Not all grams of caloric nutrients are created equal!

First off, nutrients are life-sustaining substances found in food. They work together to supply the body with energy and structural materials, and to regulate growth, maintenance, and repair of the body's tissues. Proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals and water are the six major classes of nutrients. But proteins, carbohydrates and fat are the three nutrients that provide calories. These calories are used by the body to sustain life by helping to maintain body temperature and facilitating the growth and repair of all organs and tissues. Many people believe carbohydrate calories are 'good' calories and fat calories are 'bad' calories. But they both serve a vital purpose in our diet. One reason fat calories are considered bad is that Americans eat too many of them, which can result in excess body fat and weight. Fat is a very concentrated source of energy and contains more than twice the calories of protein and carbohydrates. Alcohol also provides calories, but is not considered a nutrient since it does not contribute to the growth, maintenance, or repair of body tissue. I know that sadden a lot of you, sorry! Furthermore, alcohol can be converted to fat when total caloric intake exceeds caloric output. So here is the breakdown of calories per gram for the three 'nutrients', but I also included alcohol just as an F.Y.I.

• 1 gram of protein = 4 calories
• 1 gram of carbohydrate = 4 calories
• 1 gram of fat = 9 calories
• 1 gram of alcohol = 7 calories

So there you have it, now you know why all those things we Americans love to eat (and drink) contain sssssooooo many calories!

TO YOUR HEALTH!