Ladies, let’s cut the BS—over the last 50 years, we’ve been fed a big, fat lie about low-fat diets, and it’s time to set the record straight. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health nutrition expert David Ludwig calls it a “failed experiment,” and I’m here to shout it from the rooftops: the low-fat craze was a total bust! Ludwig says this low-fat nonsense is still “deeply embedded in public consciousness and food policy,” even though recent research shows it’s not the way to go. Let’s break down this mess and get you eating right, Leading Lady style, because you leave the legacy you live.

In a CNN.com article, Ludwig, a professor in the Department of Nutrition, wrote that the long-standing advice to avoid dietary fat—from the government and all major nutrition associations—was based on shaky science. Back in the day, “experts” swore a low-fat diet would keep us lean and healthy. But, instead, rates of obesity and diabetes surged. Well, duh! Experts now say not all fats are bad—in fact, some are healthy and crucial for a balanced diet. Several recent studies found that high-fat diets actually produce greater weight loss than low-fat diets—shocking, right? The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans finally lifted the limit on dietary fat, but Ludwig points out, “you’d never know it, because a full accounting of this failed experiment has not been made.” He’s calling for a serious look at this “low-fat diet debacle” and more funding to test new nutrition ideas.

Why the Big Fat Fail?

So, how did we get here? Back in the ‘70s, the government rolled out low-fat guidelines based on flimsy evidence—mostly studies of men, not women, and often men who’d already had heart attacks. No women like us were even studied! They told us to slash fat and load up on carbs—think 55-60% of your calories from carbs. But here’s the kicker: cutting fat meant piling on sugars and refined carbs to make food taste good. Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes got slapped with “low-fat” labels, while we ditched whole milk, eggs, and bacon for sugary, “reduced-fat” junk. Within a generation, fat intake dropped from over 40% to around 30%, but obesity and diabetes rates skyrocketed.

For midlife women like us, this was a disaster—our hormones, metabolism, and energy levels took a hit, leaving us tired, cranky, and heavier than ever. The low-fat era didn’t just fail; it set us up to struggle.

So Why the Hush Hush?

Why not come clean about this mess? Embarrassment? Fear of liability? Hmm? Maybe the “experts” don’t want to admit they got it wrong for 50 years. Or maybe they’re scared of the backlash—after all, who wants to own up to fueling an obesity and diabetes epidemic? But here’s the truth, Leading Ladies: we deserve better. We deserve to know what really works for our bodies, especially as we navigate midlife with grit and grace.

Eat Fat! Real Fat!

The kind of fat does matter! Let’s ditch the lies and embrace the good stuff.

Here’s what to eat for your body and brain:
Organic grass-fed, pasture-raised butter, ghee, tallow, lard, plus coconut, palm, avocado, olive oils, and small amounts of flax—these are the good guys! And eat the egg yolk! These fats aren’t just okay—they’re necessary for your hormones, brain function, and energy. Eggs are a goldmine for brain-boosting choline, and those pasture-raised fats are packed with nutrients like bioavailable vitamins A, D, and K, plus anti-inflammatory compounds to keep you glowing and strong. These help you feel full, balance blood sugar, and even support weight loss by keeping cravings at bay. These fats also fuel your brain, keeping it sharp as you age, and studies show they can even lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia by reducing inflammation and supporting brain cell health—pretty powerful stuff for us midlife warriors!

Now, here’s what to dump:
Canola, safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, cottonseed, grapeseed, and rapeseed—these are toxic to our brains and bodies, so ditch them. They’re often rancid and drive inflammation and chronic disease. Dump the fish oil, too—it’s a sneaky troublemaker! Most fish oil is processed with heat, turning those omega-3s rancid by the time they hit your shelf, which can actually increase inflammation and harm your brain and heart. Plus, many are loaded with contaminants like mercury or PCBs from poor sourcing.

But don’t skip the fish:
Instead, eat fish like sardines or mackerel a few times a week—they’re low in mercury and packed with brain-loving omega-3s straight from the source. Pair that with fermented cod liver oil for a pure dose of omega-3s plus bioavailable vitamins A and D—the ultimate brain-and-body boost for us midlife warriors!

Leading Lady Solutions: Feed Your Body, Free Your Mind

I know this might leave you feeling frustrated—maybe even a little betrayed. For years, we’ve been told to skip the butter, toss the yolks, and grab the “low-fat” yogurt, only to end up heavier, sicker, and more tired. But here’s the good news, Leading Lady: you don’t have to follow those old rules anymore. Let’s rewrite the script together! Here’s how to start:

• Swap the junk for the good stuff: Next time you’re cooking, ditch the canola oil and grab some grass-fed ghee or tallow. Sauté your veggies, roast your chicken, or just spread some real butter on your toast—your body will thank you.
• Make it a ritual: While you’re cooking with those healthy fats, play some tunes, dance around the kitchen, and let your mind wander. That’s your default mode network (DMN) at work, helping you process the day while you nourish your body. It’s a win-win!
• Don’t overdo it at first: If you’ve been low-fat for years, ease into these fats slowly. Start with a teaspoon of ghee in your morning coffee or a drizzle of olive oil on your salad. Your digestion might need a little time to adjust, but you’ll feel the difference soon.
• Get the low-down on “low fat”: Join my Leading Lady Experience, where you’ll get access to my Wise & Wild nutrition class. We’ll dive deep into why low-fat diets failed us and how to feed your body what it needs for optimal health, weight, and energy. Plus, you’ll get other classes to support you in becoming the Leading Lady of your life—think unstoppable wellness, faith, and grit. Learn more and join the waitlist. Let’s toss the lies and fuel our bodies right, together!
• Cut the BS: Sign up for my newsletter for practical tips to nurture your body and soul, and tune into Sharise Uncut where I dish the truth on health, life, and everything in between. Subscribe and share as a Leading Lady to spread the love!—I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!

~Inspired by a life of truth, grit, and a whole lotta grace.