Clean Informer Magazine Spring 2013 | Page 32

HEALTH & FITNESS Trainer Tips by JR Beekley Understanding Calories Calories are misunderstood and gauged to much these days on which foods to pick over another. First lets understand calories a little better, i wont get to deep in this topic because we could be on it for days but here is some good info for next time you are at the grocery store. 1 fat gram-9 calories 1 carb-4 calories 1 protein-4 calories These are the only ways calories are determined. So next time you grab a pack of 100 calorie whatever’s, take a hard look at what makes up those calories. Food that is put in your mouth should be rich in protein, good carbs, and little fat (good fat that is, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, stay away from anything that has saturated fat). Sometimes an item will look good on the fat side and have low calories, now go ahead and check the sugar level’s. Americans intake anywhere form 50-100 grams of sugar a day. Healthy intake is around 15g. Hope this helps, as always feel free to ask any questions!