How to count macros without being obsessive:
Written by Rev Nutritionist, Rebecca Desousa
Sometimes when people start counting macros, they become crazy obsessive with it. My goal is to help members improve their relationship with food, and that is what tracking macros have done for me. It is all about balance and learning to make it a lifestyle not a "diet." So how can it be done without being so obsessive? Here are some tips to help out...
1. Think of your macros as a guideline/range. Don’t think you failed if you go a little under or over your macros. You have a 10-15 range for protein and carbs and a 5-10g range for fats so don’t sweat it, you do not have to be perfect every day!
2. Don’t only look at food as just Protein, Fats, and Carbs, look at where you want to get those food sources from and what is worth it to you, as well and what makes you feel good. I get this a lot for example; people will avoid fruit because it has a lot of sugar/carbs in it, but I don’t think you should avoid fruit because 1. It is delicious and 2. It is very micronutrient dense (high in vitamins and minerals), so in no means will I ever say don’t eat fruit. Enjoy it in the proper quantities that align with your goals.
3. If you aren’t in contest prep, do not stress out about weighing EVERYTHING like spinach for example. You are not going to set yourself over because of a little spinach. Eyeball if you want and estimate to your best ability. Also you are able to have a social life and go to BBQ's or go out to eat. When you do, just ESTIMATE to your best ability, that's all! Don't drive yourself crazy about it.
4. You need to learn to be FLEXIBLE. Tracking macros is about having a flexible mindset and a flexible diet. You can have a meal out and estimate the macros to your best ability and you can have a meal that doesn’t always fit your macros sometimes...it’s called a lifestyle! Eat according to your goals, but for your mental sanity too.
5. You can take a day off if you need it, you will not gain all the weight back. That doesn’t mean eat everything in sight, but take a step back and eat mindfully if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Mental health is just as important as physical health and that is one of the main points of flexible nutrition and a lot of people forget that.