What is the best source of energy for the body after carbs- is it proteins or fat?
The best source of fuel for the body is carbohydrates, followed by fat, and then protein. Carbohydrates are our “quick energy” fuel source. Fats helps fuel our muscle cells, especially at rest and during light activity. Protein is the least efficient energy source and is expensive, in terms of breaking it down for energy and taking it away from its more important functions. These functions include being used for (1) growth and maintenance of new cells/tissues, (2) becoming a component of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, (3) helping to maintain the body’s acid/base balance, and (4) maintaining fluid/electrolyte balance. In order to let protein do it’s primary jobs, it is important to consume more than 130 grams of carbohydrate per day. This will assure that the body will have the quick energy it needs along with a variety of important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All in all, to fuel the body properly, we need a good variety of these major nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats)
