If you’re trying to lose weight I’m sure you’ve heard of macros: carbs, proteins, and fats.
These are the building blocks of every food.
Some foods are higher in carbs but low in protein and fat.
Other foods are high in protein but low in carbs and fat.
Well, honestly the combinations can continue so we won’t go through all of them.
But because of all the combinations or can be difficult to decide or determine which one to ‘worry’ about.
Let me tell you a story:
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Macros: Which One Matters
When you are looking at carbs, proteins, and fats, it can be hard to determine which one really is the most important.
We’ll go over all of them briefly so you can make your own mind up.
Carbs
Let’s start with Carbs.
Carbs or carbohydrates.
One of the most talked-about macros (macronutrients).
Usually found in grains and drinks.
When I was in my late 20s the were lots of losing weight shows on tv.
It was easy to get ‘information’ about how to eat, what to eat, etc.
Albeit, most of the shows were extreme so not the best to jump into with some medical advice/ consultation.
Somewhere along the line, I had done some research and I found that if you can keep your carb intake to 16 grams a day or less you’ll lose weight.
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Well, I thought, it’s worth a try.
I went out and got fresh fruit, nuts, meats, and vegetables and started my low-carb eating.
Lo and behold, I lost weight.
I was eating very little to no breads or pastas.
Here’s what I didn’t know then. Most of those other foods I was eating have carbs in them!!!
Who knew lol!!!
For example, a serving of raisins from one of those little boxes has 22 grams of carbs.
While bell peppers have 7 grams of carbs.
So, as much as I was keeping my grain carbs down. My actual count of carbs each day was definitely higher.
Protein
Protein is a macronutrient, and most people think of proteins as meats but did you know there are other options?
Fast forward to today.
I have been following a more protein-focused eating.
Related book: The Carnivore Cleanse
And guess what, I am still managing to lose weight even though my carb count is higher than what is probably supposed to be to lose weight.
Here’s an interesting fact: did you know that fruits and vegetables have protein?
Yes!!!! So you don’t have to only eat meat to get your protein.
Here are your best choices for fruits: guavas, avocados, and kiwis.
And for vegetables: Peas, broccoli, and spinach.
Now, if you’re not opposed to dairy, for whatever reason, then yogurt and cottage cheese are two fantastic options to help increase your protein intake.
Related Post: Protein for Weight Loss
Fat
Fat, the last macronutrient.
Most everyone has heard of Atkins (if you’re old enough) or popular these days, Keto.
Both are based on the same idea. Focusing your diet on very little carbs but not worrying about your protein intake either.
I suppose in a sense I’ve tried both of these too but never invested much time into them.
I had my gallbladder removed years ago and too much fat for me doesn’t sit well.
So for me, focusing on my protein is ideal.
Not only do I not have to worry about the other two macros but I find that when I’m doing this I have very little to no cravings for sweets (and I would consider myself a chocolate/ sweets lover).
Another awesome thing, I don’t feel restricted with any other foods.
I can still eat carbs and fats and sweets as long as I’m getting my protein in for the day.
