What are Macros?

The content of the food we eat can be categorized into at least one of three Macronutrients, or “Macros,” protein, fat, and carbohydrates. When someone is referring to their macros, they are likely talking about the daily goal of a certain number of each macronutrient they are trying to eat.

Each macronutrient provides valuable sources of nutrition. Most people use carbohydrates, ie vegetables, fruit and grains as a source of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. When carbohydrates are digested, they provide glucose, or blood sugar, which is the body and brain’s first source of energy.

Per gram, fat is the most abundant source of energy or calories and can help you feel full longer, but it does so much more. Essential fatty acids support brain development and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Ingesting fat is also required for the absorption of certain vitamins, like Vitamins A, D, E and K.

Protein is the building block of not just muscle but also the immune system. Protein is needed for healthy hair, skin, and nails and is required to maintain your digestive system’s integrity. Though protein is a source of calories, the digestive process to breakdown and absorb protein is its self pretty energy-intensive.

There is no “superior” macronutrient, they all work together to support our health. Each can be sources of nutrients not found in other macros. For example, Vitamin C is most readily found in fruits and vegetables, though it is also in raw liver, most people aren’t going to eat that. Certain amino acids (the building blocks of protein) cannot be made by the body and must be consumed, making them essential amino acids. The same is true of certain forms of fatty acids.

Just as there is no superior macronutrient, there is no one-size-fits-all ratio. Different “diets” may call for eating significantly more of one macro over another. For example, a ketogenic or “keto” way of eating is going to require energy predominately come from fat, a moderate amount of protein and very little carbohydrates. While other plans might call for consuming a more moderate amount of each macronutrient. What works for some people won’t work for others.

Focusing on macronutrients instead of only calories can help to encourage more diverse food choices ensure better nutrition. However, eating processed foods simply because they “fit your macros” is going to lead to limited results. Make sure that no matter what macronutrient ratios you are trying to maintain, most of your daily food is comprised of whole foods.

If you aren’t sure where to start, I would be happy to help!