Cooking Oils Exposed: Is Your Kitchen Secretly Harming You?

Hey there, health-conscious readers! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of healthy fats and oils? Today, we're going to talk about a topic that has probably crossed your mind at some point: the truth about different oils and fats, and which ones are actually good for you.

Let's start with the oils you might have grown up believing were the healthier choices like canola oil, vegetable oil, and margarine. If you're like many of us, you may have been taught to opt for these alternatives over the "less healthy" options like butter and lard. In fact, you might have overlooked your grandmother's choice to keep that jar of bacon grease on the stove. But here's the thing, grandma and mama knew a thing or two about what's good for you, and pesky as it may be, they were right.

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let's acknowledge that unlearning can be tough. It's okay! We've all been there. And the first step in any wellness journey is to accept that the narrative around food and nutrition is constantly evolving. What we thought was right might not be so, and that's totally fine. ALSO ... remember that we cannot and do not give medical advice or make medical claims. We are just sharing what we have learned from our own study (and bodies!), but it's up to you to make decisions that are right for you. We're just hoping this information makes you dig a little deeper when making decisions about which oils to use.

So, what exactly are we talking about here? Seed oils or vegetable oils, as many of us know them. The thing is, they might sound healthy because, well, they have the word "vegetable" in them. But like many things, this isn't quite as straightforward as it seems. In fact, there is increasing evidence that these oils can have some pretty negative effects on our bodies.

Here are the "hateful 8" seed oils that you might want to steer clear of: canola, corn, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, and rice bran. The process by which these oils are manufactured involves high heat, high pressure, and sometimes, the addition of harmful substances like bleach and coloring agents. Not exactly the natural, healthy image we have in mind when we think of "healthy" cooking oils, right? (Also, margarine is pretty much vegetable oil, with a few extra ingredients and more processing. In our humble opinion, BUTTER IS BEST.)

What's particularly concerning is the high level of omega-6 found in these oils. Omega-6 is necessary for our body, but these oils have a surplus of it, which evidence suggests may lead to potential problems such as disrupted hormones, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and even an impact on metabolism. There's even evidence to suggest that excessive consumption of these oils could contribute to obesity, heart issues, and skin problems.

But fear not, dear readers! We're not leaving you high and dry. Let's talk about some alternatives that you can incorporate into your daily cooking routine. Instead of reaching for that bottle of canola or vegetable oil, consider using coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, duck fat, grass-fed butter, or ghee. Not only are these options healthier, but they also bring a delicious richness to your dishes!

Now here's where it gets interesting. It's not just about what you use at home; it's also about what you consume when you dine out. Have you ever thought about how much vegetable oil restaurants might be using? The truth is, most times when you order a meal out, it's likely that the salad dressing or the fried foods are prepared using these less-than-ideal oils. But don't panic! You can still make informed choices. Ask your server about the cooking oils used or even consider bringing your own salad dressing. You deserve to have a say in what you're putting into your body, don't you think?

So, what's the takeaway from all this? It's about being mindful and making informed choices. It's about breaking away from the misconceptions we've been fed and embracing a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. And guess what? You're not alone in this journey. The KETO-SIStas are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Speaking of which, have you heard about our KETO-SIStas Real Life Keto Challenge? It's an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the keto lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're a keto newbie or someone looking to bust through a plateau, our challenge is designed to offer you a holistic experience, packed with resources, tips, and a supportive community.

So, are you ready to take the plunge, join our community, and unlock the secrets to a healthier, happier you? Let's embark on this exciting adventure together!

Key Terms and Phrases:

1. Keto-SIStas Real Life Keto Challenge

2. Healthy fats and oils

3. Low-carb diets

4. Keto diet for women

5. Breaking through a weight-loss plateau

6. Unlearning misconceptions about nutrition

7. Incorporating coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, duck fat, grass-fed butter, and ghee

8. Making informed choices in dining out

9. Supportive community for lifestyle change

10. Immersive keto lifestyle experience