🥩 Macros Matched: Does the Source Really Matter?

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Does the Source of Macros Matter?

If a processed snack bar and a wholesome stir-fry boast identical macronutrient profiles, you might wonder, does it truly matter which one you choose?

After all, if the macros line up, both options should be equally beneficial, right?

The reality, however, isn't so black and white. Here are some key benefits of choosing whole foods for your macronutrient intake:

• High Volume: Whole foods offer more volume for the same amount of calories, meaning you can eat bigger meals for the same amount of calories and calories.

• High Fiber: Whole foods are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and improves gut health.

• Rich in Micronutrients: Beyond just macronutrients, whole foods provide essential vitamins and minerals. These micronutrients support numerous bodily functions, from immune response to bone health.

The Impact of Eating Out: Why exactly is it bad for me?

We might include a burger or a hearty pasta dish in your meal plan, suggesting it's perfectly fine to have these at home, but advise against ordering them at a restaurant or bar. And often, we get asked, what makes the same meal healthier at home than when eating out?

Here's why restaurant food doesn't always align with your dietary needs:

1. Add-Ons and Extras: Restaurants use more butter, oil, and dressings to enhance flavor and texture, significantly increasing the calorie and fat content.

2. Hidden Ingredients: Many restaurant dishes include hidden ingredients. For example, a seemingly simple grilled chicken could be marinated in oils and sugars you're unaware of.

3. Quality of Ingredients: Restaurants, especially those not focused on health-conscious dining, may not prioritize the quality of their ingredients the same way you might at home, opting for cheaper, lower-quality options that are higher in unhealthy fats and additives.

4. The Goal of Satisfaction Over Nutrition: Restaurants aim to please the palate and ensure customers leave satisfied and eager to return. This often means prioritizing taste over nutritional balance, leading to meals that excite the brain with high levels of salt, sugar, and fat—far from what's recommended for a balanced diet.

Macros vs Micros: Decoding the Basics of Nutrition

We always discuss “Macros” and their fundamental role in achieving our fitness goals. But we rarely mention Micronutrients, which are just as important.

Macros, short for macronutrients, are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—nutrients our bodies require in large amounts. They are the primary energy sources and building blocks for growth, metabolism, and other vital functions.

Carbohydrates are the body's main energy source, proteins are crucial for tissue repair and growth, and fats provide long-term energy storage and support cell function.

On the other hand, micronutrients are equally crucial. These include vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which play key roles in supporting bodily functions, from bone health to immune response. Micronutrients don't provide energy but are essential for proper body function.

This is why, whenever possible, try to get your macros from whole foods, which are also high in micros.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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