Nutrition 101: Part 1 – Calories
The lowly calorie is so very misunderstood. While we all know it's simply a unit of measurement for energy, originally defined as the energy needed to raise one liter of water by one degree Celsius, its application to human metabolism oversimplifies the complex biological systems that regulate our weight and energy balance.
Nutrition 101: Part 2 – Protein
Protein stands as the fundamental building block of the human body, forming everything from muscles and bones to enzymes and neurotransmitters through its component amino acids, nine of which are essential and must come from our diet. Protein is also probably one of the most common words you hear as a CrossFit athlete.
Nutrition 101: Part 3 – Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates give you quick fuel. Think of them as your body's gasoline. Simple carbs (like sugar in candy and fruit) give you fast energy that doesn't last long, while complex carbs (like those in whole grains and vegetables) provide slower, longer-lasting fuel. However, unlike protein (which provides essential amino acids) and fat (which provides essential fatty acids), there are no essential carbohydrates. Read on to find out.
Fats, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, provide 9 calories per gram, making them an efficient energy storage system that powers the body during rest and between meals while fulfilling critical functions beyond energy production. Unlike carbohydrates, certain fats are essential nutrients that the body cannot produce itself, while others contribute to hormone production, cell membrane integrity, and vitamin absorption.
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