FOOD SOURCES OF HEALTHY FAT

·         Fish:

Naturally fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are "good" fats that help keep your heart healthy. They may also help keep your brain sharp, especially as you get older. The American Heart Association suggests eating two servings of fatty fish a week. A serving is 3 ounces -- about the size of a deck of cards. Try it baked, grilled, or poached.

·         Avocado:

Tasty avocado is good for your heart and may help with osteoarthritis symptoms. When you eat avocado with other foods, it helps your body better absorb their nutrients. Half a medium avocado is one serving and about 115-160 calories.

·         Seeds:

Little pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds pack a big punch. They have "good" fats that can lower cholesterol. In general, fats that come from plants are healthier than those from animal products. "Bad" fats are in foods like fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and some packaged foods. Check food labels to see how much fat, and what type, you're getting. Try to limit saturated fats in your diet and avoid trans fats.

·         Nuts:

From hazelnuts to peanuts, all nuts are good for your heart. Walnuts, especially, deliver heart-healthy fats. But don't overdo it. Just because the fats are healthy doesn't mean you can eat as much as you want. A serving is 1 ounce. That's about 14 walnut halves, 24 almonds, 35 peanuts, or 18 cashews.

·         Olive Oil:

Whether you're cooking or dressing your salad, try olive oil. It's high in good fat. It's always smart to watch how much fat -- even good fat -- you eat. So cook with less oil than a recipe calls for or use an olive oil spray. In baking, you can use applesauce for half the oil to cut back on some fat and shave calories.

·         Eggs:

Eggs are a great source of inexpensive protein, and a large egg has less than 5 grams of fat, most from healthy fats. Some eggs are also enriched with extra omega-3s. It will say so on the carton. To stay healthy, limit yourself to just one egg a day.

·         Ground Flaxseed:

As part of a healthy diet, good-for-you fats can help make your skin look great -- plumper and younger. Plus, they add fiber and can help ease inflammation. Get good fats by sprinkling a teaspoon of ground flaxseed on your salad or your cereal, or use it when you're baking.

·         Beans:

Whether they're kidney, navy, or soybeans, adding beans to your diet can be good for you both mentally and physically. Beans have omega 3s, which may also help with mood.