The truth about micronutrients!

Let's talk MICRONUTRIENTS. We talk a lot about macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat), but what about micronutrients and where we get them.

What are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients are nutrients that are required by the body in lesser amounts for its growth and development. They play a major role in the metabolic activities of the body. These include vitamins and minerals.

Your specific micronutrients will vary based on which fruit and veggies you pick.

Do not forget the additional components like fiber and the phytochemicals like anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants.

So, where do you get the rest of your micronutrients? In the other calories you have left (76%)! Meat, dairy, and grains can round out your micronutrient intake.

QUALITY & QUANTITY

Losing weight, and specifically fat, is the overwhelming goal people have with their nutrition in the short-term.

The other goal that people have with their nutrition is their health, but this occurs in the long-term.

A useful simplistic way to think about nutrition is:

Calories control your weight.

Macronutrients control your body composition.

Micronutrients control your health.

This is a little simplistic of an explanation: weight and body composition affect health regardless of micronutrient density. However, long-term health is routinely associated with whole, unprocessed foods full of micronutrients (i.e., high “quality” foods). We need those micronutrients for recovery, anti-inflammatories, anti-oxidants, as well as essential functions in the immune system, hormones, central nervous system, senses, etc.

If you need help with your nutrition and meal planning, click the contact us page to schedule a nutrition consultation. We look forward to talking soon.