What exactly does "fitting your macros" mean?

determined_14

Most online body fat calculators estimate me between 25-27% body fat. I know, they're not that accurate, but using them as a guide, at 140lbs., that puts me at something like 102-105lbs LBM, correct? And based on the oft-repeated rule of thumb, I should aim for about that many grams of protein per day, correct?
I usually aim for a minimum of 80 grams/day, hoping to get closer to the hundred mark but if it doesn't happen, I don't sweat it. About half of what I eat on given day is fat, so I have that macro set at 45% (I don't worry about grams, since I tend to get plenty), and fill the rest in with carbs. To me, getting at LEAST 80 grams protein and a decent mix of fat/carbs is hitting my macros.
But on the "broscience office thread" which quickly became "the Big Mac thread," the rather uptight individual said that he didn't "pretend he was hitting his macros" if his percentages were off by 5%. I thought it wasn't a matter of worrying about percentages, but striving for sufficient grams of protein and fat, and filling the rest with carbs (or whatever you want).
I know that particular commenter isn't one to take advice from, based on that thread-- it just got me wondering if I'm really understanding macro portions and all that.
Sorry this question is so long! Does it even make sense?

jemhh

I base my protein and fat on my bodyweight, not my lbm. So I aim for 120 g protein (147x.8, rounded) and 60 g fat (147x.4, rounded.) Those are minimums that I aim for. The rest of my food can be carbs, or more fat/protein. I keep those numbers in mind when looking at MFP. I do not look at percentages at all.

livingleanlivingclean

I don't base macros on %. They are calculated by g, depending on bodyweight. The IIFYM.com calculator did it for me initially and my macros have been changed from there depending on goals and results.

I stick to my macros.... Just so I have something to easily change if I need too - when I'm prepping I like to know where I'm getting my calories from.

Unknown

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gothchiq

I agree that 80-100 is fine. If you want to get in there and be totally certain about things, it might do to make an appt with a dietitian or nutritionist. I did that and it was more valuable than I could ever have imagined.

jddnw

To me, getting at LEAST 80 grams protein and a decent mix of fat/carbs is hitting my macros.

I think some people are more particular about their mix of fat/carbs. For example, someone might be trying to restrict their carbs to less than 20g a day and for them that macro is the crucial one.

I don't think there is a one size fits all definition of what IIFYM means.

Some people focus on grams. Some people focus on ratios (40/30/30, c/f/p).

Some people want to hit there numbers as close as possible. Some people take a flexible approach.

To each his own.

determined_14

MrM27 wrote: »

If you're 140 lbs and get from 80-100g then that's more than fine. Be careful worrying about what you do based off what someone might be rambling about in a thread that's out of control. Also aim for grams bot percentages.

I figured as much-- thanks. I do count grams, not percentages, and I wasn't really worried about someone's rambling. It's just that the conversation got my gears turning, and I wondered if I was on the right track. I know I'm pretty healthy and happy, so in a way it's just idle curiosity, but I wanted to further my understanding.
Thanks all who chimed in.