Why You Should Stop Counting Your Macros To Lose Weight

You've probably heard of the popular diet trend known as "counting macros." And while it may seem like a simple way to lose weight, there are actually a few problems with this approach. For starters, it can be difficult to accurately count macros. Even if you're using a food scale and keeping track of everything you eat, it's easy to miss a few calories here and there. This can lead to either weight gain or difficulty losing weight (via Lily Nichols, RDN).

Another issue with counting macros is that it doesn't take into account the quality of the food you're eating. So, you could be eating all the right macronutrients (protein, fat, carbs), but if those foods are processed and high in sugar, you're not going to lose weight or be healthy. Finally, counting macros can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food (via Eleat Nutrition). If you're constantly obsessing over numbers and calculating everything you eat, it's easy to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. This can lead to disordered eating behaviors and even eating disorders.

There are plenty of healthy ways you can embark on a weight loss journey without complicated methods like counting macros. Try cutting out processed foods and eating more whole foods. This will help you reduce your calorie intake and eat more nutrient-dense foods, which will help your body feel more satisfied after meals (via WebMD). You should also drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks when possible. Water can help fill you up and prevent you from overeating, while sugary drinks can sabotage your weight loss efforts when consumed in excess.

Find a way of exercise that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Exercise not only helps with weight loss, but it also has countless other benefits for your health. Finally, avoid dieting fads and embrace long-term lifestyle changes. Diets are often unrealistic and unsustainable, which is why they usually don't lead to lasting weight loss. Instead, focus on making small changes that you can stick with for the long haul.