What are Macronutrients?
Macronutrients are the nutrients our bodies needs in large quantities that provide us with energy. Each of these macronutrients are important to our daily meals.
Macronutrients consist of:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats
Fiber
Here is what they do for you and where you can find them:
Carbohydrates:
Carbs are your main source of energy. Carbs are your sugars, starches, and fibers found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy.
Proteins:
Proteins do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, functions, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Proteins are found in beans, eggs, dairy nuts, seeds, beef, poultry, fish, and pork.
Fats:
Fats are also an important nutrient to the function of the body. Fats are found in olive oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.
Fiber:
Fiber is also important for your health. Fiber helps lower cholesterol; controls sugar levels, and bowel movements. Fibers are food in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Here is a list of macronutrients for when planning your next meals
Carbohydrates | Fats | Protein | Fiber |
Wheat Bread
Whole wheat pasta Oats Brown Rice Wheat or corn tortillas Rice Cakes Sweet potatoes |
Avocado
Olive Oil Coconut Oil Peanut butter Nuts |
Eggs
Turkey slices Ground Turkey Turkey sausage Lean ground beef Lean turkey bacon Chuck roast beef Steak Fish |
Legumes
Nuts Apples Strawberries Broccoli Carrots Quinoa Barley |
Sometimes we make eating healthy so difficult, but when you break it down into the four macronutrients it makes it so much easier to get all the essential vitamins and minerals in your meals. By doing so, it makes it simpler to provide you with healthy and balanced meals.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to track macros check out my article on how to calculate your macros.
Tracking macros changed my way of eating for life. I no longer feel restricted, and eating healthy became so easy and manageable to fit my lifestyle.