Macronutrients Made Simple: Real Talk on Protein, Pancakes & Whole Foods

January 25, 2023

Welcome to Nacho Fitness Coach, the podcast where two friends—one beginner, one expert—talk all things fitness with zero judgment and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re lifting heavy or just lifted your first protein shake, this one’s for you.

In this episode, your hosts Caleigh (our hilarious beginner) and Sarah (our resident fitness pro) dive into:

What macronutrients even are
Why protein is having its main character moment
And yes... the science (and comedy) behind power flapjacks

🎙 Meet Your Coaches

Caleigh: Fitness newbie. Almost ran a 5K once. Recently discovered protein shakes. Owns a very shiny pair of 5-lb dumbbells.

Sarah: Fitness veteran. Has run while lifting (and lifted while racewalking). Completed a full marathon and keeps a pantry full of 12 open protein tubs. Yes, really.

🧠 What Are Macronutrients (And Why Should You Care)?

Caleigh’s first reaction to the word macronutrients? “Not a lot comes to mind…”

But hey, she’s not alone! If you’re wondering what macros are, here’s a quick breakdown:

Protein – helps build muscle, keeps you full, and supports recovery
Carbohydrates – your body’s main energy source
Fats – essential for hormone production, energy, and brain health

👉 Most of us under-consume protein and overthink carbs.

🥞 Enter the Power Flapjack

Caleigh recently upgraded her breakfast game with Kodiak protein pancakes—or as she calls them, power flapjacks.

🥞 14g protein per 4-inch pancake (yes, they debated how big that is)
🥛 Add milk and an egg? Now you’ve got 20g+ protein per flapjack!
🔥 First batch? Burned. That’s a universal law of pancakes.
✅ End result: “I didn’t feel heavy after eating them—and I ran 2 miles!”

🔍 Nutrition Labels: A Beginner’s Guide

Even beginners like Caleigh are learning to scan labels for protein content. Her new rule?

“If it says protein, I buy it.”

While that’s a good start, Sarah offers a simple, game-changing one-ingredient rule:

The fewer the ingredients, the better.

Example: Broccoli’s only ingredient? Broccoli.
Chicken? Chicken.
A breaded chicken nugget? That’s a whole essay.

Whole, minimally processed foods = cleaner fuel for your body.

🥦 Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Foods

Think frozen veggies are inferior? Think again!

Sarah sets the record straight:

❄️ Frozen and canned foods are way better than nothing
🌍 In areas like the Midwest (hello, winter produce shortages), frozen fruits & veggies can be more accessible and just as nutritious
🥕 Garden fresh > store fresh > frozen > none at all

💪 Key Takeaways

Macros matter—especially protein!
You don’t need to track everything—just aim for balanced meals
Start small: try swapping regular pancakes for high-protein options
Whole foods win: follow the one-ingredient rule
Frozen is fine: don’t stress if fresh isn’t always possible

🧡 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re counting macros or just trying not to burn your pancakes, you’re doing great. Remember: fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress (and having a laugh along the way).

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