Should You Count Macros?
Many people count their calories and/or their “macros” (grams of protein, fat and carbohydrates). “IIFYM” or “If it fits your macros” is a very trendy term that you have probably heard of. There are definitely times when determining your specific nutrients is necessary and beneficial, which we will talk about. However, is counting worth the effort if you are focusing on general health?
Calories are simply a way of measuring how much energy our food gives us. Carbohydrate, protein and fat give us calories. Carbs often get blamed for weight gain, while protein is credited with gaining muscle and staying lean. Protein, fat and carbs all have different benefits, and while every body is different, most of us need a balance of the macros. However, if a balance is needed, shouldn’t we all be counting our macros? Here are three reasons why counting macros may not be a good idea.
Reason #1 – Food Quality
If it fits your macros is a trendy saying, especially as an excuse for eating low quality food. You can still make your numbers look “good” if you eat pizza, oreos, McDonald’s, and candy, but is that really what you want? The macros may resemble a balanced diet, but the quality can definitely be lacking.
Reason #2 – Failing at Math
Many steps of measuring our food cause a high error rate. For example, if you are measuring your beef steak, even if you measure it with a food scale, every cut of meat is different in terms of how fatty it might be. Second, when you look up how many calories, protein, etc. is in that cut of meat, there will be an error rate because those numbers are an average of similar pieces of meat.
Reason #3 – Special Occasions and Fond Memories
When you think back to the occasions in life that are special such as birthday parties, holiday traditions and vacations, did you really think about how many calories you consumed? Food is almost always involved in our social lives. Sharing meals with good company is a fun experience. Food is tied to our social lives, memories and emotions. Putting numbers to it can take the soul out of food, and it is easy to become stressed out worrying about it.
Of course there are times where counting macros is beneficial.
1. Shedding light on your eating habits
2. Providing yourself with accountability
3. Gaining an understanding of your portions
4. You have competitive physique goals
5. Your doctor asked you to track for medical reasons
Counting macros definitely isn’t for everyone. Before starting any new nutritional habits, such as counting macros, cutting carbohydrates, counting calories, etc. spend a bit of time reflecting on your goals, your lifestyle, and what will truly make you happy.