A Micro Talk about Macros
Should you track your macros… who knows! This is not going to be about why it’s good to track your food, or why it is bad. You can take that up with your diary. However, it is important to understand what these nutrients are, what they can do for us, and how to balance them on a plate.
So… Protein - Carbohydrates - Fats
Protein helps you recover from workouts, build muscle, and stay full longer. If you’re working out regularly, getting enough protein can make a big difference in how strong you feel in the gym and how well you recover after. Foods like chicken, eggs, yogurt, beef, fish, tofu, or even a protein shake can all get the job done.
Carbohydrates are your energy source. They’re what fuel your workouts, your brain, and basically everything else you do that requires effort. If you’ve ever gone too low-carb and wondered why you suddenly hate burpees, that’s why (assuming you like burpees in the first place). Rice, fruit, potatoes, oats, and bread are great options.
Lastly, Fat. The unsung hero that keeps everything running smoothly. Fats support hormone health, brain function, and recovery. They also make food taste good, which counts for something. The key is choosing good sources like avocado, nuts, or olive oil.
With all of this being said, it is important to remember that we have not delved into vegetables, micronutrients, fiber, etc… Those three macronutrients are the main building blocks of our food, but micronutrients are just as important. Things like iron, fiber, potassium, vitamins, etc… are crucial to keeping our body running smoothly, so remember to add some fruits and veggies into your diet as well.
Generally speaking, a plate breakdown like this is what we’re looking for!
Protein = palm-sized portion
Carbs = handful portion
Fats = thumb-sized portion
Vegetables = fist-sized portion
The purpose of understanding these roles is not to obsess about it, but to become more aware of what we put on our plate and how it makes us feel. Feeling a little worn down and beat up after workouts? Try adding a little more protein to your plate or in your shake to help you bounce back. Lacking the energy to come to the gym after a long day? Up your carbs at lunchtime to give you a little extra boost for the Echo Bike!
Hart