| 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.
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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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