Nutrition 101: April 2014

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Protien 101

1 gram of protein = 4 calories

Proteins are the building blocks of human and animal structure. Proteins are key to the formation of the brain, nervous system, blood, muscle, skin, and hair. Proteins are also responsible for transportation of vitamins, minerals, fats, and oxygen. Proteins are also used to form antibodies, which are used by the body to fight infection. Proteins are made up of amino acids - small units necessary for growth and tissue repair. There are 8 to 10 essential amino acids which the body cannot make on its own and must be consumed through diet. Protein is the body's most plentiful substance, except for water & fat. Animal foods such as beef, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs are rich in protein. Good plant sources of protein are beans, legumes, peas, nuts, bread and cereals. Generally speaking, animal sources of protein contain all essential amino acids (known as a complete protein), plant sources do not - the exception is soy, a plant based complete protein.

Nutrition 101 is brought to you by:

www.facebook.com/enmotiontraining

@trainingNmotion

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Macronutrients 101: Protein, Carbohydrates, & Fats

All food is composed of a varied combination of three macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A macronutrient is a nutrient that is needed in relatively large quantities for normal growth and development of an individual. Macronutrients are the body's source for calories - energy that fuels the body. Each macronutrient has a designated number of calories per gram: proteins - 4 calories/gram, carbohydrates - 4 calories/gram, fats - 9 calories/gram.

Over the next 3 weeks we will take a more in-depth look into each macronutrient; what it does and its importance to the function of the human body. So stay tuned for the upcoming macronutrient blogs: protein 101, carbohydrates 101, & fats 101.

Nutrition 101 is brought you by:

www.facebook.com/enmotiontraining

@trainingNmotion