i stopped tracking and heres why
growing up i always had a weird relationship with food, i was apart of the clean plate club and always had comments made if i didn’t finish my food or only ate certain parts of a meal. this led to me overeating for years, to a point where I wasnt even sure when i was full or if i was even hungry in the first place.
when I reached almost 200 pounds at 5’3 i knew there was a problem, and after several failed weight loss journeys i started to take it seriously. I learned everything about calorie deficits, macros, weight training ect. I stayed as consistent as possible and within 10 months i lost nearly 60 pounds. I was very happy with my life both physically and mentally.
when the time came where i didnt want to lose any more fat, i was completely lost. I didnt even imagine myself getting to this point. and i was eating in a calorie deficit for so long that i wasnt even sure how much i should be eating. I was still into tracking my calories and macros, obsessing over them. I continuted losing weight for the next month so i decided to stop tracking macros.
over the next few months i was getting stronger, i looked stronger, gaining muscle. and this is all cause i stopped obsessing over calories and hitting certain macros. I think macro tracking is great if your relationship with food is healthy. Unfortunately mine still needs some work. I personally don’t think ill go back, eating what i want intuitively has changed my life. I’ve never felt better!
Many individuals struggle with the relationship they have with food, often finding themselves in cycles of restriction and obsession. It's essential to understand that tracking calories and macronutrients can be beneficial for some, but it can also lead to an unhealthy fixation for others. Instead, intuitive eating encourages listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues, promoting a more sustainable and enjoyable approach to food. The transition from strict tracking to intuitive eating isn't always easy, especially if you've been accustomed to measuring every bite. A gradual shift can help ease this transition; consider starting by allowing yourself to enjoy meals without tracking occasionally. This practice can help rebuild trust with your body's signals and reduce anxiety around food choices. Moreover, developing a better relationship with food not only aids in physical health but also contributes to emotional well-being. Engaging in mindful eating, where you savor each bite and acknowledge your hunger and satisfaction levels, can enhance your overall experience with food. Furthermore, focusing on nutrient-dense foods while allowing yourself the freedom to enjoy treats creates a balanced dietary pattern. In a culture that often glorifies dieting, it’s vital to recognize that wellness comes in various forms. Sharing your experiences and connecting with others who have gone through similar journeys can also reinforce positive changes. Whether you opt for tracking or intuitive eating, the most crucial factor is finding an approach that sustains your well-being, fosters joy around food, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
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