unraveling misunderstandings: debunking myths about macro tracking

tracking macros, myths, bodybuilders, athletes, body composition goals, leaner, build muscle

Chances are, you’ve heard some of the myths surrounding macro tracking. That’s why in this eye-opening episode of Macros Made Easy, I tackle common macro tracking myths to help you understand the truth behind them. 

Get ready to discover the power of tracking macros to unlock a world of food freedom, customization, and optimal nutrition. I’ll debunk ideas like “a boring diet is required to see results”, and “hitting your macros every day is necessary for success”. Tune in to learn the truth behind these macro misconceptions and gain a better understanding of how to reach your health goals. 

Here are some of the myths I debunk:

tracking macros is only for bodybuilders or athletes.

You may have heard about macros from your favorite fitness influencer or athlete, but did you know tracking macros can actually be a valuable tool for non-athletes as well?

Tracking macros is not only for bodybuilders or athletes because it offers a personalized approach to nutrition that can benefit anyone. It provides awareness and education about nutrition, ensures that nutritional needs are met, and allows for flexibility in food choices. By tracking macros, you can have a better understanding of your dietary habits and make informed decisions about your food intake. Therefore, tracking macros is a practical and sustainable tool for everyone to optimize nutrition and lead a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

you have to eat boring, bland food when tracking macros.

Contrary to popular belief, tracking macros does not require eating boring or bland food. I want to emphasize that tracking macros only provides guidelines for quantity, not quality or specific food choices. In fact, tracking macros can be an opportunity to explore a wider variety of delicious foods. It allows you to customize your diet according to your personal preferences and dietary restrictions, providing flexibility and freedom in food choices. 

So, while hitting macro targets is important, it does not mean sacrificing taste or enjoyment in meals.

macros are the only thing that matters for weight loss or muscle gain.

While tracking macros is an effective tool for weight loss or muscle gain, it is important to recognize that macros are not the only thing that matters. 

Other factors, such as nutrient timing, micronutrient intake, and overall lifestyle behaviors, also play a significant role in achieving these goals. For example, nutrient timing can impact energy levels, hunger, muscle recovery, and protein synthesis. Further, micronutrients are essential for overall health and bodily functions. 

Neglecting these factors and only focusing on the macros can lead to deficiencies and health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to consider a well-rounded approach that includes not only tracking macros, but also focusing on whole real foods and maintaining healthy habits.

you have to hit your macros exactly every day for it to be effective.

If you’re a perfectionist or simply have an all or nothing mindset, you may think that you need to hit your exact macros every day to make any progress towards your goals… but this isn’t true.

While precision can be helpful, what matters more is the overall consistency and adherence to healthy habits and behaviors. The cluster of behaviors that come together when tracking macros, such as making mindful food choices and practicing portion control, can have a significant impact on achieving health and fitness goals. Small deviations in macro intake are normal and unlikely to significantly hinder progress. The focus should be on long-term consistency rather than obsessing over hitting macro targets exactly every day.

you have to weigh and measure absolutely everything.

Do you have that friend that takes their food scale everywhere they go?

If you’ve seen behaviors like this before, it can be easy to assume that you have to weigh and measure everything to be successful with macro tracking… but this simply isn’t the case. While weighing and measuring portions can be helpful for precise tracking, it is not a requirement for success. Over time, tracking macros can help you develop a sense of portion sizes and improve your understanding of the macronutrient content of different foods. Additionally, there are alternative methods for estimating the macronutrient content of meals, such as using visual cues and hand-based portion guides. 

By using these methods and utilizing food databases in tracking apps, you can still make informed food choices and achieve their macro goals without the need for strict weighing and measuring.

I hope busting these myths has piqued your interest and encouraged you to give macro tracking a try. Remember, it’s not about restriction or rigid rules, but rather about empowering yourself to make informed choices and nourish your body in a way that supports your health and goals.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to get more advice for reaching your health goals with a macros approach.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love to see you share what you took away from it by taking a screenshot of the episode and tagging me on Instagram!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what you want to learn about next!

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.

follow Macros Made Easy on Instagram for more macro tracking how-tos