Let’s Talk About Macros, Baby!

By Shaina Zazzaro

 

How many times have you heard someone say to count your calories?

So many!

What about macros?

Tracking your macros is a great way for you to stay healthy, lose weight, gain weight or maintain weight. It is a great way to eat a consistent amount of food to reach whatever your goal may be — but you must be consistent.

Here, let me break it down for you.

Macros are macronutrients. These are the three main categories of nutrients that make up calories in foods. The main macros are protein, fats and carbohydrates.

You can lose weight, gain weight or maintain weight by following a macro plan.

I hate saying “diet” because it is not a diet. Macros teach you what to eat and help you live by my favorite rule: eat whatever you want, in moderation.

Want a slice of pizza? Fit it in. Ice cream sundae? Go for it! Just fit it into your macros.

I’m going to break this down for you in Shaina terms- let’s forget about all of the technical terms!

You need carbs for energy. I don’t care what people say about not eating them, don’t listen to them. You can enjoy carbs, but in moderation.

I had a HUGE New Jersey bagel this weekend. I tracked it as one and a half of a regular bagel and then made sure not to overindulge in carbs the rest of the day. That meant no ice cream for dessert. See, moderation!

You need to eat protein to feel full, to build muscle and to not lose your muscle, so eat your protein! And, no, eating protein isn’t going to make you look like a professional bodybuilder (unless you pair it with super strict diet and exercise!)

Fats. Fats won’t make you fat — again, as long as you eat them in moderation. You need fats for energy, heart health, brain health and for energy storage so, yes, you need to eat fats. I am not encouraging you to eat bacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but if you happen to see your favorite healthy food truck this summer and get a chicken, bacon and avocado healthy trash plate, remember I told you that it is OK!

Bottom line is this: you need to figure out what the best macro balance is for your personal goals and for yourself, so find a trainer. I use Ivan’s Fitness to tell me the best balance, but you can use whoever you find that you are comfortable with and trust to help you on your macro tracking journey.

Just do me a favor, OK? Don’t go to My Fitness Pal and do a default, one size fits all 1,200 calorie diet, because that just isn’t being fair to yourself.

Peace, love and health!


Shaina Zazzaro is a devoted wife and mother of two, blending her roles with a passion for health and wellness. She is the owner and chief executive officer of local meal delivery service, Effortlessly Healthy. For more information, visit www.ehmeals.com.