Managing Macros for Weight Loss Transformation

The human body burns fuel from foods rich in carbohydrates, protein and fat to produce the energy to grow and repair tissue after being physically active. For healthy weight loss, you have to restrict empty calories and balance your consumption of macronutrients. Managing macros allows you to get a handle on where calories come from as well as what size portions you should consume for proper weight management.

• CARBOHYDRATES - Although carbohydrates have gotten a bad name (thanks to some of the popular fad diets), foods high in complex carbs like oatmeal, yams or quinoa break down in your body slowly. If you load up on junk-food carbohydrates that cause your energy level and appetite to fluctuate wildly, you will find it difficult to reach your weight loss goals.
• FAT - Fat often gets a bad rap because it is the most calorie dense macronutrient but consumption of healthy fats is important for normal body functions like hormone production or good nerve health. Fats help maintain tissues and cells as well as ensure proper nerve and brain function while increasing your body's ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
• PROTEIN - Protein is the building block for strong muscles and helps repair tissue. Proteins also aid in production of important hormones and enzymes. Protein has the greatest number of metabolic benefits for losing weight. It stimulates energy expenditure, increases satiety after eating and preserves muscle, which can also be used as a source of energy during weight loss.

As you start a weight loss program, your macronutrient ratios and overall intake of calories will continually change. For example, your body typically does not use a hundred calories from broccoli the same as it does a hundred calories from candy. The latter will likely be stored as fat. If you discover you're not losing weight as you had intended, then scale back on the carbs and increase your healthy fat intake to eliminate feelings of constant hunger.