The Significance Of The New Approach
	In terms of fuel,1 gram of protein supplies 4 calories. (A gram equals about 1 teaspoon.) But the biochemical processes by which the body breaks down protein for its various uses are so complex that the fuel value of the protein is not quickly available. Fats supply vitamins and essential fatty acids which, so far as we presently know, the body cannot obtain from other substances. Fats are present in both plant and animal foods, but again the meat group (including milk products) supplies about 60 per cent to the vegetable group's 40 per cent. Like protein, fat digests slowly, which contributes to what is called its 'satiety value' : when fat is present in your diet you tend to feel less hungry than you do on a fat-free regimen. Remember this if the high caloric count of fat starts you wondering all over again how you can possibly lose weight on a diet that allows you butter and cheese! One gram of fat supplies 9 calories-more than twice as much energy per unit than an equal weight of carbohydrates, which are popularly thought to be the body's chief source of fuel. Now, the average person metabolizes his food efficiently. His body grows, keeps itself in good repair, burns what it requires for energy, and, as has been indicated, stores up the rest to be used as needed, some in the liver, and some as body fat. It is important to remember that fats and carbohydrates are stored in this way. (It is an interesting side-light on the activity in nutritional research that until very recently science considered it established that protein was used or excreted by the body, and never stored. Current investigation, however, may show that certain forms of protein may be stored in some manner or quantity as yet unknown.) When our average person feels that he is 'storing' a bit too much, he cuts down his total food intake and the excess, very likely, comes off. Next: The Value Of Fat