Macroscope: Zooming in on important Nutritional Building Blocks

Today we are talking Macros. You may have heard the term before or people talking about counting macros, but what exactly does that mean? Well, macros = macronutrients - the main nutrients your body needs in large amounts. The big 3: Protein, Carbs, and Fats. They fuel your body and help you reach your fitness and dietary goals.

📦 Protein = builds muscle, Helps burn fat & keep you full

🍞 Carbs = give you energy

🥑 Fats = support hormones & brain function

Tracking macronutrients can help meet your weight loss goals

Depending on your goals, you eat a different percentage of each throughout the day and track your intake along with calories. They are measured in grams. Each macro has a calorie count per gram - Protein and Carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram each and Fat have 9. You start by calculating the percentage of macros you want to take in of your total calorie count for the day to meet your goals. Then, by weighing your food or utilizing the nutritional facts you can “count” how many macros you are taking in throughout the day and track where you are or what else you need to meet your goals.

I admit, it does sound like a lot (it is at first), but your provider or nutritionist can help you set goals and guide you on the macros needed to get there. There are apps out there to help make things easier to track and keep you on target. We can help you with this at HomeSteady Health as well. Even if you only do this for a short while, I promise it will change the way you look at your food and give you a much deeper understanding of what you are putting into your body. It has helped me keep my weight in check even when I am not tracking.

Bottom line: Tracking macros is not just for bodybuilders or fitness nuts. Whether you're trying to lose fat, build muscle, or just feel better—knowing your macros can be a game changer toward learning your body and being a healthier you. If you are interested in learning more, check us at at homesteadyhealth.com or give us a ring at 607-882-6001.