The Vitamin Shoppe

Macronutrients, a.k.a. "macros," is a word that comes up quite a bit when talking fitness and nutrition. But if you're not sure exactly what they are or why and how to calculate them, The Vitamin Shoppe Nutritionist Roseanne Schnell, CDN, (@roseanneschnell) is here to break it down. ? The macronutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—are the basis of every diet, and each have a specific function to support your body's daily needs, she explains. And in terms of counting macros, the percentage of the macronutrients recommended from a person's total caloric needs will be broken down differently depending on personal health and wellness goals. "When following a balanced meal plan, I normally recommend a macronutrient breakdown of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat," Roseanne says. So how, for example, would you calculate your carbohydrates for a 2000 calorie balanced meal plan? ✔ 40% of 2000 calories = 800 calories from carbohydrates, 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories, divide 800 calories by 4 = 200 grams of carbohydrates per day