Where to Get Your Essential Fatty Acids

Appetizer
Make certain to include some of the “good fats” into your diet.

Main Course
It seems every week there is a new study that shows that there are newfound benefits to regularly eating Omega-3 fatty acids, or EFAs. So far, they have been found to reduce muscle inflammation, lubricate joints, improve heart health, improve brain function and even help you lose weight. With all that can be gained, it is a good idea to include more of these kinds of fats into your diet. Here are some of the best ways to make sure you are getting your daily dose of EFAs:

Fish - You probably already know that fish is a prime source of Omega-3s, but not all fish have an equal amount of fatty acids. Tuna, for example, is really too lean to get a decent amount of EFAs, but salmon or mackerel will get the job done.

Flaxseeds - Flaxseeds are well known for being one of the best sources of EFAs that don’t come from an animal product. As a bonus, they’re also loaded with fiber. To include more in your diet, you could sprinkle some on your morning cereal, use them to give your salad a bit more crunch, or even add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil to your protein shake.

Certain Vegetables – Vegetables don’t quite have the same Omega-3 punch as the other two sources, but they can be a great source if you eat them regularly. Your EFA loaded salad should include broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts.

Appetizer
People are sometimes shocked when I suggest that they add additional fats to their diet because they’ve probably heard for years that all fats are bad. Actually, like the low-carb diet, the low-fat diet is just misguided. It’s true that of all the macronutrients, you need less fat than you need carbohydrates and protein, but it’s still essential. People seem to be looking for one, single diet tip that will help them lose weight, but there just isn’t one. Good nutrition comes from a variety of information that together can make one smart diet plan.