As a macro based nutrition coach, by far the number one thing I am asked is, “why macros?” or even sometimes, “what’s a macro?”.  Well, let’s start with the later of the 2.  Macros refer to the 3 macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats.  Sources of Carbohydrates are things like: veggies, potatoes, rice, quinoa, oats, fruits, whole grain pastas and breads, etc.  Sources of Proteins are things like: Chicken, beef, turkey, eggs, fish, shellfish, lamb, pork, etc.  And fat sources include things like: Nuts, seeds, avocados, oils, butters, etc.   Each of these have their specific roles and purposes.  Controlling the amount of them consumed yields amazing results all around in aesthetics, performance, and overall life quality.

 

Counting Macros is much like counting calories, only much more effective!  Clients use a very simple app to log the food they consume.  All clients are provided personalized macros based on their goals and daily expenderature.   Manipulation of the amount of the 3 macros can yield results in any areas from weight loss to lean mass gains, and from hormone health to riding chronic disease. 

 

While counting macros has been widely referred to as “flexible dieting”, it is actually not a diet at all.  Rather than focusing on restricting certain foods, the focus is placed on eating enough of the proper ones!  This give most the ability to “budget” for certain food they want.  The number one thing you should look for in a “diet” is it’s sustainability.  Meaning, how long could you survive on this diet for?  For most FAD or crash diets the answer is not long.  This is why most don’t work.  Even if you see results while on one of them, eventually you will always revert back to old habits and foods because they are not sustainable. 

 

Flexible Dieting is completely sustainable for life.  Your goal should not be to track your food intake for a long time, but rather to use it to learn things like: proper portion control, good ratio of types of foods, meal timing, and overall amount of food required for each day.  Most importantly, flexible dieting teaches us consistency and just how important that is!  We are not chasing perfection, just consistency. 

 

Flexible Dieting teaches us to have a healthier relationship with food overall.  Most wind up seeing it for the fuel source it is, rather than just a pleasure.  This change in mindset is what often sets people up for success!  Most also find that they build healthy habits that go well beyond just the food consumed.

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