Main | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat
Macronutrients
All food is broken down into these three primary energy sources:
- Protein: 4 calories per gram
- Carbohydrates: 4 calories per gram
- Dietary Fat: 9 calories per gram
The amount of each macronutrient you need depends on your gender, weight, fitness goals, and fitness level.
Follow any kind of nutrition plan or read an article on dieting, and you're bound to hear the word "macronutrients." Those who have some concept of nutrition usually understand what the word means, but some read or hear it and think, "What the heck is a macro and where do I get one?"
Even if you're familiar with macronutrients, figuring out your macros can be a pain, especially if you're just starting to learn about nutrition and how it can influence your workouts and physique. Measuring 30 grams of protein for every meal can often be so overwhelming that many people just give up and go back to filling their plates with whatever is on the table.
To alleviate some of this confusion, and to clear up misinformation, we're here to explain what macronutrients are, and help you learn how to measure them better. Click on the links below to learn about protein, carbs, and fat, and how to accurately fit each into your nutrition plan!
Measuring Your Macros: What 30 Grams Of Protein Looks Like
Want to build muscle and lose fat? Then you need protein! Here's how much you need and how to measure it for each meal.
Measuring Your Macros: What 50 Grams Of Carbs Looks Like
Carbs are your body's favorite energy source. Learn which carb sources are best and how you can easily measure them without using a scale!
Measuring Your Macros: What 20 Grams Of Fat Looks Like
Contrary to popular belief, fat is not the enemy! Learn how to easily add a serving of healthy fats to your diet.
Save
Love this article. It's definitely helpful!
Great Article ! Thanks
Great article. Really helps if you can remember sizes when you eat outside of your own home. Tracking macros allows one to obtain the physique they want while enjoying foods they like!
Awesome article! love the visuals in addition to the measurements - they're so helpful!
I needed this! I'm a visual person, and this really put it into perspective. Thank you!
Now that I see the quantities I can tell my bulking is not bad at all..
This is an amazing article. Thank you very much!
Very astute article. Thank you.
Good information! After tracking my food for so long, I can usually tell you what a serving of something has without ever seeing the nutrition label; however, the key is to know how much a "serving" is!
This is so useful! Thank you!