How do you count macros, and should you be doing it?
Between the gym community, social media influencers, popular media outlets, and the hashtag #IIFYM (if it fits your macros), you’ve probably heard the term ‘counting macros’. This way of eating has been around a while, and doesn’t seem to be getting any less trendy.
I know I’m a bit late to the party, but I thought this would be a good time to weigh in on what macros are, why people count them, how to count macros, and if we should be doing it at all.
What are macros?
Macros is the short form of the word macronutrients, the major building blocks of all the food we eat.
At the highest level, macronutrients break down into three big categories: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Each of these building blocks serves useful purposes in the normal and successful function of our bodies.
Carbs in our diet come from sugars and starches, as well as fibre (yes, fibre is a carb). Aside from being the first line for our body and brain for energy, some carbs also feed our good gut bacteria.
Whole food carbs are often good sources of antioxidants, nutrients, and fibre. We’re talking grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Some of these *ahem* carbs *ahem* are vilified as ‘bad’ or blamed for all of our problems, but the reality is that a healthy diet contains all of the macronutrients. Sure, you *can* live without carbs, but why would you want to?
Fats come from oils, nuts, seeds, dairy, meats, avocado, fish, and eggs.
Fats aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) and carotenoids, are a rich source of energy, carry flavour in food, and among other things, are vital for hormone production and the formation of myelin, vital for normal epithelial cell function. They also make food satiating and delicious.
Are seed oils harmful? Here’s the whole story.
Sources of protein include chicken, eggs, fish, tofu, tempeh, legumes, and dairy.
Protein is the building block of pretty much everything in our bodies, from hormones and enzymes, to organs, muscles, and DNA. Protein comes from plants and animals, and is in the form of amino acid chains when we consume it….
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