What is the very first thing that comes to your mind when you want to lose weight?

Most of the people think about reducing the calorie count when they want to lose those extra weight. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates not only have an important effect on the person's health but also their energy levels, body composition, and overall well-being. Tracking and understanding macronutrients can result in better weight loss while making sure that the body remains healthy and receives all the needed nutrients.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what macronutrients are, their importance, and the reasons why you should track them.

What are Macronutrients?

Macronutrients are nutrients consumed in big quantities and are the ones that provide a lot of benefits to the body. In fact, macronutrients have the following elements that will help you understand them better.

Proteins

• Works towards recovery, repair, and growth of the muscles.
• Aids in maintaining the body mass during the fat loss phase.
• Sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based proteins.
• Recommended intake is anywhere between 10-35% of daily caloric intake, depending on individual targets.

Carbohydrates

• The body's primary source of energy.
• Includes simple (sugar) and complex (fibers and starches) carbohydrates.
• Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Recommended intake: 45-60% of daily caloric intake.

Fats

• Important for the functioning of the brain, the growth of the cells, and hormone production.
• Includes saturated, unsaturated fats, and trans fats (to be reduced).
• Sources include nuts, seeds, avocados, healthy oils, and fish.
• Recommended intake - 20-35% of daily caloric intake.

Why should you track your macronutrients?

Compared to just counting the calories, tracking macronutrients provides a more structured and effective way to lose weight, and here is why:

• Ensures a balanced diet.
• Prevents not getting enough nutrition by making sure there is sufficient intake of proteins, fat, and carbohydrates.
• Helps maintain muscle mass while losing fat.
• Optimizes energy levels.
• Sustains energy throughout the day.
• Prevents energy drops and food cravings resulting from unhealthy nutrient distribution.
• Improves weight loss and diet regime effectiveness.
• Slowing down or speeding up the processes of the body in relation to diet plans (loss of fat, muscle gain, or holding weight) becomes more efficient.
• Aid in preventing excess consumption or under-consumption of specific nutrients.
• Facilitates various functions of the body.
• An increase in protein in food enhances thermogenesis as more calories will be burned.
• Healthy fats enhance metabolism and help in regulating hormones.
• Provides steady blood level ranges of sugar.

How to begin monitoring macronutrients?

• Set calorie intake limits for yourself: Have an online calculator or a nutritionist determine the number of calories you require on a daily basis depending on your age, gender, level of activity, and weight goals.
• Set your macronutrient ratio: Typical weight loss plans usually include 40% protein, 40% carbohydrates, and 20% fats (can be adjusted as per individual requirements). For increasing muscle mass, More protein along with some carbohydrates and fats.
• Track progress with apps: MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, or Lose It! are useful in recording food intake as well as calculating macronutrient ratios and distributions.
• Plan and prepare meals in advance: Prepping meals allows for better adherence to prescribed macronutrient goals. Moreover, it helps avoid unhealthy food options chosen in a panic due to sudden hunger.

Conclusion

A proper diet plan incorporates macronutrients, and they assist in weight loss alongside other health needs. Tracking your macronutrient intake allows your body to run efficiently while maintaining optimal weight. For those looking for ways to remain on track without much effort, Meals to Go offers the ideal answer. Enrol now for a step toward an active lifestyle.