What's in the food I eat?

We all know we need to eat to survive, but have you ever wondered why?  What is really in the food you eat everyday that your body needs? Truthfully, there are thousands of compounds in each meal that your body uses for different functions, but we won't get too carried away just yet.  Let's break it down and focus on the macronutrients (these are nutrients that are needed in large amounts on a daily basis). There are four, and you will probably recognize them.

1) Carbohydrates: Commonly called carbs, they are made up of sugars.  When sugars are linked together in a long chain, they are called starches. So, there are simple carbs, made up of single, unlinked sugars, and complex carbs, made up of starches. You can probably guess which ones taste delicious (simple carbs) and which ones are healthier for you (complex carbs).

Starchy Carbs: Yum!

 2) Lipids: Yes, in English, I actually mean fat. Oh no, not the dreaded FAT! Don't worry, you shouldn't feel guilty for eating fat, your body actually NEEDS it. Here's a tip to help you when choosing fats: The more unsaturated, the better, and stay away from trans fat all together!

Fats are made up of long chains of the elements carbon and hydrogen (I know, BORING!). This is important to know because you can tell the difference between an unsaturated fat (oils) and a saturated fat (solid fat) by how many hydrogens they have.  Unsaturated fats have less hydrogens, and are therefore better for you.

Oils are high in unsaturated fat.

3) Protein: You probably already know what protein is. It is found in various meats, cheeses, beans, and grains. Protein is made up of amino acids, which link together in a long chain.  Coincidentally, amino acids are also used as building blocks for your body. So, the same protein that came from an animal's muscle that you ate today will be used to build your muscle tomorrow! How cool!

The surest way to get the protein you need is from meat.

4) Water: You probably don't think much about water as you go about your day. But truthfully, you are using water every second that you are using energy (water helps to metabolize the food you eat). So, don't overlook water as an important nutrient. Stay hydrated!

Okay, hopefully I haven't bored you to death.  There will be more to follow on each of the macronutrients, including helpful tips and recipes. So stay tuned!
 
-Kamie

Facts from Wardlaw's Perspectives in Nutrition, 8th Edition (a college textbook).