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In the context of health and fitness, macronutrients are most often defined to be
the chemical compounds that humans consume in large quantities that provide bulk
energy. Specifically, they refer to carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Some definitions
also include water, air, calcium, sodium, chloride ions, and some other substances,
along with more typical macronutrients, since they are needed in large quantities by the
human body. In this calculator, we only calculate daily carbohydrate, protein, and fat
needs.
Protein
Proteins are organic compounds comprised of amino acids, and are one of the
types of macronutrients. Amino acids are essential to a person's well-being, and there
are certain amino acids that can only be obtained through diet. These amino acids are
typically referred to as "essential amino acids," and are obtained by humans and other
animals through the consumption of protein.
There are numerous sources of protein, both animal (meat, dairy, etc.) and plant-
based (beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc.). There also exist protein supplements that are
sometimes used by people who are trying to build muscle. Although protein is a
necessary part of the human diet, as with most things, moderation is important. There
are also healthier and unhealthier proteins.
Soy
Beans
Nuts
Fish
Skinless poultry
Lean beef
Pork
Low-fat dairy products
Fried meats
Processed meats (deli meats, sausages, fast-food burgers etc.)
High sugar yogurts
Processed protein bars
Many cheeses
Carbohydrates (Carbs)
Fats are molecules that are comprised primarily of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Common examples include cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Although fats,
in the context of nutrition, are typically viewed as unhealthy, they have both structural
as well as metabolic functions, and are a necessary part of the human diet. They are also
highly energy dense and are the most efficient form of energy storage.
Fats are typically classified based on the bonding of carbon atoms. In terms of
dietary fats, the most commonly referenced fats include saturated fats, unsaturated fats,
trans fats, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Generally, saturated and trans fats are considered unhealthy fats, while
monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be
healthier, better sources of fat for the body.
General recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2015-
2020 include entirely avoiding trans fats where possible, limiting saturated fat intake to
comprise less than 10% of calories consumed per day, and ideally replacing saturated
fats in the diet with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Based on the above factors, an average person may need to consume anywhere
from 1600-3000 calories a day. The recommendations are generally higher for men
(2000-3000) than women (1600-2400), and an increased activity level requires more
calories, while a sedentary person would require less.
As carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide nearly the entire energy needs of the
human body, their daily needs can be calculated based on the daily caloric need. The
values returned by the calculator are an estimate based on standards and guidelines
provided by a number of institutions, such as the American Dietetic Association,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and more.