Why We’re Not Afraid of Healthy Fats at New Leaf Table
Hi friend — Chef E here! If you’ve followed New Leaf Table for a while, you’ve probably noticed that we don’t shy away from ingredients like grass-fed butter, coconut milk, or tallow. In fact… we celebrate them! I used to be afraid of saturated fat, just like many of us who grew up hearing that it was “bad for your heart.” But the more I studied food, cooked, and healed through real nourishment — the more I realized that the truth is far more nuanced.
Fat Isn’t the Enemy — It’s Fuel for Your Brain, Heart & Hormones
Saturated fats from whole food sources — like grass-fed beef, real butter, coconut oil, and full-fat dairy — play essential roles in:
- Cell function and structure (especially in the brain and heart)
- Hormone production
- Blood sugar balance (when paired with carbs)
- Satiety and digestion
They’ve been part of traditional diets for centuries — and when they come from clean, high-quality sources, they’re incredibly nourishing.
Not All Fats Are Created Equal
The problem? Most modern fats in processed foods are nothing like traditional fats.
We avoid:
- Refined vegetable oils (canola, soybean, etc.)
- Hydrogenated oils
- Highly processed snack food fats
At New Leaf Table, we focus on real food. That means fats that come from foods your great-grandmother would recognize — not a lab.
What This Looks Like in Our Recipes
You’ll see this in our recipes like:
- Crispy Chicken Thighs with Roasted Veggies (cooked in tallow or avocado oil)
- Creamy Sweet Potato Mash (with grass-fed butter)
- Thai Coconut Salmon Soup (with full-fat coconut milk)
- Zucchini & Bok Choy Sauté (drizzled with sesame oil or ghee)
These meals aren’t just delicious — they’re designed to nourish your whole body with balanced macronutrients and real-food fats that support energy, metabolism, and even immune health.
Real Nourishment. Real Life.
At the end of the day, I’m not interested in fads or fear tactics. I’m interested in what helps you feel well, think clearly, and gather joyfully around your table.
So here’s your permission slip — from me to you — to enjoy your real butter, your bone broth, your full-fat coconut milk, and your hearty fall soups 🍂
Because nourishing food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be real.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Chef E
© 2024 New Leaf Table