What the Heck Are Fat Bombs and How Can They Help Me Lose Weight?
Fat bomb—sounds like that three-scoop chocolate fudge sundae we devoured last weekend. But it's actually a weight loss snack making waves in the health and fitness world. Confused? Here’s the skinny.
So what exactly are fat bombs? Made from a combination of high-fat, low-carb ingredients (like butter, cream, coconut oil and nuts), fat bombs were created by Ketogenic dieters but have recently developed a following outside the Keto circle. Essentially, ingredients are rolled up into bite-size balls and enjoyed as an energy-boosting and waist-whittling snack.
What do they taste like? Pretty delicious, actually. Usually sweet (chocolate is often involved), fat bombs can also be savory (e.g., using avocado and mayo) and are easy to customize. Sadly, those Belgian truffles you love don’t count—think lots of fat (around 85 percent) but little or no carbs or sugar.
And people are eating these balls of fat because...? They’re good for you (sort of). Though fats have been plagued with a bad rep for years, recent research has revealed that the right kind of fats come with some serious health-boosting benefits. Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, explains: “Fat is an important part of snacking because it helps you feel full and satiated.” Meaning that munching a fat bomb is more likely to fill you up than scarfing down a handful of chips (which we all know only leads to craving even more chips). But the benefits don’t stop there. “Unsaturated fats (like those found in nuts and avocados) have been shown to lower your risk of a number of diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers.”
Sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch? Fat bombs are meant to be enjoyed in moderation (that means eating one, not five). Also, not all fats are created equal. “While saturated fat, like that found in butter or mayo, may not be as bad for us as previously thought, it doesn't provide any health benefits (compared with unsaturated fats, which have clearly been shown to improve health and disease outcomes),” says Rumsey. Bottom line? Fat bombs could help you trim the fat. Just maybe go easy on the deviled eggs.