What Are Macros?
- March 11, 2017
You hear us talk a lot about macros, or macronutrients, but what are they? And how do they factor into your healthy lifestyle?
The three major macronutrients are carbohydrates, protein and fats. The amount and ratio of these macronutrients that you consume on a daily basis impact the amount of muscle mass you’re able to put on, how much fat you’re able to lose and your body’s hormonal production. If you’re truly dedicated to perfecting your nutrition plan, macros are the key.
Determining your macro split is the first step of a macro-based diet. Your split is the number of grams of carbs, protein and fats that you eat in relation to the others. For example, 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fat. There is no perfect, universal split, as each person’s starting point and goal differs. Having said that, there are some general truths to keep in mind.
Any time you’re in a caloric deficit, you risk losing muscle. Your body is not receiving the energy it needs to sustain itself from food, so it turns to lean muscle tissue as a fuel source. This is called a catabolic state. While we all wish our bodies would use fat stores instead, that is rarely the case. Choosing a split with more protein than carbs or fat can help prevent this muscle breakdown. If your protein is too low, your body may start to use some of the protein you eat as an energy source, instead of using it to build muscle. However, raising your protein intake ensures that even if some of the protein is converted to energy, you still have more than enough to maintain lean muscle mass.
Another easy way to prevent catabolism is to supplement with branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs act as an alternative energy source for your body so that it doesn’t start to break down lean muscle tissue. Try adding Best BCAA™ to your regimen, which uses Oligopeptide-Enzymatic Technology to optimize absorption.
Your macro split will also influence your energy level. If you aren’t getting the proper number of carbs in your diet plan, you may not be able to perform at your best in the gym. Your strength will decrease, the intensity of your workouts will drop and you’ll lose motivation. To keep up with an intense workout routine, carbs are essential to your diet.
Finally, don’t be scared of fats. Fat is an essential, satisfying nutrient that can help you manage your hunger. Cutting your fat intake by too much can make you feel hungry 24/7, and affect your hormone levels. Plus, healthy fats have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, protect against cardiovascular disease and delay fatigue.
For an easy way to get your daily fats, try Keto Bomb™. The first-ever ketogenic creamer contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are healthy fats that your body can readily use as an energy source. This helps control your appetite and coax your body into burning fat for fuel.
As we said before, the perfect macro split is different for everyone. Don’t be afraid to adjust your proteins, carbs and fats according to your progress and the changes you see in your body. Get started by calculating your lean body mass, and then visit www.BPISports.com/calculators to determine your recommended macros.