Macros! The tool you need to reach your gym goals. Photo courtesy of sophomore Calvin Trapp.
Between weight training classes, sports, and students that go to the gym in their free time San Luis Obispo High School is filled with students concerned about their health and what they can do to achieve their dream physique. At the end of the day is counting calories and macros worth it? A lot of SLOHS gym rats would argue that it is.
“I count all my macros and then I go even deeper and try to manage my cholesterol and saturated fat levels. It can be a waste of time to track everything you’re eating if you’re not tracking properly and doing the most to maximize the amount of muscle you can gain,” said sophomore Calvin Trapp.
A term that has recently become more popular is “macro”. SLC Health states that “macro” is short for macronutrient. Macronutrients are the three categories of nutrients you eat the most and provide you with most of your energy: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. So when you’re counting your macros, you’re counting the grams of proteins, carbs, or fat that you’re consuming to try and create the most balanced diet optimal for muscle growth and weight loss or gain.
“I just go to the gym, counting my macros, and keeping track of that stuff doesn’t matter to me that much,” said junior Daniel Zamora.
Whether you decide to eat intuitively or keep track of your macros, make sure that you’re eating enough to fuel your body. Keep working hard and having fun at the gym!
Source: sclhealth.org