In some ways, macro counting is similar to old-school calorie counting. Each macro nutrient has a specific amount of calories per gram. Protein and carbs have 4 calories per gram, and fat has 9 calories per gram. So when you count your macros, you are controlling your calories, too. But the same isn’t true in reverse. When you’re counting calories, you’re not necessarily finding a balance of all the macro nutrients your body needs.