Macronutrients or ‘Macros‘ are a group of nutrients found in food that give us energy. The three macronutrients are; Protein, Carbohydrates & Fat. No matter what training plan, lifestyle, or diet you have, all three are essential in our diets for a healthy, happy life.
What Macros Do I Need?
1. Protein
Ok, let’s start from the top with protein. Most of us are aware of protein and its importance in the diet. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of all tissues in your body, including muscles, nails, hair, and more! Without adequate amounts, your tissues will not grow correctly and this can cause health complications. Added to this, protein-rich foods are very satiating and can help to fill you up, which is crucial when keeping to a calorie-controlled diet. You can read more about why protein is such a vital part of your diet here.
2. Fat
Next, we’re moving onto fat. Since the 60’s people have blamed fat found in foods for the fat around the middle, causing a mass shift in food labels, culture, and diets. In excess, too much fat will of course make you put on weight, however, fat is essential in the diet and shouldn’t be feared.
Fat can help improve blood cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and is vital in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K). People who decide to purposefully increase their dietary fat will also likely find their hunger levels are reduced, consequently stopping unnecessary snacking. As I mentioned earlier, too much fat can be detrimental, and munching on nothing but bacon, avocados, and butter washed down with a bulletproof coffee is not going to help reach your goals.
3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not the enemy. How many times have you heard the saying “No Carbs before Marbs”? Made famous by a ‘not so scientific’ reality TV show, the saying suggests cutting out carbohydrates is the key to a shredded lifestyle. Unfortunately, this isn’t how the body works, and if you cut carbs out of your diet you will start to notice cravings, headaches, and a huge lack of energy (doesn’t sound ideal for a lean lifestyle, right?).
HOW DO WE TRACK THROUGH HOLIDAYS??
- Continue to track your macros as usual. Maybe you do not use your food scale and you use your trusty EYEBALL.
- Loosely “keep an eye” on your macros and aim for healthier choices, but don’t sweat the details.
- PICK up the following day and hit perfectly with your prep!
