Simplified Nutrition

It can be very confusing when looking at food to make the right choices so here is an overview and a simplified version of nutrition. It is important when we are looking at Nutrition that we provide our body with what it needs to survive and in the right quantities.

 There are 3 macro nutrients that are body needs and they are:

• Carbohydrates
• Protein
• Fats

Carbohydrates are an ideal source of energy for the body, because they convert in to glucose more easily. Glucose is a form of sugar that is transported and used by the body as energy.

We find Carbohydrates in these foods:

• Bread
• Rice
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Vegetables (skins on)
• Pulses (beans and lentils)

In our diet we need 50% of our total calories in take to be from Carbohydrates.

Proteins are the building blocks of life; these building blocks are called amino acids and they repair and maintain. These amino acids break down the food we eat. It is also important that we eat protein for growth and development during childhood, adolescence and pregnancy as they repair our muscles when they tier from daily use.

Protein is found in the following foods:

• Eggs
• Dairy
• Soy foods
• Buckwheat
• Quinoa.
• Nuts
• beans, peas and lentils
• fish
• lean cuts of meat
• skinless white-meat poultry

In our diet we need 15% of our total calories intake from protein.

Fats is a major source of energy and it helps food taste good and they play a major role in determine cholesterol levels. Fatty acids are the acids produced when fats are broken down. Fatty acids can help with skin health, prevent early ageing and they help the arteries get rid of cholesterol, and they also help the adrenal and thyroid glands, which regulate weight.

Saturated Fat tend to be a solid format at room temperature, the reason saturated fat should be included in your daily diet is that they enhance the immune system, as well as enhance the function of the liver and protect against alcohol detoxification.

Fats are found in

• Meat – beef, pork, lamb, venison
• Poultry
• Dairy
• Nuts
• Avocados

In our diet we need 35% of our total calories intake from fats

Thank you for reading my Simplified Nutrition and I hope this has given you some ideas of what percentage of our food needs to be carbs, fats and protein. Join my mail list below. If you would like Personal Training click here.

Many Thanks and Stay Safe

Jo xx