Macronutrients are an important part of a healthy diet since they are the fuel for the body as macronutrients produce energy.
The three basic macronutrients you should know are protein, carbohydrates and fat – they are the building blocks of any diet.
Learn the basics of macronutrients and how they can help you reach your nutrition goals by following a beginners guide to macros & nutrition!
1. Protein
Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Proteins are needed to build new tissue, maintain bodily functions like digestion, blood pressure regulation and immune system response. Without protein-based foods in your diet, you may be at risk for poor health including heart disease and osteoporosis (brittle bones).
2. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the most important part of a balanced diet. They provide energy and building blocks for your body. A large portion of your calorie intake should come from carbohydrates, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
When you eat carbohydrates, they are absorbed into your bloodstream and converted into glucose. Glucose is a chemical that your cells can use immediately to provide energy and produce waste products such as carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen. If glucose is not used, it is stored in fatty tissue under the skin or liver as glycogen.
3. Fats
Fat is an important source of energy, but some fats are better for your health than others. Many people eat too many unhealthy types of fat, which can cause heart disease, diabetes, and other major health problems. To help lower your risk for these diseases, choose healthy fats from vegetable sources more often than from animal products.
Fat helps the body absorb vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. These vitamins are fat-soluble, which means they can only be absorbed with the help of fats.
Fat is an important nutrient for many people. It’s found in many foods and is an important part of our diets. All fats contain specific types of fatty acids, which we need but can’t make ourselves. Even healthy foods like chicken, nuts and dairy products contain small amounts of saturated fat, though much less than the amounts found in beef, cheese and ice cream. Saturated fat is mainly found in animal foods, but a few plant foods are also high in saturated fats, such as coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil.
Come and see what we have to offer at Cynergi Health & Fitness Club in St. Julian’s! We have the most qualified personal trainers who will help you reach your fitness goals, from beginners to experts. Our expert fitness trainers are also equipped to customise a beginners guide to macros & nutrition for your specific needs. Visit our gym today and begin your journey towards a healthier life by reaching out to one of our personal trainers!
