There are generally two types of nutrients. Macro-nutrients and Micro-nutrients. The macro-nutrients are:
- Protein (meat, eggs, poultry, fish, cheese etc.)
- Carbohydrates (grains, legumes, potatoes, squash, fruit, sugar etc.)
- Fat (butter, coconut oil, olive oil, seeds, nuts, avocados, saturated fat etc.)
Micronutrients are all the vitamins and minerals we obtain from the food we eat. For example, vegetables have dense micronutrient profiles, and protein has a dense amino acid profile.
It should be said that enzymes, fiber, and friendly microorganisms that exist in food are equally important.
Insulin breaks down the glucose or sugar in carbohydrates, while glucagon promotes the breakdown of protein. Those two hormones (insulin and glucagon) stabilize one another. Just like the sun and the moon stabilize our planet, and Yin and Yang stabilize one another. A human body has many stabilizing forces by design.
Think of the simple, yet the profound balance of an inhale and exhale. If you have one without the other, problems arise. The sun without the moon equals big problems. Nature directs us to the right balance if we listen. It’s a classic case of “lookin’ for love in all the wrong places”.
When I am conscious about the right balance between protein, carbohydrate, and fat in each meal, I feel REALLY good. That balance varies slightly for each person depending on constitution and activity levels. BUT, it doesn’t vary all that much because every human being requires the three macro-nutrients.
To me it’s like a three-legged stool, if one or two of the legs are missing, it can’t hold someone up (I wouldn’t want to try :). If one or two of the macronutrients are missing, it can’t hold a human body up for proper function and well-being.
Once you get your right balance in line, then you can focus and the best food quality and choices possible to support micronutrients, fiber, and friendly bacteria.
I try and always remember, it’s ALL about balance.