What Are Macros?
Macros is short for macronutrients — nutrients your body needs in large amounts to function and stay healthy.
The three key macronutrients are protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Every food you eat contains a mix of these, and each one has a unique job in keeping you fueled, strong, and healthy.
When you used the calculator above, it split your calorie target into these three macros.
Understanding what each one does will help you make better food choices and use your results more effectively.
Fat
Fat has had a bad reputation over the years, but it’s vital for your health.
Many of your body’s major hormones are built on a fat backbone, and every cell membrane depends on it.
Healthy fats also help absorb vitamins and keep you satisfied between meals.
That said, fat is calorie-dense — roughly 9 calories per gram — so portion control matters even when you’re choosing healthy sources like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and salmon.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body’s primary energy source, especially during exercise.
The more intense your training, the more important carbs become.
They power your workouts and help with recovery afterwards.
Carb needs vary widely from person to person. If you’re not very active, you won’t need as many.
If you train hard, you can afford (and benefit from) more.
That’s why our macro calculator lets you choose a
higher or lower carbohydrate intake
depending on your goals.
Protein
Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle.
It provides the building blocks for tissue repair and growth rather than energy.
Higher-protein diets can
help you feel fuller for longer,
aid fat loss, and help preserve lean mass
while dieting.
Research also shows that eating more protein often leads to lower total calorie intake naturally.
Watch our Macros Inc Live Podcast: “All About Protein” episode below, where
Dylan Miller and Dr. Brad Dieter break down how much protein you really need,
how to hit your targets, and why it’s key for muscle gain, fat loss, and long-term success.
Together, protein, carbs, and fats form your total calorie target.
By adjusting their balance — for example, more protein when dieting or more carbs for training —
you can fine-tune your progress and feel your best.
Want to learn more? Explore our
Ultimate Guide to Counting Macros
or join the
Macros Inc Community
for free advice and coaching support.