Macro-based Dieting

I help my clients with macro-based dieting.

This form of dieting emphasises the need for the following macronutrients in your eating plan: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

But what are these macronutrients and why are they important to your diet?

Carbs

What is carbohydrate?

Carbohydrates are plant foods that are made up from sugar molecules called saccharides.

Carbohydrates provide four calories of energy per gram or around 16.8 kilojoules and are the preferred source of energy for your brain and higher intensity activities such as weight lifting and sprinting. On consumption, all digestible carbohydrates are broken down into glucose.

Protein

What is protein?

Protein is an organic compound that serves many functions in the body. Containing four-calories or 16.8 kilojoules of energy per gram, protein is a vital nutrient that makes up a large amount of your body’s tissues including your hair, skin, nails, and bones and, of course, your muscles. It is also an important factor in controlling homeostasis and can, under certain circumstances, be used for fuel

Fat

What is fat?

Weighing in at 9 calories or 37.8 kilojoules per gram, dietary fats are often misunderstood.

The media frequently vilifies fat, food marketers take advantage of our “fat-phobia” by actively promoting low-fat products! These are not always the best fats for us.

Despite their negative reputation, research has revealed that saturated fat should be included in all healthy diets and is, in fact, a vital nutrient.