When Macros Isn't Enough....
Background
I love macro counting. It really allows me the flexible to feel control and freedom when it comes to my daily food intake as someone who believes in flexible dieting. I have been counting macros for 2.5 years now. It is second nature to me.
I also can eat the same stuff everyday for MONTHS! I kid you not. I will eat the same thing for like 6 months to a year before I get tired of it. Then I find new stuff to have and continue on with that cycle.
When Macros Isn’t Enough
Recently I hit a road block. The flexible dieter in me was not being so flexible. What does this mean? Well for the past 4 Thursday’s I have been getting a plant based burger, fries, drumsticks and a brownie from my fav Marty’s V Burger. I applaud this and want folks to have fun food. Why did I go all out for the past 4 weeks? I am not an emotional eater, I have not been. So I started to look through all of my food logs. The last time I had a burger was in September, the last time I had Chipotle was in August. And for the month of December I have been indulging with all of these items weekly. The last time I had plant based cake, I do not remember. The cake pictured is a birthday cake I got from The Uptown Vegan for my mom’s bday. I went to town on that cake! So good!
I was being very restrictive. I was not having any fun food, meaning things that I enjoy, things I tell clients to do. I was not following my own advice. The only items I was having was a daily protein cinnamon roll and protein bread roll as an indulgence. And my 1 daily Golden Oreo thin. Everything else just the same stuff everyday.
Why was I doing that? I had become very busy and had been so focused on my protein intake. I started my 50+ hours last week of September. I took out all of the fun when I became super busy and stuck with what was easy/convenient.
Prior to the 50+ hours I would consistently incorporate all my favorites food items and it came to a halt when my new world of the grind began.
So when I say when macros isn’t enough, what I mean is that the process involves more than just numbers, carbs, protein and fat. It can involve looking at patterns, knowing when something is off, understanding what is going on, what are the next steps, etc.
What’s next?
Now that I know what is the root of this, a plan was made between myself and Abel. Two fun meals a week.
Also I have been so much more active that I have been in a calorie deficit and have actually been losing weight. So bumping up my daily caloric intake, I need more food! So that will be starting also.
Looking forward to this chapter. I am growing and learning.
Conclusion
Macro counting has helped me to continue to find freedom and control over when it comes to my daily intake. Because of my daily logs, I was able to figure out why I was no longer adhering to the model of macros and threw it out the window.
I hope that sharing my personal experience can aide in your own personal journeys as you continue to work on your own personal fitness and nutrition goals.
If you took the time to read this blog. I thank you. Till next time.
xoxoxo,
Jess
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”
