Counting Macros: Why I'm Taking the Plunge

Counting Macros? 

Some of you might be wondering what this even means. If so, check out a great article from Carrie at This Fit Chick.

Basically, it just means tracking how many of each macro nutrient (Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats) that your body requires each day in accordance to your training, gender, age and goals, and eating in order to fill those need. 



Why am I doing this?

If you read my weekly workout roundups, you know how serious I am about my training. For the most part, eating clean has made me feel and look good.

But what happens when I am tired of JUST "feeling good?" And not to mention, I don't ALWAYS feel good. I often have tummy problems, and I am not afraid to admit that I have suffered from food guilt because I over think things.

Was that too much fruit in one day? Too much honey in my oatmeal? It is ridiculous to be so worried about what I am eating when I know it is nourishing my body. I am done with this mindset! 

 
Side by side comparison... LEFT is before. RIGHT is after, about one week into counting macros. 

I have looked into Macro Counting for months now, and have seen how it has impacted peoples lives. Almost everyone who has tried it has loved it and had success...

Improved training

Better results, more muscle definition

Increased energy and better mood

No food guilt

When everything you eat fits into your needed macro nutrients for the day, there is NO NEED to feel guilty about consuming them. Also, by giving your body EXACTLY what it requires, it functions at an optimal level. 

I know what you might be thinking. Has Natalie gone insane? Is she going to join the "If It Fits Your Macros" Poptart bandwagon? 


Not quiet for me. Lol! 

Of course not. While I am humble and will admit that my mind is now more open to the idea, I still believe that whole foods is the best option for your body.

I don't want to pump by body with fake food and chemicals, and even the experts will tell you that- no duh- you will get faster results with healthy food.

What this DOES mean is that I no longer have to panic or feel bad whenever I want a healthy treat.

No longer will I have to worry if I ate too much, too little... the pressure is off!  Not to mention... hopefully I will now be able to see more definition in my muscles, and will notice an increased performance in the gym.

I recently bought an ebook by Krissy Cagney, called "Flexible Dieting", that has helped me calculate my macro needs. I also have talked to Carrie from This Fit Chick, who is SO supportive, amazing, and knowledgeable. 

With their help and support, and the support and knowledge of all my readers and fellow bloggers... I am excited to see what is to come. I will give it a few months, and if I don't see or feel a difference, I will stop. Simple!  

What is your opinion on counting macros?
Have you had success or failure with it?

Natalie 

PS: I know that everyone is different, and in no way am I advocating that counting macros is for you. I only believe that EVERYONE should nourish their bodies with wholesome foods, in the way that BEST WORKS FOR THEM. Listen to your own body! 

Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter!

Holy COW guys. Holy cow. 


Image via Google Images.

I recently tried almond butter not too long ago and FELL in love. I can get a giant tub of it at Costco, but even then it is still really expensive (some of the jars are nearly $10?! Like what?!)

So, usually I stick with peanut butter (usually cheaper!).

However, one of my New Years GOALS  is to heal my gut. I have always had a really sensitive tummy, and recently things have only gotten worse. I don't want to spoil your dinner with too many details, but let's just say I have very bloated and I feel gross and tired!

I have thought about changing what I eat for a while now, but honestly, have been scared. Because I tend to not eat much meat, I rely on getting protein from beans most of the time, or grains. But... what if those things exactly are the causes of my troubles?

I am not for sure, but I am pretty positive that the reason I feel so AWFUL is due to my consumption of legumes (I think most grains, apart from those with gluten, are okay). Recently I discussed my thoughts with Abby from Yes To Yummy, who also follows a Paleo and Gluten Free lifestyle. She supported my decision to try cutting out legumes, and to also eliminate gluten from my diet.

Sadly, I have came to realize... PEANUTS are a legume. Not to mention, after research, they have all sorts of nasty toxins that could be another reason my tummy is so messed up. So looks like no more peanut butter for this girl!

So... what is a peanut butter LOVING girl to do without her drug precious jar of golden goodness?

Well, I will tell you what I just did. And what you, too, should do, unless you want to deprive your taste buds of pure, nut buttery HEAVEN.

I made homemade nut butter! In less then 25 minutes flat!!

It also costs less than most store bought brands. 

Again, Abby inspired me. I also peaked at a nut butter recipe from Heather at Heather Eats Almond Butter. Thank you guys!!

Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter

6-8 oz mix of almonds and walnuts (I used more walnuts than almonds)
TBSP cinnamon (or to taste)
Pinch of sea salt

1) Line a baking sheet with foil and spread out your almonds and walnuts. Toss a bit of cinnamon on them, then bake them at 400 for 15 minutes. I tossed them around twice to make sure they didn't burn.

I can hardly wait for the result.

2) If you can hold back from eating the tray (because this stuff smells GOOD), take the nuts from the oven and transfer them all into a food processor.

3) Put on the lid and blend!! I have heard of this process taking up to 15 minutes, but for me, it seriously all blended smooth in 3-5 minutes.

It is going to look flaky at first. You will have to take the lid off a few times and push the grainy stuff back down to blend again.

Add in your cinnamon and salt when you feel it is almost blended!

And there you have it folks! Seriously, as easy as that. You can transfer it over to another container or just eat it all at once after you blend it. 

Just kidding. Not really. 

I don't think I have lived until I made this. Is this why all you Paleo nut butter lovers seem so happy? Hmm. Things are beginning to make sense...

I will keep you updated on how my new approach to food choices goes. Until then, stay tuned and eat almond butter! <3

Do you have experience with healing you gut? 
Have you had success cutting out legumes/gluten from your diet?
What is your favorite kind of nut butter?

Natalie 

Why The 80-20 Rule Just Doesnt Cut It

Please, before assuming that I'm a paranoid, extreme dieter hellbent on never eating dessert, just hear me out.
I know that for many, the rule of eating 'healthy' 80% of the time and letting the other 20% go to less than superior food choices works great. But for me, I find that this is not the right path to take. I admit that this may be due to the fact I can be an extremist at times, however I honestly think that I have legitimate reasoning behind my thought process here.

Source www.thenutritionvault.com 

Why the 80-20 Rule Just Doesn't Cut It:

-Your Body Doesn't Recognize When It Is Receiving A 'Cheat' Food. Sure, in your mind you realize that you only are going to eat your favorite double chocolate chunk ice cream once a week. But does your BODY? No. Just because you can justify the reasoning in your mind, doesn't mean that automatically your metabolism then thinks "Okay, let's just let this gunk of processed chemicals pass through this body like anything else. I mean, its only this once." Your body is constantly using the food you put into it as fuel. With those valuable calories and nutrients, it repairs your muscles, builds your bones, makes your hair shiny. When its fed whole foods free of processes or otherwise unhealthy elements, all the vitamins, minerals, ext can easily be absorbed and utilized. When its given something not quite up to par, it is not like it can simply store this treat somewhere and not use it because its not the best choice of nutrients. (Actually, it may store it... In the form of pesky love handles). No, it is still going to digest the matter and use its properties throughout your system. How can it do anything favorable, make anything look and feel beautiful, when its given something with no nutritional value?
-The 20% Might Start Looking Like 50%. First off, I should say that this isn't always true for some. Some people REALLY do have total control and can limit their "treats" or "cheats" to only 20%. However, I think it is fair to say that for the majority, this is honestly a very hard task. Even without realizing it, we can start to justify getting these 'occasional' treats with the 80/20 rule, and before we know it, our small, special meals start to occur every day. This ultimately leads to a diet consisting of lots of "bad" foods!

-You Shouldn't Categorize Foods To Begin With. When you begin to put certain foods into groups such as "good" and "bad', you are only setting yourself up for disaster. People want what they can't have, and the thought that a food is off limits will only make you crave it more. Plus, this sort of thinking can lead to unhealthy, distorted eating habits and patterns. Instead of grouping foods off into what is a treat and what is not, I feel it is best to know what is NUTRITIOUS for our bodies, and view foods with the mind set of "What can this do to benefit my body?" instead of "So is this going to make me fat or not?". By doing this, you realize that the foods you think of as treats really have little nutritional value, and do not do your body any favors at all (see the first reason I just discussed). I feel that this is a humbling approach, because in order for us to see food as something more than just what tastes good and what doesn't is eye opening and allows us to think of what we put into our systems as fuel rather than taste bud pleasers. 

-Why Have These "Cheats" or "Treats" When You Can Make Them At Home, and Healthy? I frequently enjoy things that may seem like a dessert, or fattening food. However, I make HEALTHY versions of my old classics (home made ice cream, pies, 'fried' chicken), cooking them in a way that gives nutritious value to them so that I in no way feel guilty, or obligated to tell myself that was a "treat"! There are SO many recipes out there for healthy versions of your favorite things. Check out blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest (my favorite!) and there is no way to not find something scrumptious that makes your tummy AND body happy! Plus, making things yourself is not only fun, but saves money! 

What are your thoughts on the 80/20 rule? 

How to you approach the topic of "cheat" or "treat" meals? 

I would love you hear your thoughts and ideas, so feel free to comment and message me!

Natalie