Macros: What they are and why you should be counting them
In the world of wellness there are an abundance of terms that come to light, oftentimes overwhelming audiences with choice, with many not knowing what these trends truly mean. Macros is having a moment so we wanted to help you understand what they are and how this buzzword could help you lead a healthy balanced lifestyle.
‘Macros’ is short for macronutrients, and within the food pyramid there are three types of macronutrients providing you with the greatest source of energy: protein, carbohydrates and fats. Put simply, when you are counting macros on a day-to-day basis, you are counting the total grams of protein, carbs and fats found in each meal.
Keeping track of your macros can help you to make smart and healthy decisions about food, while ensuring you stay accountable when it comes to weight based goals. Counting macros is gaining traction because it is not a one-size-fits-all approach to eating. Different for every individual, this form of dieting is a much more flexible routine. For all the sweet tooths out there, you’ll love to learn that technically there are no cheat foods while counting macros…it just means you’ll have to move some macro allocations around to fit in that snack. Hello cookies and cake, no deprivation on this diet.
Overall, counting macros can help you to:
●Lose stubborn fat;
●Maintain lean muscle mass; and
●Keep your body satisfied
It is however, very important to note that just because you are counting macros doesn’t mean you are automatically eating healthy. You could fit all your macros in one day without consuming a single veggie, which we definitely don’t recommend, so what you want to do is focus on what you’re eating as much as the numbers.
Don’t forget about those micronutrients either! Essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc, which are needed on a much smaller scale in order to maintain health, develop, and prevent disease.
For those starting out on their macros journey it is important to seek guidance and advice from a trusted nutritionist or dietician. There is no standard number of macros one person should consume; this all depends on your height, weight, age, level of activity, and personal wellness goals.
Meal prepping is one way to stay motivated and ease into the routine of counting macros, especially if the idea of constantly tracking your protein, carb and fat intake feels a little tiresome or daunting to you.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking some meal inspiration and just don’t know where to start, why not try ready-made meal delivery services?
MACROS ready-made meals make healthy eating easy (and delicious) for those looking to count their macros. The meals are balanced, pre-portioned, and designed by dieticians to make your life a little easier. Delivered fresh to your door, this is one way to kickstart (or maintain), your macros journey, especially for the time poor individuals who crave healthy wholefoods.
MACROS has meals for you, two or the whole fam, with 3 Fitness and 4 Everyday plans to choose from. Chef-crafted from fresh ingredients and delivered to your door, the meals are as packed with flavour as they are with nutrients, thanks to in-house dieticians.
The meals are inspired by global cuisines, delivering you restaurant-quality food to enjoy throughout the week without the hassle of shopping, cooking, and cleaning. All you need to do is heat and eat! With new dishes weekly, there’s always something exciting to try on our menu. Think your fave takeaway dishes, without the calorie bomb.
Nutritionally balanced and portion-controlled, whatever plan you choose, you can rest easy knowing every meal is as healthy as it is tasty. All our meals are dairy-free, and we can cater to a range of dietary requirements while also offering high-protein, low-cal, and low-carb options. Whether you’re looking to sort healthy work lunches, are too busy to cook in the evening, or are looking to smash your fitness goals, MACROS has a plan for you.