Macronutrients

If you have a fitbit or a myfitnesspal you probably already know what macro's are since they use them to break down your calories but if you don't have an account with them or you still don't get it stick around for this macro breakdown...

What are Macronutrients? 

They are what makes up the food we eat.

Everything you eat consists of at least one of the Macros. 

Better know to you as Fats, Protein's, and Carbs.

They Provide the majority of our bodies energy in the form of calories.

All three Macros have their own specific roles and functions in the body.

Fats -

Forget everything you know we need them. 

I know, I know but don't run away just listen.

Fat's are an essential part of a healthy diet and should make up

15 - 20% of what you eat. They help improve brain development overall cell functioning, protecting the body's organs and they help you absorb the vitamins found in food.

Proteins - 

We need Protein to repair and regenerate our body tissues and cells. 

It helps keep our immune system healthy and functioning. 

Protein also helps with manufacturing hormones.

A healthy diet should consist of 10 - 30% of protein.

Carbohydrates - 

Carbs are made of small chains of sugar which the

 body breaks down into glucose to use as our body's biggest 

energy source and needs to make up 45 - 65% of our diet. 

And no that doesn't mean go eat a loaf of bread. Most people aren't 

aware but Veggies and fruit are full of carbs. 

I have said so many times not every Calorie is created

 equal and I love how the macro proves it and puts it into prospective.

Whether you eat a healthy snack bar or raw veggies the only difference is how the macros are balanced. For example an avocado is generally made up of 75% fats 20% carbs and 5% protein's and is there for a fat based food. On the other hand Bananas are 95% Carbs with only very very small amounts of protein and fat.

100 Calories of a candy bar and 100 calories of broccoli technically provide the same amount of energy to your body but are processed and stored very differently. 

Focusing on macros promotes a more balanced diet by forcing us to take a hard look at the foods we are eating. So even if your counting calories make sure your getting the right ones for your body.