The Foundation Of Nutrition
If you want to watch the full video instead of the blog check-out the youtube channel linked here. If you decide you want to participate we are live every Thursdays at 6:30pm EST for the live webinar where you can ask any questions that you have.
What is Nutrition?
At its core, nutrition is the fascinating study of how food interacts with our bodies. It's not just about eating—it's about understanding the complex relationship between what we consume and how our body uses it.
The Two Categories of Food
Our nutritional needs can be divided into two essential categories:
- Macro-nutrients: These are nutrients we need in large quantities because they serve as our body's primary energy source. Think proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
- Micro-nutrients: These are nutrients required in smaller amounts but are crucial for maintaining optimal health, such as vitamins and minerals.
The Purpose of Eating
While it might seem obvious, the question "Why do we eat?" has profound implications. Simply put, we eat to live. Food is not just about satisfying hunger—it's about providing our bodies with the energy needed for survival and optimal function.
Cellular Nutrition: The Building Blocks of Life
What makes nutrition truly fascinating is how our bodies break down food to its smallest units to feed our cells. Different body systems require different types of fuel to function properly:
- Circulatory System: Relies primarily on glucose for energy, carrying nutrients throughout the body via blood vessels.
- Digestive System: Different parts have varying nutritional needs to break down and process foods effectively.
- Endocrine System: Uses fats and proteins to produce and regulate hormones that communicate with every part of the body.
- Integumentary System: Our skin cells require a combination of glucose, fats, and proteins—with fats providing essential lubrication.
- Lymphatic and Immune Cells: These protective systems primarily utilize glucose for energy.
Important Note: Many of our body's systems rely heavily on carbohydrates for energy. This is why extremely low-carb diets can potentially be dangerous—these systems need adequate carbohydrate intake to function properly.
Energy: The Currency of Life
Our cells require constant energy to survive. When we eat, we're essentially converting the calories in food into usable energy for our bodies. The food we choose to consume directly impacts our body's function—consuming life-giving foods promotes overall vitality.
Understanding Hunger and Energy Usage
Hunger signals occur when blood sugar falls below normal levels. Our bodies are remarkably adaptable and can source energy in three ways:
- Through immediate food consumption
- From stored glucose
- By converting fat stores when glucose is low (the mechanism behind weight loss)
The Foundation of Life
Remember that everything in our bodies is built from the food we consume. This is why understanding macro-nutrients is crucial—we need them in large quantities because they're our primary energy source. The key to optimal nutrition lies in understanding how different macronutrients affect our bodies and choosing healthier versions of these essential nutrients.