Do you Need to Track Macros to See Results?

Changing the amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats you eat each day — and their timing — are two of the principles I adhere to when making nutritional changes with my clients. Of course, the specific amounts depend on the individual – your workouts, goals, lifestyle, body, and more — as does nutrient timing.

But, do you have to track macros to see results?

The video below, answers this question (you can also just continue to read below 🙂 )

Most of my clients choose to track macros, and use one of two apps to track macronutrients: MyFitnessPal of MyMacros+

They do a great job of allowing my clients to stay consistent and get precise when making changes to their nutrition. I’m all for clients tracking macronutrients while working their towards fat loss goals.

However — tracking macronutrients in this fashion — down to the gram — isn’t intended to be done forever, and it also isn’t for everyone.

Oftentimes, a client will email me about my lean body training & nutrition boot camp, interested, but also leery, because in the past, she’s had a tendency to get a little obsessive when it comes to food and numbers. Or perhaps, tracking grams proves to be too tedious, and leads to burn out for her.

But will not tracking macros hinder you from getting results?

While tracking macronutrients increases the accuracy in the changes we make to your nutrition – and to how much you’re eating each day, it’s not the only way.

In fact, I’d say about a 1/4 of my Lean Body training & nutrition boot camp clients don’t track macros.

Now, they still pay attention to them, but instead of plugging in 30 grams of carbs into your app for that oatmeal you just ate, we use a servings and guidelines-based approach.

I also have a guidelines-based method for nutrient timing, which eases the rigidity for those who don’t like to play with numbers when it comes to nutrition.

And yes — these clients still see great results.

If you’ve tried tracking macronutrients in the past, and have given it a good faith effort, but it’s proved to be triggering or lead to obsession, please don’t feel like this is the only way. Or, please don’t feel like you need to go to the opposite end, and cut out every single food that isn’t “clean” from your diet. There are other, more flexible ways.

For example, my client, Carlie isn’t a fan of tracking numbers and food, and instead uses my guidelines and portions method. She still has a concrete plan, but it’s one that works with her lifestyle — and she sees great results!

There’s truly no wrong approach here, and it’s completely up to you, your lifestyle, and your history.

Personally, I like to track grams when I really want to dial it in, but then I use my guidelines method when I don’t need to be as aggressive with my goals. But again – it’s personal preference.

One thing I’ll never do with my clients anymore is use a one-size-fits all calculator to determine total intake or macronutrients. There are many more factors to consider than age, weight, height, and activity level.

So, do you need to track macronutrients to see results? Not necessarily, but the amounts of protein, carbs, and fat — and their nutrient timing — should be considered when making nutritional changes for your goals.

If you’re ready to make some positive changes to the way and how much you eat in order to feel good and see some great progress, I’d love to work with you in my March 20th Lean Body training & nutrition boot camp.

You can learn more, sign up, and read more testimonials here.

Whenever making nutritional changes to see progress or reach your goals, whatever they may be, make sure they work for you and your personality.

XO,
Paige