🍳 3 Little Known Facts About Macros

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3 Little Known Facts About Macros

The right Macro breakdown can break or make your fitness goals, but they hold secrets beyond their well-known roles.

Here's a closer look at some lesser-known facts:

1. Carbohydrates and Mood: Carbohydrates do more than energize us; they're linked to our mood. They encourage serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that boosts happiness. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that low-carb diets might lower serotonin levels, affecting mood.

2. Protein's Impact on Hydration: While protein's role in muscle building is well-documented, its influence on hydration is less known. High protein intake requires the body to use more water to flush out nitrogen, a byproduct of protein metabolism, underscoring the importance of staying hydrated, especially on high-protein diets.

3. Proteins Against Age-Related Muscle Loss: Proteins are crucial in combating sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass with age. Adequate protein, combined with resistance training, can help preserve muscle strength, as evidenced by research in The Journals of Gerontology.

Our Advice? Follow the right macro breakdown for your fitness goal, and remember to hydrate!

The Worst Macro to Overconsume?

While excess intake of any macronutrient can lead to health issues, overconsuming carbohydrates, especially refined carbs and added sugars, is often cited as having the most detrimental effects on health.

Here's why:

1. Weight Gain and Obesity: Excessive intake of refined carbs and sugars can lead to an imbalance in calorie consumption and expenditure, contributing to weight gain and obesity. These foods are often high in calories yet low in satiety, leading to overeating.

2. Blood Sugar and Insulin Issues: A diet high in sugars and refined carbs can cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and a risk factor for various metabolic syndromes.

3. Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Studies have linked high intake of added sugars with an increased risk of heart disease. Excessive sugar can raise blood pressure, increase chronic inflammation, and lead to high triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

The Magic of Meal Timing: Myth of Metabolic Booster?

Meal timing has been touted as a critical factor for boosting metabolism and enhancing weight loss, but how much truth lies behind this claim? While timing can affect nutrient absorption and workout efficacy, its overall impact on metabolism is often overstated.

Studies suggest that total caloric intake and food quality are far more significant than when you eat.

However, for athletes and those with specific fitness goals, strategic meal timing can optimize performance and recovery. Ultimately, for the average person, focusing on a balanced diet rather than the clock is the key!

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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