If you have recently searched for weight loss tips or any related word search regarding losing weight, chances are you have come across words like keto…macros… or intermittent fasting…these are hot topics for good reason.  They Work!   I love the keto lifestyle for most days where I focus on low carb, low sugar, high fats.  It all starts with small, small steps. The first step I suggest is just understanding macros and what foods are better for you than others.  If you get the macros right, then your body is getting the fuel it needs and not the crap that it doesn’t.

So what exactly are macros?

Macronutrients are the caloric content found in food. Sometimes referred to as “macros,” the three categories are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. The caloric combination of the macros is where that mysterious total number of calories comes from. Here’s the breakdown:

• 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories
• 1 gram of fat = 9 calories
• 1 gram of protein = 4 calories

So it’s not about how many, but what kind of calories are in your food.

Simply put, strict calorie setting can be deceiving; you could be staying within your calorie count for the day but eating total crap.

Ideally, I try to stay around 20% carbs, 30% protein, and 50% fat given a typical daily caloric intake of around 1000-1200 calories for the day.  This keeps my carbs low, my protein moderate, and my fats high.  I won’t go into the fats into much detail with this post but rest assured more is to come, but great fats come from great foods like avocados, almonds, olives, cashews, and hemp hearts!  Yes, you heard me right hemp hearts!   Now some of you are probably thinking what the hell is a hemp heart, where in the hell do I get them, and why would I eat them?

So what foods should I eat if I trying to maximize macros?

The answer is simple,  foods that have an excellent macro breakdown… and I haven’t seen any that breakdown quite like hemp hearts.  They might be the holy grail for macros.

Take a look at this…

The nutritional case is clear. Hemp seeds are a “superfood,” containing Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids.  They are high in protein,  thus a plant-based amino acid option.

Hemp seeds are considered by some nutritionists to be one of the most nutritious seeds in the world. Hemp seeds contain:

• All 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential ones that our bodies cannot produce on its own
• They are a rich source of essential minerals, including magnesium and phosphorus for bone health, zinc to help support the immune system, and iron for oxygenating the blood.
• Whole hemp seeds contain 10 to 15 percent fiber, which aids in constipation and promotes digestive regularity
• The Omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seeds regulate metabolism, help brain function, maintain bone health, and stimulate skin and hair growth
• As a natural appetite suppressant, adding hemp seed to your meals can reduce your food cravings and help you feel full longer
• Because they are packed with protein, hemp seeds are ideal for people following a paleo diet or trying to reduce their carb intake

But most of the hemp seed sold in the United States has been imported from Canada, Europe and China…until now.

Chad Rosen, the fearless leader of Victory Hemp, led the way, installing commercial de-hulling equipment in the Bluegrass State so farmers could process their seed.

What ways can I incorporate these into my food?

Simply eat them right out of the bag or add to any (sweet, spicy or savory) meal for a nutritious boost. It is especially popular to add 1 or 2 tablespoons to a bowl of breakfast cereal or a smoothie; they even go well with yogurt or ice cream.  I love to top them on my salads for a bit of texture and extra protein.

Where can I purchase hemp hearts/shelled hemp seeds? 

Go straight to the source.   You can pick this Kentucky Proud product up online at

https://www.victoryhempfoods.com/product/shelled-hemp-seeds

Enjoy!