We’re about to go over 3 ways your body uses your diet, so you’ll have no excuses not to know what carbs, fats, and proteins do for you and WHY each is important in its own special way. Something like brothers… or not. Here we go!

Carbohydrates: Your body uses carbohydrates when you’re on the move, especially at higher intensities!

When you exercise, you’re left with energy, and that energy is mostly carbohydrates. Your body uses carbohydrates to fuel your high-intensity workouts and movements throughout the day, like racing to your local food truck before they run out of hot dogs. Yes, protein can be used for energy in this case once carbs are depleted, but they are not as efficient as carbs in fueling this type of activity. just put, carbohydrates are used when you are moving throughout the day.

Fats – Fats are used by your body when you are NOT moving, or when you are asleep!

Yes, you read that right… fats are used by your body as fuel when you are at low intensities. Low-key moments include when you’re sitting through that long, boring office job listening to Ryan’s Roses and browsing Facebook, BUT this also includes when you’re sleeping. asleep? asleep. In fact, you’ll use more fat for energy when you’re sleeping than at any other time of day, especially when you’re on a structured training regimen that maximizes your body’s oxygen demand at rest. Fats are used in the lower intensity parts of your day, and this includes when you are sleeping.

Proteins: Proteins are used by your body for recovery and to maintain your body.

When your muscles ache and you see your progress reflected in the mirror as the pain subsides…this is protein in action. Proteins are what make optimal recovery possible for your body, and that’s why every silly joke in history has a protein shake in it somewhere. Plus, apart from the 70% of your body being water, protein is what your body gets the most out of! This is the reason why it is sometimes difficult to switch to a vegan or vegetarian diet, because protein is mainly obtained from the consumption of meats, dairy, etc. When carbs are low and you need a friend, protein can also help fuel your body once it’s broken down into amino acids. Protein is used for recovery and maintenance of your body, and can also be used in moderation for energy.

I hope this simple breakdown helps with exactly what your body is using all your food for, and can help you eat better to FUEL rather than FILL your body. If you keep this in mind, I promise you’ll be less likely to overeat because you’ll see no other reason than “Ben and Jerry told me to do it.”