Many people fear fat, but in many ways, fat is good. Special essential fats, called omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (found in nuts, vegetable oils, flax and hemp seed and fish), are crucial for a strong immune system and healthy skin and nerve fibers. Research suggests that our early ancestors ate much more of these omega fats than we do. Today, on the other hand, saturated and hydrogenated fats from animal foods and processed snacks are most common. Studies show that unsaturated, essential fats can cut chloresterol and heart disease risk, as can avoiding saturated fats and trans fats (found in processed foods).
Fuel Bars contain no trans fat, are low in saturated fat, and are high in unsaturated fats, especially omega 3 and 6. Besides keeping you healthy, the right fats in the right amounts may also keep you running. Eating carbohydrate-rich foods keeps muscle glycogen stores packed, and that's crucial for endurance performance, but fat is also a vital fuel source during long runs and other endurance efforts.
Fats As Fuel?!
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How your body uses fat for energy depends upon the intensity and duration of exercise:
- When you rest or exercise at low to moderate intensity, fat is the primary fuel source.
- As you increase exercise intensity, your body uses more carbohydrates for fuel.
- If your body uses up its glycogen supply and you keep exercising, your body will burn fat for energy, decreasing exercise intensity.
