Sometimes it can feel like tracking macros cramps our social style a little bit, and that can be true especially as you are first getting started. But the longer you practice tracking at home and cooking, the more familiar you’ll become with portions and soon you’ll be estimating with ease as needed when social invitations arrive. 

There are some things to keep in mind when integrating macros into your social life! The following suggestions will help you keep your goals in mind but also give you freedom to live life in community! 

Keep a flexible macro mindset. We always say that a great plan b is protein + overall calories. This is always a solid landing place when you know that you are going to struggle getting the exact carbs/fats in-range. Focusing on protein and overall calories will keep you on track while also freeing up some of your macro budget for flexibility. Macros gives us freedom within limits and no food group is off limits! 

Plan ahead but don’t obsess. Remember that tracking SOMETHING is always going to trump throwing it out the window and tracking nothing. Don’t get caught up in perfectionist tendencies because you’ll make yourself nutty!!! For a little more information on the “all or nothing” mentality, check out THIS BLOG.

Use a buffer/placeholder. This is such a great move if you aren’t certain what the menu will hold. I attend a decent number of work functions with my husband and it’s very often a complete mystery as to what will be served. I find that if I allocate around 30g protein and about 600 calories (break that up into c/f or just focus on the overall calories), I’m usually in a good place for staying in-range for my macro goals for the day. Plan to drink water/zero calorie drinks, skip the butter/extra condiments served, and ask for dressings on the side so you can portion those yourself! Sometimes it turns out the food I planned for is less calories than I anticipated, and I get to come home and have my own snack before bed! 

Track alcohol correctly- decide ahead of time what you’ll indulge in and stick to your plan. Remember that alcohol is that tricky fourth macro, but when we know better, we can do better! More on alcohol and tracking macros HERE.

Communicate your goals when appropriate! This is a big one! Our spouse, close friends and family get it and are usually more than happy to help us stay the course for our goals. It’s ok to say something like “Thank you, but I’m being intentional right now to reach some goals so I’ll pass on (fill in the blank).” The best friends and family will be more supportive than you think! 

Above everything else, always remember to give grace and remember consistency trumps perfection!!! If a meal gets off-kilter, remember that tomorrow is a new day and there is no finish line! Focusing on that consistency one day at a time chips away at those goals!!