When I first learned about macros back in oh, probably 2017, I was SOLD. You mean I don’t just have to eat bland, boring food in order to hit my goals?! I was totally in.

 

But after experiencing some fun newbie progress, I started to experience some unpleasant side effects. I found it harder and harder to stick to those initial (deficit) macros I had set for myself. My relationship with food started to decline. I would stick to my low calorie plan during the week, but then overeat every single weekend.

 

So I swung the other way - macros must be the issue! Intuitive eating must be the answer. I ditched macros for a while and leaned on my intuition to guide me - but unfortunately, my intuition wasn’t all that good lol, and I entered a season of feeling very little direction or control over my health and fitness. I knew I didn’t want to be in a deficit all of the time, but my only alternative to that seemed to be “do nothing” and that wasn’t serving me either.

 

So I started digging. I started seriously investing in continuing education, came upon the evidence based fitness world for the first time, & finally learned about the missing piece of the puzzle - nutritional periodization. 

 

I learned about approaching goals in seasons, for both optimal physical progress and mental health. I learned that tracking macros & calorie deficits aren't bad, but that they are tools. I learned what my body had been trying to tell me all along - fat loss is not a lifestyle, it’s a phase.  

 

I fell in love with maintenance, and realized I don’t have to choose between “balance” and goals - I can have it all, just not all of the time. When I started to periodize my goals not only did I see my body composition & health change for the better, but my relationship with food & fitness absolutely transformed as well.