Macronutrients are the building blocks of a healthy, well-rounded diet. They are essential to help your body grow! Each food you eat is made up of one, or a combination of, the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and fat. This information can be found on the nutritional label of your food!

 

Carbohydrates: 

  • What: Carbs are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen compounds. There are three main kinds of carbs: simple, complex and fiber. Carbohydrates are the bodies main energy source.
  • How much per calorie: 4 calories per gram
  • % daily calorie intake: 40-65%

 

Protein: 

  • What: The main function of protein is to build and repair the bodies tissues. Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are 20 amino acids, and 8 essential ones that cannot be made in the body.
  • How much per calorie: 4 calories per gram
  • % daily calorie intake: 10-35%

 

Fat:

  • What: aka lipids are made up of fats and oils. Fats are high in calories for a low amount of volume and can often help with satiety.
  • How much per calorie: 9 calories per gram
  • % daily calorie intake: 20-35%

 

It’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of every macronutrient (and micronutrient) to keep your body healthy!

 

(Sources: Clark, Micheal. NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2018)