MacroLife Blog

Keto Everything – Is it Right For You?

What’s the skinny on Keto? At MacroLife, we researched dietitian recommendations and evaluated their information to bring you the true skinny on Keto.Why Is Protein Important On Keto?We all know that fat steals the show on the keto diet.  Even though experts recommend consuming up to 80 percent of your daily calories from fat, protein is still vital!Protein is important on a keto diet—and any diet for that matter to support and maintain lean body mass and structural strength, says dietitian Randall Evans, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. “Our bodies cannot make certain essential amino acids, so we have to get them by consuming protein.” Plus, protein supports alertness and stamina, and repairs damaged muscles. It becomes especially important for performance and recovery if you’re working out on Keto.Trying to find the right protein for your needs can be challenging – especially if you have specific health and fitness goals or dietary restrictions. Now throw Keto diet into the mix and your pursuit becomes even more complex.How Much Is Too Much Protein?Too much protein can actually interfere with your body’s ability to produce ketones and get you into the fat burning zone. “For protein, target 0.6 grams per pound of lean body mass per day, which is often 60 to 90 grams, depending on body composition,” says Evans. “You don’t want to overeat protein, because it can be converted into glucose in a process called gluconeogenesis.”This means protein powders that pack 40 grams of protein might mess with your fat-burning results. Remember: On Keto, fat is your primary fuel source!Which Protein Should You Take?Your most sought after Keto protein powder should provide a moderate amount of protein, a good dose of fat, and zero sugar. Reasons You’re Not Seeing Results On Keto You’re Dehydrated Too often, we misinterpret dehydration for cravings or hunger and end up eating more than we really need. And considering the effect a Keto diet has on hydration, it’s an easy trap for high-fat eaters to fall into.You see, the Keto diet depletes glycogen, a form of sugar we store in our muscles and liver. And since every molecule of glycogen we store also stores several molecules of water, as we shed glycogen, we shed water, too, says Suzanne Dixon, R.D.As such, we end up ‘dry’ on Keto, meaning our body tissues hold less water in general. This typically makes Keto eaters usually feel thirstier.  If you’re mistaking thirst for hunger and overeating or just feel generally ‘blah’ on Keto, chances are you need more H2O. To ensure best hydration, we recommend drinking enough water to keep your urine pale yellow.  Always a good recommendation for any diet or nutritional plan you’re on ☺  You’re Eating Too Much It may be hard to believe, but it’s usually hard to overeat fat. But once your body has adjusted to a Keto diet—it is possible.  When you consider that fat packs nine calories per gram (twice as much as protein and carbs), those extra calories add up fast.It’s key that you tune into—and listen to—your body’s hunger signals when following Keto. Excess calories are still extra calories, even if they’re sugar-free. That includes yummy keto-friendly brownies and fudgy fat treats. The fact that they’re in theory Keto doesn’t mean they should be daily staples, they’re still treats.  You’re Eating The Wrong Types Of Fats Though on a healthy keto diet there’s certainly a place for high-quality butter and bacon, going overboard on certain types of fats can impact how you feel. Butter and bacon are high in certain saturated fats and some meats are often processed. Over time, over-consumption of these foods has been linked to increased risk of weight gain and disease. In fact, the World Health Organization has processed meats as ‘group one’ carcinogens, meaning scientific evidence confirms their danger to human health.  Plus, filling your plate with fats like butter and bacon means you’re likely not getting your fill of healthy, plant-based fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil.  These types of fatty foods contain unsaturated fats. They are rich in a variety of nutrients that have been shown to support long-term health. You’re Not Working Out If you’re on a keto diet to care for your overall health and well-being, there’s no getting around working out: You’ve got to move your body!  Although you likely won’t have much energy for exercise as your body adapts to using fat for energy the first few weeks on Keto, you should be able to get back on track when you’ve adapted.Once that initial ‘Keto flu’ transition phase usually about a week passes, schedule moderate exercise—like cycling, jogging, yoga, or light weightlifting—regularly. (Just keep in mind that since Keto depletes carb stores, high-intensity interval training HIIT and heavy lifting might feel unexciting.   Never-the less staying active is central to your mental, emotional, and physical wellness, but it’ll also help ensure you see weight-loss results you’re hoping to get out of Keto.Which Protein Should You Take?Our Holy Grail Keto protein powder you may have guessed is; MacroLife MacroMeals.  WHY? Because your protein powder should provide a moderate amount of protein, a good dose of fat, and zero sugar. MacroMeals do just that, and more….. MacroMeals provide 25g of Time Released Protein that satiate you quickly, and keep you full longer MCT coconut oil a "Healthy Fat" source for long lasting energy 3 Billion Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes & Aloe Vera  Aid digestion & improves absorption Coconut Water & Trace Mineral blend helps keep you hydrated.  And our favorite They are fortified with the goodness of Macro Greens® and Miracle Reds®.  3g Nutrient Rich Fiber Blend MacroMeals come in delicious chocolate and vanilla in both "OMNI" (conscience omnivores) and Vegan versions. They are also Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and OMNI rBST – Hormone FREE.There's the skinny on Keto, and a Keto-friendly MacroLife MacroMeals Ultimate Protein for sustained energy & focus!Written by Sylvia Ortiz, Founder of MacroLife Naturals and Mother of SuperFoods

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Protein is Important to Every Cell in Your Body

Did you know that protein is important to every cell in your body? It helps lower your blood pressure, increase strength and it’s good for your bones! Protein is an especially important part of our diet as we age and when we say age everyone over 25 ?. That’s why we’re calling on you to answer the question below about these packed-with-protein foods! Question: Which Protein has the most Protein? Fish, Chicken, or Lentils?Answer: Chicken!Per 100 grams, lean chicken breast has 32.1 grams of protein, followed by tuna at 29.9 grams, and lentils at 9 grams. MacroLife MacroMeals provide 50% of your Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for protein! Plus MacroMeals are time released with fast, medium, and slow digesting protein blends that help nip hunger fast, and keep you full longer.  MacroMeals are the ULTIMATE Protein Superfood. Complete Omni and Vegan plant-based protein formulas are made with organic greens, fruits & veggies. Which Protein is Right for You?   What’s the difference you ask?  Read on….and decide which is best for you.Omni (Omnivore) Protein is Your Collagen Solution made to support healthy muscle, hair, skin and nails. Omni Protein provides 25 grams of fast, medium, and slow digesting protein blend from  90% Collagen Peptides, Whey Protein Concentrate, Pea Protein and, Organic Brown Rice Protein Farm fresh organic barley greens with nutrient-dense fruits and veggies plus 3 Billion Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes: aid digestion & absorption ConcenTrace® 72 Trace Minerals for extra hydration MCT OIL: (Coconut oil powder) for sustained energy  3g Nutrient Rich Fiber Blend : (Organic Flax Seed Meal and Apple fiber) Provides 50% RDAs for protein! MacroLife Naturals Omni MacroMeals – Hormone FREE,  Non-GMO, Gluten Free, & Keto!  Shop Omni MacroMeals MacroMeal Vegan Protein your all in one nutritional protein was mindfully created to provide “Macro & Micro” nutrition. Combines 25 grams of fast, medium, & slow digesting plant-based proteins from 90% Pea Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Concentrate, Organic Brown Rice Protein Concentrate farm fresh organic barley greens with nutrient-dense fruits and veggies plus 3 Billion Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes: aid digestion & absorption ConcenTrace®:  72 Trace Minerals for extra hydration MCT OIL: (Coconut oil powder) for sustained energy   Shop Vegan MacroMeals by Sylvia OrtizMother of Superfoods

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Can Collagen Peptides Support Healthy Weight?

Later in life, individuals may have trouble with muscle loss as a natural part of the aging process. New research suggests supplementation with collagen peptides may help.In a study of fifty-three older men with sarcopenia (i.e., age-related muscle loss) they participated in a 12-week resistance-training program and also took powdered collagen peptides (15 g/day) mixed in water or a placebo. After the study, those receiving the collagen peptides had improved fat-free mass (+4,2 kg compared versus +2,9 kg in the placebo group), isokinetic quadriceps strength (+16,5 Nm compared to +7,3 Nm in the placebo group) and fat mass (-5,4 kg versus -3,5 kg in the placebo group).Conclusion: Because collagen contains the amino acid glycine, and glycine is important in forming muscle tissue, collagen helps improve muscle mass, which helps boost metabolism. In summary, it could be possible that the short post-exercise interval and the rapid digestibility and absorption of collagen peptides supplementation may have supported the post-exercise muscle protein anabolism (muscle building process). Researchers have added a few other theories for why the collagen peptides affected the muscles: the collagen supported joint comfort that allowed the men to exercise better, the collagen peptides improved amino acid delivery or since collagen is rich in arginine and glycine, it supported creatine synthesis in the body that helps supply energy to the cells. Adding collagen protein into your diet can help support your bones and joints. In a 24-week study, researchers observed the effect of collagen supplementation on exercise-related joint pain on 97 human athletes. The researchers found that collagen supplementation can reduce joint pain.  As such adding collagen to your routine can help in your weight loss by preventing pain and joint injury from physical activity and exercise. Collagen is an important component of our body, making up 90 percent of our connective tissue and 70 percent of our skin.  Research has found that collagen supplementation can reduce joint pain. ... Adding collagen to your daily diet can help keep your bones strong, helping you to stay active and healthy. Another side benefit collagen can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin hydration and surface, plus support skin elasticity. Collagen consumption can increase skin elasticity and help your body's skin repair process, thus encouraging your body to form new collagen, What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement? There are a lot of collagen supplements available, and I’ve tried most of them. I recommend you do your research and make sure you purchase one that contains no additional additives, flavors, or sweeteners. Also, make sure the collagen has no hormones. Look for "rBST free." rBST is a growth hormone given to dairy cattle in increase milk production. Find a collagen from grass-fed bovine or wild-caught fish.MacroLife Naturals MacroMeals contain 25 grams of time released protein per serving.  Providing a blend of Collagen Peptides, Whey Protein and Brown Rice protein – for fast, medium and slow digestion. This helps quench hunger fast and keep you satiated longer.Article written by Sylvia Ortiz, founder MacroLife NaturalsStudy data was published in the British Journal of Nutrition by researchers Institute of Sports and Sports Science at the University of Freiburg, Germany. Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes

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