Have you ever attempted to track macros, only to give up because the whole process just felt too daunting?
In this episode of Macros Made Easy, I’m tackling the topic of macro tracking as a beginner. I’ll give you actionable steps to make macro tracking easier when you first get started, and share what I wish I would have done when I was a beginner so you don’t struggle with the same challenges I did.
Some of the things I cover in this episode are:
tips for visualizing your whole day and planning ahead
Visualizing your whole day and planning ahead can be a great way to make macro tracking easier as a beginner. It’s important to take a global look at your day, rather than just the meal in front of you.
Meal planning and prepping is a great way to visualize what you plan to eat during your entire day and week. It can help make macro tracking more manageable, and save you time and money in the long run.
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be elaborate, simply taking some time each week to plan out your meals and snacks can help you strike a balance and make sure you’re not over or under eating.
log as you go, without being tied to your food scale!
Logging your macros as you go is an important part of tracking your macros. I don’t know about you, but it’s almost impossible for me to remember exactly what I ate yesterday, let alone the macros of that food. But I get it, you don’t want to be that weird friend that stashes a food scale or measuring cup in their purse.
To make it easier, I recommend setting aside a few minutes each day to log ahead of time the meals and snacks you know you’ll eat, then filling in the surprise foods throughout the day. When logging, take note of the macros in each meal, including the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content so you know what gaps you need to fill in.
For more tips on how to ditch your food scale while still tracking accurately, check out this post!
ways to log mixed dishes for more accurate tracking
Logging mixed dishes can be one of the most challenging aspects of macro tracking for beginners. To simplify it, start by breaking down the dish into its component parts. For example, if you’re having a burrito, log the ingredients separately, such as the tortilla, the filling, and the toppings. This will help you to accurately track the macronutrients in your meal.
Additionally, if you’re eating a pre-made meal, check the nutrition label for the exact macro breakdown. With a little practice, logging mixed dishes can become second nature and you’ll be able to accurately track your macros with ease.
strategies and best practices for tracking macros
Some of my top tips for macro tracking are…
Even if you can’t measure, log it! It’s not realistic to use a food scale 100% of the time – sometimes you just have to eyeball. Ultimately, that’s almost always better than not tracking at all.
Remember, it’s a learning experience! Each time you track, you’re learning about the content of food which will make everything from meal planning to estimating at restaurants easier. Approaching macro tracking from this perspective allows you to remain curious, not obsessive over perfection or accuracy.
what I would have done differently when I first started tracking macro
When I first started tracking macros, I was overwhelmed. I felt like I was playing a never-ending game of macro tetris, trying to make sure I hit my goals every day. I was so focused on hitting my macro goals that I often forgot to consider the bigger picture – what I was eating and how it was impacting my health.
There are many things I wish I would have done differently in the beginning, like taking a global look at my days, simplifying meal planning and prepping, and breaking down ingredients in mixed dishes for accurate tracking.
Diving into the world of macros can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! I hope the insight shared in this episode helps you get started on the right foot, without the same struggles I faced in the beginning.
Thanks for listening! Join Emily for each episode as she helps you reach your health goals by making macros easy.
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Resources mentioned in this episode:
- DIY Macros Guide – Follow this free guide to set your own macros so you can start eating to your needs ASAP!
- Macros Made Easy – Get on the waitlist to learn when we enroll next and qualify for exclusive bonuses. This is a professional led, self-paced online course that teaches you how to track macros—the stress-free way. Learn how to eat for your unique needs so you can be in the driver’s seat of how you look, feel and perform without relying on a restrictive diet plan ever again.
- Eat to Lean Coaching – If you’ve mastered the basics of macros, but there’s still room for more clarity and personalization for your particular goals, join us in Eat to Lean Coaching! In this group coaching program you’ll learn nutrition, exercise and mindset changes alongside other women who are in your exact shoes.
