Changing your body composition is a journey—and it can get tricky. Every body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Along the way, one question often pops up: should you count calories or macros?
The answer might be simpler than you think! Let’s break down the difference between counting calories and counting macros, and why the latter could be your secret weapon for achieving your fitness goals.
Calories: The Basics
A calorie is simply a unit of measurement for energy. Everything you eat contains calories, whether it’s a burger or a piece of celery. Your body uses calories for energy, and how many you need depends on factors like your age, weight, activity level, and overall health.
But here’s the thing—counting calories alone isn’t enough. You need to focus on the quality of those calories.
Macronutrients (Macros)
There are three main macronutrients—carbs, protein, and fat—and each plays a vital role in how your body functions and how you reach your goals.
Carbs
Carbs are your body’s preferred source of energy. They’re broken down into glucose (blood sugar) to fuel your workouts, brain, and more. But too many carbs, and your body may store the excess as fat. Balancing your carb intake is key to making sure you’re fueling your body the right way.
Protein
Protein is the building block of muscle. It’s essential for repairing tissue, building muscle mass, and overall body function. Unlike carbs, your body can’t store protein for later, which is why it’s so important to get enough every day. You’ll need protein to recover from workouts, maintain muscle, and stay strong.
Fat
Fat is not the villain it’s often made out to be. It’s used by the body for energy, hormonal regulation, and cell structure. Healthy fats help you feel full longer and can even assist in fat loss by keeping your metabolism functioning well. But remember, fat is the most calorie-dense macro, so balance is important.
Calories vs. Macros: What Should You Focus On?
While counting calories can help with weight loss or muscle gain, it’s not the full picture. Macros provide a more comprehensive way to track how your body is being fueled. Counting macros helps ensure that you’re not only eating enough to meet your energy needs, but also getting the right balance of nutrients to support muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery.
For example, if you’re counting calories but eating mostly carbs, you might lose weight—but you may also lose muscle. To maintain muscle and burn fat effectively, you need to balance protein, carbs, and fat.
The Bottom Line: Why You Need to Count Macros
If your goal is to build muscle, lose fat, or improve performance, counting macros is the way to go. By focusing on carbs, protein, and fat, you give your body the tools it needs to work efficiently and effectively.
Not sure how to get started? The Eclipse Macrostax App is here to help. With personalized macro recommendations and an easy-to-use tracking system, it takes the guesswork out of meal planning and tracking.
Ready to Take Control of Your Nutrition?
The Eclipse Macrostax App is your personal nutrition coach, guiding you through every meal and helping you hit your macros with precision. It’s only $19.99 a month, and you can start today!
👉 Sign up for the Eclipse Macrostax App now!
Need Help?
Have questions about macros or nutrition? Our team at CrossFit Eclipse is here to support you! Reach out anytime, and let’s make sure you’re getting the most out of your fitness journey.
Start counting macros, not just calories—unlock your best body with the Eclipse Macrostax App!