Guest guest Posted April 13, 2003 Report Share Posted April 13, 2003 Thought this might be of interest to some that are doing the protein only thing. This tells you a bit about why your tired. You need carbs to make energy. Darlene Where does our energy come from? The lack of energy-fatigue-is one of the most common complaints heard by doctors. This symptom may take various forms. Physical fatigue is the most frequent complaint. It can strike at particular times of the day, or may be felt all day long. Some people say they just can't perform like they could when they were younger. But age is no excuse for fatigue. Mental fatigue is also common, often resulting in an inability to think clearly or make decisions. But where does our energy come from? The answer is both simple and complex, and can be provided through discussions about atoms and molecules, or by talking about various types of foods and their breakdown. Basically, our energy comes from the foods we eat; specifically, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Although most foods contain all three, there's usually a predominance of one of these. Carbohydrates include whole grains, legumes, pasta, breads and desserts, while meats, fish, cheese make up the protein family. Fats include oils and butter. These foods are converted into energy two ways. First, the carbo's, proteins and fats are broken down in the intestine and is absorbed as glucose, amino acids and fats. Sometimes these factors can be used as energy. But the most important source of energy is derived in the cells of the body, where these food molecules are further broken down. The hydrogen atom, the common building block of all three foods, is released as a result of chemical reactions. This atom contains a highly active electron. This electron and its energy is where our energy is derived. (The leftover hydrogen combines with the oxygen we breathe in and is eliminated during exhalation.) Simply put, our energy comes from the hydrogen's electron. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins all have varying amounts of hydrogen molecules. Fats have the most hydrogen and can provide us with more than twice the energy we get from either carbohydrates or proteins. Actually, fats have more potential energy than carbohydrates and proteins combined. When we say fats, we mean all natural fats including eggs, butter, and oils. Unfortunately, fats are considered a four letter " F " word, something to be avoided as much as possible. Modern technology has even produced an artificial fat for us. The fact is that fat, along with all its hydrogen, is utilized for energy in our muscles. When these muscles are working right, you can get more energy from fats. 30-75% of your energy at any given time can come from fats. It's obvious: The more energy you derive from fat the better. You'll have more energy, your body will store less fat and you will maintain a more stable blood sugar level. But for this to happen, two things must occur. One, you need to use your muscles. And two, you must provide those muscles with the fuel they require-namely dietary fats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2003 Report Share Posted April 13, 2003 Thought this might be of interest to some that are doing the protein only thing. This tells you a bit about why your tired. You need carbs to make energy. Darlene Where does our energy come from? The lack of energy-fatigue-is one of the most common complaints heard by doctors. This symptom may take various forms. Physical fatigue is the most frequent complaint. It can strike at particular times of the day, or may be felt all day long. Some people say they just can't perform like they could when they were younger. But age is no excuse for fatigue. Mental fatigue is also common, often resulting in an inability to think clearly or make decisions. But where does our energy come from? The answer is both simple and complex, and can be provided through discussions about atoms and molecules, or by talking about various types of foods and their breakdown. Basically, our energy comes from the foods we eat; specifically, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Although most foods contain all three, there's usually a predominance of one of these. Carbohydrates include whole grains, legumes, pasta, breads and desserts, while meats, fish, cheese make up the protein family. Fats include oils and butter. These foods are converted into energy two ways. First, the carbo's, proteins and fats are broken down in the intestine and is absorbed as glucose, amino acids and fats. Sometimes these factors can be used as energy. But the most important source of energy is derived in the cells of the body, where these food molecules are further broken down. The hydrogen atom, the common building block of all three foods, is released as a result of chemical reactions. This atom contains a highly active electron. This electron and its energy is where our energy is derived. (The leftover hydrogen combines with the oxygen we breathe in and is eliminated during exhalation.) Simply put, our energy comes from the hydrogen's electron. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins all have varying amounts of hydrogen molecules. Fats have the most hydrogen and can provide us with more than twice the energy we get from either carbohydrates or proteins. Actually, fats have more potential energy than carbohydrates and proteins combined. When we say fats, we mean all natural fats including eggs, butter, and oils. Unfortunately, fats are considered a four letter " F " word, something to be avoided as much as possible. Modern technology has even produced an artificial fat for us. The fact is that fat, along with all its hydrogen, is utilized for energy in our muscles. When these muscles are working right, you can get more energy from fats. 30-75% of your energy at any given time can come from fats. It's obvious: The more energy you derive from fat the better. You'll have more energy, your body will store less fat and you will maintain a more stable blood sugar level. But for this to happen, two things must occur. One, you need to use your muscles. And two, you must provide those muscles with the fuel they require-namely dietary fats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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