Final answer:
The human body prioritizes carbohydrates, specifically glucose, as its first energy source, followed by fats, and finally proteins if other sources are depleted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred energy sources for the human body, listed in order of priority, are carbohydrates – mainly glucose, fats, and proteins. Our bodies convert the chemical energy stored in food into work, thermal energy, and/or chemical energy stored in fatty tissue.
The body utilizes glucose first since it is the primary source of energy and the body's fuel. If there is excess glucose, it can be stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles or ultimately as fat.
Fats come next as a denser source of energy, providing a substantial amount of energy stored in adipose tissues for longer-term use. Proteins generally serve as a last resort for energy, as they are primarily used for growth and repair of tissues.