{"id":21889,"date":"2024-01-21T01:42:09","date_gmt":"2024-01-21T00:42:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=21889"},"modified":"2024-01-21T01:42:57","modified_gmt":"2024-01-21T00:42:57","slug":"what-are-macronutrients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/what-are-macronutrients\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Macronutrients?"},"content":{"rendered":"

With so much information being thrown your way, figuring out how to properly nourish yourself can be confusing. Understanding the basics of nutrition can help give you the tools to make empowered decisions about the food you eat so that you can feel your best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may have heard the term \u201ccounting macros\u201d or \u201cfocusing on macronutrients\u201d. But what does that actually mean? Macros are not just another elusive term in diet culture. They are vital components of a healthy diet that you\u2019re already eating regularly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at what macronutrients are exactly, why they\u2019re a vital part of a healthy diet, and how to balance your intake of them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Macronutrients 101<\/span><\/h2>\n

Macronutrients<\/span>, more commonly known as \u201cmacros\u201d are the building blocks of a balanced diet. Simply put, these are the nutrients that your body needs large amounts of to function properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are three main types of macros, all of which you\u2019re probably familiar with: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. All three types are essential for everyday function and are most likely already in your kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

While they are all types of macronutrients, they serve different functions. Learn more about the role of carbohydrates, fat, and protein in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carbohydrates<\/span><\/h3>\n

Carbohydrates, or \u201ccarbs\u201d for short, don\u2019t always have the best reputation. This train of thought comes from diet culture and the fact that many carbs people eat aren\u2019t the healthiest.<\/span><\/p>\n

That being said, carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet. They are also one of the main sources of energy in the body. When you eat carbohydrates, <\/span>your body converts them into glucose so they can be used for energy.<\/span><\/a> Carbs play a key role in insulin regulation and metabolic function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many foods high in carbohydrates are also high in fiber which is essential for gut health and balancing blood sugar levels. Their job doesn\u2019t stop there, they also help boost the body\u2019s <\/a><\/span>immune system<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019re probably aware that not all <\/a><\/span>carbohydrates<\/span> are created equal. There are simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates have one or two sugars in their molecular structure and are found in foods like corn syrup, candy, and soda. Complex carbohydrates have three or more sugars in their chemical structure and are found in foods like beans, brown rice, and broccoli.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some healthy sources of carbohydrates are:<\/span><\/p>\n