Counting calories is a practice that has been used for decades. On the surface, this alone makes sense. Individuals burn calories via physical fitness, so regulating one’s caloric intake versus calories burned, can provide a method to practice weight management. Studies have shown that supplemental methods may increase effectiveness. Counting macronutrients (macros) offer additional insight into the specific nutrients added per calorie.
What are macronutrients? These are the three most common categories of nutrients that provide the most energy: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Counting these three categories will help with meal planning and crafting healthy long-term choices.
Proteins are vital for processes like cell signaling, immune function, and the building of muscle tissue, hormones, and enzymes. Protein-intake recommendations may vary depending on body composition goals, age, health, and other considerations. They provide four calories per gram.
Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fibers; these get broken down into glucose, or blood sugar, which your body either uses for immediate energy or stores as glycogen. Carbs provide four calories per gram and typically make up the largest portion of people’s calorie intake.
Bodies need fat for energy and critical functions, such as hormone production, nutrient absorption, and body temperature maintenance. However, fats have the most calories out of all macronutrients, with nine calories per gram.
Remember, tracking macronutrients doesn’t make caloric intake unimportant. Fundamentally, calories are weight loss happens when you burn more calories than you consume. Macro counting helps you understand where those calories are coming from and how they affect your body.
Not all calories are created equally! A 200 calorie protein bar should not be viewed the same as a 200 calorie candy bar. Get the most out of your training with the right combination of supplements, vitamins, and nutrition for your body.
FlexIt Nutrition™ offers guidance to keep your body in mind. These experts will work with individuals to find the appropriate nutrition plans for their respective body types.
