LIFT THAT
SMILE
UNDERSTAND
MACROS
So we’re always being told to eat more protein and Choose ‘SMART’ carbs & ‘healthy’ fats.
But why do we need them?
MACRO-NUTRIENTS
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We need dietary protein to survive & thrive.
The body is made up of proteins which are always breaking down & being rebuilt again.
This includes muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments & cartilage, Neurotransmitters, enzymes, Immune system chemicals, etc.
Unlike carbohydrates & fat which can be stored by the body to be used later for energy, we can't store protein in the same way so we need to get enough protein from our diet to keep the process of protein turnover happening.
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Glucose comes from Carbohydrates - Our body needs glucose for energy to live.
Carbohydrates can be categorised into slow & fast releasing depending on their structure and whether they need to be broken down by the body in order for the glucose to be released.
SLOW releasing carbohydrates release small amounts of energy over a longer period of time. FAST releasing carbohydrates release glucose quickly to the body which causes a spike in blood sugar levels and a sudden burst of energy
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Major roles of dietary fats include:
Providing the body with energy (most calorie dense macro nutrient)
Brain & nervous system function
Helping make & balance hormones (particularly sex & stress hormones) Helping transport fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K)
Giving us 2 fatty acids the body cant make on its own (Omega 3 & 6)