Get to Know Your Macronutrients for Optimal Fitness Results

There are two types of essential nutrients – macronutrients and micronutrients.  Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are the three types of macronutrients, while minerals and vitamins are the micronutrients.  Macronutrients primarily provide the body with energy when they are digested.  Each of the different macronutrients produces different amounts of energy, and each plays a unique role in sustaining life and promoting health.

It’s important to understand the basics of macronutrients so you know what they do and how many calories of each you should be eating to reach your fitness goals.  If you understand the basics of macronutrients, you’ll be able to easily create a healthy meal plan that will help you lose weight and get fit!

Proteins

Protein is the only macronutrient that promotes lean tissue growth (anabolism). In other words, to grow muscle you need protein! Protein also has other important functions in the body beyond building muscle. Click to continue reading

Carbohydrates

Before the glycemic index came around in the early 1980's, carbohydrates were traditionally known as either simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are quickly absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream, causing a sharp rise in blood sugar. Examples of simple carbohydrates include soft drinks, desserts, doughnuts, white bread, pancakes and other white-flour products. Complex carbohydrates are slowly absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream, causing a more gradual and moderate increase in blood sugar. Click to continue reading

Fats

Of the three macronutrients, fats seem to cause the most confusion. The biggest challenge is convincing people that all fats are not created equal! Fats have a very bad reputation and everyone assumes that "fat is fat" and "all fat is bad for you."  This is completely false. For instance, there are fats that actually help burn body fat!  Click to continue reading