Is there anything more frustrating than being dialed in on your macros and still not making progress?

Maybe you're like, "What?? I was told if I hit these numbers I'd see results and it's not happening!"

Then you think maybe you should drop carbs a bit...

Still nothing.

Then you think maybe I should increase protein and drop carbs and fats.

Still nothing.

At this point, 1 of 2 things happen.

You either...

A. Go find a different macro calculator and likely drop your calories even lower

or

B. Get frustrated and say "Forget it!" and eat everything in sight for a while before feeling like crap and starting the whole process over again

Neither option is going to work.

That's because it was never about the macros.

I recently had someone message me about her struggles with her weight, even though she followed an online calorie calculator.

She was hitting her numbers and not seeing results.

I asked if she had ever worked with a coach before and her response was...

"Why would I need a coach when I already know what to do?"

Hmmmm.. sounds like that's not working for you soooooo...

Anyway, I understand her position.

99% of coaching programs out there are glorified calculators.

Here... hit these numbers and have a nice week.

Oh, your weight didn't drop? Cool, hit these lower numbers and have a nice week.

Oh, you're ravenously hungry and have no energy? Yeah, that's perfectly normal just keep hitting these numbers and have a nice week. PS - if you get really hungry just drink water or chew gum. PPS - brushing your teeth after dinner can help you avoid late night snacking.

So yeah.. she's right for not wanting to jump into a program like that, which unfortunately is the vast majority.

But the solution extends way beyond macros.

You can find macro calculators plastered all over the internet.

There's no reason to pay money to have a "coach" enter your info into a formula and send it to you.

Once you understand where the real magic happens, it'll become quite clear where you should focus your energy.

Without even knowing your exact situation, I can confidently tell you 5 things that are more important than your macros.

In no particular order...

1. Your thoughts about food

I don't care how perfect you are with your macros.. if you constantly stress and obsess over food.. you're not healthy.

You likely won't get to where you want to be and if you do get to where you want to be, you won't be able to enjoy it.

Life is meant to be lived and if you're missing out on life experiences and being present with the people you love, then your macro and food obsession is doing more harm than good.

2. Your habits and lifestyle

Give me the solid foundation over the house built on sand every time.

I'll take the person who works to incorporate healthy habits like exercise, drinking water, eating quality food, sleeping, managing stress, etc over the person who thinks it's all about calories in vs calories out.

Solid habits serve you for LIFE.

Tracking macros is a temporary intervention.

3. Stress

The number one progress killer. No one wants to admit it because it seems intangible.

Stress can create a plethora of issues from hormonal dysfunction, gut health problems, lack of motivation, emotional or binge eating, fatigue, appetite irregularities, and reduction in metabolic rate.

Just to name a few.

Which brings me to my next point...

4. Your current metabolic state

Most macro programs are designed to "work" for the slowest metabolism in the room.

In other words, if I'm trying to create a program for the masses... I need to make sure it creates weight loss for even the slowest metabolism to ensure that everyone sees progress.

Why do you think programs like Optavia make claims like "this works for everyone!"

Yeah... it's because you're eating 800 calories per day. Of course you're going to lose weight.

It's also inevitable that you're going to eventually gain it all back and then some.

Most programs ignore your metabolic state because they aren't personalized enough to actually assess your metabolism in the first place.

5. Eliminating your all or nothing mindset

Thinking you need to be perfect is a common approach when it comes to macros (or really anything fitness and nutrition related).

If you don't address and overcome that mindset.. you'll always be stuck.

You'll always be starting over.

You'll always be riddled with guilt and shame over decisions that probably weren't a big deal to begin with.

If you don't learn to live in the middle.. you're in for a long, tortureous ride.

Look.. it may seem like I'm "anti-macros".

Which couldn't be further from the truth.

I just see macros for what they are...

One single tool in the toolbox that can be great depending on the individual and the context in which they're being used.

There's a reason why most of my clients come to me after failing on a number of different macros-only type programs or diets.

I understand what truly creates long term success.

I don't reduce individuals into basic equations and formulas.

I understand that sustainable results begin in the mind.

Many resist that fundamental truth for as long as they can.

Eventually, they come around.

My hope is that you don't delay as long as I did.

If you want to achieve your body composition goals in the most sustainable and enjoyable way possible.

If you want to completely heal your relationship with food and want to never stress and obsess about food again.

If you want to feel your best and perform your best.

And you want to accomplish all of that and more...

Then my 1:1 mentorship program may be the right fit for you.

It's perfect if you feel like you're currently stuck and frustrated.

That's where most of my clients start and once they join my program, they never look back.

If you're interested, simply go here and you'll see why you're weight loss "resistant" and how you fix it.

Have a great week,
Coach Mike