On average, carbs and proteins give 4 calories per gram of food, while fats weigh in at 9 cal/gram (2). All this means is that fats are more densely packed with potential energy sources than the other two macros. That doesn’t mean fats need to be completely cut out when “watching your weight” or trying to shed some pounds (see above section on fat and cholesterol). So you see, neither carbs or fats are inherently “evil” foods that will cause you to gain weight and have endocrine disorders. Combining foods properly and eating small portions of them will ensure proper nutrient intake, a healthy blood sugar balance, and calorie control. And, like mentioned above, fats help one feel more sated from the meal, allowing us to feel more nourished from smaller quantities of food.
In addition, not all calories are created equal. What I mean by that is that the source of calories really does matter in terms of providing nutrients and supporting one’s health. Eating a diet of “junk” and “empty calories” (processed packaged goods with lots of additives, sugars and chemicals, for instance) and then working out in the gym, will only go so far to help you mind your weight with the calories in/out equation. Sure, for a time, your body may appear in top physical shape, but such a diet will start to take a toll sooner or later. For example, consider a person who gets their calories entirely from candy, or entirely of meat, or entirely of ice cream. Do you think such a person will be a picture of health, even if they “burn off” an equal amount of calories to that which they took in?
