How do you explain the connection between food and metabolism? Live at the Lab

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Since nutrition plays such a huge role, Jen, how do you explain the connection between food and metabolism?

[00:00:06]Well, food is your body's fuel, right?

[00:00:09]And the type of food, the timing, and the consistency of when you eat, that all plays a role in how your body manages energy. Can you walk us through the big picture? Talk about uh the carbs, fat, and protein. So, carbs, fat, and protein, they're macronutrients.

[00:00:26]That's what we call macronutrients. Um and carbohydrates, they're your body's quick energy source. Where fats, they provide a longer-lasting fuel, and they're helpful for things like supporting cell membranes and absorption of those fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K.

[00:00:44]And then protein, that plays a particularly important role in metabolic health. Oh, Jen, fascinating. Can you tell us a little bit more about why specifically protein plays an important role? Yeah, so protein has what we call this thermic It has a higher thermic effect, and that means your body uses more energy when you're digesting it compared to carbohydrates or fats. And it also helps to preserve and build your lean muscle. Um and muscle is a metabolically active tissue. So, plus, um protein helps you feel fuller longer, and that supports um your appetite regulation. So, I guess just to summarize what you're saying, protein isn't just about muscle. It's really about your overall metabolic health.

[00:01:26]>> Yeah, correct. And um many people don't realize how important consistent protein intake is and then how that affects your metabolic function.