Our bodies use nutrients to give us energy. Different nutrients provide energy at different stages of activity. Someone who is very active needs carbohydrates because those are the first nutrients that the body turns into energy. Proteins provide muscle recover by producing amino acids. The amino acids are not usually found in the body but if you’re active it is imperative that your body maintains these amino acids. How does your body maintain these important nutrients? Through the foods we eat. All that is necessary is to figure out the type of active lifestyle that is lead and that what foods contain the nutrients that are necessary to keep us that active while building that energy.

Foods/Nutrients that Provide Energy

Carbohydrates are compounds made up of sugars and are classified by the number of sugar units contained: monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose contain a single simple sugar. Disaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose, contain more complex sugar structures. Oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose are the most complex and as such, are the most difficult to break down and transform into energy.

Proteins consist of amino acids joined by peptide bonds, creating an organic nutrient. The body cannot manufacture some of the essential amino acids found in proteins, so the body relies on the diet providing these nutrients. Proteins are broken down through digestion into free amino acids, which the body can then use for energy.

Fats consist of a glycerin molecule with three fatty acids attached. Fatty acids are un-branched hydrocarbon chains, which basically mean the bonds that connect them make up saturated fatty acids (single bonds) or unsaturated fatty acids (double bonds).

Fats are important to help keep cell membranes functioning properly, to insulate body organs against shock, to keep body temperature stable. They also help in maintaining healthy skin, nails and hair. Just like amino acids, the body does not manufacture certain fatty acids, termed essential fatty acids, which must be further supplied by the diet. Fats are basically the reserve store of energy for the body.

Foods/Nutrients that Provide Our Metabolism

One of the main reasons the substances above create energy is that they supply stored energy, which is broken down by metabolism. When foods are broken down by metabolism, they release their stored energy and transfer that energy to our bodies. Of course, many people start to see a decline in their metabolism as they age, but there are a few substances to focus on to help support and maintain a healthy metabolism for a longer period of time.

Trace elements, salts and ions such as copper and iron are some of the minerals that help make up dietary minerals, which are necessary to assisting your metabolism.
Vitamins are a key to a healthy metabolism. As organic compounds, they usually act as coenzymes or cofactors to help break down various proteins in the body.

Water is the universal solvent, which means it helps break down almost every thing our body throws at it. Since our bodies are made up of over 70% water, it only makes sense that this is an essential part to maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Understanding what foods help us store energy along with what breaks it down into useable energy will give you an idea of how to eat correctly to obtain your maximum energy level. Your physician, trainer or even the Internet can provide resources that will enable you to find the perfect food/nutrient match for your lifestyle.