Why You Should Probably Stop Counting Your Macros, From A Weight Loss Surgeon

Oh, macros—where mealtime meets math. Perhaps you count your macronutrients (aka, the three primary nutrients that make up a healthy diet, broken down into carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) based on the number of calories you eat a day. Oftentimes, eating plans will suggest various percentage ratios—like the Mediterranean diet, keto diet, and so on—so that you can keep track of your specific macronutrient goals.

Many experts believe counting macronutrients can help you build a balanced, healthy plate. But for bariatric surgeon Garth Davis, M.D.? "I cannot stand macronutrients," he shares on this episode of the mindbodygreen podcast. Quite the controversial statement from a weight loss surgeon, wouldn't you think? 

According to Davis, macronutrients don't necessarily offer a big picture for food. "Food is not macronutrients. Food's got everything in it," he says. Essentially: It's time to stop calculating all the numbers and measurements and enjoy food for its simplicity. "Let's say you're eating beans," Davis adds. "What is that? Is that a carb? Is it protein?" The answer, he says, is a lot simpler: It's food. And it's good for you!

Now, that's not to say macros themselves aren't important. It's still a good idea to get a balance of protein, fat, and whole carbs on your plate. However, Davis notes that it's not too difficult to get those nutrients in your diet, even if you aren't tracking the numbers, per se. Our society especially emphasizes protein, when Davis notes we already get ample amounts: "The good thing is that [protein is] in just about everything that we eat, and it is very difficult to not get enough protein in the diet," he says. That's why he doesn't talk about protein with his weight loss patients: "I never mentioned the word protein. We don't talk about protein." 

As long as you're eating whole, nutritious foods, he notes, you should be A-OK on the macronutrient front—even with protein. No need to track your entire plate! Of course, if your diet is filled with ultra-processed foods, that's a different story. "Food with zero nutritional benefit and, at the same time, zero satiety—you eat these foods, and you're hungry again a few hours later," he notes. If your diet consists of these blood-sugar-spiking selects, perhaps you might fare well with some specific measurements.