'If it fits your macros' (IIFYM) has become a common phrase among cross-fitters, bodybuilders and some people on a weight loss journey. But is counting macros helpful for plant-based eaters? Like most things in the nutrition world, the answer is...it depends. Before delving into the pros and cons of macro counting, lets talk a little about the term macros.
Macros is short for macronutrients, otherwise known as large nutrients. There are four macronutrients--carbohydrates, protein, fat, and alcohol-- and their main purpose is to provide energy to the body. Carbohydrates and protein contain 4 calories per gram, fat has 9 calories per gram and alcohol has 7 calories per gram. Generally, the recommendation is to eat 45-60% of calories from carbs, 15-25% of calories from protein, and 20-30% of calories from fat.
Those who track macros use their body weight and nutrition goals (to lose weight, gain muscle, etc.) to come up with an ideal daily macro ratio. A person who hopes to build muscle mass may choose to eat a higher percentage of protein than an endurance athlete, who focuses on carbs. A macro tracking diet usually starts with a certain number of carbs or protein and then determines the remaining macros from there. Before jumping feet first into tracking macros, consider the pros and cons.
There are benefits to macro counting, such as:
While some may find macro counting beneficial, here are some downsides to tracking everything you eat.
Obviously, there are pros and cons to macro tracking. It may be a useful tool for very dedicated people who wants to get a handle on the number of carbs, protein, and fat they eat every day. That said, tracking everything you eat is not sustainable for years on end. Also, without the help of a nutrition professional, you may choose a macro range that isnt ideal for you. If you want to track your macros, seek out the advice of a Registered Dietitian to do it safely and efficiently.
So often people focus on macronutrients and overlook micronutrients. Otherwise known as the small nutrients, micronutrients consist of over 30 essential vitamins and minerals. There are many more micronutrients than macronutrients, and they all have varying levels of recommended intake.
Some micros, like Vitamin C and Vitamin A, are easy to get in large quantities, while others, like Vitamin D and Zinc, arent in as many foods. The best way to ensure youre getting plenty of micronutrients on a daily basis is to eat a varied and well-balanced diet with plenty of colors. Because some nutrients are more prevalent in animal products, vegans sometimes miss out on Iron, Calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. If youre concerned about your micronutrient intake, ask your doctor to do a simple blood draw to see if youre deficient.
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Ask the Expert: Should I Be Counting Macros on My Plant-Based Diet? - The Beet
