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Understanding Your Ideal Macronutrient Ratio for Weight Loss

Staying healthy isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to lose weight. We all know that to lose weight, you have to stick to a diet and exercise. But for many people, dieting is the hardest part.

From counting calories to cutting out food groups, it can take a lot of willpower. However, to understand how to lose weight, first, you have to understand macronutrients (macros).

The ideal macronutrient ratio for everyone is different. If you think counting macros could be the best way to lose weight, this guide will help you figure out what may work for you.

What Are Macronutrients?

First off, if you’re not totally sure what macronutrients are, let alone the right macronutrient ratio, you’re not alone. Most of the time, we look at the caloric value of a food item and assume how healthy it is based on that.

But if you look at the Nutrition Facts more closely, you’ll see that the item also contains other values, including the total fat, carbs, and protein. Most nutrition labels also include sugar and sodium intakes as well.

The total caloric value of those other values is what gives an item its calorie count. But remember, fewer calories don’t equate to better nutrition. That’s where the macronutrients come in.

What Do They Do?

Macronutrients are the major nutrient categories your body needs to survive. They are protein, fat, and carbohydrates (carbs). Each one has a specific role in helping your body function properly, even fats.

Proteins are often confused with peptides, but when looking at peptides vs proteins, proteins are actually larger and more complex. Protein is made up of amino acids, essential molecules your body needs to build muscles, bone, and tissues.

Carbohydrates give our bodies energy by breaking down sugars and starches in most of our food like bread, pasta, or potatoes. Meanwhile, foods high in fats like olive oil, avocado, and salmon can help your body absorb vitamins from your food.

How Do I Calculate for My Needs?

The best macronutrient ratio includes all of these essential macros. As you can see, each of these macronutrients provides something essential to your body, so cutting them out shouldn’t be done unless under a doctor’s care and recommendation. Even fats and carbs have an important role in maintaining a healthy diet, but it’s up to you to make sure you have the right amount of them.

When determining your macronutrient ratio for weight loss, make sure you’re consuming a balanced amount of macros first. You don’t want to go from an unhealthy diet to cutting calories or macros immediately. Eat healthy and listen to what your body needs.

Use a macronutrient ratio calculator to help you determine a starting point, and if approved by your doctor, you can tailor the plan to help you lose weight.

But remember that reducing fat or carbs doesn’t mean you’re eating healthier. The best macronutrient ratio for fat loss is controlled and provides your body with the energy it needs from other areas.

Finding Your Ideal Macronutrient Ratio

Everyone’s body is different. That’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor before drastically changing your diet.

This macronutrient guide will give you the tools to get started on keeping track of your ideal macronutrient ratio.

For more healthy lifestyle tips, including food, fitness, and even recipes, check out our other articles!