Macronutrients Explained

How macros can help you achieve your health goals

Macronutrients (macros) are large families of nutrients that make up the majority of the food we eat and provide necessary energy for everyday bodily functions (metabolism, regulate body temperature, repair tissue, replenish stored fuel, to move).

Since our main source of energy is food, it is our jobs to find energy balance – the relationship between energy in (food) and energy out (how we use energy). It is through the monitoring of macros and your energy output (daily movement & lifestyle), that allows us to find that balance to help you achieve your health goals.  

  • Carbohydrates

    The most misunderstood macro. Carbs are typically thought of as starches like bread, pasta and potatoes, but they are also sugars such as fructose, glucose and lactose. Carbohydrates have many jobs, but the main job is to provide energy, either immediately (from blood glucose) or for later (from stored liver and muscle glycogen). During activity, our bodies pull carbs from our muscles for energy, making our carb consumption important for performance.

  • Fats

    Fats also get a bad reputation and are misunderstood because we assume that fats are directly correlated to gaining fat. Fat is essential for giving us energy, hormonal balance, helps form our brains & nervous systems, and transports vitamins throughout our bodies. Fat is the most energy dense macronutrient, containing 9 calories per gram.

  • Protein

    The most important macronutrient! It is essential to building and repairing muscle. It provides amino acids and facilitates cell growth, production, & renewal throughout the body. Protein provides satiety (fullness) to our meals and requires the most energy to digest. The role protein plays in our energy output (our bodies burn more calories digesting it) is paramount to fat loss and body composition goals.

Each macronutrient plays a different role in our bodies. Eating various amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fats will have different effects. The macro goals (specific volume of carbs/fats/protein to consume on a daily basis) and ratios you will receive, are specific to YOU and only YOU.

The concept of counting macros is if you consume a specific amount of each macronutrient consistently, you will be able to attain your physical goals while learning about portion sizes, nutrient density, not having to eat the same foods repeatedly, and plenty of flexibility to enjoy favorite treats.