MACROS - Why Track? Would it be Useful to You?

The most frequent questions I receive via DM relate to "macros" - what mine are, the best methods of tracking them, how to know what exact numbers to use, and how to mentally cope with not hitting them exactly... I've touched upon this topic briefly in captions, but wanted to further elaborate in a more well-written post. I could ramble on about this topic for hours but I'll keep this post as concise and clear as possible!


What ARE "Macros"?
First, for those that are still unsure, macronutrients are essentially the 3 major food types required by humans in largest quantities. I'm sure most of you can list them off - proteins, carbs, and fats are these crucial "macros" so commonly tracked by athletes and competitors to achieve an optimum physique, typically through stages of both bulking and cutting, essentially gaining muscle/fat before shredding the fat to highlight the accumulation of lean muscle mass.
These nutrients differ significantly from the MICROnutrients that humans also require. Micros are the vitamins and minerals we humans need but in much lesser amounts. They are most easily taken in through nutrient-dense foods such as hearty vegetables and greens. Macros & micros work in combination to allow for best nutrient absorption within the human body, so it's crucial to maintain proper intake of both. I could go on for too long about this SO LET'S CONTINUE to the less learny stuff...

To answer many of your questions, I do NOT count macros myself. I have sporadically for few days at a time HA, but I've never felt that I've been in the right circumstance, or had the time to do continue to do so properly. Amidst being a Biology major in school, a member of a collegiate team, and just plain loving life - I felt that the constant meticulous tracking would be far too time consuming and tedious. Additionally, I fully support that one's relationship with food should be completely normal/healthy/stress-free before jumping into macro tracking. Numbers are always an easy factor to become obsessive about, and it's important to be cautious you won't dwell too much on constantly achieving PERFECT numbers/counts. I come from a past of obsessing over of calorie numbers so I know it's crucial for me to make sure I give enough time to heal my relationship with food before trying to track numbers in a more healthful manner.


WHY Might Counting Macros be Useful?
Macro counting seems to help different people for various reasons. The most functional macro-counting situations I've witnessed have been for physique competitions - whether for bodybuilding, figure, or bikini divisions. I won't go into details of each competition type, (nor am I an expert on them all), BUT I perceive it as real a sport as any other in which athletes train long and hard to give their best possible performance on stage. They use the protein/fat/carb ratio guidelines typically recommended from a coach to most effectively achieve desired results from an intense lifting schedule at the gym.
Another explanation I hear from primarily girls is about "keeping them accountable", another completely valid reason for tracking macros IF it works for you. This mindset basically ensures that they eat enough based on the amount they are lifting and grinding in the gym. I've heard girls admit that they simply don't consume enough calorically if left to their own intuitive guidelines, causing them to find a sort of assurance in counting exactly what they consume on a daily basis. OR, they insist they love fat and protein sources and tend to neglect the proper carb intake, etc. I think this is another great motivation to begin macro tracking for maximization of results. It certainly seems to assist many in preventing both under AND over-eating.


Are YOU a Good Candidate to Begin this Tracking System?
If you are intrigued by what this type of lifestyle may offer, it is crucial you first decide that you're indisputably a valid candidate to begin. If painstaking caloric counting has plagued your past - make sure you won't fall victim to this obsessive lifestyle once again. It frighteningly easy to become consumed in measuring each nibble of food perfectly, possibly creating much stress and anxiety when stuck in situations where this isn't possible. I truly admire the athletes that can freely switch between this tracking system and intuitive eating based on the stage of training they're in. This shows me they've truly reached a point of complete food freedom. They utilize their intake as a tool to enhance their performance, completely void of any fear of food as something that could potentially hold them back.


The Downsides to Macro Tracking
Despite what others may insist, following a macro-tracking lifestyle is difficult. It may force you to pass on situations where precise tracking wouldn't be possible, or to watch others indulge in foods that simply can't squeeze into your daily count. I also find it's an easy lifestyle for people to quickly criticize. It's certainly not a habit many people understand, let alone adopt, making it something very easy to prematurely judge. People so far removed from a lifting/training lifestyle cannot comprehend why someone would measure out the grams of sweet potato or chicken... But you don't need them to understand. A plain acceptance and/or appreciation for the dedication will suffice.
You may also experience extreme cravings for certain foods depending on the phase of macro-tracking you're in (i.e. bulking versus cutting). It is so important to include a variety of the foods you love because depriving yourself of them for too long obviously leads to intense binges. However, during prep for a competition the "treats" or heavy-calorie/macronutrient foods may simply be too tough to incorporate on a daily basis. AKA THE CRAVINGS GET REAL... I myself have never endured this, but I've closely followed many competitors that have. They are typically so dedicated that they never deviate from the planned meal regimen, but I can freaking empathize with how tough it becomes.

Despite the difficulties, tracking macros is 100% possible and many times very helpful in achieving a goal weight/shape/figure/etc. If you're dedicated to the sport or simply begin tracking to hold yourself accountable on a daily basis, you can absolutely succeed in it if done properly based on your personal needs. All I ask is that you first take a step back and ask yourself if it is right for you. PLEASE don't let counting macros become some type of nasty obsessive game. It can be used to benefit you in some situations, but it is not necessary for your health. Our bodies are incredibly designed to inform us when we are hungry and when we are satiated. Counting macros is commonly done to assist in ignoring these signals, many times consuming more once full or stopping when one could eat more. Counting such specific numbers is clearly something that can hurt instead of help, and should never drastically fluctuate or be cut too low for what your body requires. It is a tricky game that I believe should only be used if you are completely sure you're mentally and physically ready.


WELL GUYS - Sorry if that felt long and drawn out!! I wanted to fully express my opinion on such a frequently asked about topic! I LOVE hearing from those that have had both good/bad experiences with macro tracking, so please don't hesitate to DM (@cocos_gymsta) and/or comment below!
Thank you all so much for reading, feedback is always appreciated😌

XOXO - Coco