Put simply, how many calories you take in versus how many calories you burn will impact whether you gain weight or lose it. And, when it comes to macronutrients, achieving the right ratio of the three can help you maintain the right balance of hormones that are associated with hunger, and it can also help you build muscle that can then support your metabolism.
Calorie counting is usually something that people are aware of. But they may not be familiar with their protein, carb, and dietary fat requirements. How do you achieve the right balance? Continue reading to learn all about it.
Macronutrients and Dietary Fat Requirements: What You Should Know
It might be what you think is most important, but your fat requirements are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. You need to look at all three macronutrients. Here’s what you need to bear in mind:
- If you have lost any amount of weight, it is likely that you have lost some muscle mass in the process. By ensuring you get enough protein in your daily meals, you can preserve the muscle you have, as well as grow stronger.
- When it comes to hormone synthesis and signaling, you need to home in on the fat requirements that your diet needs to meet.
- When it comes to having enough energy, especially for tackling tough calorie and fat burning workouts, you need to ensure you are getting the right amount of carbohydrates.
Fat Requirements: Not All Fat Is Bad!
Your body needs fat, so getting the right types of fat, and the right amount of fat, is important to your overall health. Plus, when it comes to your hormones, which are chemical messengers that play a vital role throughout your body, fat plays a necessary part. In fact, almost every process that occurs within your body depends on hormone communication. This includes building and maintaining muscle mass, burning fat, absorbing nutrients, and feeling satisfied after eating.
Beyond hormone balance, though, your body also needs to meet certain fat requirements because you need fat to absorb certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, K, and D. Failing to meet your daily fat requirements may lead to an inability to absorb and use these fat-soluble vitamins, and that can have an adverse effect on various aspects of your health.
Focus on Getting Healthy Fats!
Aim to get essential fatty acids, like lenolenic and linoleic acid, into your diet. How much fat do you need, though? Well, that will depend on various factors, such as your activity level, your overall health, your gender, and your age. On average, however, a moderately active adult should aim to get roughly 20% of their calories from fat daily. Healthy sources include seeds, nuts, olives, and avocado.
With the right balance of macronutrients, including fat, you’ll feel great and start to slim down!
