copied from someone else, good knowledge though. 1g carbohydrate = 4 calories 1g protein = 4 calories 1g fat = 9 calories If you track macros (macronutrients), then you essentially count calories... but if you count calories, you dont necessarily track macros. The idea of tracking macros came from people looking to lose weight/improve body composition. It is not necessarily for other health purposes, but absolutely still can be. IIFYM (if it fits your macros) and flexible dieting. IIFYM has developed a negative stigma stemming from its name, which could be interpreted as anything goes. Flexible dieting portrays a slightly less theatrical idea, yet still allowing some wiggle room in diet/nutrition. The total number of calories you consume IS important... but the breakdown of where those calories are coming from (fat/carb/protein) is just as important. Hence the reason, someone who ONLY counts calories, but has no idea what their macros are, may indeed still lose body weight, but wont likely see the improvement in body composition that they could be getting by properly balancing macros. Meal plans vs. Macros: Meal plans can be great for someone who is busy, doesnt want to have to think about what to eat next, and who doesnt mind eating pretty close to the same things for a week or so at a time. However, when abused (dubbed the cookie-cutter diet) and expected to be followed exactly for months or more at a time, can cause adverse effects. Generally, these types of plans are associated with consisting primarily of white fish/chicken, green vegetables, no carbs, little to no fat, etc...this is definitely not always the case but continues to carry the negative stigma nonetheless... tracking macros means having a set number of fats/carbs/proteins for each day, and you plug in the foods you have available and/or feel like having at the time. This can be great for someone who has a solid understanding of macros and what food sources to get each from, but can also be confusing and sometimes overwhelming for others. For those just starting out, I might recommend a meal plan to get them started to take out the guesswork and so they have a visual, but still allows them to make food exchanges fairly easily. However, you should eventually take off the training wheels and give counting your own macros a shot. It can be downright liberating, as well as giving you the opportunity to eat exactly what you want, when you want (within your macros of course).
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 20:38:43 +0000
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