Four Classes Of Macromolecules Essay

In biology we are currently learning about the four classes of macromolecules. These four classes go hand in hand in correctly fueling our bodies as we train and gear up for our fall marathon. Specifically, I would like to introduce you to a method of food intake, If It Fits Your Macros. This method is backed in biology as macros stands for macromolecules and divides food intake into: 40% carbohydrates, 40% protein, and 20% fats (lipids). These ratios have been specifically formatted towards endurance athletes, such as ourselves, to efficiently fuel our bodies to promote muscles growth, provide energy during our training, and keep consistent energy levels all day long.

The first of the three food groups is carbohydrates, which consists of 40% of your daily food intake. Carbohydrates serve as fuel and building materials. Starches along with sugars, which are subgroups of carbohydrates, are essential to fueling your body as your body breaks down starches and sugars and converts them to glucose to be consumed as fuel. Even more specific to our marathon training, starches are especially important in energy storage and carbohydrates are vital in fueling for long runs, as carbohydrates are the bodies preferred fuel source. Of the three groups carbohydrates are the most vital to our marathon

training due to its use in providing energy in the form of glucose, but proteins also play a vital role in fueling our training.
Proteins are the second food group in the IIFYM food intake guide, also consisting of 40% of daily intake.

Proteins are essential to the human body to perform any and all dynamic functions. Proteins are instrumental in muscle growth and function. Outside of muscle performance, proteins also make up enzymes. Enzymatic proteins regulate metabolism through use as a catalyst. This is essential as running consumes a lot of energy and takes a toll on our bodies; by regulating metabolism our bodies are thus able to keep consistent energy levels. Proteins are essential in muscle function as well as regulation of metabolism; however, our bodies also need fats to efficiently

function.
Fats are the third category, making up 20% of daily intake. Fats are part of the macromolecule class of lipids. Fats often have a negative stigma associated with them when it comes to nutrition, but they are essential in efficiently fueling our bodies. The structure of the hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids determine if the fat is saturated or unsaturated. Most fats from animals are saturated due to the tails in the chains lacking double bonds, while fats from plants and fish are often unsaturated. The 20% of fats should ideally come primarily from unsaturated fats. Fats contribute to a runner’s energy storage. Specifically, one gram of fat stores two times the energy, as do starches. Fats play a vital role in fuel and energy support during the course of our training.
Derived from the classes of macromolecules, the IIFYM food consumption plan is ideal for fueling muscle growth, providing energy throughout our training, and keeping consistent energy levels as we embark on our marathon journey. The 40% carbohydrate intake is essential as they are the bodies preferred fuel source when used to make glucose, the 40% protein is essential in tissue repair, muscle growth, and metabolism regulation after a workout, and the 20% fat (lipid) portion is essential in energy storage. I strongly recommend you consider IIFYM as you fuel your body to train for three long, grueling months and ultimately run 26.2 miles.