energy source, perfect for supporting lower
intensity activity.
The energy contained within each type of
macronutrient is measured in calories.
Carbohydrates and protein each contain four
calories per gram; fat contains nine calories
per gram. Diet books and experts have long
attributed weight problems to simply eating
too many calories, and specifically, too much
fat. After all, fat is more than twice as calorie-
dense as either protein or carbs!
If only it were that easy.
While calories do count for something,
good health depends on far more complex
factors—and simply reducing calories (or fat)
isn’t the answer. The foods you eat exert a
powerful psychological influence, stronger
than any act of willpower. They influence
your hormones, silently directing your
metabolism. They affect your digestive tract,
your body’s first line of defense. And they