“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over” F. Scott Fitzgerald

The body is a biochemical power house and regular sport activities are vital to our metabolism and a long, happy life. Moreover it is instantly mood-uplifting and clears the mind. There are endless myths about nutrition and healthy intakes but, in my honest opinion, the most important thing is to know how your body breaks down and stores energy. Ever wondered why you are hungry when you skip your carbs? To start off we have to take a look at the functions of glycogen (structure see here), a multibranched polysaccharide of glucose serving as a form of energy storage.

As a carb meal is digested, your blood glucose level rises and the pancreas secretes insulin. Blood glucose from the portal vein enters liver cells. There, the insulin acts on them to stimulate the action of several enzymes. Glucose molecules are added to the chains of glycogen as long as both insulin and glucose remain plentiful. Now after a meal has been digested and you have a big pause of intakes the glucose levels begin to fall, insulin secretion is reduced, and glycogen synthesis stops. When it is needed for energy, glycogen is broken down and converted again to glucose. Oh, and the human body is able to store 200 to 500 grams at one time, which is approximately enough energy for half of a day. Best way to stay lean? Never be too hungry (low insulin levels), add complex carbohydrates that take a little longer to digest (e.g. whole wheat or brown rice with grain) to your menu and go outside/ move a lot. There is no other magic pill but knowing how stuff works. Best, Ea Birkkam.

today: gym