If It Fits My Macros

As I had mentioned in my previous post I have started exploring the world of “if it fits my macos”  I kind of hit a roadblock in my “dieting.”  I found that I lost quite a bit of weight when I did the sugar detox, but that was not sustainable.  I cannot live my life by the rules of the 21 Day Sugar Detox. (Although I do find it great for a jump start and just to get you heading in the right direction).  It’s too restrictive for a long term approach to eating. 

So I was stuck.  I was working out and I was stuck with no movement on the scale other than up.  I had a co-worker who had mentioned macros to me a few times.  It seemed like way too much work.  Measuring you food, making sure you have the right balance, analyzing everything you eat.  Way more work than just simply eating clean or eating paleo.

Then it him me like a hammer on the head.  If I want the results I have never had, I need to be willing to do things I have never done.  If I am serious about wanting to lose the weight, I need to be serious about making a plan. So I started reading about “flexible dieting,” and here I am.  Beginning to count my macros. Beginning to measure my food.  Beginning to 

analyze everything I eat.

How did I get started?

• I started to read the website http://www.iifym.com/
• I used the macros calculator to figure out my idea macros http://www.iifym.com/iifym-calculator/
• I changed the settings on myfitnesspal to reflect my goals
• I started inputting all my food
• I bought a food scale
• I just jumped right in!

What Have I learned So Far?

• I do not eat enough protein.  On average, I am short about 27 grams of protein per day.  About the average scoop of protein powder.  As a result I have added a protein powder to my daily routine.  I have also reintroduced cottage cheese, and gluten free oatmeal to my diet.
• It’s working.  I have been playing around with it for a few weeks now, and I can already see positive changes. My tummy is flattening out.  I have not looked super bloated in some time.  I am starting to see a negative decline on the scale again.  –obviously after a treat weekend (where I count nothing) I bounce back up, but even the up is a lower point for me.
• It doesn’t need to be tons of extra work to measure your food – I cook in bulk, I measure in bulk.  As I am chopping and prepping my food I measure it.
• You really need to be thoughtful about the planning piece.  It is very easy to go over your fat goals for the day if you are not always thinking ahead.
• You can make allowances.  If you go over on something today, you make the adjustments for it tomorrow.  If you go over on carbs, cut back on fat and vice versa.
• You can actually eat what you want, as long as you fit it into your macros.  I am still trying to eat Paleo, that is a lifestyle choice for me.

It's not for everyone, but right now I think it is a good fit for me.  It is bringing a huge awareness to me about what I am eating.  I can see where I have been going wrong, and I know what I need to do to fix it.  I am on it!

I'll update again soon!

JoJo

#jojos2016journey