If you've ever tried to follow a health plan, you've likely heard the term 'macros.' Short for macronutrients, these are the three main categories of nutrients your body needs to function: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Unlike micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), your body needs macros in large amounts. Understanding their roles is the first step toward building a healthier diet.

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, from muscles to skin. It also plays a key role in producing enzymes and hormones. Foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes are excellent sources. A diet with adequate protein helps you feel full and satisfied, which is crucial for weight management.

Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose, which fuels everything from a morning run to brain function. It's important to choose complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, which provide sustained energy and fiber, over simple carbs like sugar and white flour that can cause energy spikes and crashes.

Fats have gotten a bad rap, but they are vital for your health. They are necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), producing hormones, and protecting your organs. The key is to focus on unsaturated fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, while limiting saturated and trans fats often found in processed foods.

So, how do you balance them? That's where Snap a Meal's 'Daily Needs Calculator' comes in. By inputting your age, weight, height, and activity level, you get a personalized recommendation for your daily calorie and macro intake. When you log a meal by taking a photo, the app's AI doesn't just count calories—it also estimates the macro breakdown, helping you see how your food choices stack up against your goals. This instant feedback empowers you to make smarter, more informed decisions with every meal.