Should You Count Macros?

When should a person count their macros?

Well if you are wondering if you should be and never have, then it probably is a good idea. Do you have weight loss goals you are trying to achieve? Or are you trying to gain muscle mass, or weight in general? Whatever it is, if you have a goal that is dependent on your food intake and physical activity and you want to know how to make progress or why nothing is changing, then yes you should count macros.

People who have been counting macros for years and using food weight scales, can probably eyeball any food and determine its macro content. But for those who have never used a food weight scale or a food diary or a fitness app that tracks food intake, then you will probably have a harder time with this. It can be tedious and a lot of information to input. Possibly why most people who do track macros are athletes or nutritionists/dietitians who count them for people.

First you should know what your macro needs are depending on what your goal is. Then you can start to track the foods you eat and how much (serving sizes) and you will see whether or not you are getting anywhere near those numbers that you have determined necessary to your health journey. 

I will say that probably most people have no idea how much fat, carbohydrate or protein they are consuming and even more so have no idea how much their body needs.

Have you ever woken up and had breakfast and lunch, then went on with your day and about mid afternoon just felt like binge eating on a bunch of chocolate or bread or salty snacks? Usually this is your body trying to tell you that somewhere you missed your body's food/nutrient needs. Maybe you didn't eat enough carbs which fuels your body and a low carb diet has been known to turn some people into raging maniacs. Then counting macros might be for you. 

Or if you're someone who has been eating healthy and working out but you can't figure out why you aren't lose the weight. Or even just that you've been eating healthy and nothing is changing. Then maybe counting macros is for you.

I would like to be able to help you. If you came to this article because you are at this stage of your health journey and you would like some advice on what to do next, send me a message. Or if you're not ready just yet, just come follow me on Instagram. I post easy home workout videos all the time and post other pics with motivating words. Instagram.com/Juliette_wanderluster or click any of the icons on my main page for Instagram link.

Best of luck! Your very own health coach...

Juliette Ries