Do you Count Calories or Macros?
Jesssamesssa
Posts: 116 Member
I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
0
Replies
-
Following... this Macro thing has peaked my curiosity. Been watching mine for a month now and down 5lbs0
-
macro-keeper-tracker here too....let the calories fall where they may
0 -
Yes0
-
Chief_Rocka wrote: »Yes
This.0 -
I just see so many posts regarding calories and making sure they stay under their daily allowance. I mean I could eat half an outback cheese fries and hit my 1500-1750 cal for the day! But wheres the protein? Healthy fats? Plus, Id be starving after 2 hours! lol0
-
Both. They aren't mutually exclusive.0
-
-
Calories for the time being. Will add macro tracking once I'm comfortable I've got the hang of all this.0
-
There's a lot of emphasis on calories here, yes, and macros, but not much on eating healthy in general.I just see so many posts regarding calories and making sure they stay under their daily allowance. I mean I could eat half an outback cheese fries and hit my 1500-1750 cal for the day! But wheres the protein? Healthy fats? Plus, Id be starving after 2 hours! lol
Your approach is low(er) carb compared to SAD. But it's also pretty low fat. Just make sure you're getting enough of that as it really helps with satiety when eating fewer carbs.
There's many paths up the mountain. Some folks prefer counting carbs, some folks prefer counting macros. Some folks prefer focusing on filling their diets with specific (types) of foods. We do what works best. You seem to be finding that for yourself. cheers.0 -
I aim to get my macros reasonably close with at least adequate protein, but I aim to hit my calories spot on.0
-
I'm trying to count calories. It's hard with so many conflicting entries in the database. I really don't know if it's even close to correct.0
-
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »
There's a lot of emphasis on calories here, yes, and macros, but not much on eating healthy in general.I just see so many posts regarding calories and making sure they stay under their daily allowance. I mean I could eat half an outback cheese fries and hit my 1500-1750 cal for the day! But wheres the protein? Healthy fats? Plus, Id be starving after 2 hours! lol
Your approach is low(er) carb compared to SAD. But it's also pretty low fat. Just make sure you're getting enough of that as it really helps with satiety when eating fewer carbs.
There's many paths up the mountain. Some folks prefer counting carbs, some folks prefer counting macros. Some folks prefer focusing on filling their diets with specific (types) of foods. We do what works best. You seem to be finding that for yourself. cheers.
Ive played around with it. Ive tried more of this, less of that etc. My body seems to really like carbs so I have had to up my complex carbs; fats are ok. If I go above what I set Im ok, but I always try to hit those grams as a minimum. Im not super strict on myself! Once I hit my Body fat % goal I will play with it some more to maintain. If I find that my calories are going to go over 1800 for the day I cut protein since that is more negotiable than the other two.0 -
Both. It's hard for me to keep track of my macros without MFP, but I watch overall calories since I know that's what makes the difference on the scale.0
-
I'll count calories for a bit but I stop cause I feel like I'm just guessing at times.0
-
Both.
You MUST be in a caloric deficit in order to lose weight. That's not opinion that's science.
BUT! WITHIN those calories I make sure to balance my macros. P:40% F:30% C:30% is a great macro breakdown for me, and if I'm lagging I kick it up to F: 35% C:25%
Macro balance isn't about weight loss it's about nutrition.
Calories burned us what makes you lose weight. Optimized macros is what keeps your body fast, strong, alert and balanced.0 -
I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
I am also with you on the super high protien for muscle building/fat blastingn. On 1400 calories my protein comes in at 141g. So pretty much right in line with your range as well. *hi5*
0 -
I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
You won't gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. You need to be in a caloric surplus to gain muscle and a caloric deficit to lose fat. That said, what you are doing is losing fat and retaining muscle. Macros seem fine for that. If it's working, carry on...
Personally, I track both...
0 -
MsHarryWinston wrote: »I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
I am also with you on the super high protien for muscle building/fat blastingn. On 1400 calories my protein comes in at 141g. So pretty much right in line with your range as well. *hi5*
There's a threshold at which you're getting adequate protein (roughly 0.85g-1.0/lb of lean mass if you're lifting) but beyond that additional protein just contributes to satiety and, well, gassiness. 170g of protein is very high for a healthy lady like the OP, to the point of being absurd. Odds are it won't hurt, unless there's a pre-existing liver/kidney problem, but it's way beyond the amount needed for optimal muscle gains. Even 141g for a woman is pretty high, as I doubt you have 140 pounds of lean mass unless you're well over 6' tall. I wouldn't feel compelled to eat that much chicken or drink that many protein shakes, unless you find it helps with hitting your calorie target.0 -
I do both...I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
I see value in balancing my macros and cycling my calories depending on my training on any given day.
0 -
What if I told you that you can do both, because macros add up to your daily calorie intake?0
-
Calories, but I'm wondering if I should change that since I've been hovering between 120-127 for about two months now as I've gotten closer to my goal.0
-
Both, although there's a general range for my macros more than precise numbers. I also try to eat in a way I consider healthy most of the time. None of this is mutually exclusive.0
-
Both. I am totally new to the macro "thing." I am embarrased to say a month ago I would have thought you were using a computer term. Nevertheless, I am having a lot of success keeping the caloric deficit and keeping the protein high for building muscle and shedding fat at the same time. Funny, how some people rage that doing both simulataneously is not possible. I will keep laughing. I keep getting stronger and more defined. Macros and calories are working for me, so I am going to keep doing it.0
-
MsHarryWinston wrote: »I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
I am also with you on the super high protien for muscle building/fat blastingn. On 1400 calories my protein comes in at 141g. So pretty much right in line with your range as well. *hi5*
There's a threshold at which you're getting adequate protein (roughly 0.85g-1.0/lb of lean mass if you're lifting) but beyond that additional protein just contributes to satiety and, well, gassiness. 170g of protein is very high for a healthy lady like the OP, to the point of being absurd. Odds are it won't hurt, unless there's a pre-existing liver/kidney problem, but it's way beyond the amount needed for optimal muscle gains. Even 141g for a woman is pretty high, as I doubt you have 140 pounds of lean mass unless you're well over 6' tall. I wouldn't feel compelled to eat that much chicken or drink that many protein shakes, unless you find it helps with hitting your calorie target.
I have always needed really high amounts of protein and it's best when it comes from red meat. Like I said it's not just about weight. It's just something I need to function properly. I learned that years ago when looking into some other health stuff with doctors. I've always known that my protein intake needs are really high compared to most people, it's just what my body needs. But yes, with weight lifting it does help me retain muscles as well so that's cool.
But yeah, I'm at 1410 calories and 40% protein which ends up at 141g with all my stats added in. *shrug* Though you'd be supprised just how easily and quickly you can hit that target. Like today, a couple of hamburgers, a bunch of shrimp, a scoop of protein and done.0 -
Yes. Both.0
-
MsHarryWinston wrote: »MsHarryWinston wrote: »I count my macros. As long as my macros are in check Im not too worried about the calories. I am trying to gain muscle and lose fat so I eat a very high amount of protein compared to most.
P: 122g-170g
F: 34g-44g
C: 135g-160g
Typically my calories are between 1250-1700. This seems to work for me. Lost 10.3% body fat in 10 weeks (34.3%->24%)
I am also with you on the super high protien for muscle building/fat blastingn. On 1400 calories my protein comes in at 141g. So pretty much right in line with your range as well. *hi5*
There's a threshold at which you're getting adequate protein (roughly 0.85g-1.0/lb of lean mass if you're lifting) but beyond that additional protein just contributes to satiety and, well, gassiness. 170g of protein is very high for a healthy lady like the OP, to the point of being absurd. Odds are it won't hurt, unless there's a pre-existing liver/kidney problem, but it's way beyond the amount needed for optimal muscle gains. Even 141g for a woman is pretty high, as I doubt you have 140 pounds of lean mass unless you're well over 6' tall. I wouldn't feel compelled to eat that much chicken or drink that many protein shakes, unless you find it helps with hitting your calorie target.
I have always needed really high amounts of protein and it's best when it comes from red meat. Like I said it's not just about weight. It's just something I need to function properly. I learned that years ago when looking into some other health stuff with doctors. I've always known that my protein intake needs are really high compared to most people, it's just what my body needs. But yes, with weight lifting it does help me retain muscles as well so that's cool.
But yeah, I'm at 1410 calories and 40% protein which ends up at 141g with all my stats added in. *shrug* Though you'd be supprised just how easily and quickly you can hit that target. Like today, a couple of hamburgers, a bunch of shrimp, a scoop of protein and done.
Yep. Like I said I am trying to gain muscle mass, not maintain. My lean muscle mass today is 125-126lbs. I weight 165. I try not to go over 170g, but sometimes I do. Sometimes Im way low too. Doesnt really matter, it all evens itself out in the end. Its true, I hit my protein % really quick! I eat the same things almost every day any way! My hardest is making sure I get enough carbs!0 -
If you're counting macros, you're counting calories.
0 -
I have to agree with Mr Knight. Why would you be counting macros if your not counting calories. They go hand in hand.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions