEK! 40% FAT??
kimmax - 2009-07-17 10:00 AM

DerekL - 2009-07-17 10:48 AM
kimmax - 2009-07-17 9:27 AM

DerekL - 2009-07-17 10:19 AM Concerned about what?


Are there health concerns about eating a diet so high in fat?  Should I be trying to cut back?



You said that most of it was from good fat.  Are you worried that good fat is bad after a certain amount?


Yes - that's my concern.  My fat primarily comes from eggs, avocados, cheese, nuts and olive oil so I think it's all good fats but at some point - should I be concerned that my diet is fat heavy compared to my protein/carbs intake.  I'm not worried that by eating fat I'll become fat (silly notion imho).  But perhaps eating such a high amount might be hard on my body in other ways... things I should be concerned about...?



Not really.  Like somebody said above, the macronutrient profile of your diet can be argued all day long without an answer, but there's nothing wrong with any particular amount of good fat unless it drives up your total calories.
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