One of the big questions is how much fat we should consume in our diets. Some people agree that we should follow low-fat diets, and others say that this limits the healthy fats. If you want to learn more, here are some tips to help you get the fat you need, but not the fats that you should exclude.

Eating is a favorite pastime for many people. Most of the important occasions in life revolve around food. We eat when we are hungry, we eat when we are happy, and we eat when we are sad. Two out of three can be bad depending on the types of fats being eaten.

So here are some fat-friendly tips to help you get the fat that you need in your diet without going too far in eating the bad saturated fats.

Some people categorize fats as good or bad, but we are going to get a little more technical and use their real names so you know what to look for on food labels. There are good fats: polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. There are also bad fats: trans fats and saturated fats.

Let’s begin with the fats that are going to be healthier for you to eat. Think about nuts. Nuts are a great source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Eating a handful can be a filling snack because they also contain fiber.

Eat some beans. Beans are a good source of plant protein, but without the saturated fat that accompanies most meat protein sources. At least once a week, try substituting beans for meat as your main dish for dinner/and or lunch.

Cut back the fat in dairy foods. Dairy contains vitamins and minerals that the body needs, but also fat that the body does not need. Have milk and cheese, but try to choose lower fat or no-fat varieties. If you want to use cheese in a recipe, reach for low-fat block cheese. The cellulose in shredded cheese keeps it from clumping and also from melting well in casseroles and other dishes.

Use polyunsaturated oils when cooking. If your recipe calls for using butter to sauté your food, use olive oil or canola oil instead. Even better would be to use a non-stick pan and eliminate added fat altogether.

Make your own salad dressings. Many of us need to have a little dressing with our salad. Lighten your touch with an oil and vinegar mix that is infused with herbs. You can use a cruet and make your own at home. Try flax seed oil or walnut oil to add a nutty flavor to the dressing.

Visit the butcher. At the butcher you can select your cuts of meat and also have them trim off all the excess fat. To add flavor, marinade the meat with spices before cooking.

There are ways to limit your fat, but not the flavor of your meals. Eat your favorite foods but with a healthy twist.