Going oil-free was the standard weight loss advice for a long time. However, healthy fats are still necessary in the body if fat burning, hormonal balance, and satiety are to be maintained. But as a consumer, you can't be sure just from the packaging which oils help with weight loss and which ones are just adding to your calorie intake.
The solution is not just about calories; it is also a question of the oil's influence on metabolism and hunger.
Fats are not equal. The fats from some oils can quickly be converted to body fat, while the fats in other oils can be used as energy by the body immediately. The fats listed below are the healthiest for your diet:
|
Oil Type |
Best Used For... |
Weight Loss Superpower |
|
Coconut/MCT |
Smoothies & Coffee |
Boosts metabolic rate |
|
Olive Oil |
Salads & Low-heat cooking |
Increases feelings of fullness |
|
Avocado Oil |
Searing & Roasting |
Stable at high temperatures |
|
Grapeseed Oil |
General cooking |
High in Vitamin E (use sparingly) |
In case you have this small chart next to you, there might be no doubt left on which oil would facilitate your weight loss rather than put you on weight:
In any event, be it a highly beneficial oil or not, it is still loaded with calories. You shouldn't just increase your oil consumption assuming that you will be able to make a change; rather you should replace the unhealthy fats with the good ones. What you should stay away from are "vegetable" or "seed" oil products such as soybean and corn oil because these are mostly refined and may lead to the body becoming inflamed; as a result, it will be twice as difficult to lose weight.
The best oil choice while dieting would be E.V.O.O. for eating, and MCT or Coconut Oil if you want to give a quick burst of energy to your metabolism. It will be such a great help both to your hunger and fat burning if, after you've changed to the highest quality cold-pressed oil, you keep your portion size at around one tablespoon per meal.