Macronutrients - what are they and why are they important?
Macro-nutrient is a word we often hear when discussing diet and nutrition.
When it comes to macros and calories, it can get over complicated - so we’re going to break it down!
What are macronutrients?
Macronutrients refer to the 3 main nutrients we need within our diet:
Carbohydrates - provide us with energy
Protein - helps to build and repair muscles
Fats - provide energy and help support hormone function
They are called macros because they make up the majority of our diet and are the non-negotiables that we need for our body to function.
How do I know how much I need?
This will be different for each of us based on our age, weight, fitness goals etc but the rule of thumb for each macro is as follows:
Carbohydrates: 45-60% of your daily calorie intake
Protein: 0.8-1g of protein per kilo of body weight per day
Fats: 25-30% of your daily calorie intake
If you goal is to lose weight, then your macros may be adjusted, for example you may lower the % of carbohydrates in your diet and increase the amount of protein.
For a individual calculation of your macros we recommend contacting a dietitian or relevant health professional.
Why are macros important in fitness?
Macro nutrients are essential for providing the body with energy so we need to be having an adequate intake to fuel our training. If we aren’t fueling our body then we won’t be able to perform as well and we might not see the results that we want.
Macros are also essential for our performance and recovery. This is why it’s important not to drastically cut macros such as carbohydrates as this is part of our bodies fueling system and could hinder our progress.
If you found this helpful, you may like to take a look at the following:
