Nutrition Basics
Nutrients are substances in foods that provide fuel for our bodies,
enabling us to perform our daily mental and physical activities.
Protein, carbohydrates, and fat supply 100% of the energy from our food
intake. That energy is measured in calories:
• 1 gram of protein = 4 Calories
• 1 gram of carbohydrate = 4 Calories
• 1 gram of fat = 9 Calories
Nutrients are substances in foods that provide fuel for our bodies,
enabling us to perform our daily mental and physical activities.
Protein, carbohydrates, and fat supply 100% of the energy from our food
intake. That energy is measured in calories:
• 1 gram of protein = 4 Calories
• 1 gram of carbohydrate = 4 Calories
• 1 gram of fat = 9 Calories
Protein serves us by being the main building block in our bodies and
is responsible for maintaining the body’s tissues. The body’s immune
system, muscles, and organs are made up mostly of protein.
Prime sources of protein include fish, poultry, eggs, lean beef and
pork; milk and dairy products; nuts, seeds, beans, peas, and lentils.
