What is a Macro?

I get this question a lot... and in this context, it is not a rule in Excel (shout out to my tech nerds 😂)

I like to teach this in the concept with Russian dolls.

Doll #1 - CALORIES 🔥

Calories are the bare bones basic nutrition concept that most understand. When we metabolize and break down food, the energy that results is a calorie. We utilize calories as heat energy for all bodily functions and repairs, in addition to fueling our activities.

Doll #2 - MACRONUTRIENTS🍽

Calories are then broken down into smaller categories called macronutrients... or for short - macros! There are 4 macronutrient groups. Each of the macros results in a specific number of calories/gram of macronutrient.

🥩1. Protein = 4 calories/g (10g = 40 cal)

🍚2. Carbohydrates = 4 calories/g (10g = 40 cal)

🧀3. Fat = 9 calories/g (10g = 90 cal)

🍷4. Alcohol = 7 calories/g (10g = 70 cal)

Doll #3 - MICRONUTRIENTS 🌈

Macros can further be broken down into micronutrients, or micros. These are all of the vitamins and minerals found in food. It's is what makes up the color in (natural) foods. So if you have ever heard the term "eat a rainbow" it means eat a variety of colored fruits, veggies, and foods to get a wide range of vitamins and minerals... or it's Marshawn Lynch telling you to eat some @Skittles. 😂

(And yes - white is a color too… well technically it’s a shade, but semantics 🤪)

Educate yourself about food! The more you KNOW the more POWER you have to achieve your physique and performance goals while creating a strong, resilient body and mind. 👊🏼