What are macronutrients?

Definition: a type of food (e.g., fat, protein, carbohydrate) required in large amounts in the human diet. Each macronutrient provides energy in the form of calories.

However, the bottom line is that it absolutely matters where calories come from vs. just relying on daily calorie counts. The way we balance macros is important for our health, weight management, blood sugar control and many other body functions. If it fits your macros isn’t always necessarily a healthy way to manage your diet.

How to plan a meal:

First of all, I encourage using the plate method when planning a healthy meal. With my clients, I typically focus on half the plate consisting of nonstarchy vegetables, 1/4 protein and 1/4 carbohydrate. This is a great way to control portion sizes for weight loss or weight management and measure visually vs. having to track every calorie. These macro ratios can be adjusted depending on the person’s goals and activity level.

Pesto Chicken Nutrition Info:

Chicken: This lean protein source has key vitamins and minerals including niacin, B6 and selenium. One of proteins main function is do most of the work in cells and it is required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.

Nonstarchy vegetables: Are a low carbohydrate option and are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. Furthermore, even though these veggies have few calories and carbohydrate, low carb veggies are still packed with nutrition! It’s important to have them on your plate. Bean Sprouts raw are tasty, delicious, and add crunch! Shredded carrots nutrition includes beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K and antioxidants. Roasted broccoli and Brussel sprouts are a great green pair packed with micronutrients.

Avocado and Pesto: Avocado is mainly unsaturated fat and linked to health promoting benefits. Pesto is a fat source containing garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, spices and parmesan cheese. Fat helps with vitamin absorption, is a source of energy and stored energy, supports cell growth and much more!

Plus you can mix the two to make avocado pesto which is great for toppings, salads and veggie snacks. Save yours in a sealed tupperware containers

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