Macronutrients: An Overview
If you have done any amount of research on diet and fitness, it is more than likely you’ve encountered a few terms that, on the outset, seem confusing if not overwhelming. The road to health and fitness can seem daunting at first but with the right tools and a simple knowledge base, you can build yourself into a lean, mean, fat burning machine. Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute, under the helm of Dr. Velarde, has been assisting our clients with weight loss strategies and the best in weight loss surgical techniques for years now. We want you to be informed so that you can make the best decisions when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off for good.
Perhaps you have come across the term Macronutrients on your quest for more information. Don’t let this word get you lost in a sea of terminology. The definition is actually rather simplistic. Macronutrients are nutrients that your body needs in large quantities to sustain, repair, and keep your body working at a basic level. There are three different macronutrients: protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Each play a specific role within your body and without them your body will begin to break down. So, what do these macronutrients do for your body and why are they so vital for health and well-being?
Let’s start with protein. Everyone needs a balanced approach to protein consumption in order to build a healthy body. Protein plays a vital role in the maintenance and repair of your body’s tissues and is crucial for the health of your muscles, your eyes, your skin, and more. In fact, apart from water, protein is the most abundant substance making up your body. It plays an important role in the transfer of any number of molecules within your body. Hemoglobin is an example of one such protein. Protein also gives your body energy and assists in the creation of many of your body’s hormones. Insulin is a protein that regulates the levels of sugar in your blood and helps keep your kidneys and liver working. Protein is a macronutrient that packs a powerful punch and one that you should be mindful of when choosing the best foods for your health.
Carbohydrates are another macronutrient that we all need. Admittedly, carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap of the past few years with the influx of low-carb and no-carb diets like Atkins and even Paleo. Make no mistake, however, carbohydrates in their unrefined state are necessary for proper body function. According to Sfgate.com, carbohydrates should make up between 45 and 65 percent of your daily diet. This does not mean that you should snack on candy bars and chips. Instead choose unrefined grains like quinoa. Choose simple carbohydrates that come from whole fruits (not juice products), vegetables, and even dairy products. Carbs are not the enemy! Your body actually uses carbohydrates as a means to fuel itself by turning the substance into glucose.
Let’s talk fat. Yes, you actually need a fair amount of fat in order to keep your body functioning optimally so don’t let that scare you. Fat is the last macronutrient and it too has been deemed “bad” over the years. The low-fat diets of the early 90s really did an injustice to this important macronutrient. Did you know that when your body begins to run low on carbohydrates it will turn to fat stores in order to keep you fueled? Without good fats in your system, your body cannot absorb important fat soluble vitamins like vitamins D, K, A, and E. The important thing to remember when including fats into your diet is to choose those which are nutrient dense and not prepackaged and full of the junk, like excess sugar, your body does not need. Eggs, lean meats, avocados, nuts, seeds, and full fat dairy are great additions to your diet when consumed appropriately.
Sustainable sensible eating plans can be challenging for just about anyone. Are you looking for the smartest way to lose weight utilizing tools that you can implement with relative ease? If so, contact Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute in Melbourne, FL. We have been helping the residents of Brevard County on their path to permanent weight loss and would love to help you too.