Dietary fat has had a major PR problem. Some people fear it, while others embrace it. But fat isn’t good or evil. It’s just another essential part of a balanced diet. The key to understanding fat is knowing which fats to favor and which to be more mindful about.

This guide brings together expert-backed insights and MyFitnessPal tools to help you navigate the world of fats with confidence.

Guide to Fats: Types, Benefits, and How Much You Need

Fat in our food has long been feared. You may remember the 90s, when snack shelves were lined with fat-free and low-fat cookies, cakes, and more. Today we know that dietary fat—both saturated and unsaturated—have a place in a balanced diet. To clear up the confusion, we’re diving into all things fat in this piece. From what types there are, to which types you need (and how much), we’ve got you covered in this article.

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Are High-Fat Diets Healthy? New Study Reveals New Truths

Grocery store aisles are filled with “keto-friendly” alternatives to their carb-filled counterparts and every other Instagram health guru seems to be touting the benefits of going low carb. But are high fat diets actually as good for you as they claim to be?

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Is Extra-virgin Olive Oil Really a Health Food?

Extra-virgin olive oil has long held a reputation as a health-promoting food. With its supposed heart health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s frequently recommended as a nutritious diet staple. In fact, extra-virgin olive oil is a key part of the Mediterranean diet, which the US News & World Report has ranked as the healthiest diet for years. But is extra-virgin olive oil truly as beneficial for health as believed? 

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Is Vegetable Oil Bad For Your Health?

Some oils—namely vegetable oils—have been getting a bad rap on social media lately. Dig into the actual science behind vegetable oils—and whether or not they’re as unhealthy as TikTok makes them out to be.

5 Foods Low in Saturated Fat to Add to Your Life, According to a Dietitian

Most healthcare providers stick by the decades-old advice to stick with a low saturated fat diet to improve your cardiovascular health. Learn what a low saturated fat diet is in the first place, what foods you should include on this eating plan, and here’s how to navigate this diet with ease.

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Other Tools for Success

• Tracker Tip: Log your meals in MyFitnessPal to track your fat intake and balance healthy fats while limiting saturated fat. Seeing your daily breakdown helps you make smarter choices.
• Interactive Tool:  Use MyFitnessPal’s free macro calculator to find the right fat, carb, and protein balance for your health goals.

The post MyFitnessPal Guide: Dietary Fat Edition appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.