WEEK 2: DAY 3 · WEDNESDAY

Why We Track Macros Instead of Calories!

REGULAR MACRO DAY 

Weekly Affirmation: “I believe in the power of mindset. I am committed to transforming my mind and thoughts as I walk this journey. I choose to change my thoughts around what healthy looks like. I choose to take care of my body and mind.”

Happy Wednesday, friends! 🚀 Who is ready to eat some healthy carbs today after two low carb days? I am right there with you. You’re getting the best of both worlds when you intentionally carb cycle. Today we are going to talk more about why we track macros instead of counting calories. 

 

In case you haven’t heard, all calories are not created equal! That’s right! Think about it this way - a 100 calorie bag of potato chips does not offer the same nutritional value as a 100 calorie baked potato. Some foods have no nutritional value whatsoever (they’re simply empty calories). These types of processed, refined foods are not fueling your body. They leave you hungry shortly after consuming them and they are damaging your body. Food either causes disease in the body OR it heals the body. We want foods that heal our bodies! ✨

 

You do not have to excessively deplete calories in order to burn fat and build lean tissue. Quite the opposite, actually! Anyone can lose "weight" with extreme dieting and extreme calorie restriction. What most people do not realize is that if the scale goes down with extreme dieting, much of it is water weight and muscle loss - NOT fat loss. We want to utilize strategies that will burn unwanted fat. 🔥 Fueling your body with a balanced diet of macronutrients (carbs, fats and protein) will help you become a pro-fat burner. While excessive calorie restriction may offer short-term results, it isn’t sustainable long-term. That’s why you’re constantly on the weight loss roller coaster. Long-term calorie restriction results in loss of muscle mass, decreased energy, fatigue, lack of nutrients to support body functions and more. 

 

TODAY’S ACTION ITEMS:

  • I told you from the beginning that accountability and engagement would contribute to your success! Let's take today to recognize someone in this group who has been an encouragement to you based on their participation and enthusiasm!  Give them a shout-out! 🗣 Are you brave enough to give them a shout-out on social media? We all need a cheerleader!

  • Post screenshot of your regular macro day today. Nutrition Tab > Macro Goals (More >). Let’s see your healthy carbs!

  • Are you repeating your Weekly Affirmation often? Do you feel your mindset changing?

 

BONUS ACTION ITEMS:

  • Go to https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/blog/2016/12/19/why-i-count-macros-instead-of-calories and read the blog "Why I Count Macros Instead of Calories."

  • Fuel your day with all the healthy carbs today. Remember everything you've learned so far about the importance of consuming healthy carbs in our diets. Fueling our bodies with healthy carbs will keep our hormones happy and it will provide our body with the energy it needs to power through today's strength training workout! 💪

 

While we believe that a low carb diet has its place within the journey, we also know that carbs are vital for our bodies to function at their very best. Think about it this way - fruits and vegetables (healthy carbohydrates) were given to us by nature. They were given to us for a reason, friends! They are nature's way of offering us the best, most nutritious foods available!

 

Our overall calorie needs don’t change day-to-day, but the way we consume those calories will vary throughout the week. On low carb days, we are focused on healthy fats. On regular macro days we are focused mostly on unrefined, nutrient-dense carbs. Understanding this concept is important for your long-term success. When you understand WHY you’re eating a certain way, it becomes more natural and sustainable, which is ultimately our goal - to set lifelong habits that promote optimal health and wellness. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, FRIENDS and I am giving you all the knowledge!

 

Check out the carb cheat sheet below! These are carbs that are good any time. They’re full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Healthy whole food carb sources help keep your blood sugar stable and also keep you fuller longer. On the flip side, also check out the list of what we call “sometimes” carbs. Foods on this list are usually processed, refined and offer minimal nutritional value. Typically, our sugar will spike after consuming these foods and we also feel hungry quickly after eating them. We don’t believe in deprivation so if you want to enjoy foods from the “sometimes” list, please do so in moderation (or on treat days)! 

 

XOXO!