So... What Are Macros?

Hey there! If you’re reading this, you're reading my first ever blog post on Moms on Macros! Thank you so much for being here and reading. I hope the info I’m going to spill on to these posts help you as much as they’ve helped me in the last few years. Also - not just for moms! Most of my friends just relate to that more.

6 Months Post-Partum via Counting Macros!

I’ll touch on many things on this blog:

Weight Lifting

What Mom Bod?

Macro-Friendly Recipes

The 80/20 Rule

Why I Drink Beer

Macro Meal Prepping

Diastasis Recti

Eating Disorders

Psychological Disorders

My Why

Why I Won’t Go Keto

...and more!

For today, we’re sticking with the basics. In the beginning of 2018, I learned about the concept of macro-counting. I was plateau-ing (not losing weight/toning up even though I was working out religiously). I found macros and thought it would just be another fad diet to follow and drop some quick pounds. Little did I know, it would change my eating habits and relationship with food for good.

The three MACROnutrients are fat, carbs and protein. These are what our bodies require the most of in our diets. By determining how many macros your body needs every day to either maintain, lose, or gain, you can achieve your goals. I promise! Go here to read more about the scientific stuff behind this; I’m not a scientist and I won’t pretend to be.

Fat = 9 calories/gram

Protein = 4 calories/gram

Carbohydrates = 4 calories/gram

Fat is needed. It helps you burn fat. (Weird, huh?) Protein is essential. It fuels your muscles and helps them grow. Carbs are SO important. I eat so many. They are what we need for energy. The more energy you use every day = the more carbs you will need! If you’re working out, you get to eat more carbs. It’s wonderful, and that fact alone gets me out of bed and my ass to the gym a lot of mornings.

Getting to the point: calculate your ideal macros that you should be eating every day. There are two calculators I really like, the IIFYM calculator and the Healthy Eater calculator. Both will ask you personal questions to calculate your macros.

Let’s stop there for now - that's enough to overwhelm you for a few. Calculate your macros, comment them on the post below, and I'll choose a few to do a daily "meal plan" for with recommendations!

Any questions? Feel free to comment those, too!