I don’t know about you but lately I am reading more and more about macros or macro nutrients. So what’s up with that and what are they anyway? Macros are the energy-supplying nutrients fats, protein and carbohydrates that the body needs in large quantities according to google. So what does that mean? It is essentially the foods we need for our bodies to run at their best. So lets look at fats, proteins and carbohydrates and see what that we need to be healthy.
Let’s look at fats. For years we have been told that fats make you fat. That isn’t true. The right fats are necessary for your body to perform properly, fats that come from olives, olive oil, salmon, peanut butter, coconut oil, avocados and nuts all have good fats in them that are necessary. So add some nuts to your salad, or your healthy casserole, use them for a healthy snack and get that healthy fat.
Proteins are very necessary not only for their muscle-building properties but also for their amazing ability to help you feel full for a longer time. Healthy proteins are lean beef like steak, lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, beans, eggs, and fish. You can also supplement your protein with a protein powder, just watch the added sugars in those mixes. Protein is the best way to cut simple carbohydrates, the more protein you eat the less carbohydrates you will consume because you will feel satiated and satisfied because you will not be as hungry.
Carbohydrates, this is the hard one. Most foods have carbohydrates in them so they are more easily consumed. It is very important that your carbohydrates come from whole foods like, veggies, especially greens and some from fruits, berries are the best fruit to eat due to their antioxidants and they have less sugar than oranges or grapes, that doesn’t mean you can never have other fruits, berries are just the best choice. Carbohydrates with more fiber help you feel full longer as well like potatoes, avocados, pears, strawberries, beets, artichokes, apples and bananas to name a few.
These are not all-inclusive lists of the wonderful macro nutrients but I hope it gives you an overall view of what a macro nutrient is and what foods give you these nutrients. I am available to answer any questions you may have at helen@hcreeves.com and would love to have you join our community on Facebook, Action Takers Healthy Living or our Fastingly Fit Private community for more help.