Calorie-Counting Vs Macro-Counting

Does it really matter if we count calories vs specific macros? In the end it all converts to calories right? So this means all calories are created equal.. Wrong!!!

The purpose of counting macros is to ensure your body is receiving an appropriate balance of each component based on your needs. Everyone’s body responds differently to the distribution of protein, carbs and fats. Some may do better on a higher fat diet vs a higher carb diet. If one was to just look at calories alone they would have no idea what their macro consumption was. This could result in an imbalance or nutrients the body needs.

Let’s first start with the different macros and how they convert to calories:

  • Protein contains 4cal/gram so if something has 10g of protein, it contains 40 calories
  • Fats contain 9cal/gram so if you have something with 10g of fat, it contains 90 calories.
  • Carbs contain 4cal/gram so similar to protein, if it has 20g of carb, it contains 80 calories
  • DONT FORGET…….Alcohol contains 7cal/gram

As you can see every gram of protein, carbs or fat converts into a calorie. Even with macro-counting you will get an end calorie count, but that’s just the surface number. The macro numbers delve deeper and determine the body’s true needs.

Someone may consume 1550 calories primarily composed of sugars vs a balanced macro count of 1550 calories. Let’s take a look at the two diets..
[am-column-group align=”” ratio=”1-1″]
[am-column]1550 Cal-Counting Vs.
-Blindly Eating
P 77g
C 232g
120g of sugar
Fat 34g [/am-column]
[am-column]1550 Macro-Counting
– Visually Eating 😉
P 120g
C 160
40g of sugar
F 48g[/am-column]
[/am-column-group]

Which diet looks more beneficial for building muscle and decreasing fat?

The individual not tracking macros is subsequently getting the majority of their calories from sugar-based carbs and lacking enough protein or fats for muscle-building. The macro counter appears to be getting a balance of all three components, which would most likely result in better body composition and nutritional needs.

As you can see, calories add up fast, but if you do not know where they are coming from you cannot fuel your body with the essential tools to succeed. Someone eating 1550 cals with a 60% emphasis on carbohydrates derived from sugars may not get the same results as the individual who is eating a balance of macro-based whole foods with fewer sugary treats.

The individual eating larger amounts of sugar in their diet is going to have greater insulin spikes due to increased blood sugar. Any leftover sugar will be stored as fats. Not everyone can process 120g of sugar daily, which could inhibit weight loss/progress. Managing a diet with adequate macros and only 40g of sugar will most likely lead to better fat loss and muscle gain.
Macro counting on the daily is not for everyone. But I recommend tracking your food for 1 week…. That’s it 1 week. Take a look at what you typically eat and look at macros! Are you putting an emphasis on one macro over the other? Could it be the reason you can’t drop weight?! May answer your problem!!

Hope this helps! It was the quick and easy explanation Calorie-counting vs Macro-counting!

If you want to learn more about Macros let me know!

Love,

Macro Min