You might’ve heard the term “macros” in discussions about healthy diets and wondered, “What the heck are macros?”
Well, simply put, they are protein, carbohydrates, and fats. And learning about how much your body needs of each of these macros to stay healthy and strong is a journey for each person and is never a “one size fits all” solution. Figuring out your specific macros is a flexible way to eat while making sure you’re getting nutrient-rich food, not just a certain number of calories.
Our bodies need all three – even the right kinds of carbs and fats. But how much? Well, that depends on factors like sex, height, weight, chosen diet, and physical activity level.
Protein
Protein is essential for muscles and tissues. Healthy sources include beans, fish, beef, pork, poultry and eggs. It has 4 calories per gram.
Carbohydrates
The much-maligned carbs provide fuel for your body and brain, allowing protein to handle the muscle. Healthy sources include unprocessed whole grains, veggies and fruits. A gram of carbs also has 4 calories.
Fats
Yes, our bodies really do need fats – the good kind, that is. Healthy sources include olives; olive, canola and peanut oil; avocados; and nuts and nut butters. Each fat gram contains 9 calories.
Although we don’t want people to be thinking about the food choices they make all day long, tracking macros can be an effective way to understand what you eat and how it makes you feel. Do different quantities of certain foods keep you full for longer, keep your energy levels up or even help you sleep better? What you choose to fuel yourself with will impact every system in the body.
Sometimes we need more help though, and if that’s you…
