Why Macros?

I get asked constantly, "Why Macros?" and "What are Macros?"

Let's start with what are macros...

Macro based diets are sometimes called flexible dieting of iifym (If it fit your macros) Macros is short for macronutrients. Macronutrients are fats, proteins, and carbs. Macronutrients are found in all foods and are essentially what every human needs to survive. I am no expert, but let me do a quick break down for you...

Fats are needed to support cell growth and our nervous system. They help maintain your skin and organs. Fats also give your body energy. Every gram of fat is 9 calories.

Carbohydrates are used by our body to create glucose which is needed to give us energy. Carbs also help our muscles because if we do not eat carbs our body will use our muscles as an energy source. Every gram of carbs equals 4 calories.

Protein is needed to repair body cells because they are the building block of our life. Every gram of protein is 4 calories.

So in short counting Macros is just counting these three nutrients and they add up to a caloric number, but you mainly focus on counting your macronutrient numbers. Many people believe that counting macros vs. just calories is better because it is providing you with the amount of macronutrients that your body really needs to be optimal. I believe this, because often times when we are "cutting" (trying to lose weight) we go low-fat, no carb, or heavy fruits and vegetables not really eating protein. But every body needs a different combination of these based on several factors like goals and exercise.

There are tons of websites like this one and this one that will give you more information and Dr. Layne Norton is very insightful if you are wanting more information. Here is an interview Bodybuilding.com did with Dr. Norton that is very insightful. I promise if you go read the first question and answer in this interview you will have a light bulb moment. With a quick Google search you will find tons of websites that talk negative because you are not eating clean, clean eating is not sustainable for everyone because of the self-deprivation it sets up but you can eat clean or Paleo while still counting Macros.


So why Macros?

Picture from: fitness1pro.blogspot.li

I found before Macros that I was eating a lot of carbs from fruits and vegetables, lots of fats from nuts, and not enough protein. I was getting a little frustrated because I was trying to build some muscle, but I could not really gain it. I was eating 1500 calories and not losing weight. I would do a Whole30 and lose 10 pounds in a month, only to gain 5 of it back. I would be miserable because I would have to plan a Whole30 around "down months" when I would not be travelling for work or have any celebrations because those things would cause me to mess up.

I was over all of the stress and lack of progress which pushed me to make a change last April. After reading Skinnymeg's Blog for years and seeing that she was counting Macros I decided to follow suit and reached out to Poppy. I e-mailed Poppy about my concerns about hypothyroidism and dairy allergies. She was so sweet and encouraging telling me that those things would not prevent me from having success on this type of eating plan. So I took the plunge and submitted a form.

When I first got my numbers they added up to 1,565 calories total, but I felt so full when I ate my numbers perfectly. I really do not feel like it was the extra 65 calories, but all the extra protein that I was eating. I also felt freedom, I could and can eat whatever I want as longs as I have the fats, carbs, and protein for it. It was so freeing to go from self-deprivation to self-discipline. Instead of telling myself "no" I tell myself, " I may not have the macronutrients for that today, but I can have it tomorrow."


Let's talk the weight loss aspect of this. I have had a couple of messes up since I started last year, once during our summer trip and once when my birthday celebrations continued all the way into Christmas celebrations. But I have been closer than ever to my goal weight and I see the changes that my body is making.

The left picture is my beginning Macros picture and the right is at the end of the reverse,  beginning of a cut. There is only a 5 pound scale weight difference in that picture, but the progress that it demonstrates is huge! I have slimmed down and built muscle. I am so excited about where my body will go in the next few months and the fact that I am not only making a stronger body externally, but internally.

Love,

Jamie Lynn