-
What I Learned in Nutrition – Protein
Protein! This subject might be every athlete’s favorite part of nutrition. It is so fascinating to me because especially vegetarians and pesco-vegetarians (like myself) are always concerned: am I getting enough protein? We don’t need nearly enough protein we think we do–because honestly, the American diet is NOT lacking in protein. Well, here is what I’ve learned about protein itself and how it functions in the body. (image source) Protein is a functional and structural compound in the body and consists of numerous amino acids is found in all living cells. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, they have a nitrogen containing group. Not only does protein…
-
What I Learned in Nutrition – Fats
In my last nutrition class we talked about fats. Yup, some of our worst nightmares, no? But actually, we need some fat in our diet to be healthy. Here is what I learned. Characteristics of Fat Fat is hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t like water. This is why oils and water don’t mix. Fat enhances the flavor of food. Fat makes meat tender when cooked. Fat provides calories and energy at 9 calories per gram. Fat slows down digestion and leads to satiety (feeling full) Fat is also known as Triglycerides and can vary in degree of saturation. Saturated – the bad fats which usually comes from animal sources and is…
-
What I Learned in Nutrition – Carbohydrates
Since I was in the Florida last week, I missed my third nutrition class. However, I did have class this past Monday! Monday we discussed CARBOHYDRATES! My favorite! 🙂 Here is some helpful info if you’ve ever wondered what really makes up carbohydrates. (image source) Carbohydrates or CHO are essential nutrients that make up the foundation of our diets. They are the most desirable source of energy for the body and supply fuel in the form of glucose. There are two forms of Carbohydrates: Simple and Complex. Simple CHOs contain a single unit of sugar and are called monosaccharides and disaccharides. (image source) Complex CHOs are long chains and branches…
-
Nutrition Science
This semester I’m taking Biology 125, also known as Nutrition Science. It is one of the courses required before I go back to school to get my Masters Degree in Nutrition Science. (source) Last fall I decided to start taking prerequisites for a Nutrition program at a local college, which includes Psychology, Nutrition, Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Statistics and Accounting. The only science course I ever took in Undergrad was Biology 100, so I pretty much have to start from scratch, nutrition being a science and all! If only I had figured out my true calling a little bit sooner. Because I work full time I…
