EP #16 Counting Macros: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Evie touches on counting macros and who should and shouldn't do it. She breaks down the pros, cons and the messy parts of doing this nutrition craze.

Counting macros is about using a certain percentage of carbs, fats, and protein that one diet Is compromised of. These percentages will be based on that person's goals, current body fat levels, and activities.

Pros:

• It works for a lot of people.
• It will produce results in a short period.
• This can also build awareness of what you should eat, how much you eat, and how different foods make you feel.
• Good for reaching high goals of macros such as athletes.

Cons:

• It's not for people who don't want to measure their food.
• One may not be able to join their family during meals because of the need to weigh the food before eating.
• It is NOT sustainable
• It is NOT necessary

Messy:

• If it's just you who determines the percentage of carbs, fats and protein that you should take without any concrete basis, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.
• If you have a coach, ask them
• If he/she knows if your hormones are balanced and how they're determining it
• How do they know the health of your gut microbiome. 

Most macro-based coaches and macro-based apps are just giving a series of questions. Both may give you the amounts you need but it doesn't give you the whole picture.

This is your health that's on the line. It's not just about how you look in front of a mirror. There are a lot of people who look at food as a battle, which is sad.

Counting macros is all about reinforcing a great relationship with food, but dangerous for people who have suffered from eating disorders in the past.

There are consequences for being strict with your diet, Evie challenges us to be prepared. She even opens up about a time when she was counting macros and messed up her hormones pretty badly.

ONE TRUTH: We are making nutrition way too complicated. As long as you're eating five colors each meal, you don't have to worry about your intake of carbs, fats, and protein.

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