Ever since I’ve been working in the fitness industry the same topic keeps popping up and some will have different opinions on it to others but both have their points…..I’m taking about either calorie counting or macro tracking!!
So what is what??
Calorie Counting is when your simply count the calories you consume on a daily basis with a calorie counting app or old school and write it all down ( boring! )
Whatever your goal might be the outcome is the same – you just take a different approach to it….let me explain! If you’re planning to lose weight you will hear a lot about being in a calorie deficit ( meaning you burn more calories than you consume ) which of course is correct so you would need to start counting your calories to make sure this is achievable and the best way of doing this is with http://www.myfitnesspal.com this is what I use on a daily basis and it’s what I make my clients use.
If your goal is weight gain then you simply turn it around and go into a calorie surplus ( meaning you eat more calories than you burn ) and for maintenance you need the balance between the two….But how do you know if your still getting the right balance between your Protein, Carbs & Fats?
Macro Tracking…This is when you track your macro-nutrients ( Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats )
This is where my opinion changes!
You can still be in a calorie deficit but still not be getting the right amount of macro’s based on your lifestyle and training which isn’t good enough especially when it comes to muscle repair, muscle growth and fuelling our bodies. So the pictures above is an average days eating for me but notice my macros and my calories….So I’ve set my macros at 278g carbs – 237g protein -106g fat and it’s pretty much spot on. My calories has been set to 3014 ( this is for weight loss ) and yet I’ve not even hit it…( if this is confusing then feel free to message me for further info )
All foods have calories and macro-nutrients in them but knowing if your getting the right amount is another thing. I always spend time with my clients making sure they understand the importance of their own macro-nutrient intake rather than getting to just count calories and i also make sure they keep a food dairy so i can track what they are eating and advise then if their going wrong and where
With all this said and done this is just my opinion, there is no right or wrong as both go hand in hand. You obviously need to find which is easier for you to understand and maintain to help you reach and achieve your goal and that should always be a better version of yourself, a health fitter version .
Again if you have any questions or need help with anything then please feel free to reach out and drop me a message…..Together We’er Stronger, Together We’ll Succeed!!
Robhamill 