Should I only track protein when I first start counting macros?

The reason is simple: trying to track all three macros from day one is where most women stall. On Ep. 55, Nikkiey explains that if you try to hit protein, carbs and fats right out of the gate, you'll get frustrated, often because foods like protein bars are loaded with carbs and fats but light on protein. One WarriorBabe coach says she has seen women who insist on tracking all three from the start get overwhelmed and quit fast. Learning protein first isn't a shortcut. It's the foundation, and it's usually the hardest piece, since the show notes many women are eating far less protein than they need.

On Ep. 146, Nikkiey is clear that this is about focus, not restriction. Please don't eat just protein in a day. Eat your carbs and fats as you normally would, in a controlled way and with good-quality food. Then, a couple of weeks in, you start paying closer attention to their portions, quantity and quality. She describes that stage as when energy, strength in the gym and results tend to level up, because all three macros work together.

One extra angle comes from a guest on Ep. 112. After years of chasing a perfect formula for carbs and fats, what finally worked for her was tracking calories and protein, letting carbs and fats fluctuate, and eating healthy food about 90% of the time. If tracking every number has burned you out before, that's the point: it was the approach, not you.