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Calories vs. Micronutrients & Why We Need Both

fruits and vegetables representing calories and micronutrients

Calories and Micronutrients are critical to understand for our health; but most of us don’t know the difference. Ever wonder why it is so hard to maintain a healthy weight, especially as we get older? You are not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control, 42.4% of Americans are obese, with many elements coming into play. Among these elements are biological factors, like our genes; environmental factors, including those people we interact with; and modifiable components, like the food choices we make. I like to use the analogy of a car when I’m explaining nutrition.   The gasoline we put into our car is what makes the car run.  The car’s fuel is analogous to macronutrients that make our body’s run. Macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins…

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