Counting macros. Who does it? Who is against it? Who has no idea what that is?
I have officially gone crazy and am on my first week of counting macros. Macros including how many grams of proteins, carbs, and fats my meals consist of. Wow, this is harder than I thought, requires a lot of brain power and prep time! I just purchased my first food scale and have officially gone off the deep end. 😉 Just kidding, but seriously wondering if any of you count protein, carbs, fats etc? It is not an easy task, but so far so good. This is my first week testing the waters, and I’m not 100% sure I’m doing it right, but I’m sure it will get easier with time. Hopefully in no time, I can just know exactly what to eat and when without having to think about it.
I’m not competing, nor am I obsessing, I’ve just been very curious and want to see how my body reacts. I love the whole learning process of it all, and actually paying detailed attention to what I eat. The prep time is more tedious, but if we want the body of our dreams, we have to work for it! Not only am I wanting to see what physical changes I see, but also how this affects my training runs for the marathon. Food is power, and so far I feel like it may be the key to getting me through grueling 15/20 mile runs. I’m in the muscle growing stages, and to gain muscle I eat, eat, eat. (Turns out this isnt so bad after all) 😉
I’ve been following a truly inspiring instagram account called “Passion2befit”. Ashley (passion2befit) and I have been emailing back and forth and I’ve grown to get to know her through social media. She is an amazing athlete who shares her bodybuilding life through pictures and sets out to help as many people as possible. (I am very excited to have her featured on the blog soon!) Ashley created a meal plan for me, taking in about 1900 calories/day. Here are some pictures that capture my meals (a few snacks not pictured):
(4 eggs white with spinach; oatmeal with cinnamon; non fat greek yogurt; chicken, broccoli and quinoa; stuffed pepper from Trader Joes with salad; rice cake with cake batter protein powder and blueberries)
I’m sure some of you are thinking, why the heck is she doing that? My intention is to take a peek into a life of a competitor/athlete and learn how to nourish my body, get to know my needs and watch the positive changes that may occur. This is all a learning process for me and so far, I’m loving the journey! Really excited to update you guys on my progress.
Don’t forget to enter the Michelle Bridges program giveaway. (She doesn’t count macros, but gets you on track with a delicious meal plan!)
Julie VerHage says
1900 seems so low for running and working out so much!
Jenna Pardini says
Seems like it, but its actually a whole lot of food considering all the proteins etc! 🙂
PNWRunner says
Wow! That plan sounds like it takes a great deal of commitment! I’ve never thought about counting my macros. I’m sure I’ll be changing that soon once marathon training begins!
Jenny sanders says
How did you mix the protein powder with the rice cake? I love that idea:)
Jenna Pardini says
If you mix protein powder with water it turns into a gooey buttery texture, so I just mixed with a little water and spread on top of a rice cake. 🙂
mackenzie8907 says
YES to counting macros and weighing food. I’ve been doing both consistently for about 6 months to keep on track, and I’m down 50 pounds since July 2013. If you combine counting macros with eating whole, “clean” foods, your body will reap SO many benefits. Plus, if you’re exercising regularly, your stamina will definitely improve. I’m not a competitor, but I think counting macros is way more beneficial than counting calories. Props to you for trying it out. 🙂
And PS: it totally gets easier the longer you do it. I cook for my boyfriend and myself, and I hardly have to think about what I cook for us anymore — we almost always get
within 3-5% of our macro goals. It turns into a second-nature thing after a few weeks.
Jenna Pardini says
Wow, down 50 pounds? Congrats! It has been getting easier you are right. It seems like I can just eye it sometimes now. Glad we are in the same boat.
Candice says
With 1900 calories what’s the protein /fat/crab percentages? I weigh 110 I’m wanting to gain lean muscles!