Turns out, it could also make you... well... fat. According to a new study, certain types of saturated fat (think: red meat, whole milk, cheese and butter) may actually override those handy "whoah, I'm stuffed, stop eating!" signals your body sends out...
The study author, Dr. Deborah Clegg, told FoodNavigator.com this: "Our findings suggest that when you eat something high in fat, your brain gets 'hit' with the fatty acids, and you become resistant to insulin and leptin. Since you're not being told by the brain to stop eating, you overeat."
But, don't clear fat off your plate entirely: oleic acid, the type of unsaturated fat in olive oil, avocados and nuts, didn't have the same effect. Plus, a study out last year in the journal Cell Metabolism reveals that oleic acid helps curb hunger and improves fat digestion.
The stay-slim takeaways from this research? Switch to low-fat dairy, eat red meat in moderation and dip bread in olive oil instead of butter.
Plus, if you're still craving that butter-y flavor, try our SELF Food Award winner for the best trans-fat free margarine: Promise Activ Light. "It's thick and, yes, it tastes like real butter," one tester noted. Slather 1 tbsp on toast instead of butter to save nearly 3 g saturated fat and 57 calories.
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