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LEAN PATH
The Apex lean path is a safe, healthy way to help you burn fat. A smart and effective
weight loss program designed by experts in fitness.
MEMBER NAME DATE
Ken Stephens 08/ 22/ 2011
I. The Basics of Proper Nutrition
All food (protein, fats and carbohydrates) can be used for energy, contribute to satiety and is broken
down at different rates. Carbohydrate is quickly digested and transformed into glucose, the primary fuel
in the body. Protein and fat require more time to digest and, therefore, produce energy at a more
gradual rate.
Protein (3)
What is it?
Protein is a caloric nutrient containing approximately four calories per gram.
Besides water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the body.
Protein is made up of structural units or chains called amino acids.
There are two kinds of amino acids:
1. Essential amino acids: cannot be made by the body and must be supplied by food or
supplements.
2. Nonessential amino acids: can be made by the body.
What does it do?
In the absence of sufficient carbohydrates, protein is used as an energy source.
Protein is the primary component of building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair and internal
organs such as the heart and the brain.
It is used in the formation of hormones, enzymes and antibodies.
Assists in regulating the body's water balance.
Protein is vital for growth, maintenance and repair of body tissue.
Sources of protein
Complete proteins: complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids (not made by the body)
in sufficient quantities for growth and maintenance of the human body.
sources include: animal products such as beef, chicken, fish, milk and cheese
Incomplete proteins: incomplete proteins do not contain the adequate amount of essential amino
acids.
sources include: plant products such as grains, legumes, cereals, and starchy vegetables
Complementary proteins: these proteins are incomplete protein food sources combined to make
complete proteins
sources include: nuts combined with grains, beans combined with rice, etc.
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