Today I want to talk on Nutrition 101. Many of the people that I come in contact with on a daily basis tell me that they really don't know what to eat. I want to go over some of the basics today and we will delve into this a little deeper during future editions of the Daily Dose.
Foods are composed of Fats, Carbohydrates, and Proteins. These three are considered the macronutrients. The micronutrients are minerals and vitamins. All of these nutrients are essential to a healthy body. These nutrients are utilized by the body to produce energy. Every metabolic pathway in our body essentially depends on one or more of these nutrients, both the macro- and the micronutrients.
Remember, weight gain occurs when you are in a net positive energy intake and weight loss occurs when you are in a weight negative balance. All calories that are consumed in excess of utilization will be converted to fat. Yes, this does include that extra piece of bread you had at dinner that did not get burned off in energy. Your body is highly efficient in turning it into fat. The storing of fat is a defense mechanism which your body uses for self preservation and to ward off starvation.
I will certainly speak more of this in the near future. In summary for today:
Proteins: The building blocks of our body. These macronutrients are necessary for growing the body in our youth as well as repairing our body throughout our entire lives. Proteins are found in beef, fish, fowl, eggs, dairy as well as certain nuts and grains.
Fats: This is the storage department for our body. These fats are also used in lubricating our digestive tract, protecting our organs and nerves, and also for insulation. Only a small amount is really needed for these functions. However, we have a tendency to over store our energy in the fat department.
Carbohydrates: This is the source of quick energy. The primary fuel of the brain is glucose. This is why we feel so bad when our blood sugar drops. Carbohydrates are also our source of fiber which is necessary for the function of our digestive tract. All carbohydrates are NOT created equal. You need to be aware of low-glycemic and high-glycemic carbohydrates. We will speak of this in the near future.
Vitamins: These nutrients are necessary for every process in our body. In a perfect world with the perfect diet, we would not need to take a supplement of vitamins and minerals. However, we must make sure that we are taking a good, pharmaceutical grade multivitamin and mineral supplement. Look for more on this in the near future.
Minerals: These will support the structures of the body and regulate the many metabolic pathways throughout our body. Calcium is a mineral that is needed for muscle action, bone formation and maintenance as well as a whole host of other functions.
Water: This is essential to everybody function. Without water, the body will not survive for more than a few days.
Well, that should wrap up this edition of the Daily Dose. Remember, if you have questions that you want to ask me, please go to the forum. Your questions, when answered for all to see, will certainly help another person who has the same question. If you have information and you would like to share with thousands, send it my way through the website. We have a forum that is designed for the betterment of my community and my patients, wherever you are. Please visit and register at www.DrHaendiges.com/forum if you wish to discuss these topics more in depth. You can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will personally get your email. I read them all and try to respond to as many as possible. You will see your questions and inputs in future editions of the Daily Dose. If you haven't done so already, join my fanpage on Facebook and follow me on Twitter
Have a fantastic day!
Dr. Michelle Haendiges