I’ve been reading about macros lately .. macronutrient discussions are *everywhere* and I’m one who is always looking at ways I can eat better and just be healthier. So, I’ve decided that I want to do this. Currently I am stressing out over how to get started.
What’s the problem? Well, there are blogs and more blogs about it and while some are similar most have a bit of wavering on the calculations and what you should, and should not, do.
Here’s what I’ve decided …
I’m going to figure out what works for me, than change my focus to macronutrients.
What is this you are talking about? Instead of watching calories (which is what I usually do) you focus on your daily intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Instead of meeting one calorie goal you are trying to meet three nutrient goals.
The tricky things I have run across so far?
- Should I have a set goal every day, whether I work out or not, taking my exercise ‘expectations’ and dividing those calories out over the week?
- Should I adjust my carbs and fats on days I workout differently that rest days?
- Do I go with the first bullet or do I start with a base calorie goal then add on my exercise every day (which is what I do now)
- What is the best ratio of carbs, proteins, and fats (this seems to vary widely)
There are probably more but that is a good start.
What is my plan?
Well, I track on myfitnesspal currently but it’s really not going to work well for this. The benefit though is that I have a nice eating ‘history’ on the app … including since I’ve gone mostly gluten free.
I’m going to look at the last 3 weeks and see what my trends are in regards to carbs, proteins, and fats. I’ll start there and try and figure out what is recommended, then maybe tweak my goals a bit if need be. In the meanwhile I have to decide whether I go with a consistent daily calorie goal or a dynamic one, based on my workouts. I have always gone with dynamic but I actually see the value in consistency, to be honest.
So … I’ll report back later and let you know how this is going! I am hopeful that I’ll see good things from this tweak!
Happy day and thanks for reading!
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