A Beginners guide to tracking Macro-nutrients
You must be wondering why this talk of counting macro-nutrients when for any fitness regime counting calories is the basic step?
Well that is why we are here to tell you about the major benefits of switching the habit of calories count by macro-nutrients count.
What are macro-nutrients anyway?
Macro-nutrients are chemical compounds comprising major part of the human diet and provide energy in bulks. The main macros are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Everything a person eats in their diet gets broken down to these three macro-nutrient categories. Micro-nutrients are required considerably in smaller proportions, when a person’s diet includes sufficient amount of macro-nutrient, the required need of micro-nutrients of the body also gets full filled. Many dietitians advise about keeping a good balance of macros and micro-nutrients in the diet. Which will in turn help the body to perform with better energy level. When a diet is well balanced with macros and micros the body reciprocates with better physical energy and sharp mental focus.
The major macros to be tracked are:
Protein
Proteins are large biomolecules or macromolecules that are made of amino acids which are the building blocks of the body. It performs various functions within the human body starting from helping in repair all tissue like muscle, skin, bone, etc.. Building essential hormones and enzymes and ending with providing energy during adverse conditions to the body, when it requires the most because of depletion or insufficient intake of carbohydrates and fats.
Carbohydrates
We often get to hear the tag of “cut the carbs” which have obviously created a negative image of it in our minds. Well, carbs which is the short form for carbohydrates are macromolecules, which when included in proper balanced proportion in a diet gives the healthiest results. Carbs are mainly required in huge amount comprising about 50 to 60 percent for a well balanced diet for a body to perform at optimum levels. When eaten and broken down they provide energy which is the fuel of the body to keep working at its best state. Amount of carbs in the diet should be adjusted according to the body’s fitness goals.
Fats
Apart from what fat is in its most basics form, it is more of a well known and feared word by those who want slim figure and fit bodies. Well just as applying oil on the skin does not actually makes your skin oily. Similarly eating fats does not actually make your body retain fat. Well obviously for that you must know about the good and bad fat. Bad fats are saturated fat (meat, butter, cream) and trans fat (pre-packaged foods, fast food, etc.) Good fats are the healthy fats that provide texture and flavor to the foods we love. Fats are really essential for the body to function properly. So, make sure to include healthier plant based unsaturated fats in your diet by including foods like nuts, avocados, etc.
Macro-nutrients are better than tracking calories
Calorie is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of energy your body gains upon consumption. They are not all the same. Different food source provides different amount of macros. So its more important to look into the source of calorie because two foods that are similar in aspects of calorie content may differ in aspects of macros and micros breakdown. Something made of simple carbs and fats like chocolates and pastries may get absorb quickly but will get stored as fat. Whereas a more even balance of macros in the diet along with the micros will act as fuel for an active and healthy body. And the plus point is that you will stay satiated longer and your immune system can get boosted up.
You can lose weight by tracking and balancing calories but it is more important to pay attention to the macros in your diet. If you want to make healthier choices for your body to perform at its best levels.
Set your macro numbers
Its important that you understand and decide your health and fitness goals much clearly. According to your fitness regime, the macros numbers must differ and present in adequate supplies to meet the body’s nutrition needs. So that the body will not be experiencing any loss of health or fatigue. Your shift of macros numbers will be helpful for bouncing back and making progress in your desired fitness routine. Learn more about what a macro-nutrient balance diet look like and adapt to the one that suits your body the most. From there you can just adjust your carbs, fat and proteins amount based on your personal needs. Decide on the macros number to be includes in your diet i.e., set your macro numbers.
Get a track of your macros
There are many applications that can help you find a diet routine, help you in making progress with your regime by counting the calories intake and macros intake. It will help you in making progress with a suitable diet for your body. Which can done by calculating and showing your macros intake everyday on the basis of food you eat. So, these applications will guide you throughout your diet for you to meet your fitness goals.
Doing this will ensure a healthy change in your fitness results. Make this change now and see for yourself.
