Macro Coach Certification Macro Coach Macronutrient Science Fundamentals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many calories per gram does dietary fat provide?
- 4 calories per gram
- 7 calories per gram
- 9 calories per gram (Correct answer)
- 11 calories per gram
Correct answer: 9 calories per gram
Fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, providing 9 calories per gram — more than double that of protein or carbohydrates (both at 4 kcal/g). This is why high-fat diets can quickly add up in total caloric intake.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered a 'complete protein' because it contains all nine essential amino acids?
- Brown rice
- Black beans
- Whole eggs (Correct answer)
- Almonds
Correct answer: Whole eggs
Whole eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. Most plant-based sources like rice, beans, and nuts are incomplete proteins lacking one or more essential amino acids.
Question 3: A client follows a 2,400-calorie diet and is told to get 30% of calories from protein. How many grams of protein should they consume daily?
- 72 grams
- 120 grams
- 180 grams (Correct answer)
- 240 grams
Correct answer: 180 grams
30% of 2,400 calories = 720 protein calories. Since protein provides 4 calories per gram, 720 ÷ 4 = 180 grams of protein daily. This calculation applies the standard kcal-per-gram conversion for protein.
Question 4: What term describes the metabolic process by which the body converts excess carbohydrates into fatty acids for long-term storage?
- Gluconeogenesis
- Glycogenolysis
- De novo lipogenesis (Correct answer)
- Beta-oxidation
Correct answer: De novo lipogenesis
De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is the biochemical process by which excess carbohydrate intake is converted into new fatty acids and stored as adipose tissue. Gluconeogenesis is glucose synthesis, glycogenolysis is glycogen breakdown, and beta-oxidation is fat burning.
Question 5: Which macronutrient has the highest thermic effect of food (TEF), meaning the body expends the most energy to digest and metabolize it?
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
- Protein (Correct answer)
- All macronutrients have equal TEF
Correct answer: Protein
Protein has a TEF of approximately 20–30%, meaning the body burns 20–30% of protein's caloric value just to digest and process it. Carbohydrates have a TEF of 5–10% and fat only 0–3%, making protein the most metabolically costly macronutrient to process.
Question 6: Dietary fiber is classified under which macronutrient category, and what is its primary role in the body?
- Fat — it transports fat-soluble vitamins
- Protein — it supports immune function
- Carbohydrate — it supports digestive health and slows glucose absorption (Correct answer)
- Carbohydrate — it provides rapid energy for high-intensity exercise
Correct answer: Carbohydrate — it supports digestive health and slows glucose absorption
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot fully digest. It supports gut health, slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream (blunting blood sugar spikes), and promotes satiety. Unlike other carbs, it provides minimal usable calories.
Macro Coach Certification Macro Coach Macronutrient Science Fundamentals 1
How many calories per gram does dietary fat provide?