You all know that you need to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy, but how much protein do you really need, and where can you find it? And how can you tell if your body is getting enough carbs? A macros calculator is all that you need. You’ll go over each macro in detail, so you have the knowledge to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the most abundant source of energy in your diet. They’re found in grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as milk products like cheese and yogurt. In addition, carbohydrates break down into glucose which can be used immediately by cells for energy or stored inside muscles, liver and fat tissue as glycogen.
When you eat carbohydrates, they break down into simple sugars that travel through your bloodstream to all parts of your body. Simple carbohydrates have a quick release into the bloodstream but aren’t stored as easily, so they don’t last long, while complex carbohydrates are slower-acting but more efficient sources of energy overall.
Protein
Protein is a macronutrient that fuels growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. It’s found in all forms of animal life and some plants.
Protein-rich foods include meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products (including cheese).
These foods also contain other nutrients such as carbohydrates and fat to give you energy from the protein along with other important vitamins and minerals. Other good sources are beans/legumes; nuts/seeds; whole grains such as brown rice or oats (check the label for how much protein it contains); tofu (soybean curd).
Fat
Fat is one of the macronutrients that your body needs. It is stored in your body for energy and plays a role in helping you absorb vitamins A and D, which are both fat-soluble. Fat also helps protect your organs and insulate them, making sure they don’t grow too cold or warm.
Fats are found in many foods including nuts and seeds, avocado, olive oil and fish. Some dairy products also contain fat as well as some grains like cornmeal or quinoa (which have more carbs).
How to Calculate Your Macros?
You can use a macro calculator to determine your daily intakes. You will have to enter several pieces of information, including:
- Your weight in pounds or kilograms.
- Your height in inches or centimeters.
- Your age (in years).
The formula used by the calculator is based on basic principles of metabolism and nutrition, and it takes into account how much energy you burn each day. The result should be an accurate estimate of how many calories you need every day to maintain your current weight, lose weight (if that’s what you’re aiming for), gain muscle, or keep what you have without putting on any extra pounds. “You should normally follow a high-protein diet, moderate- to a high-carb diet, and moderate- to a low-fat diet,” as Legion Athletics experts suggest.
You know your macros. You’re on the right track. Now, use your knowledge to find out what you’re eating and make sure you’re getting all three macros in each meal. Keep going, and remember that when you hit a plateau, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push through—it just means it might be time for a change!