Tracking Macros: The Ultimate Guide to Tracking Your Macros

Hey there, fellow food lovers! As a macro-friendly food blogger, I’m excited to share some essential tips and insights on tracking macros. You might have heard the term “macros” buzzing around the fitness and health community, but what exactly are they? And why should you track them?

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about macros, including what they are, why you should track them, and how to do it effectively. So, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to up your macro game, this guide is for you. Let’s dive in!

First, let me start by saying, it is ALWAYS best to work with a certified Macro Coach to ensure your macros are set to where they will be most beneficial to you and your goals. This guide is a general overview to teach you the basics. I am not a coach.

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Why I track my macros:

Tracking helps me ensure I am getting enough protein for building muscle.
It helps me ensure I am getting enough fats to help support my hormone health.
It serves as a guide to help me through different phases I may be in ie. maintenance, deficit, or bulking.

Tracking macros, what are macros?

“Macros” is short for macronutrients, the three primary nutrients your body needs in large amounts to function properly. These nutrients are:

Carbohydrates (carbs):

The body’s primary source of energy, is found in foods like bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables.

Check out these pasta dishes:

Protein:

Essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and immune function, found in foods like meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.

These high-protein recipes are great to add to your meal prep rotation:

Fats:

Crucial for hormone production, brain function, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, found in foods like avocados, olive oil, and nuts. Sauce and dressings are a great way to add fat to any meal.

Each macronutrient plays a unique role in your body’s overall health, and maintaining a balanced intake is key to achieving your wellness goals.

Why Should You Track Your Macros?

Tracking macros has several benefits:

Customized nutrition: By understanding your unique macro needs, you can tailor your diet to support your specific goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improved overall health.

Mindful eating: Macro tracking encourages you to pay more attention to the nutritional value of the foods you consume, leading to healthier food choices.

Improved energy levels: Balancing your macros ensures that your body has the right fuel to function optimally, which can result in better energy levels throughout the day.

Greater dietary flexibility: Unlike restrictive diets, macro tracking allows you to enjoy a wide variety of foods while still making progress towards your health goals.

How to Track Your Macros: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine Your Daily Calorie Needs

To start tracking your macros, first, calculate your daily calorie needs using a basal metabolic rate (BMR) calculator or a total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) calculator. Your daily calorie needs depend on factors like age, weight, height, gender, and activity level. Once you know your maintenance calorie needs, you can calculate your ideal macro ratios based on your goals, whether it be to maintain, lose fat or bulk. This is where a coach comes into play as they can help you set your macros where you need to for your specific goals.

For one on one coaching, here are a few friends that I can personally recommend: Lexus from Lexus Gordon Coaching, Erica from Forever Fitness and Nutrition and Karlie from Karlie Rae Macros.

Step 2: Choose a Macro-Tracking App

Use a macro-tracking app like MyFitnessPal, Cronometer or Macros First to log your daily food intake and monitor your macro consumption. These apps provide a database of foods and their nutritional information, making tracking a breeze. My recipes are entered into both MyFitnessPal and Macros First for easy tracking.

Step 3: Measure Your Food & Read Food Labels

To accurately track your macros, invest in a food scale and measuring cups to weigh and measure your food. This ensures you’re logging the correct portion sizes and getting precise macro counts. Read food labels and pay attention to serving sizes and the amount of protein, fats and carbs.

Step 4: Be Consistent and Adjust as Needed

Track your macros consistently. Record everything you consume in your tracking app and measure your progress. Take before photos to compare to, take body measurements and keep a body weight log to see trends. Remember, patience and consistency are key when it comes to achieving your health goals.

Step 5: Don’t Forget About Micronutrients

While tracking macros is essential, don’t forget about the importance of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Make sure to include a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole foods in your diet to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.

Step 6: Enjoy the Journey

Embrace the process and enjoy the journey of discovering new macro-friendly recipes and foods. Remember that no one is perfect, and it’s okay to have occasional treats or indulge in your favorite foods. The key is to maintain a balanced approach and make healthier choices most of the time.

Let’s recap

Macros” is short for macronutrients, the three primary nutrients your body needs in large amounts to function properly. Protein, Carbs and Fats.
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Make sure to include a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole foods in your diet to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.
Consistency is key!
Be patient!

Tracking macros can be a game-changer when it comes to improving your overall health and achieving your wellness goals.

By understanding the importance of macronutrients and learning how to track them effectively, you’ll gain greater control over your nutrition and develop a healthier relationship with food.

So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to tracking your macros! Remember, consistency is key, and it’s essential to find a balance that works for you. Stay tuned for more macro-friendly recipes, tips, and inspiration to help you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Happy macro tracking, food lovers!