Food is So Much More Than Just Macros
As a FNTP and CrossFit coach, I get asked all the time:
“Should I count my macros?”
“What should my macros be?”
“How do I figure out my TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)?”
Macros refer to the amount of proteins, carbs, and fats we consume each day. While counting them can sometimes be a helpful tool in determining if you’re eating enough, I don’t use them a lot in my practice.
My #1 reason? It undermines the innate intelligence of our bodies. The human body is smart and will tell us when we need more of what. Counting macros says to your body “I’m smarter than you” and forces us to override our natural hunger cues. Yes, it’s true that a lot of us aren’t self-aware and need extra help in getting in tune with our bodies. IMO, however, long-term macro-counting is the antithesis of this.
Most people don’t have the foundations down. They’re sleeping 5 hours, over-exercising, eating fast food, etc. Without a solid foundation, there’s going to be dysfunction - and most people already have underlying dysfunction (health problem or diagnosis). This makes it incredibly difficult to determine accurate numbers..
The kinds of P/C/F we consume can have very different effects on our metabolism. Plant protein will be processed very differently than animal protein. Your body responds very differently to grains than fruit. And PUFA will have a very different effect from saturated fat. I’ve found that most people neglect the quality of their macronutrients or are misinformed about what’s “healthy,” and therefore miss out on valuable micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Lastly, when thinking about sustainable weight loss, is counting macros 24/7, 365 really sustainable? For most people, including myself, it can be an additional stressor. And stress is the ultimate nemesis of fat loss.
When I do use macros, it’s to help you get in tune with what portion sizes and combinations make you feel best so you can move on with your life.
All this said, before thinking about counting your macros, I urge you to ask yourself: Why? And have you earned the right to?
Focusing on building your foundations will get your long-term health in a much better place than number crunching ever will.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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