Don’t Count Calories – Do This Instead.
Raise your hand if you have the MyFitnessPal app on your phone.
Many people who are interesting in losing weight will use this app for a period of time. It’s a great learning tool if you’ve never paid attention to the food and drinks you consume. Keeping a log of your food can be very eye-opening and helpful when making changes in your habits.
The problem – most people only pay attention to the calories. While consuming fewer calories than you expend in a day can help you lose weight, there is another way.
Count your macronutrients.
Macro what? Your body only processes food three ways – as a fat, a protein, or a carbohydrate. These are called macronutrients or macros. Everything you eat falls into one of these categories. Everything!
If you’re trying to lose weight, then start tracking your macros. You’ll want to minimize carbs, especially simple ones, and maximize protein. Your body uses protein to build muscle which is going to give you a fitter look as well as burn more calories at rest. (yes, please!)
To get started, you can use a website like IIFYM or use this simple formula: your body weight in pounds = grams of protein (max 200 grams)
Once you have a target protein level, you can work to get your carbs to match. Once you’ve done that, kick your metabolism into high gear by eating the same amount of protein, but cutting your carbs in half. Do this for one or two weeks and you’re guaranteed to lose weight and look more fit. You’ll know it’s working when you’re STARVING for more protein.
This method has worked much better for me than counting calories. It’s easy for me to look at a plate of food and know that I have equal protein to carbs, or not.
I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, so use your best judgement to decide if this method will work for you.
Let me know if you try it!
If you want specialized advice, or extra accountability, then let me help.
