Understanding Macros: A Beginner's Guide

If you're new to nutrition tracking, the term "macros" might seem intimidating. But understanding macronutrients is simpler than you think, and Loma does all the heavy lifting for you.

What Are Macros?

Macronutrients ("macros") are the three main nutrients your body needs in large amounts: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Each plays a unique role in your health and fitness goals.

Protein

Essential for muscle building and repair. Aim for 0.8-1g per pound of body weight if you're building muscle, or 0.6-0.8g for general health.

Carbohydrates

Your body's primary energy source. Great for workouts and brain function. The amount you need depends on your activity level and goals.

Fats

Crucial for hormone production, vitamin absorption, and satiety. Don't fear healthy fats—they're essential for health.

How Loma Calculates Your Macros

During onboarding, Loma asks about your age, weight, height, activity level, and goals. Using this information, we calculate your optimal calorie and macro targets automatically. Every recipe we generate matches these targets precisely.

Do You Need to Track Macros?

Not necessarily! If you're just starting out, focus on calories and protein. As you get more comfortable, you can fine-tune your carb and fat intake. Loma handles the calculations either way.

The best part? You never have to manually count or calculate. Just generate a recipe, cook it, and know you're hitting your targets.