You have to starve yourself to lose weight.

Many people believe you have to constantly have a grumbling stomach to lose or maintain body weight. Fad diets have littered the American psyche over the last 30 years. Many of them get results, but the results don't last or the diet isn't sustainable.

Macronutrient counting worked for me.

I spend a lot of time at my gym, but I wasn't satisfied that I looked like I did. The adage is true, you can't outwork a bad diet.

My first introduction to counting macros was through a spreadsheet. The goal was to count and record the macronutrients (Carbs, Protein, and Fat) in everything I ate. There was a complicated formula for me to use in calculating the macro content by size and approximate weight. I immediately closed the spreadsheet.

Later I was introduced to an app called Macrostax. This app made it easy and approachable to count macros. Granted, I did have to weigh my food, but the app helped make that easy. They also had a very active Facebook group that I joined. It's definitely targeted towards women, but it still worked for me.

This style of eating allowed me to never feel hungry or unsatisfied. I can generally fit whatever I want (within reason) to eat into the plan at some point.

Community made it desirable for me.

James Clear talks a lot about designing your environment for success. I use Facebook every day for my business. By joining the Macrostax FB group, while I was doing my work, I was constantly exposed to the successes of those counting macros. Reading about others' success regularly, cemented in my head that it was something worth trying.

Approachability made it do-able for me.

My first exposure to the concept was intimidating and confusing. The second was approachable and do-able. Having an easy-to-use app made all of the difference and removed the friction for me.

My consistency isn't always solid. I have seasons where I follow it closer than others, but one thing I know, if I work the plan, the plan works.