Macronutrients

Macronutrients are essential to every diet because they are the main structure of energy. Although it comes in three forms (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) they all basically give off energy (calories).

Carbohydrates or “carbs” are the main fuel source because its quick and easy to burn. Our diet requires a good 6-11 portions of this useful energy source because your body is constantly burning this up. All cells can turn carbs into glucose. Carbs are used to perform daily activities, such as walking from class to class. They can be found in starchy foods like pasta and bread.

Protein are the second most useful of the macronutrients. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins are used for building, or reconstructing instead of burning for instant use. Proteins help you grow or repair tissues. Because you don't use it as much our diet requires 2-3 servings of meaty foods a day.

Fats, although in our society fats sound yucky and we shouldn't have it, fats are more useful than an average person may think. Fats can store energy way more efficiently than protein and carbohydrates. While the two can give 4 calories per gram, fats can store almost twice that, but on the down side cannot be used instantly. On a side note fat protects our organs and makes up our cell membranes. Fat can be found in mostly any food, but good unsaturated fat can be found in olive oil, nuts and avocadoes. Saturated and trans fats are classified as fats but are the kinds that are bad for you. Eating too much of saturated fat will increase your chance of heart disease.

http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/

http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/handouts/macronutrients.htm