Counting Macros - An Update
As we all ease into 2018, I thought I'd spend some time reflecting on the biggest change I made in 2017 - changing my eating habits by counting macros. I touched a bit on the topic in this post, but it's been about 8 months since I've made the change and a lot can happen in that period of time.
As I mentioned in the first post, I use the MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone. This was the very first fitness app that I used consistently and didn't find frustrating. After a few questions about my weight, weight goals, eating habits, and work out schedule the app calculated the macros that I should be eating each day. (Macros, or macronutrients, include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.) I then entered my meals into the app and it calculated the calories and macros I had eaten and what I had left to use. The best part of the MyFitnessPal app is that it not only has thousands of brands and restaurants entered into it already, but it stores all of the food you've already entered to ensure that it's simple and quick whenever you need to enter something.Using the MyFitnessPal app was a game changer for me. It gave me so much insight into what I was putting into my body and what I was expending through exercise. I was shocked to find out that I was eating nearly 700 calories more than I should - and often was still left hungry! Through the app and watching my food intake, I not only lost 10 pounds, but was able to keep it up.So what's changed since the last post?
I Don't Feel Hungry Anymore
Yep, I was overeating by nearly 700 calories but I would often gorge on cookies or some other carbs before bedtime because I was still hungry! No, I wasn't gaining weight, but I wasn't losing any - and more importantly, I felt like crap! Almost as soon as I started eating the correct amount of macros my stomach was grumbling less and I had fewer cravings. I never felt like I was under eating and this realization alone helped me mentally get past the cravings I did have. I eat when I am hungry, of course, but after a meal, I feel full and that's huge!I've also discovered that just because I count macros doesn't mean I can eat what I want. It just means I have to be strategic about it! HA! I've found some great new treats through this community (I love Complete Cookies - they are chocolate chip cookies that are packed with protein and don't leave you with a sugar high. We also live on ONE Protein Bars and Think Thin Protein Bars! They are both soooo good!)
I Have More Energy And I Sleep Great!
Not only do I have more energy, but I actually want to workout! Before, when I was eating like crap, I hated running. I often wondered what happened to that athlete that I used to be. Well turns out she was just eating crap! Another part of having more energy is because I'm sleeping better. It no longer takes me an hour to fall asleep and when I wake up in the morning I don't feel groggy and bloated from sugar.
I Feel AWFUL When I Eat Something Bad
David and I were warned about this but didn't take it seriously until we had a cheat meal comprised of chicken fingers and french fries. We felt the effects almost immediately. I couldn't eat dinner that evening, my stomach was so messed up and the feeling lingered for a day or two. I had never wanted vegetables more! I also feel it after eating something sugary for dessert and then going to bed. I wake up with a slight headache and I feel a little irritable all day. It's crazy the effects of just a little sugar after not having much for a long time.
Meal Planning Is The Best
I could never get behind meal prep before counting macros, but when you start eating this way, it's impossible not to. Nowadays, David and I buy a family pack of chicken and put it in the crockpot on Sunday. We then have meals for the entire week. Some of our favorites include:
- Taco bowls
- BBQ Chicken
- Chicken Salad
Not only does this make our mornings simpler, but our bank account loves it because we aren't eating out at lunch every day and we actually save money on groceries as well. Sure, we eat a lot of the same food, but not only is that easier to keep track of, but we know the calorie count which makes it easier to make decisions for other meals. Plus, we aren't exactly fans of cooking so it takes the stress of the question "what's for dinner?"Writing this post was such a great reminder for me! The holiday season was tough and it was hard to stay on track, but getting back into a routine has it's upside and getting back on track with this is so beneficial for my health!