Nutrition Balance
How does one decide which diet to follow? So many different theories exist across the spectrum from very low fat, high carbohydrate diets to diets that are mostly fat and protein with minimal calories coming from carbohydrate. What tools do we use to evaluate the endless fad diets that abound across America? Does the quick fix have any medical repercussions? What do we eat according to our shape, size, and genotype? What weight management strategies exist that really work?
People have different genetics, metabolic needs, and lifestyle behaviors. One program will not work for everyone. Therefore, having a healthcare professional such as a Registered Dietitian evaluate your specific needs can assist with meeting your health, weight, and exercise goals.
Every person has individual needs for carbohydrate, protein, and fat based on their genetics, activity level, and medical needs. How does the body use carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and how much of each nutrient do we actually need?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the body, and are broken down to glucose for energy to go the brain and other areas of the body. Carbohydrates have been one of the most discussed nutritional issues of the last decade. Initially, starches were considered amongst the most fattening food products. Read more...
Protein
Protein is needed for growth and repair of every cell in the body. Protein is needed to build muscles and bones, make antibodies (immunity), hormones, red and white blood cells, and enzymes. Protein provides the essential amino acids that the body cannot manufacture on its own.
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Fat
Fat has been the most criticized food component of the last two decades. The message of many health care organizations has been the same - cut the fat. The justification for this recommendation was that excessive fat intake had been found to be associated with a number of medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, obesity, and cancer.
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