Optimize Your Menus for a Balanced Macronutrient Intake

deally, you want to preserve metabolically active muscle tissue during weight loss by balancing your macronutrient intake. Since food falls into one of the three categories of macronutrients, no food should be off limits but all consumption must be part of your target intake for the day. Whether your goal is to boost your metabolism, eliminate stubborn fat deposits or build lean muscles, focusing on your macro intake will allow you to optimize your menu plan for the best results.

• CARBS - The primary role of dietary sugars and starches (carbohydrates) is to provide energy to cells throughout the body but in particular to the brain, which is the only carb-dependent organ in the human body. Although carbs have gotten a bad name, foods high in complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, yams or quinoa break down slowly and keep glucose levels balanced.
• FAT - Not all fat has the same nutritional value, which is why it is important for you to prioritize your fat sources. As long as you select a healthy source of fat, you can add it to your menu plan without feeling guilty. Fat also gets a bad rap but consumption of healthy fats is important for normal body functions like hormone production or good nerve health.
• PROTEIN - Your protein consumption should include the following in moderate amounts: fish, seafood, eggs, lean chicken, pork, beef and lamb. Some people prefer to determine their macronutrient need for protein first and fill in the rest of their daily menus with food preferences for their long-term goals.

There are always nuances to any type of menu plan. If you are constantly missing your macronutrient budget because of your social lifestyle, swap some protein for carbohydrates while keeping your fat intake the same. Shedding unwanted weight would be easy if one-size-fits-all, but everyone has to take a different road to get his or her ideal body. For a personalized macronutrient menu plan, stop by the Metabolic Research Center nearest you, or call today for a FREE weight loss consultation.