Notes from the Garden

Chef G Writes About Nutrition

When we think about food, we often focus on flavor, comfort, and tradition. Yet food serves a much greater purpose. It is the fuel that keeps our bodies functioning every day.

Nutrition is the study of the processes of growth, maintenance, and repair in the body that depend upon the intake of food. It also includes the study of food itself and how it supports health and well-being.

Food is any liquid or solid substance that, after digestion, supplies the body with materials needed for one or more of the following:

1. Energy, warmth, and muscular movement
2. Growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues
3. Protection against illness and infection

The substances in food that provide these benefits are called nutrients. Nutrients are essential to life and are responsible for helping the body perform its many functions.

The Five Main Nutrient Groups

Carbohydrates

Function: Energy and warmth

Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. They provide the fuel needed for daily activities, exercise, and normal body functions. Good sources include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Fats

Function: Energy and warmth

Fats are a concentrated source of energy and help insulate the body to maintain temperature. Healthy fats also support brain function and aid in the absorption of certain vitamins. Sources include nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish.

Proteins

Function: Energy, warmth, growth, and repair

Proteins are often called the building blocks of the body. They help form and repair muscles, organs, skin, and other tissues. Good protein sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes.

Minerals

Function: Growth, repair, and protection through regulation of body processes

Minerals play important roles in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, nerves, muscles, and body fluids. Calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc are just a few examples of essential minerals.

Vitamins

Function: Protection through regulation of body processes

Vitamins help regulate many of the body’s systems. They support immunity, vision, bone health, wound healing, and countless other functions that keep us healthy and active.

A Thought from Chef G

A healthy diet is not about perfection. It is about providing the body with the nutrients it needs to do its job every day. Every meal is an opportunity to nourish yourself, support your health, and invest in your future well-being.

As gardeners know, plants thrive when they receive the right balance of nutrients. The same is true for us. Give your body the proper fuel, and it will reward you with strength, energy, and resilience.

Remember that good nutrition starts with good choices, one meal at a time.