What are Macronutrients?

Macronutrients (Macros) are the nutrients that provide your body with energy, they are the substances your body needs to grow and metabolise. There are three macronutrients and while each of these macros provide calories the amount of calories that each one provides varies.

• Protein (4 calories per gram)
• Carbohydrates (4 calories per gram)
• Fat (7 calories per gram)

Why do we need Protein?

• Muscle growth and tissue repair
• Immune function
• Producing essential hormones and enzymes
• A source of energy when carbohydrate is not available
• Preserves lean muscle mass

Why do we need Carbohydrates?

• Used as the bodies main source of fuel
• Needed for the body (central nervous system, the kidneys, the brain, the heart, muscles) to function properly

Why do we need Fats?

• Normal growth and development
• Energy (fat is the most concentrated source of energy)
• Helps with the absorption of certain vitamins (including vitamins A, D, E, K, and carotenoids)
• Maintains cell membranes
• Helps provide taste, consistency, and stability to foods