HOW TO FIND YOUR MACROS FOR BUILDING MUSCLE

Nathan E. Miller
3 min readFeb 8, 2024

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The Simplicity and Challenge of Muscle Building

Gaining muscle might seem straightforward, but it’s hardly a walk in the park. My lifelong journey in muscle building taught me this truth.

Years of poring over textbooks and online resources, coupled with relentless questioning of my college professors, shaped my understanding. Through personal training experiments, I realized that effective muscle growth isn’t just about workout intensity — it’s equally about nutrition.

Now, I’m here to share my insights on macro calculation for muscle building. It’s a personalized process that involves some calculations, but the effort is minimal compared to the benefits.

Let’s dive in!

Understanding Macros

You’ve likely heard “macros” tossed around in fitness circles. The term, short for macronutrients, contrasts with micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, which we need in smaller amounts. Macronutrients, required in larger quantities, include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. They are our primary energy sources, with protein playing a crucial role in tissue building and repair.

Breaking Down the Macros

  • Protein: Vital for muscle growth, protein is more than just an essential macronutrient. Comprising amino acid chains, it forms the building blocks of muscles, organs, hormones, and connective tissues. The structure and function of your muscles and bones, though both protein-based, differ due to the unique composition of amino acids in each.
  • For effective muscle building, focus on complete protein sources containing all nine essential amino acids, such as meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and whey protein. Plant-based diets may require combining different foods or supplementing with vegan protein powders to meet protein needs.
  • Carbohydrates: While opinions on carbs may vary, they are crucial as your body’s preferred energy source during workouts. They are particularly important for high-intensity exercises and muscle growth. However, those with certain health conditions should consult a doctor about their carbohydrate intake.
  • Fats: Essential for life, fats play a key role in brain health, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. They are the main fuel for low-intensity, long-duration exercises. Remember, every gram of fat contains more than double the calories of carbs or proteins.

Calories and Macros

A calorie is a unit of energy, crucial for measuring the energy we consume. Understanding and managing your caloric intake is key to body weight changes.

To calculate your macros:

  1. Determine your maintenance calories based on your body weight and activity level.
  2. Decide on a caloric surplus for muscle building, considering your comfort with potential fat gain.
  3. Allocate your calories among proteins, carbs, and fats.

Practical Application

Once you’ve calculated your macros, track your food intake diligently. Use a food scale and a tracking app for accuracy. Consistent monitoring ensures you provide your body with what it needs for muscle growth, eliminating guesswork and optimizing your diet.

In conclusion, muscle building may be simple in concept but demands commitment and knowledge. By understanding and managing your macros and caloric intake, you’re setting yourself up for successful muscle growth.

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Nathan E. Miller

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