Let’s start by defining what a macro is. Macro is short for macronutrients, which are the three main nutrient food groups we consume daily; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Examples of each are below:
- Carbohydrate: Pasta, rice, bread, root veggies, starchy veggies, fruit, etc.
- Protein: Chicken, fish, lentils, beans, eggs, milk, yogurt, etc.
- Fat: Avocado, nuts, nut butter, oils, olives, etc.
Many foods are made up of multiple macros, for example, cheese and nuts are both protein and fat. Why do we care about macros? Because adjusting the ratio of these three nutrient groups in your daily diet can help you lose weight, lean out, build muscle, and even gain weight if that is what you are in need of.
Macro counting is much different than calorie counting in that macro counting focuses on what you are eating and how much of the nutrient percentage make up your daily diet vs how many calories you are taking in each day. For example, if a person wants to improve strength and lean out we increase that individual’s protein intake, reduce fat just a bit, and can even play with how many grams of carbohydrates they consume. In macro counting, we focus on taking in the most nutrient-dense foods.
By counting macro you can optimize your diet so that you are fueling your body from the right sources by keeping your carb, protein, and fat intake in balance. Plus, it isn’t incredibly strict. If you love chocolate-covered pretzels, you can figure those into your macro counting for the day to make sure you get to enjoy your sweet and salty treat without getting crazy off-balance in your overall nutrient intake for the day.
When we work with patients who have specific weight loss goals, we look at calories consumed and where they are coming from, and we help patients calculate and track their macro intake. Doing all of the above helps optimize our patient’s weight loss strategy as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Are you struggling with stubborn weight loss? We want to help you! Book your FREE call with us to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals and feel your best.