Why track them?

I usually coach my clients by having them track macros because I believe this is one of the most effective ways to put nutrition labels right into the hands of people in a useable way.

Tracking everything you eat and drink is not normal, and I never want anyone to feel they have to do it forever.

But it can be very hard to know how to “intuitively eat” and give your body what it needs if you don’t know where your calories are coming from, you don’t know how to get enough protein for your body and goals, you have never paid attention to fiber, or if you’ve always under or overate (throwing off hunger cues).

Simple Bloom’s Taxonomy: Objectives at a lower level must be mastered before more complex learning can take place.

Tracking macros is not to enforce restriction where there are “good” or “bad” foods. If intuitive eating is your end goal, tracking every new food experience at least once is a chance to learn the make up of that food so that you can make balanced choices down the road without tracking or weighing at all.

Another simple reason for tracking macros to accomplish your health and/or physique goals (rather than following a fad diet or temporary meal plan) is so that you can still eat food you enjoy.

Again (I say this often in this book), there are no “good” or “bad” foods. Different foods simply give you different ratios of proteins, carbs and fats, and more or less micros.

Being committed to this process means that you have to see how your favorite foods fit into your macro goals for the day, but the point is that they CAN fit. You do not have to wipe the slate clean when you start tracking macros. You can start by making small changes to your current diet after you get used to tracking your intakes.

Keeping your favorite foods and meals in your life will not only prevent burnout, but it will also be more sustainable long term. It’s important to LEARN about those foods you love. You don’t have to stop eating out, or eating with friends, or cut out cultural staples, or say no to plans. Everything is trackable. Instead of being afraid that tracking macros will become another quick fix, be too restrictive, or yield temporary results, commit yourself to the process by staying open minded about ALL foods.

Don’t make tracking macros the “next thing you’re trying.” Make it a means to an end. Make it a learning experience. Make it a tool.

MAKE IT MEANINGFUL.