I like to track my macros (carbohydrates, protein, and fats in my foods) using an app. Many people will track calories, but not macros. Tracking macros is a record of the food eaten as well as the quantity which then gives a picture of the amount of carbs, fats and proteins -the macro nutrients- consumed. This tracking is both informing and empowering to do because it shows where investing via food is balanced or not. The daily recommended breaking down according to the Food and Drug Administration suggests we consume 40% of our calories from carbs, 30% from protein and 30% from fats. Tracking offers a visual picture of the amount of carbs, proteins and fats we are eating to see how close to the FDA’s recommendation we are. Tracking is a method to manage this balance. If we track and discover we are eating 50% carbs, 20% protein, and 30% fats, we can now see that we are not hitting the standard set by the FDA. We can also see why or how we are off based on what we did eat, then make better choices for the next day to hit that more balanced profile, an education on portions as well.

If I want to make changes to body composition and over all health, tracking is a great place to start. If we can measure it, we can manage it.

In other words if we want a different result, we need to do something different by making a shift in macros, using the above example, by investing more in protein intake while reducing carb intake.

This is an informed decision based on the metrics. No guessing.

I know when I mention food tracking to my clients there is eye rolling, groaning, and resistance. But if I use the metaphor of buying a house it can soften the resistance.

If you want to buy a house you would not go to the realtor and buy any house that appeals to you. The realtor would want to know your financial budget, and you want to know your budget to help accurately determine what you can afford. From this you would need to know where you are currently investing/spending your money. Then you create a budget by tracking all your income and spending. Through tracking you may then discover you are spending money on things that are not important to you like the $20 spent daily on the Oat milk double espresso extra sugar Frappuccino. Or you learn you are spending money on a streaming service you are not using. Aha! You could take that money and drop it into the house finance part of your budget. It won’t buy the house, but it certainly helps you get closer to affording the house you really want. Creating the house budget allows you to make informed decisions on where you want to invest to ultimately get the thing you really want. You don’t hope you can afford a house, or guess you can afford a house. Based on this information gained from tracking, you can make a small shift. You have a choice. You make an informed shift.

If we want something different, we need to take action to get something different.

Here’s a challenge for you dear reader, track your food for one week. Really commit, go all in. Learn. Are you in that 40-30-30 ratio? Are you feeling your best? If not, can you see where to start to make a shift?

Macro-nomics: Track Your Food Like You Track Your Finances

A Sturdy House or a Pretty House?