Should you count calories, macros and more?
This is a question I get asked a lot.
So do you need to track the numbers?
Yes – you all say. Numbers tell us about progress.
Sure, data may give you helpful insights… in the beginning.
Calories, scale weight, steps, sleep data, miles run, pace, weights lifted, HRV – the list goes on!
The options are many: Oura Ring, Fitbits, Whoop, Apple Watch, Garmin, Continuous Glucose Monitors, Smart Scales, continuous poo test – the list goes on even further..!
BUT
What if the numbers don’t move despite all your best efforts?
What if they go in the wrong direction when you’re doing things perfectly?
What if the numbers are great, you get complacent and then undo all the work?
What if you feel great and the numbers say otherwise?
What if they’re plateauing but you feel powerless to change?
What if you’re smashing the numbers and then get sick or injured?
What if you start using the numbers to criticise yourself?
You can’t unlearn the calories of peanut butter, wine and your favourite cake so you eat them with subconscious worry and guilt about always having too much.
The problem with numbers is we can’t be trusted with them.
We are overly attached to them.
We use them to define effort, success and failure constantly.
We swap them about, if scales are our friend we turn to miles run and kilos lifted.
We create a case with them to suit our bias and wants at that moment.
This is the danger.
They become clauses for part-time happiness, self-esteem and confidence.
Numbers break the trust we could develop in our bodies and ourselves.
Deep down you know what you really need more and less of.
I was the queen of numbers and experienced all this.
Slowing down, time offline, away from tech and developing awareness restored my intuition, balance and enjoyment of life.
Maybe numbers work for you.
I simply ask that you reflect on your relationship with them.
How objective and wise are you when interpreting them?
Numbers or not, trusting yourself is where true health lies.
Matt and I would love to support you on your health journey! Here’s how you can take the next step:
1) Join the next round of The Strong Humans Project; an 8-week plan designed to help you build strength, confidence, and consistency. Sign up here.
2) Looking for a complete lifestyle transformation? If you’re ready for long-term change, book a call with Matt and I to see if our 12 Month Transformation is the right fit for you.
