Macro & micro nutrients

Macro stands for macro nutrients, otherwise known as the nutrients your food consists of and provides or bodies with the energy it needs. The macro’s we consume are:

- Carbohydrates

- Protein

- Fats

These macro nutrients differ in their characteristics. 1 gram of carbohydrates has 4 calories, the same goes for 1 gram of protein, whereas 1 gram of fat has 9 calories. And although it is important to balance out these macro nutrients, it is even more important to keep an eye on the micro nutrients you consume. Micro nutrients are all the vitamins, minerals and water your body needs in smaller amounts, to make sure you function well and don’t get sick.

The difference in focussing on micro instead of macro nutrients is this: You could be getting your fats from French fries or from avocados, nuts & seeds. You could be getting carbohydrates from chocolate, energy drinks and candy or from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. Protein goes the same. You could be getting it from dairy products, sausages and burgers or from tofu, legumes and nuts. We probably all know which are the better choices to make micro nutrient wise… ;-)

Take home point: Make the right choices, drink your green juices, eat your veggies and break a regular sweat at Vélo. But please do indulge and enjoy the unsurpassed taste of pizza, a glass of wine or a piece op pie from time to time!