“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”} }”>
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
>”,”name”:”in-content-cta”,”type”:”link”}}”>Download the app.
The role of fat in the western diet is complicated, at best. As is the case with most nutrition standards, what is considered to be healthy has changed dramatically over time. From the rise in fast-food to the fat-free movement, the obsession with avocados (U.S. consumption has tripled since 2001), the Mediterranean diet, and now keto (which is both praised and put down), there’s a lot of conflicting advice to manage.
In general, we know that fat is important for a healthy immune system, endocrine function, and absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also makes us feel full and satisfied from meals. But for a runner’s body, it is especially important in kick-starting the muscle recovery process.
During recovery, the fat that is available in the blood is increased. This fat inhibits the breakdown of glucose and, through mechanisms that are not fully understood, makes…
