What is a macro?

Well, “macro” is short for macronutrient. There are three macronutrients that make up every bite of food you eat: protein, carbohydrates and fat. While many foods contain all of these macronutrients, most skew heavily towards one or two of them. For instance, meat is loaded with protein, bread is mostly carbohydrates, and olive oil is predominantly fat. Your body needs all three in some capacity to function.

Why do people count macros?

Keeping track of your macros can help you to make smart, healthy food choices. There is no standard amount of macros a person should eat. It is different from person to person and depends on your height, weight, activity level, age and your personal goals.

The first step is determining your daily calorie intake. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommends adults try to get  10-35 percent of your calories from protein, 45-65 percent from carbs and 20-35 percent from fats. You can find macro-counting calculators online to help you determine your magic numbers, but it’s best to work with a registered dietitian who can use his or her expertise to guide you through the process.

Conclusion:

Before starting a new diet routine, you should always consult your doctor to make sure it’s a safe and healthy thing to do. Also remember that while nutrition is key to weight loss and healthy living, exercise is also an important component of the equation. When setting your weight loss goals, remember losing 1-2 pounds a week is a healthy average and consistency is key!