Does the body consume the calories from carbohydrates, fat and protein equally or is there a preference?

Question

Will the human body first go after carbohydrates, before fats? And fats before protein? Or does it even matter?

Will a person who cuts down from a 3000 calorie diet to a 2000 calorie diet and eat a balanced amount of calories from carbohydrates, fats and proteins, loose weight as fast as someone who only received calories from fats and proteins? Assuming both people eat 2000 calories, just differing on where they obtain the calories.

Or does the body even care, calories are calories...? Is one diet easier to maintian?

Are the three broken down equally as fast? Oils and protein have other uses besides providing energy. All three can be broken down to become energy. But does the body prefer one to the others?

I agree calories are calories. But to get there, does the body take a the easiest route?

I agree with moderation. But there are many different types of oils required by the body, omega 3 + 6. Some fats need to be avoided completely...trans fats... But what about the conversion to energy between fats and protein?

Answer 1

As long as the body has carbs to burn, it will burn nothing else. If no carbs are present, the body will burn fat for energy. The body will only burn protein if no carbs or fats are available.

There are controversies among health professional about whether "no fat" diets are good for your health or not. Low carb diets might be better for you.

You should not loose more than 2 lbs. a week. no matter what diet you are on.

What kind of diet is easier to maintain depends on the individual. In my 20's, I was able to stay on a no carb diet for 8 mos. I lost 30 lbs. and then stayed at my new weight.

Now, at 63 y/o, I can't go on a no carb diet as my brain doesn't function as well on that diet. I can still do a low fat diet without problems.

Any time you lose weight you burn fat. This produces substances called ketones, to be produced and go into your blood stream. If you get too high a level in your blood you can get very seriously sick.

On a no carb diet you tend to build up higher levels of ketones than on other diets. You need to drink lots of water on a low carb diet to combat this. Also, apparently, some people have more trouble dealing with ketones than others.

Answer 2

The body consumes first the carbohydrates before it goes for the fats. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. When the carbohydrates are consumed, the body now utilizes the fats. Too much fat consumption for energy, will result to a condition called ketosis, which is the formation of ketone bodies (these are considered waste products). That is why starving yourself is not a good way to diet. The secret is moderation. Proteins , on the other hand, are "grow" foods. They are the building blocks of growth for the body, and is not mainly used as source of energy. So when you diet, don't stop eating carbohydrates altogether. Just limit your carbonydrate intake and do away with the fats.. and eat more protein.

Answer 3

Carbs are not good to have in the body. They hold water and make you heavier. Fats are better and healthier. The body prefers to store more fats and either digests or gets rid of carbs as fast as it can. If you are eating too many carbs, then you are not in a good position. Carbs provide quick energy, and fats provide healthier energy. (Carb loading before athletic event.) This is not diet advice, but obviously, eat a variety of foods, and a balanced diet.

Answer 4

sorry to inform you that calories are calories once they are broken down, the difference is the ratio of calories per portion. usually carbs have more calories per portion than meats etc.

I can tell you this carbs not used for energy store as fat. one thing to keep in mind, when carbs are limited....you energy level seems to go down for some reason. hope this helps.