Energy Sources
There are 3 sources of energy for our bodies that come from foods.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the preferred source of fuel for our bodies. There are 2 types of carbohydrates - simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars, such as glucose and fructose. They can be found in foods such as fruits, honey, and foods sweetened with refined sugar. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such whole grains, pasta, rice, breads and cereals. Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram.
Protein: Proteins are the building blocks for our body. They are primarily used to build and repair tissue in our body. Proteins are found in meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, and milk to name a few foods. Proteins provide 4 calories per gram.
Fat: Fats are a storage form of energy. There are 3 types of fat: saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated. Fats are found in a variety of foods, such oils, butter, meats, and sweets. Fats provide 9 calories per gram. |
