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Flexible dieting, or counting your Macros, is one of the most popular diets right now. I personally don’t even think it should be considered a diet. While following flexible dieting, you can essentially eat what you want and still lose weight. Yes, you read that right. Curious, I thought so..read on!
What’s a Macro?
A Macro, or macronutrient, is more commonly referred to as Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates. All of the foods we eat during the day contain different amounts of each macronutrient. For example, an egg would contain proteins and fats while a slice of bread would contain mostly carbohydrates with a very small amount of fat and protein. Your goals, current weight, and activity level will determine what macronutrient distribution is appropriate for you.
How do I track my macros?
In order to successfully track your macros you will need a food scale and an app either My Fitness Pal or Fat Secret. My Fitness Pal seems to be one of the most popular macro tracking apps but I prefer Fat Secret because I think it is easier to use. There are several other free downloadable apps available for you to use if you do not like any of these.
With your app and food scale you will begin to track everything you eat. This sounds extremely tedious at first but it will eventually become a habit. You should be weighing and measuring everything you eat.
How’s this different than calorie counting?
When you count your daily calories, all your concerned with is how many calories a day you’re eating. When you count your macros, you’re not concerned with daily total calories but more focused on eating the appropriate amount of each macro. Keeping within a certain calorie range is important, but not the main focus.
Can I really eat what I want?
Yes, when you count your macros there are no dietary restrictions. If you want to eat pancakes for breakfast have at it, just make sure you track it. When you follow flexible dieting, you have the freedom to eat a variety of different foods. There are many diets out there that are extremely restrictive in terms of foods that are not allowed which is what makes this diet so appealing.
Do I need to hit my numbers spot on everyday?
In a perfect world, yes you would hit your numbers everyday. As long as you are within 1-5g of your target numbers everyday you will see results. To clarify, you want to hit each number within 1-5g not eat 5g over your numbers everyday. Eating 5g over your numbers everyday will hinder your results – especially if you are on a deficit to lose weight.
Is flexible dieting able to be done long term?
Yes, the more you follow flexible dieting the less you will think of it as a diet. You will begin to see it as a lifestyle. It will become second nature to weigh and track everything. Depending on your specific goals your numbers can be adjusted accordingly whether you want to lose, maintain, or gain.
Do you follow flexible dieting?
Yes, I’ve been religiously following flexible dieting since January of 2018. I wouldn’t even consider it a diet, most days I can make just about anything I want work into my numbers. With the use of kernel seasons (see link below) I can season and flavor all of my food without having to worry about cooking with extra fat for flavor. If you’ve never tried flexible dieting and want some more information about how to make it adapt to your lifestyle you can clink this link and select “online training/coaching” and we’d be more than happy to provide you with some specific information: https://patienceconsistency.com/contact/
What do you think? Could you live the flexible dieting lifestyle? Comment below or contact us 🙂
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