Macro Question

jessicagrieshaber

Hey guys. I have recently been trying to switch over into the mindset of watching my macros instead of really focusing on calories as much (it's a hard thing to do, trust me). Anyways, I'm confused by the macro requirements suggested to me by MFP.

Currently, without exercise and my account set up for maintenance at "lightly active", MFP suggests the following quantities of macros a day:

Carbs: 229g
Fat: 61g
Protein: 92g

When I exercise for the day, these numbers go up to approximately:
Carbs: 290g
Fat: 77g
Protein: 115g

I understand the increase in macronutrients is due to the fact that I am expelling all that energy in the gym. BUT, I guess my question is, why do I need so many carbs and fat? I have no problem at all filling my protein requirement (eat a lot of greek yogurt, protein bars and lean meats), but I find that I am grossly under my carb and fat requirements a day. I do eat quite a bit of peanut butter, fish and nuts to increase healthy fats, but I just don't seem to ever be able to get there. With regards to carbs, I generally eat ~150g a day and feel fine at the end of the day. Sometimes my workouts are pretty tough, but then again I run and lift in the same session so that could contribute.

So, my question - Do I REALLY need to meet every requirement of these suggested macros, or should I just continue what I'm doing if I feel alright?

If it helps: 22 year old female, 122(ish) pounds, 5'5", workouts 6x a week usually (lift 3 days with short 2 mile warm up runs, and longer runs 4+ miles on non-lift days).

TavistockToad

if you dont meet your macros you're not meeting your calorie goal... that would be my concern, given that you are pretty active.

if you dont find you eat that many carbs, why not change your macros and add a little more protein instead? i dont see 77g of fat as a lot- i usually struggle with staying within my fat target. fat is necessary for hormones and vitamin absorbtion so i woudl try and hit that goal.