Managing Macros Leads to Perfect Portion Sizes

When trying to lose weight, focusing on macronutrient intake will force you to take a closer look at the carbohydrates, protein and fat you are consuming. After all, not all calories are created equal. Managing macronutrients offers several obvious nutritional benefits for those trying to lose weight. It allows you to get a handle on where calories come from as well as what size portions you should consume. Learning the correct portion size for each macronutrient is critical to keeping your macro intake balanced as well as managing your goal for calorie consumption.

• CARBOHYDRATES - Absorbed sugars from carbohydrates are transported throughout the body to cells as a source of energy. Slow carbohydrates like green vegetables, ancient grains and legumes provide a much slower release of glucose into the bloodstream, which supplies energy to your cells that lasts longer.
• FAT - Healthy fats are good for you but try to eat most of your fat from unsaturated sources (avocados, nuts, olive oil and seeds) rather than saturated or trans fats. Essential fats are a necessary component of any healthy menu plan. As is the case with the best sources of carbs and protein, the fats in nuts and fatty fruits also contain fiber and beneficial micronutrients to keep you healthy.
• PROTEIN - Protein is the building block for strong muscles and helps repair tissue. Proteins also aid in production of important hormones and enzymes. The low fat crowd is quick to point out that fat is the most calorie dense macronutrient, whereas the low-carb group claims that managing insulin spikes is the key to losing weight. Truth is everyone's body is unique.

If you develop a good plan for macro consumption, you will likely create a calorie deficit state that will promote healthy, sustainable weight loss. Although you always need to keep portion sizes in mind, eating reasonable amounts of protein and healthy fats at each meal makes it easier to stay on track, so your body recognizes when it is full and you avoid overeating. If you have been searching for a diet to help you reach your weight loss goals faster, you may want to consider a personalized menu plan from MRC with the right portions of protein, fat and carbs for your body.