MACROS. YOU NEED ALL THREE.
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats make up your three macronutrients. Most of us are familiar with these. Unfortunately most of us have spent some portion of our life completely cutting out one of these macros. This puts a lot of stress on your body leading to many metabolic issues. It is simply not natural, and while you may see some short-term results, you are setting the body up to crash (in a few weeks or a few years). We need all three macronutrients and at every meal! The list of recommended foods here is not inclusive but a good reference.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are SO important for your health. Carbs break down into glucose and cells need glucose to function properly, it is the number one preferred source of energy for your cells especially when you are dealing with an underperforming thyroid. Carbohydrates support liver detoxing, thyroid function, muscle recovery, metabolism and help the body recover from stress.
Healthy Carbohydrates
Sweet potato
White potato
Orange juice (no added vitamins)
Papaya
Butternut Squash
White or brown rice
Oats (ideally steel cut and gluten free)
Cherries
Honey
Grapes
Melon
Kiwi
Sourdough
Berries
Banana
Plantain
Apples
Zucchini
Squash
Eggplant
Carrot
Maple Syrup
Beets
Acorn
Watermelon
Pumpkin
Protein
Protein supports blood sugar, proper muscle growth, and is needed for hormone production as well as every metabolic function in the body. It is important to eat a variety of meats through the week, not just muscle meats.
Healthy Proteins
Pasture raised eggs
Ground beef
Bone broth
Gelatin
Greek yogurt
Steak
Cottage cheese
Cheese
Chicken
Beef jerkey
Oysters
Collagen
Cod
Bison
Lamb
Beef liver
Shrimp
Sausage
Fats
Saturated fats are the preferred fats for metabolic health. There three types of fats:
Saturated: A stable fat that makes up the backbone to almost all cells in the body. Makes cholesterol which is needed to make hormones, support the liver detoxification, break down fat soluble vitamins and make Vitamin D.
Monosaturated: Not as stable as saturated fats but better than polyunsaturated fats. Best to eat these at room temperature versus cooking them. These fats will typically be liquid at room temp and harden when cold.
Polyunsaturated: (PUFAs) are not stable. They go rancid when exposed to heat and light causing oxidative stress. PUFAs also interfere with your bodies ability to use sugar as fuel.
Fats to avoid: Grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, canola, soybean, palm etc.
Healthy Fats
Coconut oil
Grass-fed butter
Ghee
Tallow
Avocado oil
Duck fat
Poultry fat
Lard
Olive oil
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.