WHAT IN THE HECK ARE MACROS!?

Macros are in short macronutrients.

Macronutrients are the 3 main nutrients in food that your body needs to function properly. The body also needs micronutrients but that’s for another topic.

These macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

But what are they!? And what do they do?

In short…

Protein is used by the body to maintain and rebuild structures in the body including that precious muscle you work hard trying to build.

Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. Carbohydrates once consumed are broken down into glucose for energy and any extra glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue until needed for future use. Carbohydrates also help with repairing and rebuilding the muscle tears from your training sessions by getting the nutrients to the muscle faster.

Another important note on carbohydrates, they are protein sparing meaning if you have enough energy from carbs that is readily available, the body will use this source of energy first and will have no need to break down protein for energy. You see, if they body needs energy but does not have any readily available in the source of glycogen it can and will break down muscle tissue. And you don’t want that. This is the reason you see muscle building guys and gals always saying eat the carbs. Don’t be afraid of the carbs.

Fats are needed for hormonal and brain health and help the body absorb important nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats also play other important roles for biological functions in the body.

Now that you know a little more about each macronutrient why should you care about them? Especially since you weight train and want that toned/built/muscular look.

Ensuring that your diet consist of the appropriate range of each macronutrient not only for health but for body composition is important.

Let’s say you are training hard in the gym, but you are under eating on protein and/or carbohydrates. I guarantee that you aren’t making the progress that you want.

Good news is you have the opportunity for major progress just by adjusting your protein and carb intake.

By eating the appropriate range of macronutrients, you can build muscle and/or lose fat faster. You won’t be spinning your wheels. You will just be moving forward, crushing your goals, and in turn probably feel better and more energized.

Don’t let this overwhelm you if you are trying to figure out this whole macronutrient thing.

Read more about how to calculate your own macros for your body here in my free calculating macronutrients 101.

And, as always, I am here to help and answer any questions you may have. I am just one email away.

Talk soon,

Cass