Macro tracking is a great way to enjoy life - and food - and still live a healthy, active lifestyle. However, just like any change in your life, it can be a little overwhelming to start macro tracking without any guidance. This post should be your first source when starting your macro tracking journey.

I’m going to tell you exactly what you need in order to be successful with macro tracking and I’m going to help you determine if you can succeed on your own, or if you’re better suited for working with a coach.

Supplies for macro tracking

If you want to be successful with your macro tracking, these tools and supplies will help you track your food, your progress and will help keep things fresh so that you don’t get bored.

Food and body scale

Macro tracking requires knowing exactly how much you’re eating, so a food scale is extremely important. You’ll want to weigh your food so that you know how many of each macronutrient and micronutrient is in each serving, Once you know what you’re eating you can begin to understand how much you eat.

A body scale is also important so you can begin to understand how your body reacts to your choices. . Our bodies have natural ebbs and flows, so if you see the scale go up, even when you’re keeping your choices on track, you can have grace for your body and how it works. The scale is just another tool it is not meant to be the end all be all, but it has a way of keeping us in check when we get a little too flexible in our nutrition.

Meal prep and food storage containers

Meal prepping is a huge tool for successful macro tracking. Having the right equipment to meal prep will make things so much easier!

I love using re-useable ziplock bags so that I’m not throwing away money with every bag I use, and I use a ton of bags! I also like having portion containers. They help me eat correct portions of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein.

Finally, make sure that you have fridge, or freezer, space for all of your meals! There is nothing worse than preparing all of your food and then having nowhere to put it!

Good cutting board and knives

In order to get the most energy and nutrients out of your food, you’re going to eat more vegetables and meats/proteins than you may be used to. Which means you’ll be chopping and slicing a lot. Let me tell you, all of that is so much easier with quality cutting boards and a good set of knives!

Did you know that professional chefs use distinct cutting boards for certain items? Fruits and vegetables should not be cut on the same cutting board as meats. In fact, you should even use different cutting boards for different types of meats. I like cutting board sets that label these for me, so I can quickly pull out the cutting board I need.

Invest in a good knife set. Knives that easily cut through food will make your meal prepping less stressful. Plus, you’re less likely to cut yourself if you have sharp knives that do what they’re supposed to do!

Macro friendly recipes or cookbook!

Eating macro-rich foods will probably be new for you! Unlike traditional diets, macro tracking doesn’t eliminate food groups, which gives you more freedom. However, this freedom may feel a little foreign and overwhelming for you, which is where a good recipe or cookbook can be helpful!

I love finding new recipes that are full of good, healthy foods and I love finding hacks for my favorite treats. You can grab a copy of my favorite dinner and dessert recipes right over here. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Instagram for more healthy recipes!

You can find more of my favorite fitness and health tools over here.

A macro coach or macro tracking resources to give you direction

Finally, you need to decide whether you want to use a macro coach or macro tracking resources to fuel your journey.

There are benefits to each, and ultimately it boils down to what works best for you. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each solution, so that you can make the best decision for you!

Benefits of using a macro tracking coach

A macro tracking coach might be right for you if

You don’t have the time to figure it out on your own
You need someone to lean on
You need guidance in setting your macros and knowing when to switch things up
You need help with all aspects of your health (nutrition and fitness)
You learn through discussion
You have a lot of questions about the process.

Macro tracking is not another fad diet. It’s a lifestyle change, which can be overwhelming for a lot of people. Without a coach, a lot of people end up giving up when things start to get hard or complicated. If this is you, then you would benefit from a coach-led program rather than a DIY approach.

A coach can help you

Plan ahead so that you can make good decisions when trials arise
Hold you accountable to the goals you set
Be your personal cheerleader, which is especially helpful when you want to give up.
Help you discover which foods you love that also nourish your body
Provide you with a community of people who are on the same journey

If you think that you would benefit from a macro tracking coach, check out my Macros Made Easy Program. I can provide you with all the guidance you need to start macro tracking.

Get started with macro tracking resources

You might be better off doing macro tracking on your own if

You prefer to DIY
Are on a tight budget
Are great at holding yourself accountable
You already have a great fitness routine in place, but you need to get your nutrition on point

Macro tracking itself isn’t too difficult. Apps like Myfitnesspal, will help you succeed on your own. However, the real difficulty that comes with macro tracking is determining your macro numbers.

I have made DIY macro tracking so easy with my ebook, Macros Made Easy. It will help you determine your own macros. It will also teach you how to change your macros to fit your wellness goals.

If you want to go on this journey on your own, I highly recommend grabbing Macros Made Easy so that you have all the tools and knowledge at your fingertips.

Get in the right mindset

One of the biggest hurdles I see my clients struggle with is mindset. They get stuck in a perfectionist mindset, where making any mistakes mean they’ve failed. I want you to know that perfection is not required to be successful with macro tracking.

My programs are designed to help you succeed for a lifetime. Which means you have to have room for growth.

Please, realize that your health is worth the time and energy you’re about to put into it. Don’t beat yourself up when you feel like you’ve veered off the path and are out of alignment with your goals. You’re not a failure. You’re not a terrible person. You’re human and you are going to do better. Soon enough, this will feel like second nature and you won’t worry about the little things.

If you aren’t sure whether a macro coach or DIY approach is for you, schedule a free discovery call with me and I can help you find the right path!

How to start macro tracking - either with a coach or on your own