how to keep the flexible in flexible dieting

Is flexible dieting feeling anything but?⁣⁣
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Flexible dieting (aka tracking macros) is intended to be an approach in which all foods fit. But, after significant time spent tracking macros, it can morph into something rigid that doesn’t resemble what it used to.⁣⁣
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Here are 4 ways to keep the “flexible” in the flexible dieting approach.⁣⁣
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1. FOCUS ON CALORIES AND PROTEIN, LET GO OF CARBOHYDRATE AND FAT MACRO TARGETS. When we’re talking about the things that matter most for weight and body composition change – calorie and protein intake are at the top of the list. Reduce the bandwidth required to plan, prep and track meals that account for PFC and instead simply focus on hitting your protein target and staying fairly close to your calorie goals.⁣⁣
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2. TRACK A COUPLE TIMES PER WEEK AND EAT INTUITIVELY ON THE OTHERS. The point of learning how to track macros is not to become an amazing, lifetime tracker, but rather to help reshape your understanding of “how much” food is appropriate for you. If you’ve been paying attention, you likely have a much better understanding of “proper” portion sizes for you so that you can better identify when you’re under or overeating intuitively.⁣⁣
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3. TRACK RESTAURANT MEALS, BUT NOT FOODS YOU PREPARE AT HOME. You probably eat a rotation of about 10-15 “regular” foods each week. Chances are, you know what your “right size” portion of these foods looks like but restaurant meals are a different story. With oversized portions, added oils, and sauces – it can be tough to estimate how much you’re eating. Consider spending your tracking energy on the foods that might be more macro-heavy, like a restaurant meal⁣⁣.
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4. BE FLEXIBLE IN THE SEASONS THAT YOU TRACK. Getting a little loose with your habits and tracking macros recalibrates you in a good way – sweet! Tracking even for a few days or weeks can get your mind right about grocery shopping, meal prepping, or pre-logging for increased mindfulness. ⁣⁣
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If you’re feeling burned out and want to take a step back, save this post to come back to these tips. Remember, the goal is to confidently develop a skill that you can dip in and out of when you need.