What are macros and should you track them? This guide will help you harness the power of these tools and help you learn when and how to effectively track your macros.
Hello Healthi world! Coach Stefanie here. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned user, you may have found yourself wondering: how should I track? Calories, BITES, macros? Don't worry-- Healthi offers all three. This guide will help you harness the power of these tools and help you learn when and how to effectively track your macros.The Healthi app boasts an array of fantastic features, and one standout option is the ability to activate calorie and macro tracking alongside your BITES. However, harnessing this incredible feature can sometimes raise questions about how it is utilized. Today, I'm here to address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding additional calorie and macro counting:
What are macros?
"Macros," short for macronutrients, are the essential nutrients that make up the caloric content of food. There are three primary macros: Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Fats.
I'm new to Healthi. Should I follow the BITES or the macros?
If you're just starting with the program, my recommendation is to primarily stick with the BITES. BITES offer the advantage of including multiple nutrition factors into one user-friendly number. This simplifies the process of staying within your BITES and making healthier choices.
When and why should I use calorie and macro tracking?
In short, use these features when you encounter challenges, or are wanting to track specific factors in your nutrition. One common issue arises from individuals either overeating or undereating zero BITES foods. It's crucial to recognize that zero BITE foods still contain calories and nutritional value. They are designated as zero BITE foods because they are encouraged to be used daily.
Another situation where these features come in handy is when you're consistently hungry or lacking energy. This could indicate an imbalance in your nutrient intake. Turning on macro tracking will provide valuable insights into your carb, protein, and fat intake, enabling you to optimize your nutrition.
My trainer/nutritionist/person on the internet I follow says counting macros is the way to lose weight.
They're not mistaken. Counting macros is indeed an effective method for managing your calorie intake while ensuring your body receives the right nutrients. However, it's important to recognize that there are multiple paths to the same goal. Using BITES as a simplified tracking method can make it more manageable and accessible than diving into the complexities of macro counting, especially for those just starting their journey. If you are a numbers person, then macro counting could be the right choice for you.
I eat all of my BITES but am still low on calories. What should I do?
First and foremost, ensure accurate tracking. Are you measuring and tracking all of your zero BITE foods? If you rely solely on BITES for tracking, this step isn't necessary. However, if you're considering calorie intake, precise tracking of zero BITE foods is crucial to maintain accurate numbers.
If you're correctly tracking them, consider the quantity you're consuming. Is it possible that you're not fully utilizing these zero BITE foods? In such cases, you might explore switching to a plan with fewer zero BITE foods or incorporate more of them into your daily diet.
Learning when and how to effectively track your macros can be a game changer to your journey. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Choose the method that aligns best with your goals and preferences, knowing that Healthi is here to support you every step of the way. So, embrace these features, stay mindful of your nutrition, and let Healthi be your trusted companion in reaching your health and fitness milestones.
