This week I asked my Instagram followers what intimidates them most about tracking macros. Below are the most common questions and my responses to help you see that if we can do this, so can you.
Follower: How can I track macros with a busy schedule?
SFM: It can feel overwhelming at first, and we won’t pretend it’s instantly effortless. The good news is that it becomes easier with practice. The more you track, the more it becomes second nature. We work with all kinds of women — stay-at-home moms, working moms, those who work from home, moms with special needs kids — and if we can make it work in our busy lives, you can too. If you need inspiration, check out the Special Needs Moms Conquering Macros post on our site.
Follower: What about tracking macros when I eat out?
SFM: Eating out is one of the trickiest parts, but it’s manageable with a bit of planning. Choose menu items that are easy to break down and estimate — chicken, steak, potatoes, fruit, and similar foods. With a little practice you’ll get comfortable estimating portions and entering them into your tracker.
Follower: I’m stressed about tracking every single thing.
SFM: Tracking everything is usually easier than people expect. Apps like MyFitnessPal let you save meals and copy entries from previous days, which helps a lot if you eat similar meals regularly. While tracking every single item isn’t for everyone, it can be done in a healthy, balanced way. Having a library of recipes already entered into your app also makes tracking much simpler.
Follower: How do I calculate my macros if math isn’t my thing?
SFM: No problem — that’s what we’re here for. You can get a custom macro count so you don’t have to worry about the math. A professionally calculated macro prescription takes more factors into account than just height, weight, and activity level, giving you a more accurate starting point.
Follower: Should I focus on macros and calories, or just macros?
SFM: We encourage focusing on macros, but remember macros equal calories: 1 g protein = 4 kcal, 1 g carbs = 4 kcal, and 1 g fats = 9 kcal. Tracking macros inherently tracks calories, which is helpful for meeting specific goals.
Follower: I’m worried I’ll have to eat foods I hate like eggs or fish.
SFM: One of the best parts of macro tracking is flexibility. Unlike rigid meal plans, macro tracking lets you allocate your “macro budget” however you like. You don’t have to eat foods you dislike — you simply choose foods that fit your goals and preferences.
Follower: Should I weigh meat raw or cooked? What if MyFitnessPal entries are inaccurate?
SFM: Consistency matters more than perfection. Choose a method (raw or cooked) and stick with it so your tracking is reliable over time. If mismatched entries or small errors stress you out, it’s okay to let them go and focus on the overall trend instead of perfection.
Follower: What’s the difference between being in a calorie deficit and tracking macros?
SFM: For weight loss, you still need a calorie deficit, even when tracking macros. The difference is how those calories are composed. Tracking macros helps you distribute calories into protein, carbs, and fats so your body can build or preserve muscle while losing fat, rather than consuming the same number of calories from poor-quality sources.
Follower: Will I have to weigh food forever?
SFM: No — weighing food is a tool you use while working toward a goal. Over time you can loosen the reins as you gain confidence. The nutrition habits you learn through tracking are lifelong skills you can use even after you stop weighing everything meticulously.
Follower: Where do I even start?
SFM: We specialize in helping beginners. Start with a simple guide that covers the basics of macro tracking, and take small steps to build the habit.
Follower: Do I need CrossFit or intense exercise to see results with macros?
SFM: Absolutely not. Nutrition is the main driver of fat loss — often cited as about 80% of the equation. Many clients have achieved great results without a formal workout program. Exercise can help, but it’s not a requirement to see progress from macro tracking.
Follower: I’m nervous about eating carbs and gaining weight.
SFM: Tracking macros removes the fear around carbs. As you balance your macros, your body may adjust to changes in carbohydrate intake — sometimes the scale fluctuates temporarily — but proper macro balance supports better body composition and often leads to positive changes over time.
Follower: How do I count macros for recipes with many ingredients?
SFM: Early on, keep things simple with meals that have fewer ingredients — chicken, rice, pasta, and similar basics are easier to track. As you progress, learn to create recipes in your tracking app so you can include more complex dishes. Building or purchasing macro-friendly recipe collections gives you variety without added stress.
We hope these answers ease your concerns. If you’re ready to try one-on-one coaching, we’d love to support you — our coaching program helps beginners get started and teaches sustainable habits you can carry forward.