It’s Macros Month on Sarah in Shape

It’s Macros Month on Sarah in Shape
Be sure to sign up to the mailing list to learn ALL about the different types of macronutrients, how the body uses them and how YOU can use them to achieve your weight loss or wellbeing goals. What are Macros? If you’ve been on the internet ever, I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “macros.” You might have read people talking about counting their macros, the macros in a healthy meal or the power macros have when it comes to weight loss. They’re a pretty hot topic on Instagram and bodybuilding forums, but don’t just dismiss them on that basis! But what actually are macros? “Macros” is short for macronutrients: protein, fat and carbohydrates – and fibre, depending on your information sources. They are what make up the energy or caloric content of food. When you look at food labels, the magic number up the top that says calories (or kilojoules if you’re in Australia like me) is the sum of the energy contributed by the macronutrients found in that food. The different macronutrients contribute different amounts of energy: 1g of protein has 4 calories or 17 kilojoules 1g of fat has 9 cal or 37kj 1g of carbohydrates has 4 cal or 17kj Carbohydrates, in the form of grains, legumes and some vegetables, are a food source that has kept the population fed and satisfied since the beginning of agriculture. They’re basically the reason humans have been able to survive and prosper for as long as we have. History aside, there is a whole lotta’ mixed opinions emerging about carbohydrates. And there seem to be more carbohydrate options than ever before. High-carb, low-carb, no-carb, high GI-carb, natural-carb, refined-carb, healthy-carb, Low GI-carb – which, witch is which? But enough tongue twisters. Proteins are essentially the building blocks of the body and are necessary for growth and repair. It’s the main component of skeletal muscles and many other body structures. Protein molecules are made of long chains of amino acids, of which there are nine essential types. You can find protein in both plant and animal food sources, however, the amino acid composition in animal sources is more similar to that of the human body. That said, complete proteins (those that contain all nine essential amino acids) can certainly be found in plant-based combinations. Protein is officially in fashion. A scroll down any health-conscious Instagram feed will undoubtedly show protein balls, protein shakes, protein cakes, protein oatmeal, protein ice cream and just about anything else you can squeeze extra protein into. Original article and pictures take http://www.sarahinshape.com/macronutrients-beginners-guide/ site