Oct04Why Macros Matter
You might hear about them quite often; macronutrients. They are super important, but why? Proteins, carbs, and fats are vital to many functions within the body. You can break up all foods into the categories of these 3 nutrients.
Protein
Protein is probably the most well known. Proteins are the building blocks of the body. Proteins help build muscle – which is what it is widely known for – but it also is responsible for building and repairing other tissues like organs and cells. It also has a high thermic effect, which means you’ll burn more calories digesting them and they are highly satiating, keeping you fuller longer.
The best protein sources are from lean animal meats, as they are the most digestible – but plant sources work as well. Greatest sources are:
- lean animal meats – chicken, lean beef, fish
- plant sources – lentils, beans, tempeh, tofu, plant protein powder
Carbs
Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred energy source. Carbs are converted to glycogen, which is used for physical activity. This is why it’s important for people to eat some easily digestible carb source foods a couple hours before a workout.
Plenty of carb sources can also be great foods full of other nutrients. Fruits and veggies are great carb sources, and carry with them plenty of vitamins and other minerals.
Fats
Fats get a bad rap, as they’ve been demonized for decades as the main source for heart disease and weight gain. Healthy fats though play a crucial role in many functions of the body.
Fats help with hormone regulation, and brain development. Fatty acids (like in fish) help with brain health and inflammation. Healthy sources of fat are nuts & seeds, avocados, dark chocolate, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, eggs, and many other foods.
What you want to do is make sure to avoid trans fats. These are mainly found in baked goods like pastries, fried foods, and other junk foods. Nowadays artificial trans fats are banned from foods, but naturally occurring trans fats are present in some animal foods – of which are admissible, but just make sure to limit fatty beef, cheese, and other fatty animal foods.
Macros Matter
The 3 basic macronutrients play a vital role in many function of the body. Eating a balanced diet will usually provide you with enough of these nutrients, but sometimes we need to take an extra look at our diet and make sure we are getting the optimal amounts.