MACROS - Help!!

saramichelle89

Hey everyone!
Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I am just having a slight problem. So I calculated my macros. Set it all up in MFP goals. The problem I am is actually getting them all to work out correctly. I go through the day and track everything I eat but it isn't close to the goals in each category at all. Carbs are always so high, protein low, fat medium. How do you find balance? How do you make it work everyday? Do you plan meals in advance? FYI: I don't have a food scale.. if that makes any difference. lol. Thank you so much for the advice! I really need it.

Sara

juggernaut1974

Planning in advance can certainly help.

Also, do a quick analysis of your previous meals. If your carbs are too high, look for specific entries that contributed to that imbalance. Sometimes just a minor adjustment can bring things back in balance.

sjohnson__1

Number one, I would pay attention to the macros in your food before you decide to eat it, and I would certainly invest in a food scale. For most, macros are typically set to what "works" for them, given that they've set their macros following some sort of basic guidelines (1.1-1.3g of protein per lb of LBM, .20-.35 calories from fat, etc.). You can play with them until you find what works best for you. As far as getting your protein up, that's something I had to get used to as well. It takes time to figure out what works best, but I would focus on eating high protein meals early in your day to help boost your intake. Try adding some egg whites to your protein shake, or protein bars (a Quest bar is roughly 21-24g's protein) to breakfast, etc...

Reaching your macros each day is important but it's important you pay more attention to the calories consumed than anything. For example, I wouldn't over eat (assuming your goal is weight loss), if you've over-done it with fats or carbohydrates, just to reach your protein goals. In time, you'll get the hang of it if you reassess your eating habits and make minor adjustments. And remember your macros will play a vital role in body re-composition but not so much of a role in overall weight loss! Calories are king.

saramichelle89

Thanks so much! I really found both answers very helpful!