Your Muscular System

Muscles by definition are specialized tissue that are capable of contraction, shortening and force production.  Did you know that your muscular system is made up of 3 different types of muscles?  These muscles make up 50% of your body's total mass; cardiac, skeletal and smooth.
The cardiac and smooth muscle are involuntary operators, they function whether you tell them to or not.  The skeletal muscles are not involuntary and consist of over 600 muscles.  The skeletal muscles have 5 primary functions that are super important to your quality of life.

1. Movement - muscles contractions help in the leverage of the body and all its parts.
2. Stability - muscles help in maintaining positions and posture.
3. Stabilization Joints - as your muscles contract to move body parts, the muscles increase joint stability.
4. Heat Production - critical to maintaining body temperature, the skeletal system is responsible for as much as 85% of total body heat.
5. Protection - healthy skeletal muscles offer shielding to underlying tissues and organs.

Leading an active living lifestyle will help keep your skeletal muscles in good shape.  Always ensure you feed your muscles the fuel they need to keep up and repair as you rest.

If you have concerns about your diet and fuel intake, please seek the advice of a registered dietitian.
*Always keep a food diary (for yourself) and write everything you put in your mouth...I mean it...everything.
You'll start making healthier choices on your own as you become more aware of your actions.  Really :) Who wants to write down 18 ginger molasses cookies for dinner?  (more than once LOL)

Have a good one and stay active.