Busy mamas are upgrading from calorie counting to macro tracking and finally seeing the weight loss results for this one reason
We know that in order to lose weight, we have to burn more calories than we take in. Counting calories is a quick way to figure out if we’re eating enough or too much. It’s a great starting point for a healthy living journey, but it’s not the best way to live a healthy life.
Calorie counting scratches the surface and helps you see what you’re eating, but it doesn’t tell you if you’re eating the foods that will not only help you lose weight but give you the energy to keep up with your demanding schedule, allow your body to recover from your workouts and help keep your hormones functioning at optimal levels.
Macro tracking is an easy way to do all of those things! Eating within your macro boundaries will help you live a healthy life, eat the foods you love and lose weight! In fact, most of my clients who upgrade from simple calorie counting to macro tracking end up getting to eat more food! Let’s chat about why calorie counting doesn’t always work and how to start macro tracking for best weight loss results!
Not all calories are created equal
Like we discussed, calorie counting is great for the simple fact that it makes sure you’re not eating more calories than you’re burning. But, sometimes that’s not enough. You could eat 100 calories of Oreos, stay within your calorie range and still not lose weight.
You have to eat the right balance of foods in order to see healthy weight loss. Oreos are not nutritionally sound enough to give your body the nutrients it needs to function at its optimal level.
This is where macronutrients come in. All food is made up of three macronutrients: proteins, fats and carbs.
The three macronutrients all perform different functions in the body, which is why it’s important to get the right balance of them. Here’s a brief overview of what each macro does:
Protein builds and repairs tissue, including bones and muscle. It also contributes to almost every cellular process!
Fats keep you satiated because they are slow burning. Fat is also responsible for helping to regulate hormones.
Carbs are our body’s first source of energy and it’s the brain’s only source of energy!
If you’re simply calorie counting, you may be getting the right number of calories but you might be lacking in one macro, which could throw off your body’s ability to perform those necessary tasks.
Macronutrients also have different calorie counts.
Protein has 4 calories per gram
Fat has 9 calories per gram
Carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram
Simple calorie counting doesn’t balance where your nutrients are coming from. Macro tracking accounts for each macro so you know that you’re getting enough of the right foods!
Knowing the caloric value of each macronutrient helps you determine what a balanced diet looks like for you. It’s easy to create a balanced diet with macro tracking!
How to get started with macro tracking
Now that we’ve talked about why calorie counting alone isn’t enough for healthy weight loss, let’s talk about how you can get started with macro tracking.
Macro tracking can be done on your own. There are so many resources and tools out there, you can absolutely find success that way. I even wrote an ebook, Macros Made Easy, to help people macro track at an affordable price.
If you’re going to start macro tracking here are a few things you’ll need:
Accurate macro numbers (I have a formula for calculating macros numbers in my ebook!)
Food scale
Food journal (I recommend MyFitnessPal because it’s simple to use!)
Body scale
If you’re nervous about setting your macros, not holding yourself accountable, or just don’t want to do this on your own, then I recommend working with a coach.
A coach can be really beneficial, especially as you’re learning more about macro tracking. Here are a few ways a coach can be beneficial.
Set up your initial macro numbers, and will know when to adjust them to help you reach your goals.
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 this sounds more you pace, then check out my Macros Made Easy program. I work with busy moms to fit macro tracking into their lives. My clients have lost hundreds of pounds and have been able to keep it off thanks to my program that teaches them how to make macro tracking a sustainable way of life.
I have seen people find success whether they took the DIY approach to macro tracking or hired a coach. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do this, it’s more about what works best for you and your lifestyle!
