General Nutrition

There are six types of nutrients: these are protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, minerals and vitamins. Each has essential nutrients your body needs to survive.

• Carbohydrates include fiber, sugar and starches;
• Fats include linoleic and linolenic fatty acids;
• Proteins include some amino acids;
• Proteins build and repair body tissues like muscles, provide enzymes for cell generation and stability
• Vitamins include A, B, D, D, E and K;
• Minerals include iron, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulfer;
• Make up the skeletal framework! Calcium is so important!
• Water is water.

 

Essential nutrients cannot be produced or synthesized in the body in adequate amounts. They are important because nutrients regulate body processes, provide for growth, development and maintenance of the body. It also provides your body with calories.

Calories = measurement of energy from macronutrients. We get calories/energy from:

• Carbohydrates – 4 calories/gram
• Protein – 4 calories/gram
• Fat – 9 calories/gram
• Alcohol – 7 calories/gram
• Not a nutrient, your body does not need alcohol – but alcohol is a major source of calories.

So what should you be conscious of with nutrition? Generally, and in a way not complex manner…

• Eat a lot of nutrient rich foods – whole grains (yes pasta!), vegetables, fruits, low/nonfat dairy and lean proteins (lean meat, chicken, fish and beans). Do not I did not say steak or other red meats – why?, because it clogs your arteries despite the fact that it is oh so yummy!
• Hydrate – drink at least 64 ounces of water a day! That’s 8 glasses folks – whether it’s water with a ‘tasty powder’, Gatorade, iced tea – drink water! Make sure you add electrolytes to your water (beverages) if you’re working out.

A few more things: always drink water before, during and after working out to replenish lost fluids. Maintain adequate energy source to sustain workout intensity. I don’t care if you’re trying to loose 10 pounds – you need a nutrition boost to work out properly. If you’re tired and lethargic – your form is out the window and you’ll hurt your body!