What Are Macronutrients ("Macros")?

Macronutrients (aka "macros") are nutrients that a living organism needs in relatively large amounts for proper biological function. For humans, these nutrients are water, fat, carbohydrate (carbs), and protein.

The primary function of macronutrients, aside from water, is to provide energy (calories) for life-sustaining processes. However, macronutrients play expansive roles that go well beyond their energy provisions in the body.

For example, fat and protein are biologically "essential" for humans since they provide fatty acids and amino acids, respectively, that are necessary for cellular integrity and synthesizing and repairing body tissues. In other words, we must consume fat and protein regularly to survive. The same goes for water.

Carbohydrates and alcohol are not considered "essential" macronutrients for humans since the body can create glucose and ethanol endogenously from other substrates.

Below, you can learn more about protein, carbs, and fat and how these macronutrients work in the body:

Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient comprised of organic molecules called amino acids. Each gram of protein contains 4 calories.

Muscle tissue in the human body is the largest reservoir of amino acids, and most bodily tissues are frameworks of protein fibers synthesized by amino acids. Naturally, protein is a crucial component of a healthy diet.

Amino acids in protein are integral to numerous physiological processes, notably:

• Muscle development
• Energy production
• Neurotransmitter synthesis
• Cardiovascular function
• Immune response

A complete protein source, such as eggs, dairy milk, and whey protein powder, provides all nine essential amino acids (EAAs) necessary for protein synthesis. Incomplete protein, like the protein in beans, lacks one or more of the EAAs.

While adequate protein intake is undoubtedly vital to building and maintaining muscle tissue, it is not advisable to eat tons of protein in hopes of building "extra" muscle. Most active gym-goers and athletes should aim for about 0.8 - 1.1 grams of protein per pound of body weight [2]. For more on optimal protein intake, read this.

Fat

With 9 calories per gram, fat has more than double the energy content of carbohydrates and protein. Therefore, fatty foods like nuts and red meat are typically calorie-dense.

Like protein, fat plays extensive roles throughout the body. Fat is essential for cellular integrity since fatty acids are core molecules of phospholipids in the cell membrane. Cholesterol, a special type of lipid (fat), serves as a precursor to steroid hormones. And, of course, fat is an important insulator for the body.

Fatty acids come in either saturated or unsaturated forms; the former tend to be abundant in animal foods like pork, steak, butter, and whole milk. The latter occurs primarily in plant foods like avocado, nuts, and seeds.

But there are some exceptions. Coconut is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are saturated fats. The oft-lauded omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated and found primarily in seafood.

Nonetheless, it's best to limit your intake of saturated fats and emphasize unsaturated fat sources in your diet.

Carbohydrates

Similar to protein, every gram of carbohydrate (not including fiber) contains 4 calories. Carbs are typically categorized as either simple (mono and disaccharides) or complex (polysaccharides).

Simple carbs are mostly found in foods like table sugar (sucrose), fruit, corn syrup, and honey. Complex carbohydrates are abundant in whole grains and starchy vegetables, such as oats and sweet potatoes.

Carbs are technically not essential for humans because we can produce glucose endogenously. But that doesn't necessarily mean a low-carb diet is optimal.

Numerous studies have shown that insulin augments the muscle protein synthetic response to a modest bolus of amino acids [3]. In non-nerd terminology, this means carbohydrates can help improve muscle growth and preservation.

Fiber

Fiber is a subclass of carbohydrates that the body does not fully metabolize. Thus, fibers generally contain less than 2 calories per gram.

There are two classes of dietary fiber — soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber forms a viscous gel-like substance when mixed in aqueous solutions, whereas insoluble fiber is immiscible in water. In the body, soluble fiber slows the digestive process by binding to liquid in the digestive tract. Consequently, soluble fiber can help promote satiety and enhance nutrient absorption.

On the other hand, insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract undissolved and adds bulk to waste in the intestines. Hence, insoluble fiber has a laxative effect and is generally good for staying regular.

Most people should consume at least 10 grams of dietary fiber (as both soluble and insoluble fiber) per 1,000 calories. If you follow a low-carb or ketogenic diet, your fiber intake may end up being well above that to reduce net carb load (i.e. total carbs less fiber).

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are nutrients that humans (and other animals) require in relatively small quantities for proper health and longevity. We typically classify micronutrients as being either vitamins, minerals, or polyphenols, many of which have antioxidant properties in the body.

In contrast to macronutrients, micronutrients do not contain calories. Instead of being metabolized for energy, they function as cofactors and coenzymes (think: "helper molecules") for complex substrates like protein.

While most people don't need to track their micronutrient intake rigorously, these nutrients are just as essential as macronutrients for overall wellness. It's crucial to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet to help meet your needs of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant polyphenols. Supplementing with a quality multivitamin may also be prudent.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Diet

• Plan and prepare your meals in advance to help stay on track with your nutrition goals (remember: failing to plan is planning to fail!).
• Track your macros and calorie intake by using a food logging app like MyFitnessPal
• Include a quality protein source with every meal
• Aim for at least 3-4 meals/snack spread throughout the day
• Eat the majority of your carbs pre- and post-workout to refuel muscle glycogen and promote recovery
• Consume about 10 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories in your diet
• Don't skimp on fruits and vegetables — these are packed with vitamins and minerals.

Best Foods to Meet Your Macronutrient Needs

Barring any food allergies or intolerances, here are some of the best nutrient-dense foods to help you meet your protein, carb, and fat needs:

Complete Protein Sources

• Chicken breast (skinless)
• Ground chicken
• Ground turkey (>93% lean)
• Lean steak cuts
• Ground beef (>93% lean)
• Ground bison
• Freshwater fish
• Eggs
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• TL Organic Vegan Protein
• TL Grass-fed Whey Protein
• TL Grass-fed Casein Protein

Note: These may also count as fat sources (e.g. steak, whole eggs, and 4% cottage cheese)

Complex Carbohydrate Sources

• Rolled oats and oat bran
• Cream of Rice
• Cream of Wheat
• Potatoes (sweet, red-skin, etc.)
• Yams
• Rice and rice cakes
• Quinoa
• Barley
• Couscous
• Pasta (preferably whole-grain varieties)
• Bread (preferably whole-grain varieties)
• Fruits and vegetables (note: limit fruit to 3-4 servings per day)

Quality Fat Sources

• Avocados
• Nuts: almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, etc.
• Nut butter: peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, etc.
• Seeds: chia, sesame, flax, pumpkin, etc.
• Coconut flakes (unsweetened) and coconut oil
• Olive oil, macadamia nut oil, and avocado oil
• Krill oil (great source of omega-3 phospholipids)
• Low-fat cheese (preferably fresh, aged varieties)

Sample Meal Plan for Building Muscle and Burning Body Fat

If you're curious what a balanced meal plan for active gym-goers might look like, here's an example:

• Breakfast — Omelet made with 4 egg whites + 2 whole eggs, 3 slices of whole-grain toast, 1 cup of fresh blueberries
• Pre-workout Meal — 5 oz roast turkey breast, 1 cup (cooked) brown rice, 150 g steamed spinach, 1 tbsp macadamia nut oil
• Post-workout Protein Smoothie — 1 scoop of TL Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate vanilla flavor blended with 8 fl. oz of skim milk and a large banana
• Dinner — 5 ounces lean beef/steak, black beans, asparagus
• Evening Snack — 1 scoop TL Grass-Fed Casein mixed with 6 oz cottage cheese and 1 tbsp of almond butter

Note: the amounts of each food are to illustrate portion sizes; you will need to adjust them accordingly since portions will be relative to your specific macronutrient needs.

Still Not Sure What to Eat to Reach Your Goals?

We have a variety of nutrition guides to help you make the most of your healthy lifestyle:

NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENT GUIDE FOR LEAN BULKING

POWERLIFTING DIET 101: PERFORMANCE NUTRITION FOR THE STRENGTH ATHLETE

EVIDENCE-BASED PRE-WORKOUT NUTRITION: WHAT'S THE OPTIMAL FUEL FOR YOUR BODY?

CLEAN EATING VS. FLEXIBLE DIETING (IIFYM): WHICH IS BEST TO LOSE WEIGHT & BUILD MUSCLE?

ARE CHEAT DAYS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

HOW TO EAT HEALTHIER ON A LIMITED FOOD BUDGET