Will accuracy with macros speed up weightloss?

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Hi everyone :smile:

So, so far I've lost almost 17 lbs (7.7 kg) by simply decreasing my calorie intake. I haven't been exercising more, neither have I been eating healthier, I've simply just cut down on my portion sizes.

I used to be very much into counting macros, but atm I am not. My question is - would it be benefitial for a better weightloss to start counting macros? Would it make a difference in the amount of mass lost etc?

Thanks.

Replies

  • pinkiezoom
    pinkiezoom Posts: 409 Member
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    In this to see what is said as I was wondering the same, but think the answer might come back that balance is important but not vital.... or more protein if you want more lean mass, but I will be interested to see the replies.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
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    The hard part is finding the best macros for our own specific cases perhaps but I guess that is the trial and error part. :)
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
    edited December 2014
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    For weight loss alone, calories is all that matters. For muscle mass, satiety and and energy, macros are needed. For general health, an overall micronutrient rich diet is preferable.

    I have chosen not to focus on macros because when I tried it, it stressed me out and I did not want to diet anymore. I have lost 100 pounds so far. So, no. It's preferable for health and other reasons, but when it comes to weight loss calorie for calorie the difference is minimal.
  • galprincess
    galprincess Posts: 682 Member
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    im in the no camp as all my weight and im down 3 dress sizes has been down to cutting calories I do exercise to feel good and sculpt and weights to tighten up and drink tons of water
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,018 Member
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    No, it basically comes down to calories. A wide range of macro variance will generate the same results when calories are held constant.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,565 Member
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    Calories=weight loss, macros=nutrition
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
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    If you want to feel good, lose weight, and be healthy - pay attention to your macros in addition to your calorie count.
  • greencar98
    greencar98 Posts: 18 Member
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    Help! I've started paying attention to macros in this last year's journey to lose weight and be healthy. How do I determine what my macros should be? I've always been a calorie counter but at 1000 calories a day I could NOT budge an ounce. Lowering my carbs and increasing my fat/protein have been my focus lately. Have Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. What do I need to focus on to lower both?
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 32,741 Member
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    greencar98 wrote: »
    Help! I've started paying attention to macros in this last year's journey to lose weight and be healthy. How do I determine what my macros should be? I've always been a calorie counter but at 1000 calories a day I could NOT budge an ounce. Lowering my carbs and increasing my fat/protein have been my focus lately. Have Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. What do I need to focus on to lower both?

    You should start your own thread with a clear title, rather than piggybacking on a super old (2014) post that is mostly people who aren't here anymore.

    In brief: The default MFP macro percentages are generally reasonable for a lot of people, if they're eating adequate calories. Eating 1000 calories a day is likely to be too low for any adult - even for weight loss - unless extremely petite, very inactive, non-young, among other things. Eating too little is counterproductive to weight loss, because of things like reduced energy (perhaps subtle) so less movement, and stress-induced water retention.

    Your best bet with both diabetes and high cholesterol would be to get a referral to a registered dietitian for specialized advice, rather than turning to us random idiots on the internet.