What Are Macronutrients & Why Are They Important?
You’ve probably heard that word thrown around by a few fitness enthusiasts but what an earth actually is it?
Macro (Macronutrient): The main types of food consumed within the diet.
What Are Macronutrients & Why Are They Important?
You’ve probably heard that word thrown around by a few fitness enthusiasts but what an earth actually is it?
Macro (Macronutrient): The main types of food consumed within the diet. The 3 macronutrients are carbohydrates, fat and protein.
It’s worth mentioning that there are also micronutrients.
Micronutrients: Chemical substances that are required in smaller amounts by the body. Also known as vitamin and minerals.
So your diet should be built up from macronutrients in suitable divisions and micronutrients sprinkled in for optimal health. Let’s take a look at each macro in detail to understand how you should be eating.
Carbs refer to sugary and starchy food that act as the body’s main source of energy. They are broken down to glucose to give us a near-instant energy surge. Any excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver.
Carbohydrates have 4kcal per gram.
Examples of Carbohydrates are:
- All types of sugar
Carbs are important in everyday life to keep your body fueled and functioning. When you’re taking part in a training routine, consuming carbohydrates is crucial for replenishing stores of glycogen that have been used up during exercise. Consuming carbohydrates before a workout may give you an added boost in your workouts as well.
The recommended intake of carbs suggests that 45-60% of your calories should be coming from carbohydrate sources. For people exercising frequently, the higher end may be required, especially for endurance athletes.
Protein is a food that is made up of long chains of amino acids. Their main function is to repair and help with the growth of cells in the body.
Protein has 4kcal per gram.
Examples of Protein sources are:
- Meat (chicken, lamb, beef, pork)
- Fish (tuna, cod, salmon)
- Sea Food (prawns, squid, crab, muscles)
- Milk Proteins (whey, casein)
- Dairy Products (cheese, milk, yoghurt)
- Soy Protein (tofu, protein powder)
- Pea & Plant Protein
Protein is needed in everyday life to build and repair cells within the body. It helps regulate tissue and organs. For people training, protein should be prioritised. It’s essential for repairing and building back the muscle fibres that have been broken down during exercise. It also helps ensure that, during weight loss phases, muscle mass is not lost. During muscle gaining phases, having a good supply of protein also means that weight gain will be predominantly due to muscle gain rather than an increase in f