If you’ve heard anything about the macro diet trend, it was probably from that friend of yours who’s a total gym rat, really into nutrition, or constantly looking for ways to improve their health.
And sure maybe your friend’s over-the-top, robust ways is eye-roll worthy but turns out, they might be onto something!
Macro dieting can actually benefit almost anyone who’s looking to focus on making smart food choices that fit their goals, whether they’re looking to lose weight, build muscle or maintain a healthy lifestyle. So listen up! Because we’re breaking down everything macro, so you don’t have to.
What is a Macro Diet?
A macro diet goes a step further than your typical calorie counting diet. You count the macronutrients—grams of proteins, carbs, and fats—you’re eating within your calorie goal, and in what ratios.
Counting macros can help you make smart food choices. For example, instead of a 200-calorie snack of Oreos, you’d need to choose a protein and healthy-carb packed snack to meet your macros—one that wouldn’t just help you restrict your calories but will help give your body the fuel it needs.
What are the Benefits of a Macro Diet?
Counting macros (or macronutrients) offers several nutritional benefits. For the dieting newbie, meal planning by counting macros is a good way to get a handle on portion control. It helps people understand where their calories come from and what impact they have on the body. And it also helps you make good, informed choices, such as whole food over processed food.
It’s totally customizable for your goals and body type, and adjustable according to the macro diet results you’re seeing, which is why it’s also referred to as “flexible dieting”.
Bonus: a successful macro diet promises to keep hunger at bay, balance your energy levels and curb sugar cravings. Sounds pretty ideal, right?
Macro Diet Meal Planning
Sticking to a macro diet depends on having a good meal plan in place. Planning ahead is always a good idea—this way, you can feel confident that you will more easily reach your goals for the day.
Each day, you’ll want to eat about three meals and two snacks. That’s 21 meals and 14 snacks per week. Eating a balanced meal every 3 ½ to 4 hours will help keep your blood sugar steady, which helps prevent you from getting too hungry. And you’re more likely to cheat when you feel starved.
Choose whole foods, opting for lean proteins from organic sources whenever you can. Keep dairy products and sugars to a minimum to avoid empty calories.
Things to Consider When Meal Planning
#1: Time
Sure, it can be time-consuming to have to prepare macro diet-friendly. But many people say it’s worth it—and that after a while, it becomes a habit that seems to take no time at all. Here’s how you can squeeze macro dieting into your busy schedule.
#2: Budget
It’s a myth that junk food always costs less than healthful food. There are some ways you can buy foods that fit your macros and not spend a fortune.
#3: Taste
Macro Tips:
Like starting anything new, a trial and error period may occur when you’re first testing the waters of the Macro diet. Be patient, get creative, and listen to your body. We promise the benefits will happen!
Have you tried a Macro diet before? Drop a comment below and let us know your tips, tricks, and recipes.
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