Like everything in the extremes-obsessed world we live in, the nutrition arena is full of contradictions.  Some nutritionists swear by macro-tracking (macros – short for macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats).  Others suggest that any tracking or even paying attention to numbers at all should be completely avoided. Of course, the ‘best’ methodology for YOU (and for any individual) lies somewhere in the middle. 

At BUILD Nutrition, in combination with a very broad holistic approach that varies for each client I work with, I also believe in tapping into the power the science and the numbers – that is, macros.

 

So… why use macros?

1) The first and most obvious reason –

It’s a universally understood and utilized measure of nutrition. You need only look at any food label around the world to see that calories and macronutrients are the universally understood constituents of all foods.

It’s non-sensical to suggest that having a basic understanding of macros would not be supportive to your weight loss or health goals.

 

2) The evidence supporting macro tracking as an effective temporary tool for improving nutritional and diet outcomes is robust and widespread. Studies show that it promotes better weight management and improved dietary adherence, particularly in individuals pursuing specific goals such as fat loss or muscle gain.

Plain and simple, understanding & monitoring macros leads to improved diet outcomes.

 

3) Lastly, macros are based on substantial metabolic research and developed by nutrition and physiology experts.

Macros are grounded in decades of metabolic and nutritional research that examines how the body utilizes these nutrients for energy, growth, and repair. Developed by nutrition and physiology experts, macronutrient ratios are tailored to individual needs, supported by studies showing their role in optimizing metabolism, regulating hormones, and improving body composition.

 

 

Here’s what else you should know about using macro-based nutrition

(and how we approach it at BUILD):

 

1) The OBJECTIVE of macro tracking or macro-based nutrition should be EDUCATIONAL, to inform your nutrition choices.

Just as learning how to skate is a necessary skill to learn if your goal is to play hockey – or just as following a budget for a little while is a good strategy if improving your finances is your goal. 

Understanding macros helps you make informed dietary choices, and the fastest and most effective path to understanding macros is to track them for a little while.

 

 

2) Macro tracking should be used as a TEMPORARY strategy to check in on yourself, and help nourish and restore balance to a body that has stopped listening to or recognizing its nutritional needs.

The goal in my work is to NEVER have a client macro-tracking for the rest of their lives.  And the reality is – they never have to because the strong foundation of knowledge and awareness they develop during the time period in which they are macro-tracking is precisely what sets them up for success for long after.  That knowledge then informs their nutrition forever more. It’s a big WIN-WIN!

 

3) You should also know that a calculated set of macros is NOT an exact prescription.

The calculations are accurate within a margin of error for most people, but individual factors like hormonal imbalances, muscle mass, and activity type can create variability, making them a strong starting point. However, variations from day to day are to be expected and adjusted for. 

 

A RECAP:

Understanding a little about what your body needs and why it needs it is paramount to your ‘diet’ success, and therefore to your health and wellbeing. Macros are a key component of this. The ‘math’ of macros is based on decades of substantial metabolic research and developed by nutrition and physiology experts across the board. To disregard the concept of macros and of temporarily tracking your nutrition in some way is absurd. Just as a complete disregard for a budget would likely not support your financial goals, not having a basic foundational understanding of what the macros are and approximately how much your body needs is sure to impact your overall nutrition goals. Period.