Understanding Macronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients that are required daily in large amounts, and are thought of in quantities of ounces and grams. They include carbohydrates, protein, lipids, and water. Macronutrients supply the body with energy and serve as the building blocks for growth and repair. Macronutrients occur in all foods and vary in proportion.

Carbohydrates and lipids are the macronutrients primarily used to provide the body with energy. Proper energy substrate intake is important to balance energy expenditure and maintain desired body composition and performance. Energy requirements vary with age, activity, and foods eaten. Daily energy requirements can range from 1,700 to over 6,000 calories per day.

Carbohydrates yields 4 calories per gram
Protein yields 4 calories per gram
Fat yields 9 calories per gram
Alcohol yields 7 calories per gram
Water yields 0 calories per gram

In the past, it was assumed that all calories supplied by nutrients were metabolized the same way and that their total calories content was equally used for energy. In recent years, scientists have determined that energy content of different macronutrients may vary slightly in the body depending upon the relative proportions of the other macronutrients present in the diet, the type of macronutrient, the presence of vitamin and mineral cofactors, the level of hydration, and the physical conditioning of the body.

      *Side Note: The paragraph above should let you know that one specific diet is not for everyone!
                          The dieting world is FULL of fad diets that put a lot of false information in dieter's                               heads to lure them in for MONEY!! The main reason why the diet industry is so                                   wealthy is due to people constantly coming out with a new diet to help you lose the                             weight but they never once tell you how to maintain your weight loss. Basically,                                   understand YOU are going to have different needs than Sue or Bob from the gym.                               Seek advice from someone who has a nutritional background, and do not get your                                 knowledge from the next fad on the internet.

Protein is considered a protected nutrient the body reserves its use for the synthesis of tissues and molecules instead of energy instead of using ingested protein and protein that makes up muscle tissue. In fact, a thermogenic response has been detected in response to eating diets high in protein. Having said that, high protein diets are not for everyone. The rule to thumb is consuming 1 gram of protein per lb of lean body mass (LBM).

Next post we will go more into the thermogenic process that you can create with your diet! Remember to comment if you have any questions, concerns, or have anything different. Also, feel free to Facebook message if want to discuss an issue in private. Have a great day everyone!!