The 3 Macronutrients are : Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat.
So what do they do?
Carbohydrates : Carbs break down into glucose, used for quick source of energy, or stored as glycogen in the liver or muscles.
Protein : Protein helps your body build and repair muscles and tissues, make hormones and enzymes, & supports immune function.
Fats : Fats help with energy, hormone production, nutrient absorption, & maintaining body temperature.
Here are 4 tips for counting Macros, especially if you are new to it.
1.) Don't just focus on the numbers. Quality matters too. 20 grams of donuts does NOT equal 20 grams of quinoa. Avoid letting macro counting turn into an excuse to eat a bunch of junk. Opt for nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and high quality protein over processed foods.
2.) You don't need to do it forever. Counting macros can be overwhelming if you’re new to it. You might see it as yet another thing to keep track of. But you don’t need to do it forever. You can always just try it for a week. Even a few days can help you gauge how to eat for your ideal ratio.
3.) It's not a good fit for everyone. Counting macros isn’t a good fit for people with a history of disordered eating patterns. The focus on food intake could potentially trigger disordered eating behaviors. So if you have a history of disordered eating, it’s best to avoid it.
