22Mar

Should You Be Tracking Your Macros?

Tracking Your Macros

Macros, or macronutrients, are the building blocks of the food we eat, and they include protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Tracking your macros is a popular way to optimize your diet and achieve your fitness goals. But is it right for everyone? Let's look at the pros and cons of tracking your macros, so you have all the facts before deciding what works best for you.

PROS

The benefits of tracking your macros.

  1. It can help you reach your fitness goals. If you're trying to lose weight or gain muscle, tracking your macros can help ensure that you're getting the right balance of nutrients to support your goals. Sometimes that visual guide helps us know that we are staying on track!
  2. It can help you learn more about nutrition. When you start tracking your macros, you'll quickly learn which foods are high in protein, carbs, and fats. This can help you make better choices when it comes to meal planning and grocery shopping. You’d be surprised just how much the food you eat impacts
  3. It can help you stay accountable. Accountability is key! When you're tracking your macros, you're more likely to stick to your diet because you're monitoring your intake. This can help you keep you on track and motivated to stay consistent.

CONS

The cons of tracking your macros.

  1. It can be time-consuming.While tracking your macros may require some extra time and effort, you can try utilizing one of the many apps out there that help make tracking simple and easy. Incorporating meal prep and planning into your routine can also help you stay on track while saving time and making healthy eating more convenient. Ultimately, it’s about what works best for you and your health goals!
  2. It can be restrictive. Some people find that tracking their macros can be too restrictive, potentially leading to disordered eating habits. It’s important that you check in with yourself, and your doctor, to find out what works best for your overall health and wellbeing. The priority should always be to love the skin you're in at every stage, and if tracking negatively affects that, then it might not be for you.
  3. It's not necessary for everyone. If you're already eating a balanced diet and don't have any specific fitness goals, tracking your macros might not be necessary! It is meant to be a tool to help you achieve a specific goal, not a requirement.

 

Whether or not you should track your macros ultimately depends on your individual goals and preferences. Find a routine and lifestyle that makes the most sense for you to keep you feeling your best!

About the Author

Related

Is Napping Good For You?

Is Napping Good For You?

Find out if grabbing a mid-day nap really recharges you, or just makes it tougher to sleep at bedtim...

Read More >
Easy, Healthy Holiday Side Dishes: Whipped Cauliflower, Roasted Yams, and Baked Brussels Sprouts

Easy, Healthy Holiday Side Dishes: Whipped Cauliflower, Roasted Yams, and Baked Brussels Sprouts

Easy-to-make. Healthy, low-calorie side-dishes. These will steal the show at holiday dinners. These ...

Read More >
3 Chicken Leftover Recipes

3 Chicken Leftover Recipes

Next time you're roasting chicken for dinner, don’t worry about cooking too much - you can use ...

Read More >
3 Stretches You Should Do Every Day, According to a Yoga Instructor

3 Stretches You Should Do Every Day, According to a Yoga Instructor

With your busiest days in mind, we asked Coach Jacqueline, yoga instructor and In-Shape’s Director ...

Read More >
Wind Down Before They Melt Down: Breathing Exercise for Kids

Wind Down Before They Melt Down: Breathing Exercise for Kids

When your little one starts to lose their cool, you’re probably ready to try anything to help them ...

Read More >
A Guide to Thrive During the Holidays

A Guide to Thrive During the Holidays

Navigating the holiday season is full of both joy and challenge. With all the festivities come heigh...

Read More >