how important is tracking macros

imabeevampire

I never generally hit my protein goals . Mfp has set it at 50carbs 20 protein and 30 fat
If i stick to the calories, how important is getting the right kind of macros?
Just wondered how important they were

rybo

For most people, not that important. The part where it comes into play is that fats and proteins are more satiating. And if you're on a good strength program, you should try to get at least .8 grams per pound of bodyweight. Otherwise you can just try to keep things in a ball park range and not worry about exact %

sgthaggard

Depends on your goals. Protein is important to me because I'm lifting and trying to minimize muscle loss. YMMV.

AmazonMayan

I pretty much aim for my protein and fats. They fill me up for hours and keep me from constantly wanting to stuff my face non-stop. I glance at fiber because with all the protein, I need to make sure I hit a good number. Carbs end up regulating themselves after everything else is good so I really don't pay attention to that (not low carb at all, just way lower than when I wasn't logging)

Liftng4Lis

sgthaggard wrote: »

Depends on your goals. Protein is important to me because I'm lifting and trying to minimize muscle loss. YMMV.

This! (except I don't know what ymmv is)

riffraff2112

If I am within 10% on any of them, I am not concerned. There are random days where my protein is very low...those are things I definitely do not want to be the norm. I try for 50 carb and about 30 protein 20 fat...

imabeevampire

Thanks for the replies im not too worried, but think il do a bit more research on it

Shouliveshappy

Tracking macros can be pretty tideous! Do it only when you have a very specific fitness goal... If not, eat healthy and live life!

Christine_72

AmazonMayan wrote: »

I pretty much aim for my protein and fats. They fill me up for hours and keep me from constantly wanting to stuff my face non-stop. I glance at fiber because with all the protein, I need to make sure I hit a good number. Carbs end up regulating themselves after everything else is good so I really don't pay attention to that (not low carb at all, just way lower than when I wasn't logging)

That's exactly how I do it too.

lynn_glenmont

rybo wrote: »

For most people, not that important. The part where it comes into play is that fats and proteins are more satiating. And if you're on a good strength program, you should try to get at least .8 grams per pound of bodyweight. Otherwise you can just try to keep things in a ball park range and not worry about exact %

You don't just need protein if you're lifting. Your body tears down and rebuilds muscle every day, whether you're lifting or not. Protein is also used for all kinds of mechanisms in the body. The RDA is .8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight. (It's a shame MFP doesn't at least offer an alternative of setting absolute goals for macros, rather than percentages, so that the numbers don't change when you log exercise or if you change your daily calorie goal -- if you decide to lose 2 lbs a week instead of 1 lb a week, you don't need 25 fewer grams of protein than you would need at the smaller deficit, but that's what MFP will tell you if you're set to 20% protein [20% of 500 fewer calories, or 100 calories, divided by 4 calories per gram of protein equals 25 grams of protein].)

ana3067

Liftng4Lis wrote: »

sgthaggard wrote: »

Depends on your goals. Protein is important to me because I'm lifting and trying to minimize muscle loss. YMMV.

This! (except I don't know what ymmv is)

your mileage may vary, you weirdo