Counting Macros Week #2

The biggest problem with your body transformation goals start—and end—with your diet. Yes, exercise is also extremely important. And even the best diet won’t offset a lack of physical activity. If the fuel you put in your body is terrible, your body still won’t function the way you want.

Use this guide to understand what your body needs, and why you don’t have to frustratingly avoid certain foods that you want as part of your healthy living plan.

Carbohydrates: The Misunderstood One Carbohydrates seem to be the focus of most diets you read about (especially fat-loss diets), so it makes sense to start here.

The role of carbohydrates is to provide energy, as they are the body's main source of fuel, needed for physical activity, brain function and operation of the organs. All the cells and tissues in your body need carbs, and they are also important for intestinal health and waste elimination. Eating Tip: Ultimately, the number of carbs you eat is going to be highly based on personal preference, activity levels, and how your body reacts to what you eat. Carb intake should be determined after you prioritize fat and protein levels.

List of Healthy Carbs; any fruit, whole grain bread, rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and of course vegetables. Pay close attention to measuring your carbs.

Healthy Fats

Healthy Fat is good.(Monounsaturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, Saturated Fats) are good for testosterone. It’s good for your heart (yes, you read that correctly). And it’s good for your muscles, reduces inflammation, reduces belly fat and cravings.

Fat plays an important role in helping the general functioning of your body. Fat is a critical coating for nerves along with your skin and hair.

Trans fats are the black sheep of the fat family. Trans fats are the worst fats, and in truth, one of the worst forms of food that you could possibly consume. They’re found in foods such as French fries, potato chips, and most fried foods.

List of healthy fats; Avocados, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, nut and seed butter, olives, olive oil, ground flax seed, coconut oil

Protein

A favorite among bodybuilders, athletes, and just about any fitness enthusiast, protein is used by your body to repair damaged muscle, bone, skin, teeth, and hair, among other things. Think of it as the mortar between the bricks; without it, the entire structure of your body begins to break down.

Unlike other nutrients, your body can not assemble protein by combining other nutrients, so it needs to be prioritized if you’re to achieve your healthiest (and best looking) body possible.

Protein helps to create an anabolic hormonal environment (good for muscle building and fat loss), and along the lines of the brick metaphor, it provides a lot of the materials used to build your muscles.

List of Protein; any fish, tuna, sea food, scallops, chicken breast, turkey breast, any meat 90% or leaner, egg whites