Free glucose in blood has 4 kilocalories per gram, 40 kilocalories of energy storage, and a few minutes of life support time. Glycogen has 4 kilocalories per gram, 600 to 1600 kilocalories of energy storage, and 1 day of life support time. Lipids have 9 kilocalories per gram, 100,000 kilocalories of energy storage, and 30 to 40 days of life support time."/>

Use the chart at the right you help you answer the following question.

Suppose you were getting ready for a soccer game and wanted to have a snack that would give you energy for the entire game. Which snack should you eat: a container of yogurt with some cheese (both high in fat) or hard candy with soda pop (both high in glucose)? Why?

1 answer

To determine the best snack for energy during a soccer game, let's consider the energy profile and duration of support from both options: the yogurt and cheese (high in fat) versus the hard candy and soda pop (high in glucose).

  1. Glucose (from hard candy and soda pop):

    • Provides 4 kilocalories per gram.
    • Offers quick energy but has limited storage (about 40 kilocalories).
    • Provides a few minutes of energy or “life support time.”
  2. Lipids (from yogurt and cheese):

    • Provides 9 kilocalories per gram.
    • Offers a substantial energy storage (100,000 kilocalories).
    • Provides energy for about 30 to 40 days.

Considering these points, while the hard candy and soda pop would give a quick burst of energy, it won't sustain you for an entire soccer game due to its short energy duration and limited caloric content.

On the other hand, yogurt and cheese, being high in fat, provide a higher caloric content and a much longer duration of energy support. Although lipids take longer to metabolize for energy compared to glucose, they would provide a more sustained energy release throughout the game.

Conclusion: You should eat the container of yogurt with some cheese (high in fat) for the soccer game, as it offers a higher caloric content and longer-lasting energy support compared to the hard candy and soda pop (high in glucose).