It’s that time of year when we make our New Year’s Resolutions.   Topping the list of resolutions involve losing weight and getting healthy.  Want to know a way to lose weight, especially that belly fat?  I suggest increasing the good fat in your diet.  The good fat, of course, is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).  I personally take two tablespoons of EVOO every morning to start my day and use it throughout my day.  While olive oil does contain 120 calories per tablespoon, it lessens my need for sugar and, I believe,  increases my metabolism.

Many “diets” discourage intake of fats.  In fact, your body needs fat in order to lose fat.  The right kind of fat will help burn fat off your body; it contains omega-3 and may actually increase the metabolic processes in your body to burn off unwanted fat. The wrong kind of fat, like hydrogenated oils, canola and vegetable oils, margarine and fake butter substitutes can store fat.

So…get an easy start with this Resolution 1 – by using more EVOO instead of other fats and adopt a Mediterranean-type diet (rich in olive oil, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry).  A healthy diet is the best defense against high cholesterol, high blood pressure and excess body weight.