The holidays are here and we all worry about gaining weight because there are so many temptations so I thought it might be a good time to talk about body fat in a healthy way.

We've always heard that eating fat makes you fat, but in fact, that is not true!  Everyone is born with fat cells and they expand or shrink as you gain or lose weight.  Eating healthy fat, the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kinds make you feel full faster and stay full longer.  Because of this, eating healthy fats in moderation can actually help you lose weight.

Avocado contains healthy fats and this Pineapple Avocado Green Smoothie would be great post workout!

I've always heard, and said over and over again that muscle weighs more than fat, but that isn't true.  A pound of fat takes up more volume than a pound of muscle. That is why you look smaller when you have more muscle, even if your weight remains the same.

You can't turn fat into muscle.  You can combine cardiovascular exercise with weight bearing exercise to burn fat and in turn, build muscle.

Muscles atrophy when they aren't used and that slows down metabolism.  Just 30 minutes of strength training twice a week, whether it's using weights or your own body weight with an activity such as yoga is enough to keep muscles strong and healthy.

You can't reduce specific areas of body fat.  In order to reduce body fat in a specific area, you have to reduce it everywhere.  To lose body fat, you have to use more calories than you take in.  The best way to do that is by eating a healthy diet and exercising.

Try this recipe for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Salmon

Images from Pinterest

Your body needs a certain amount of fat to function properly.  Concentrate on being healthy and don't worry so much about the number on the scale.

One of the best things about the holidays is indulging in great food and holiday drinks, so enjoy in moderation! 

My first cooking class is today and I can't wait to share pictures and recipes with you!  I'll be doing a cooking class every month in 2017 and the schedule will be coming soon with classes in the evenings and in the morning!  Follow me on Instagram @crazyblondelifeblog!