{"id":399952,"date":"2025-05-12T17:30:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T09:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/?p=399952"},"modified":"2025-05-30T07:08:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T23:08:30","slug":"macronutrients-demystified-proteins-fats-carbs-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/macronutrients-demystified-proteins-fats-carbs-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Macronutrients Demystified: Proteins, Fats &#038; Carbs Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Why Understanding Macros Matters<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We eat every day, yet many of us still ask: what&#8217;s actually good for our bodies? It\u2019s easy to get caught up in trends. One moment carbs are the villain, the next it&#8217;s all about good fats. The truth lies in understanding macronutrients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the primary nutrients our bodies need in large amounts: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. When balanced well, they power everything from mood and brain function, endurance, blood sugar, weight, inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In this article you&#8217;ll learn more about macronutrients and their importance to our bodily functions.<\/p>\n<h3>Carbohydrates: The Good, the Bad, and the Balanced<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-399959\" src=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-767x511.jpg\" alt=\"Roasted sweet potatoes and raw yam on a dark table \" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-767x511.jpg 767w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roasted-sweet-potatoes-2025-01-10-18-25-52-utc-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 479px) 90vw, (max-width: 599px) 432px, 536px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all carbs are equal. Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice break down slowly, giving your body steady energy. Good carbs such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins are also smart picks. They\u2019re rich in fiber and minerals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll want to avoid refined carbs like white bread or sugary cereals? They will hit fast but burn out just as quick. This will lead to cravings, mood dips, and energy slumps.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Carbohydrates Cheat Sheet:<\/h4>\n<p><b>Excessive intake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livestrong.com\/article\/437002-the-effects-of-eating-too-many-carbs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood sugar spikes and energy crashes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.torrinomedica.it\/english\/dietology\/carbohydrates\/health-issues-from-excessive-carbohydrate-intake\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight gain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wellwisp.com\/what-happens-when-you-eat-too-many-carbs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mood instability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Deficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.torrinomedica.it\/english\/dietology\/carbohydrates\/what-happens-if-you-have-too-little-carbohydrates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fatigue, brain fog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/carelearning.org.uk\/qualifications\/level-3-extended-hsc\/hsc-cmo15-science-nutrition\/4-1-discuss-consequences-of-nutrient-deficiencies-on-human-physiology\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle weakness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Fats: Nature\u2019s Long-Lasting Fuel<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-399958\" src=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-767x511.jpg\" alt=\"An avocado sliced in half on a wooden board.\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-767x511.jpg 767w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kelly-sikkema-ZLc9yTIFzNk-unsplash-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 479px) 90vw, (max-width: 599px) 432px, 536px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contrary to popular beliefs promoted in mainstream media during the 80\u2019s and 90\u2019s, fats aren\u2019t your enemy. In fact, good fats help the body absorb nutrients and will keep you full for longer. Think of avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and even full-fat milk in case you can tolerate dairy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These fats release energy slowly, like charcoal on a grill. Compare that to processed oils, margarine or low-fat yoghurts, which are often packed with harmful additives your body doesn\u2019t need.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Fats Cheat Sheet:<\/h4>\n<p><b>Excessive intake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/healthy-living\/healthy-eating\/eat-smart\/fats\/saturated-fats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased cholesterol and heart disease risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/chapter\/10.1007\/978-3-031-75319-0_7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Deficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fat-deficiency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin absorption issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/souzafit.com\/blogs\/resources\/harmful-effects-of-fat-deficiency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormonal imbalances<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livestrong.com\/article\/503785-what-are-the-effects-of-fat-deficiencies-in-humans\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">skin problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Proteins: For Strength and Satiety<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-399957\" src=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-767x510.jpg\" alt=\"A sirloin beef steak served with salad.\" width=\"767\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-767x510.jpg 767w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/bbq-dinner-with-top-sirloin-beef-steak-and-salad-o-2024-12-10-00-51-19-utc-1920x1277.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 479px) 90vw, (max-width: 599px) 432px, 536px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein repairs cells and builds muscle. It also helps you stay full. Go for high-quality sources like wild fish, organic chicken, grass-fed beef, and legumes like lentils or chickpeas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beware of low-grade sausages, processed deli meats, and imitation seafood. They often contain fillers and sodium but little real nutrition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As usual, single ingredient products will usually keep you on the safe side. Avoid processed protein sources and packaged stuff. Build relationships with your local butcher, buy fish from wet markets and be curious about the product origins. This will help you build an understanding about the supply chain behind your food products and keep you safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Proteins Cheat Sheet:<\/h4>\n<p><b>Excessive intake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wellwisp.com\/effects-of-eating-too-much-protein\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cause kidney strain, dehydration and nutrient imbalances<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Deficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medshun.com\/article\/could-slow-healing-be-caused-by-not-enough-protein\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle loss and weakness, impaired immune system, slow tissue healing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Quick Check: Was It Made By Nature?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still unsure? Ask yourself this: was it made by nature, or was it manufactured? You\u2019ve never seen a &#8216;bread plant&#8217; growing in a field.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you stick close to whole foods, your body rewards you with balanced energy, clearer skin, and better focus.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Looking for more information on how to calculate your macros intake?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can calculate your macronutrient intake and tailor your own weekly meal plan. A quick google search will deliver various tools that will help you in this task.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If this topic sparked your curiosity, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be sure to read our nutrition articles <a href=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wellness-section\/nutrition\/\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also reach out to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elika.co\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elika Tasker for a chat about energy and nutrition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because eating well isn&#8217;t about strict rules. It&#8217;s about staying informed and tuning into what your body truly needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><i>Originally published on\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"http:\/\/elika.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\"><i>elika.co<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><br \/>\n<i>For more wellness insights, read more on Elika\u2019s website or\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/elika.co\/monthly-newsletter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\"><i>sign up for her newsletter<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Understanding Macros Matters We eat every day, yet many of us still ask: what&#8217;s actually good for our bodies? It\u2019s easy to get caught up in trends. One moment carbs are the villain, the next it&#8217;s all about good fats. The truth lies in understanding macronutrients. These are the primary nutrients our bodies need &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/macronutrients-demystified-proteins-fats-carbs-explained\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Macronutrients Demystified: Proteins, Fats &#038; Carbs Explained&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10102,"featured_media":399956,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6935],"tags":[7629,7628,7626,7625,7117,7627],"class_list":["post-399952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition","tag-carbs","tag-fats","tag-macronutrients","tag-macros","tag-nutrition","tag-proteins"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399952","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=399952"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":402136,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/399952\/revisions\/402136"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/399956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=399952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=399952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=399952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}