Nutrition and Physical Activity

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Overview

Food gives you energy for physical activity. To have energy, you need to get the right amount of:

  • Protein. It maintains and rebuilds tissues, such as muscles.
  • Carbohydrate. This is the body's preferred source of energy.
  • Fat, which also provides energy.
  • Water, to replace water lost through activity.

Eating a diet that is balanced, varied, and moderate can give you all the nutrients your body needs.

  • Balance means eating the recommended number of servings from each food group most days.
  • Variety within each food group, such as fruits or vegetables, ensures that you will get all the nutrients you need. No one food provides every nutrient.
  • Moderation means eating a little of everything but not too much of any one thing.

People who are very active may have special nutritional needs. They usually don't need more protein. But they do need more carbohydrate (grains, vegetables, fruits) than the amount recommended for the average person.

Credits

Current as of: June 5, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.