Should I track Macros??

Should I track my macros all year round?

'Should I track my macros all year round?'.  This is a common request of many people just starting out in the gym as they believe tracking macros is a must. They see fitness models, top athletes advocating it on their social media pages from all their peeped meals prepared for them by companies and believe they should therefore do the same. Any yes this is great for those of you who have this money at disposal but, many of us don't and therefore cook there own meals and therefore track their macros. He are my thoughts on it

1) If you're looking to compete in a show you must track your macros in order to cut your body fat in order to look more atheistically pleasing when on stage. It's therefore a must to track your calories and furthermore the protein, carbs and fats you're eating within that. Protein needs to remain high in order to promote muscle recovery, whilst you may drops carbs as you no longer need such a high energy intake as you're trying to use body fat as energy. Marcos tracking is then essential to monitor exactly the quantity of these to meet your individual needs.

2) Tracking macros when I'm just starting out. I think this is something you must do when you're beginning in the fitness world. You're knowledge at this time is very limited and you don't yet understand what your body needs in order to promote growth. You can follow a plan of a celebrity trainer or your best mates and everyone's body reacts differently. Tracking your macros will allow you to see changes within yourself, what percentage of each macros work best for you in order to reach a goal. Always keep the protein content high but carbs and fats can change as you will react slightly different to them. 

3) 'Should I track macros in my off season'. If your understanding of nutrition is good and know how your body reacts to certain foods and quantity then tracking macros isn't too essential. Your goal at this point is to put mass on, growing stronger and no doubt larger so your food intake is going to be higher. Furthermore if you look at your plate and see 40% carbs, 40% protein with the remainder as fat then your on the right track. 5-6 meals a day looking like this and your no doubt reaching the macros you should be meeting anyway. 

Lastly don't let it rule your life. The gym and fitness in general isn't your life, there are so many other things that are more important. So occasionally don't weigh out your food, go out for something to eat, have a huge cheat meal. Live a little. Many people in the industry get so stressed about every fine detail, yes if your a world famous fitness model or you're just about to debut at your first show but if your just doing it for a hobby don't get so worked up about it. Stress will cause you to be less focused on the task, become less efficient, demotivation and you won't be reaching your goals. Enjoy fitness for what it is, fun!!!