What are macros? Macros are the three macronutrients fats, carbs, and protein. Macros each have different benefits. Protein helps you gain and retain muscle and helps you feel fuller for longer. Fats help with basic functions such as vitamin absorption and brain functioning. Carbohydrates provide your body with energy. All three macros can be found in a balanced diet, but macros can be manipulated to help you look better or reach fitness goals. Macros have different caloric values per gram – one gram of protein is 4 calories, one gram of carbs is 4 calories, and one gram of fat is 9 calories. You can use these measurements to calculate the total number of calories in any food with a nutrition label. To measure produce, you can use a food scale and research the nutrition per gram online.
Anyone can count calories. What makes counting macros better is that when you count calories, you could be cutting your calories from the macro you need to meet your goal. Cut out too many from protein and you won’t build muscle like you want to. Cut out fats and you won’t continue the lose weight because your body will lose body function efficiency. Counting macros is a great way to look even better just by doing a little more math.
To lose fat and look leaner, your diet should be 45% protein, 35% carbs, and 20% fat. For building muscle you should aim for 40% protein, 35% carbs, and 25% fat (source). Macros can help you refine these goals. They can also help your body realign and stay running smoothly. Of course everyone is different, and depending on your age, health, and other factors, macros can be processed differently by different bodies. You can always tweak your macros to see what gives you the best results whether that is sustained energy or fat loss. The best results come from staying consistent and listening to your body. You can keep track of macros by using an app or simply by logging your intake manually. With the right discipline, macros can have you looking and feeling better than ever.
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