Macros is a slang term used to describe the macronutrients needed by the body. Macronutrients include protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Each macronutrient plays a significant role in the human body and is crucial for developing and maintaining the body in a healthy state.
Proteins
Protein is the most abundant macronutrient in the human body and is essential for developing and maintaining all tissues and organs. It is also a building block for other macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Protein is a major component of muscles and hair and is also present in many enzymes. Enzymes are responsible for many body processes, such as digestion, respiration, immune system, growth, and repair of tissues.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are another macronutrient essential for life because they provide energy to your body. Carbohydrates are present in foods like:
- Bread
- Cereals
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Fats
Fats are also considered macronutrients because they contain nine calories per gram of fat. This means that one gram (g) of fat contains nine calories that can be used by our bodies to perform various functions inside or outside our bodies, such as providing energy or building up cells inside or outside our bodies (e.g., skin cells). Fats also aid in absorbing vitamins like vitamin A which helps maintain good vision by protecting the eyes from harmful sun rays.
Calculating Your Macros
The basic calculation of your macro intake is as follows. Total calories are the number of calories consumed in a day. The macro amount can be calculated from the total calories by subtracting the amount of protein, carbs, and fat from the total calories.
For example, if you consume 2000 calories daily, you will have 2000 – 500 = 1400 calories for macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). Calories from carbs, proteins, and fats are then used to calculate the macronutrient distribution in your diet. A macros calculator is a simplified technique to count your macros.
Following this method will give you a reasonable estimate of whether or not you are consuming enough macronutrients from each type of food you eat. However, it is essential to note that different people have different metabolic rates, which means they can burn up more or less energy than others, depending on their body’s physical activity levels.
Therefore, people with higher metabolic rates may need slightly more carbohydrates than those with a lower metabolic rate because they will burn up more energy during daily activities such as exercise or work hours. It is also essential to understand that following an exact macro distribution pattern is not recommended because it can lead to deficiencies in some nutrients due to overeating one type of nutrient while missing other nutrients due to eating too little.
Therefore, it is recommended that you adjust your macros based on your needs and preferences. However, do not go overboard with certain foods as this can lead to future health problems like hypervitaminosis in the excessive consumption of foods rich in vitamin A. Legion Athletics helps you find the right supplement for managing your diet.