Jump Start Your Weight Loss Journey

Macronutrients are required in large amounts to maintain body functions and carry out activities of daily living. These include carbohydrates, protein and fat. Balancing these macros can help jump start your weight loss journey. Managing macronutrients offers several benefits for those trying to lose weight and keep it off. Moreover, you get a handle on where calories come from as well as what size portions you should consume. If you develop a good plan for macro consumption, you will likely create a calorie deficit state that will promote healthy, sustainable weight loss.

• CARBOHYDRATES - Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and consists of both natural and added sugars, starches and fiber. Fiber increases the volume of the food you eat but is not broken down as fuel. Complex carbs from vegetables and whole grains provide a more sustained source of energy than simple carbs from candy, donuts or sodas.
• FAT - If you are like most people, you grew up being told to avoid fat. Nowadays, researchers know you only need to avoid or limit consumption of certain types of fat, such as saturated, trans fat and cholesterol. Although you should never follow a high-cholesterol diet, it is a misconception that consuming high cholesterol foods causes high cholesterol levels in the blood.
• PROTEIN - Eating the right amount of protein helps you build lean muscles that can burn more calories when your body is at rest, thus increasing metabolism. Proteins are made of amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids found in all meat sources that your body cannot synthesize. Protein deficiency can contribute to lack of energy, loss of concentration, weakness, mood swings and difficulty sleeping.

It is important to optimize your menu plan to meet your physical and personal goals by focusing on the right balance of carbohydrate, protein and fat consumption. A calorie is seen as one unit of energy. Nonetheless, how your body uses the energy depends on the type of food that produced the calorie. Your body will burn some calories and store others as fat. The best ratio of macronutrients depends upon your body type and weight loss goals. However, if you eat naturally healthy foods as the mainstay of your menu plan, you should lose weight and tone up without obsessing over the numbers.