Diet conversations usually include the question, “Are you counting your macros?” Macros is the cool way of referring to macronutrients. Macronutrients are the big three you hear about all the time: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. When paying attention to your diet, counting your macros is a great place to start. Macros provide all the energy (calories) your body needs to function properly. Each macro is necessary. The textbook breakdown of how much of each is measured in percentage of calories consumed: Carbohydrates-45-65%,Proteins-10-35%, Fats-20-35%. Oh my! These ranges can be confusing if you are trying to lock down a guide for you to go by when choosing foods. As previously preached in Pointe Fitness blogs, we are all different and may have different needs. It’s no different with macros. Your current body weight, muscle mass, activity level (exercise), type of exercise, and specific health concerns/conditions are all factors when counting macros. When it comes to macros, the bottom line is they are all necessary. Not one can be eliminated completely (that would be difficult to do even if attempted). The big picture when it comes to counting macros is to get an overall count of calories you are consuming. Many reading this are following a variety of diet plans for different reasons, but total macros will always give you total calories.

Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals your body needs. All can come from the foods you eat, however, getting all the essential micros in the ideal amounts can be tough. The reason it is tough to get all the micros in the necessary amounts is due to the variety of foods you need to eat regularly to get them. At the risk of being an advertisement for the vitamin and mineral supplement industry, that is why supplements are useful. If your regular diet is an extreme variety of foods, it is possible. A quick search of which micros are in which foods will illustrate this point. And... oh my... there is one very important micro that you can get from relatively few types of foods. Vitamin D is used in the body when consumed from the diet, but it is consumed in small amounts due to limited food sources. Much of our vitamin D comes from synthesis via sunlight (ultraviolet radiation). There are widespread deficiencies in micros and vitamin D leads the way in that category.

Water is sometimes tossed into the macro category. Technically it's not a macro because it provides no calories. But since it’s necessary in relatively large amounts, it’s common to hear water called a macro. Without water macros and micros aren’t absorbed properly. Think about how you’ve felt when dehydrated. It’s not simply because you need water. The lack of water also means nutrients aren’t getting absorbed as well as they should. On top of that “drinking your calories” is a common phrase. Since weight management is a common concern, drinking calories is sometimes a downfall for those trying to control body weight. It’s easy to forget that if you aren’t drinking water with (or without) meals, chances are you’re drinking something else with calories. Water... oh my... is not only necessary for the macros and micros to do their jobs, but it is also the best substitute for a drink since it has zero calories.

Counting macros (calories), getting enough micros from foods, and staying hydrated is the trifecta when it comes to diet. The variety of foods.... oh my.... you must regularly consume to achieve all three is the challenge. A little help from supplements may be necessary. It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider or a dietitian on supplementation and your specific nutrient needs.