Tracking Macros vs. Calories
Tracking anything can be a bit tedious and overwhelming for most people. If you can catch this and actually do it, it works!! Your body is a machine, and there is a certain amount of nutrients it needs everyday just to function. When we put all the nutrients together properly in what we consume, our body doesn’t just burn fat, it builds muscle and give us energy. In addition it creates a healthy gut environment, builds a stronger immune system, keeps our hormones in line, skin and nails get stronger, and we stay satisfied longer to perform at the top our ability.
TRACKING MACROS is more effective in changing your body composition. By tracking macros, fat and muscle can be reshaped. Understanding how food fuels your body and why the right kind of foods are important, you can confidently make the choices necessary to reach your goals.
I look at tracking like organizing something that is important so nothing goes missing. Tracking what you are eating creates more mindfulness to what you are eat and awareness of how food makes you feel. You become more aware of how satisfied you are and what kind of energy you are able to maintain throughout the day.
+ Low on energy : You may need more whole food carbohydrates
+ Not Satisfied : You may need more protein or fat
+ Need to beat mid Day Cravings : You may need more protein
Tracking macros can be a challenge at first start. Ultimately it is going help you pair your foods together better, which will lend to you attaining the results you are looking for. It just takes some consistency before it can become habit.
TRACKING CALORIES can leave you unsatisfied, deprived, and under nourished. When tracking calories you are more likely to pick from the wrong food sources and pair the wrong amounts together in order to attain the calories needed. Yes calories matter but what matters more is what makes up those calories. A bag of chips is not equal to a small bag of carrots. Both are carbs but totally different in their nutrient make up.
Calories consumed will effect weight gain and losses but those gains and losses can be a combination of fat, muscle and water. Eating the right macros gives you a better idea of what gains and losses one may have.
To get started with tracking here are the top 5 things I recommend:
1. Download the free version of MyFitnessPal App. There is a large library of foods in their data base along with the ability to scan items that are prepackaged.
2. Set your goals. A healthy manageable weight loss goal a week is 1 - 1.5 lbs. This will give you loss without a huge deficit of food.
3. Pay attention to GRAMS you are allowed for each macro group. Protein, Carbs and Fats.
4. Pre-log as much as you can the day before. This will allow you to know where you are falling short or over.
5. Log new recipes before you make them to ensure they fit within your plan for the day!
The best way to not get overwhelmed is to have a plan!! If you try to do this on the go, it will be more cumbersome, and you will be more likely not to do it!