Let’s Talk About Micro and Macronutrients

You may have heard gym buffs talking about micro and macronutrients and how they are essential to getting ripped but that's not their only purpose. Micro and macronutrients are also crucial in weight loss, overall health and wellness, and weight management.

Whether you're just beginning a weight loss journey or are looking to tone up and stay healthy, the Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss team has the tools to help. We offer various services, including meal and fitness plans, IV hydration, and fat-burning shots, to help.

Understanding micronutrients

Micronutrients are a category of nutrients that are vital for bodily functions and health. They are small nutrients that include various vitamins and minerals necessary for physical processes.

The body needs fewer micronutrients than it does macronutrients, but that doesn't make them any less critical. The body can't thrive without these essential vitamins and minerals, which include:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B12
• Other B vitamins
• Zinc
• Iron
• Folate

These are only a few of the micronutrients necessary for bodily functions like digestion, brain function, and hormone production. It's more challenging to track micronutrients because they're so small, but you can get most of them through a healthy diet full of whole foods.

Most of these nutrients come from fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're trying to make sure you get enough, look for these foods at the grocery store.

The facts on macronutrients

Macronutrients are the core nutrients in food and are necessary for bodily functions and the structure of the body. Macronutrients are the body's primary source of energy, and you require larger amounts to help it work properly.

The main types of macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These give the body fuel in the form of calories, and you can track them easily through an app or by calculating them in grams.

Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source and include bread, grains, rice, and pasta. Proteins help build and repair muscle fibers and aid in hormone production. Eggs, lean meats, and fish all contain large amounts of protein.

Fats provide fat-soluble vitamins that are essential to other bodily functions. You get fats through foods like nuts, butter, seeds, and oils.

Why are micros and macros important?

Micros and macros help your body function correctly and at its best, and they also play a role in weight loss and weight management.

Each type of macronutrient carries so many calories per gram. If you're aiming for a calorie restriction for weight loss, knowing how many grams you eat means you can calculate how many calories you've consumed as well.

For instance, one gram of carbohydrates and proteins contains four calories, while one gram of fat contains nine calories. That means you should eat more carbs and proteins to lose weight, because each gram contains fewer calories.

However, all the macronutrients help drive bodily functions like digestion, energy production, and muscle repair. Having a meal plan that lays out what your body needs explicitly is the best way to ensure you're getting enough macros for success.

Micronutrients are more complex to track because they're so small, usually measured in milligrams or international units. A good way to ensure you're getting enough is to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, or take a multivitamin to supplement your intake.

To learn more about our meal plans, please get in touch with our Tallahassee, Florida, office today to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online.