Hitting My "Macros!"

Since last June, I’ve been working with a personal trainer who has really pushed me in the area of weight training. The whole experience has been very different for me. In the past, my fitness goals have been centered around running or other endurance sports. Although I’ve done weight training all along, this is the first time I’ve really concentrated on building muscle—mostly because at my age, one quickly loses muscle. I know I’ll never be a “hulk” or all that massive (nor is that my goal). I just want to be healthy and at least a little bit strong. 

Part of the training has been learning how to complement the lifting (and the cardio I still do) with the right kind of eating. After all, much of one’s fitness is connected to their food habits. For me, that has meant increasing my daily calorie intake and making sure I’ve got the right balance of “macros”—carbs, fats, and protein. I keep track of everything I eat throughout the day, for I have a daily goal that tells me how many grams of carbs, fats, and protein I ought to be shooting for. For me, getting the right amount of calories and the right balance of macros is not always easy. This is especially true when it comes to the protein. In fact, most days it means adding a protein shake or even an extra small meal. 

Whether one is trying to gain weight, lose weight, or put on muscle, etc., getting the right balance of macros is important. Too much or too little of one thing doesn’t work, and can sometimes create unwanted complications. Carbs, fats, and proteins are all important for each element plays a role in our metabolism, hormone production, bone density, muscle growth and repair, etc. Most often, it’s a matter of getting the right amount of each of the macros in order to keep our bodies healthy. 

Ok…so why am I talking about all of this? Well, it has struck me that just as there are macros necessary for one’s physical health, so there are “macros” necessary for one’s spiritual health. What do I mean? I would suggest that in order to be healthy on a spiritual level the following “macros” must be part of one’s spiritual diet: reading the Bible, time in prayer, community with other believers (e.g. regular church attendance), a life of humility, doing good deeds, compassion, and generosity—ultimately, striving after a life of godliness.  

Unfortunately, there are some people who are really good at going to church on a regular basis, but never pray on their own. There are people who spend time in prayer, but have forgotten what it means to be kind and generous. I think you know what I mean. The Christian life incorporates a bunch of “macros,” all of which are necessary for a healthy spiritual life. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8 – NIV). As I go through much of my physical training, I like to remember that verse for it reminds me of the importance and priority of not only getting in my physical exercise and dietary macros, but as well working out my spiritual muscles and taking in my spiritual “macros.” After all, I don’t want to be physically healthy and spiritually weak. 

I would encourage you to exercise and eat right. But let’s not strive for healthy bodies, but let’s do all we can to attain spiritual health and thus live a life that will please our Savior. Let’s commit ourselves to getting in our “macros!” 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris

P.S. – A shout out to Anthony of Baklouk training!