Understanding Fuel
Let’s continue our conversation by having a really clear understanding of the role fuel plays in our bodies and in our overall health (2) (3). It’s not about calories anymore. It’s about fuel.
Fuel is all of the things that your body can use for energy. Personally, I like the concept of “fuel” over “calories” for a few key reasons. First, not all calories are equal. That is because Some foods have calories, but they also have so much fiber, and so much resistant starch, that they work differently.
When it comes to fuel and how much you should have, a good starting point is 6 servings throughout the day. You can break it down into a formula like this:
- Carbohydrates: 3 – 4 servings
- Fats: 2 – 3 servings
How Does Fuel Benefit You?
The benefit of getting your fuel load in its proper place include:
- Helping with energy
- Proper longevity
- Lowered risk of chronic disease
- Positive brain function
- Better digestion
Types of Fuel
What happens here is that the body has a tiered system of where fuel goes. This includes:
These are all sources of fuel, so let’s break each of them down:
Carbohydrates