WTF are Macro and Micronutrients:

You’ve all heard the term “counting macros” or “if it fits your macros” even “flexible dieting”...

As complex as it might sound, there are some fundamentals you'll want to know when it comes to optimizing your intake aka diet for better health and well being.

So what the heck are we talking about when we’re referring to Macro and Micronutrients?

We're talking about the essential nutrients that provide energy to our bodies. Each one has a unique purpose and role in our overall nutrition.

So lets break it down...

Calories: A calorie is a unit of energy. In scientific terms it is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. A kilocalorie, or Calorie, is the equivalent of 1,000 calories and is the unit used to discuss the nutritional value of food. Our bodies utilize a certain amount of calories per day to sustain life.

Micronutrients: aka micros, your vitamins and minerals. They have NO calories within them. Due note that if you are eating gummy vitamins, you get calories from the sugar and gelatin in the gummy, not the micronutrients themself. Micronutrients are crucial for health, well being, development and of course feeling good. When you eat a "varied" well balanced diet you are usually covered. Many packaged foods now a days are also "fortified" with additional vitamins and minerals. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements would help in "filling the gaps" within your nutrition and help if your body isn't absorbing them based on blood work.

Macronutrients: aka macros, are the nutrients that your body requires in large amounts. These macronutrients contain calories in different proportions. They each serve different purposes in our bodies. There are 3 types of macronutrients.

Protein: Is the building blocks of our body. Proteins are ESSENTIAL for muscle building, repair and muscle preservation. Plus they help with immune function and the creation of enzymes and hormones. Consuming protein will help you feel satiated (full). Because Protein has a higher thermic effect (harder for your body to breakdown and digest) it will help increase your rate of burn when it comes to calories. Large amounts can be found in meats, poultry, fish, egg whites and plant sources like tofu and lentils. 1 Gram of Protein contains 4 calories.

Carbohydrates: Used as the body's primary source for energy while providing fiber that aides in digestion. Carbs make us feel "happy" and help with our mood. Large amounts can be found in potatoes, grains, fruits and veggies. Carbohydrates are classified into simple and complex types. 1 Gram of Carbs contains 4 calories.

Fats: Crucial for hormone regulation and production, aids in brain function and nutrient absorption. They are also important in energy storage, cell structure and help with the absorption of vitamins (A, D, E and K). Fats will also help you stay "full" for longer. Large amounts can be found in oils, butters, nuts and seeds. There are different classifications of fats such as saturated, unsaturated and trans fat. 1 Gram of Fat has 9 calories.

Food Macro Makeup:

Now that you know what Macros and Micros are the next step is understanding them when it comes to the foods that you consume.

Many foods consist of predominantly of one macronutrient, but many have a combination of the three in various quantities. For instance avocado is a good source of fats AND carbohydrates. Chicken thighs are a good source of protein AND fat.

Utilizing a nutrition tracker you will be able to see how many macronutrients are within the different food items you consume.

When you understand the concept of food macro makeup it empowers you to make informed decision about what you want to put on your plate which will help in long term transformation of your body.

If you are interested in learning more about how macros can transform your body become an All ACCESS Subscriber where we walk you through step by step on achieving Food Freedom.

You learn more in depth on WTF Macros are and HOW you can find and adjust yours so that you can transform your body while incorporating your favorite foods learning how to make progress lifelong!