What are MACROS and should you count them?

Macronutrients, or MACROS, are broken down into Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fats. These are the building blocks of the foods that we eat and the energy we can expend.

Each macronutrient is calculated differently when it comes to contributing to your overall calorie and nutritional intake. Proteins and Carbohydrates are calculated at 4 calories per gram, while Fat is calculated at 9 calories per gram. Though Sugar is not considered in a macronutrient count, it is important to note that they calculate in at 7 calories per gram and act like a carbohydrate when calculating your overall intake for a day.

When you follow a macro diet, you go beyond counting calories and focus on tracking macros. Depending on your health goals, you can adjust the ratios of macronutrients you consume to lose weight, build muscle, or enter maintenance mode.

How many macros should you be eating per day or per meal? The way your body utilizes each macronutrient will be a determining factor. It also depends on your goals. Are you trying to lean out? Are you trying to add muscle tissue? What if you want to do both?!

 

 

 

We are all different, so our distribution will be different

Depending on your DNA, your goals, and your starting point, the amount of each macronutrient will vary. Do you need more protein and less fat? What if you have an enhanced ability to utilize carbohydrates (sorry that doesn’t mean you get to eat all the cookies and all the bread!)? What is ideal to eat and how much?

 

So do you want to count them? If so, what does that look like?

Sample Meal

4 oz lean steak (filet)
6 asparagus spears
4 oz sweet potato
2 cups mixed baby greens
348 Calories, 32 g Carbohydrates, 9 g Fat, 32 g Protein

Happy to help.

Let us know if you have any questions or want to know what your ideal macro breakdown looks like. We are here to serve you and help you reach your goals!