You Are What You Eat

So, if carbohydrates, fats, and proteins yield the same amount of calories, does that mean if you eat a meal of potato chips (carbs & fats) and chocolate ice cream (proteins, fats, and carbs), you're getting the same nutritional value as a meal of herb-grilled salmon (proteins), potatoes au gratin (fats, proteins, and carbs), and honeydew sorbet (carbs)? Not exactly!

Yes, calories are calories, and your body recognizes them as such. If you need energy right now, your body doesn't care if you give it an apple or a candy bar. It just knows you're giving it calories. However, the way your body uses those calories, and the nutrients attached to these calories, is a whole other story.

Good nutrition is a long-term proposition, not a "quick, I need something to eat," putting out the fire type of project. Although it's true that a candy bar will give you quick energy, it won't give you the nutrients, and it will leave you without any energy in a very short time. Your body needs a nutritional savings account of protein, vitamins, minerals, and water to function smoothly on a consistent basis.

Living on vending machine snacks will give you fast energy, but it will damage your ability to build or repair muscles, fortify your immune system, stand up to aging, or remain mentally sharp. If you live the vending machine lifestyle for too long, systems in your body will start breaking down, lacking the nutrients necessary for repair.

Unfortunately, your body can't tell you specifically what it wants and will go a long time before it starts to slow down. The important thing to remember is that you're in control of your body, and you have to make the decision between eating chips and cookies or Ceasar salad and cantaloupe.

It's your choice - make the right one!