Thank you also to Dr. Steven McNevin, Heidi Mack, and Colette Larocque for their assistance in the training of our new group of volunteers this fall. Healthy eating involves eating a variety of foods so your body has enough nutrients to function. Nutrients are the substances found in food that provide your body with energy and the ability to grow, maintain itself, and repair damaged tissue. Your body requires different amounts of each nutrient because they all have a special function. While it is rare for a food to only contain one type of nutrient, the easiest way to ensure you receive all your nutrients is by eating a variety of foods.
Carbohydrates are our main source of calories.
Carbohydrates are usually categorized as either simple or complex. Complex carbohydrates, commonly known as starch or dextrins, are usually found in nutrient dense foods derived from corn, seeds, nuts, grains, and roots. Thus foods rich in complex carbohydrates provide many valuable nutrients. Fats are the most calorie dense nutrient. They contain 9 calories per gram and are an excellent source of energy.