Fat vs. Carbs vs. Protein: Which is better for weight loss?

Every calorie we eat comes from either carbohydrates, fats, protein, or alcohol. 

Aside from alcohol, the body needs all of these macronutrients (carbs, protein, and fat) to function.

People may try to cut one group out of their diet in an effort to lose weight – but that is very hard to sustain and, many times, may lead to a vitamin or mineral deficiency. 

🍗 Protein is needed in the body to build and repair tissues, to carry oxygen in the blood, and to maintain a healthy immune system. It provides the building blocks for important hormones and digestive enzymes.

Protein is also important for blood sugar control and keeping you feeling full for longer periods of time. That is why it is recommended that every meal (and snack) should contain some form of protein. 

→ Weight Loss Tip: Choose lean proteins such as beans, chicken breast, and eggs. 

🥑 Fat is needed in our diets to provide us with energy, to make and balance hormones, to form cell membranes, to form our brains and nervous system, to transport vitamins, and to give us omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that we can’t make on our own.

→ Weight Loss Tip: Since fat is so flavorful and one gram of fat has twice the amount of calories than one gram of carbohydrates or protein, fat is easy to overconsume. Keep portion size small and choose natural fats as much as possible – such as olive oil, avocado, fatty fish, nuts, and cheese.

🍞 🍎 Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our bodies. Fruits and vegetables are carbohydrates. 

→ Weight Loss Tip: Opt for natural carbohydrates that contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as fruits and vegetables and oatmeal instead of highly processed foods – which usually have a lot of sugar and very little nutritional value (pre-packed muffins, sugary cereals, come crackers, etc).

Have you ever tried limiting or cutting out one macronutrient group (carbohydrates, protein or fat)? How did it go?