Starter Byte Challenge Day 11: What Are Macros?
Hi Buddy! Let's pick up where we left off. Nutrients give vitamins, minerals and energy. Only 3 types give you energy (or calories). You know all 3 macros?
-Starter Byte Challenge
📷@christianwidell
Nutrients are the building blocks of food. They’re the helpful parts your body can’t live without. There are micronutrients (literally teeny tiny nutrients) and macronutrients (larger nutrients). Macros are protein, carbs and fat. You’ve probably heard of these, because let’s be honest, who hasn’t? I’m also willing to bet that most of what you’ve heard about macros is that they’re bad for you.
The internet is filled with posts and videos about how to “limit your macros”. But, it’s not that simple. Remember the 2nd principal of Food as Self-Love? BALANCE. Macronutrients are good for your body in moderation.
Let’s take a super simple look at the pros of eating just enough macros and the cons of eating TOO MANY:
1) Protein- In your meat (poultry, fish, beef), plants (beans, nuts, some grains)
Pro: Builds muscles!
Con: Can overload your kidneys in excess
2) Carbohydrates (carbs)- Simple and Complex
In your grains (pasta, rice, bread), starchy veggies (potatoes, beans), desserts (cake, cookies, pastry), snacks (chips), sweetened drinks (soda)
Pro: Give you energy to think and move
Con: Too much energy turns into unnecessary fat. Also, too much of the wrong type of carb throws your body off balance and leads to increased inflammation, diabetes, heart disease and more.
3) Fats- Trans-saturated Fat, Saturated Fat, Unsaturated Fats
In your meat and dairy (poultry, fish, beef, eggs, milk, cheese), plants (beans, nuts), oils (butter, canola oil, olive oil) , processed foods (pizza, fast food, desserts).
Pros: Give you more energy than carbs. Help you absorb important vitamins. Build your hormones and nerves!
Cons: Too much energy isn’t great. Too much of the wrong type of fat can increase risk of heart disease.
Sourced from the National Institute on Aging.
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