What are Macronutrients?

These are the nutritive components of food that the body needs for energy and to maintain the body's structure and systems. There are three macronutrients, which make up the categories of nutrients we eat the most: carbohydrates, proteins, fats.

When eaten in the right ratios, macronutrients can improve your weight, health and overall physical well-being and body composition.

These three nutrients provide us with most of our energy, so we need them in large amounts.

When someone talks about counting and tracking your macros, this is simply counting the grams of protein, carbohydrate and fat you’re consuming in our diet. These nutrients all make up your calories.

Knowing your macros is important when your goal is to change your body composition (lean muscle vs fat).

protein

PROTEIN

Proteins are the building blocks of life. Protein is a part of every cell in your body, and no other nutrient plays as many different roles in keeping you alive and healthy as protein!

The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones.

The amount of protein you need depends on your weight and how active you are. Be sure to get an adequete amount of lean, complete protein sources each day.

Carbohydrates

CARBS

Carbs are your body's preferred source of energy. They are easiest to break-down.

Carbs supply your body with glucose, which your cells use as fuel.

The healthiest sources of carbohydrates can provide your body with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. These include unprocessed whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. Unprocessed, or minimally processed foods containing 5 ingredients or less are the best sources when building your meals.

dietary fats

FATS

Fats are essnetal. Fat is a source of essential fatty acids, which means your body cannot make them and can only get them through diet. Fat helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. These vitamins are fat-soluble, which means they can only be absorbed with the help of fats in our diet.

Fat is a source of energy. It also protects your organs, supports cell growth and keeps cholesterol and blood pressure under control.

Omega-3 rich foods (fatty fish, seeds, nuts) help neutralize inflammation in the body.

Avoid saurated and trans-fats whenever possible.