Dallas County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014

“ People get lured to energy products... CINDY HARRISON-STAUB, M.S. DOES THE BODY PREFER GLUCOSE (CARBS) TO FAT AND PROTEIN FOR ENERGY? ” Yes! Protein is primarily used for repair (wound healing) and maintenance, and it comprises the basic component of muscle and collagen. Your body prefers not to use protein for energy as it is inefficient and harder to digest due to the nitrogen it contains. Protein is made up of amino acids. There are 20 amino acids and adult bodies can make all but eight of them. Keep protein intake to no more than 20% of daily caloric intake. Fat, remember, is a concentrated source of energy and adds quickly to dietary caloric intake. If you are not a consistent mover, you may be sorry. Keep fat intake to no more than 30% of your daily caloric intake. Another biochemistry tidbit - fat burns in the flame of carbohydrate. This means your body burns a certain ratio of each simultaneously. In order for fat to become the dominant fuel, one has to move for longer periods of time so that glucose levels decline sufficiently. Now, back to my gift basket full of energy. The energy strips have no energy nutrients whatsoever (no carbohydrate, fat, or protein). They have several B vitamins and caffeine. Caffeine works on the nervous system and acts as a stimulant. It also mobilizes fats into the bloodstream so voluntary work can be done if carbohydrates are present and running low. Remember, B vitamins do not contain energy! The energy drinks primarily contain caffeine and scientifically questionable herbs like ginkgo biloba. Sugar, or two attached glucose molecules) is also a primary ingredient, and is released rapidly into the bloodstream. The energy bars have simple sugars, lab-created sugars, and some carbohydrates, so they are a man-made food full of energy (calories). I prefer my cereal with fruit! People get lured to energy products for a number of reasons. Ignorance about nutrition and the body is probably the main reason, as I said earlier, but they are also convenient, quick, and full of promise. These days, most of us are too busy and stressed to cook and eat whole foods with balanced nutrition on a regular basis. When we feel tired, imbalanced, and maybe even inadequate, why not reach for hope outside of ourselves in an attempt to feel better? Energy blast or bust... Author Cindy Harrison-Staub, M.S. of Nutrifit is a degreed nutritionist and certified personal trainer. NORTH DALLAS Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2014 47

Dallas County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 47