What are macronutrients, and is this another fad diet?

The term "macros" (short for macronutrients) is often used by people who are following a specific diet or who are trying to track their calorie intake.   It's also a term if you're in the health and wellness space thrown around on IG and TikTok.  Our bodies NEED all three macronutrients, and this is NOT another fad diet.  BREAKING NEWS:  Fad diets NEVER work, and this is why.

Here are some examples of how the term "macros" can be used in a sentence:

• "I'm trying to eat more protein, so I'm focusing on my macros."

• "I'm tracking my macros to make sure I'm getting enough calories."

• "What are the macros in this meal?"

The term "macros" is a helpful way to talk about macronutrients in a casual setting. It is also a good way to track your calorie intake and make sure you are getting enough of the nutrients your body needs.

Using this cheat sheet, along with the ‘Perfect Plate’ method is how we work with our 1:1 Nutrition Coaching clients to customize their nutrition to change their body composition.

• Big three: This refers to the three main macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

• The "good" stuff: This refers to the healthy macronutrients, such as complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.

  • Healthy carbs: brown rice, quinoa, oats (actual oats, not the packaged and bag flavored stuff), whole grain bread, whole grain and protein pasta, fruitsk vegetables, legumes

  • Lean protein: fish, chicken, turkey, beans, tofu, egg whites, Greek yogurt, clean protein powder

  • Healthy fats: avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, walnuts, salmon, tuna

• The "bad" stuff: This refers to the unhealthy macronutrients, such as simple carbohydrates, saturated fat, and trans fat

While we’re not big fans of labeling food “good” or “bad” - food has NO morale value - it is important to understand the difference between whole foods and ultra processed foods. Incorporating macro balanced meals and a consistent calorie deficit is a solid place to start if you’re trying to lose fat. Try this: multiply your goal weight by 12 to get your daily calorie budget, and try this for a month. Take measurements, progress pictures and BE PATIENT.

You didn’t get the body you have in a month; you’re not going to get the body you want in a month;)