We’re about to go over 3 ways your body uses your diet, so you’ll have no excuse for not knowing what carbs, fats, and protein do for you and WHY each is important in its own special way. Sort of like brothers… or not. Here we go!
Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates are used by your body when you are on the move, especially at higher intensities!
When you exercise, you are left with energy, and that energy is mostly carbohydrates. Your body uses carbs to fuel your workouts and high-intensity movements throughout the day, like runs to your local food truck before they run out of hot dogs. Yes, protein can be used for energy in this case once carbs are depleted, but they are not as efficient as carbs for fueling this type of activity. just put, carbohydrates are used when you are moving through the day.
Fats: Fats are used by your body when you are NOT moving, or when you are asleep!
Yes, you read that right… fats are used by your body as fuel when you are at low intensities. Low intensity moments include when you’re sitting on that long boring office job listening to Ryan’s Roses and browsing Facebook, BUT this also includes when you’re sleeping. sleeping? sleeping. In fact, you’ll use more fat for energy when you’re sleeping than at any other time of day, especially when you’re on a structured training regimen that maximizes your body’s resting oxygen demand. Fats are used in the less intense parts of your day, and this includes when you are sleeping.
Proteins: Proteins are used by your body for recovery and to maintain your body.
When your muscles ache and you see your progress reflected in the mirror as the pain subsides… this is protein in action. Protein is what makes optimal recovery possible for your body, and that’s why every silly joke in history has a protein shake in it somewhere. Also, aside from the 70% of your body that is water, protein is what your body gets the most out of! This is the reason why it is sometimes difficult to switch to a vegan or vegetarian diet, because the protein is obtained mainly from the consumption of meats, dairy products, etc. When carbs are low and you need a friend, protein can also help fuel your body once it’s broken down into amino acids. Protein is used for your body’s recovery and maintenance, and can also be used sparingly for energy.
I hope this simple breakdown helps with exactly what your body is using all of your food for, and can help you eat better to FUEL rather than FILL your body. If you keep this in mind, I promise you’ll be less likely to overeat, since you’ll see no reason other than “Ben and Jerry told me to.”