How Macro Calculators Help Your Weight Loss

A caloric deficit is the only way to lose weight. This can be done by consuming fewer calories than what is burned. For example, 2000 calories are burned throughout the day but only 1800 calories were consumed. This equates to a 200 calorie deficit. Eventually, the calories add up to weight loss (3500 calories = 1 lb). That’s where a macros calculator comes in. By using a macros calculator these calories can be tracked.

A Macros Calculator Keeps Tabs on Your Intake

These calculators provide a good estimate on how many calories are consumed each day in order for a caloric deficit to be obtained. Total daily average calories burned can be figured out via a BMR calculator which numerous websites now have available. A breakdown of the three macro-nutrients is another benefit to certain calculators. Certain calculators will display the fats, carbs, and protein separately. In order for the numbers to be the most accurate, one must measure or weigh the food out. Having a food scale makes the entire process much quicker and precise. For example, its easier to weigh out chicken breast than measure it.

Accountability

Another way in which these calculators aid in weight loss is they hold the dieter accountable. There is a lower likelihood of over-consuming when the food has to be input into the tracker. The feeling of guilt from eating a high-calorie food or meal is usually enough to prevent it from happening in the first place. At first, this may not seem to be very effective but after seeing the calories add up quickly it becomes difficult to continue eating the same calorie-dense foods.

They do Work!

Everyone from bodybuilders, supermodels, and bikini competitors use these calorie/macro tracking apps. Take it from the professionals, this is a proven and effective way to lose pounds. They know that it really comes down to the basics: calories in vs calories burned. Many of these pros’ success stories can be found on their fitness blogs, and using a calculator to track their macros and calories is the one thing they have in common.

The Downside

Like nearly everything, the calculator isn’t 100 percent perfect. The problem with tracking calories is the accuracy aspect. Food labels aren’t always completely honest (they aren’t by law required to be). So it’s difficult to say exactly how many calories or the exact macros that are being consumed. Like previously stated, using a food scale equates to more precise numbers. Furthermore, figuring out total daily caloric burn is something that can only be done in a lab to get an exact figure. Really it’s more about coming up with as best of a guess possible with the tools given at this point in time.

A macro calculator is an extremely beneficial tool when it comes to weight loss. It uses the proven method of calories in vs calories burned, thereby simplifying what many make a more complicated science than it needs to be. It holds the dieter accountable by forcing an input of every food and the amount of that food that is eaten. Its not even a task that needs to be long term. Once an idea of a healthy amount of food is understood and the goal weight is reached, a more intuitive approach can be considered for the most sustained success. For each individual, the timeline looks different. Some people need months to figure out ideal foods and portions while others may only need weeks. Start by downloading a calorie tracking app, the results may be shocking!