Are calories really the only thing that matters?!
Question:
Are calories really the only thing that matters?
Do fats, sugars, and carbs really matter or is it just calories? I hear so many different things!
Answers:
You have to take all in consideration.
-Sugar: You should not be eating any kind of candy or drinking sodas because of the high intake of sugars. Sugar adds calories which if you eat more than you need, you will gain weight.
-Fat: Despite the recent negative publicity about fatty foods, we all need some fat in our diets. It's a good source of the calories we require to fuel our bodies and to keep us going when our energy demands suddenly increase. One gram of fat provides nine calories of energy, while one gram of protein or carbohydrate offers only four. Fat also gives texture and flavor to foods. It helps us feel full and satisfied after we eat. In addition, it protects our organs, aids in the development of cell membranes and hormones, and insulates our bodies.
However, we should eat fat sparingly -- it should make up no more than 30 percent of our daily caloric intake. Excess fat in our bodies is linked to health problems such as hardening of the arteries and heart disease, to name just two.
-Carbs: Carbohydrates efficiently replace the glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. Glycogen is necessary for muscle contraction. If you do not eat enough carbohydrate or get enough rest, the level of glycogen steadily declines, leaving you fatigued and unable to perform effectively.