Is Counting Calories and Macros Worth The Effort

[Uglyman101]

Wanted to get everyone’s opinion on this. I for one have never counted either and just manage my diet based on the look I am going for. I have done “mini preps” for the beach where I reduce my carbs down to the week and then I’ll start carbing up 3 days prior. Some salt and water manipulation but nothing crazy. I usually get pretty good results. I know some say you have to count and others say you don’t. I would like opinions from those who compete and also if you don’t. Looking forward to hear everyone’s opinion.

 

[Dirtnasty]

Depends on goals I think right now I’m neither bulking or cutting so I’m
Just eating food when I feel I need it and I have junk I’ll trade meal with shake but when I want to lose weight I do count. I do use scale still while not counting

 

[Uglyman101]

@Dirtnasty do you like because it’s easier to manage and you get better results because of it? Reason I am asking is because I was thinking about trying it for a couple of months and see if I notice a drastic difference

 

[Dirtnasty]

It helps with consistency. If I was trying to have a great physique I would probably count my cals again I do make sure I get enough protein at least 240 daily

 

[Poppy]

I count everything I stuff in my sewer.

At 61 and a struggling diabetic I have to.

I am absolutely no good at winging it. I’ve tried and tallied at the end of the day and I was way off.

It’s just something I’ve been doing for a couple of years now and it only works when I’m brutally honest.

 

[Uglyman101]

@Poppy

I get that for sure. I want to try and just see if my results are different. I have nothing to compare to so I think I might give it a go. Do pre weigh/cook your meals so you don’t have to do it everyday?

 

[Cluster]

Nope only thing i focus on is grams of protein, but even then its within 10 or so. But im never going to compete just wanna be bigger faster stronger

 

[Dirtnasty]

I prep

 

[Poppy]

Do pre weigh/cook your meals so you don’t have to do it everyday?

I do prep and over the years have a very good routine. I do not weigh my food. That would be the next level that I’m just not ready to go to.

I use my fitness pal app. I’m thinking there’s probably a bunch more out there but my buddy got me started on this one years ago and it’s the one i use.

So far… beings I don’t look or perform anything like you (or most guys on here) and I’m pretty much washed up and just looking for “most yoked grandpa” award… it seems to be working. I gauge it by my blood labs, health and wellness.

 

[Poppy]

I will also add…

You look great (from what you posted in the past)… if you’re blood labs and overall health are on point then IMO: counting cals you stuff in your cake hole is kind of aggravating.

More opinions: you have all the makings of a competitive BB’r if you choose to go down that path. I would think if that’s something you want to do then counting cals/macros is probably something that you should consider.

 

[Uglyman101]

@Poppy All good points and thanks for the insight! Something I have always considered was competing but just never pulled the trigger on it. I just turned 42 so starting now will require serious discipline. I cook most of my proteins on Sunday for the week but I also cook for my family so I try not to force on them what I eat. So most of the times I’ll cook twice or make something we all can eat. Point is it’s tough and time consuming. But as I said before, I want to try it out and see the results.

 

[Poppy]

42… you’re getting to crunch time as far as your health is concerned. Just keep in mind you’re getting to the age where you will have used up all of your “aw craps” and you can do something that will effect you negatively for the rest of your life.

Just my 2c

Why don’t you go ahead and give counting a go and see how it suits you.

 

[Uglyman101]

As always, good advice! I know your looking out brother

 

[Poppy]

Getting old just blows!!!

If you do most stuff right…you’ll have great insurance rates, great credit and money worries won’t be there…other than that…it just sucks!!!