What are the 4 macronutrients?
The 3 macronutrients are primarily fat, protein and carbohydrate. Fat is easily converted to energy in the body, and so we need it in our diet. Fat can be stored in your liver and fatty tissues, and you can make sure you are getting enough of it through eating a meal in the evening that contains a high percentage of fat. Even though fat helps you feel full after a meal, it is actually mostly water, salt and sugar that keep you full. Water and salt help your body remove waste from your system, while sugar helps it store fat for later use. Soaking your food in cold water before eating will help it become more water-soluble.
Lipids don’t contain any fat,” but they do contain some essential fatty acids, which your body breaks down to create energy. These essential fatty acids are in high demand in the diet, as rising fat intake causes levels of chronic disease.
Lipids are found in meat, poultry, fish, meat substitutes, oils, milk, butters and margarines, and in salads, stir-fries, nasties, snacks, and oils. There are three main types of fat: saturated fat, unsaturated fat, and trans fat.
Saturated fats and trans fats are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature. Saturated fat is found in foods like meat, butter, lard, and cream, and trans fat is found in baked goods, snack foods, fried foods, and margarine; both have been shown to increase your risk for heart disease.
Although fat is necessary for a healthy body, fat can also contribute to obesity. Fat helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, and it adds flavor and texture to your food. Fat can be added to salads, sandwiches, and snacks, and it adds color and taste to your meals.
