Help with daily nutrition levels

stephenhopkins2

Hey guys. Have been using the app for the last few days to track what I'm eating. I have stayed under my calorie goal for each day but I always go over on somethings like protein of sugar. How much of a problem is it? Does it matter so long as I stay below the calories?

cathipa

Protein is ok to go over. Don't worry about "sugar". I would stick with your calorie goal since this should take into account your activities and you need calories.

queenliz99

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/819925/the-basics-dont-complicate-it/p1

AJ_G

Rules of thumb: protein and dietary fat goals are minimums, it's ok to go over them. Your carb goal is a max, try not to exceed it, because if you do, it means you either didn't hit your protein goal, fat goal, or you went over your calorie goal, all things that aren't ideal. Unless you're diabetic, pre-diabetic, have PCOS, or have a medical reason to worry about insulin, then sugar is unimportant and should basically be ignored.

stephenhopkins2

Thank you guys you have all been very helpful

mlboyer100

Calories first, Macros second. First, do you know what your basic caloric needs are just to maintain your current weight and health? There's a way to calculate that. Then it depends on your level of activity whether you need more calories or less to gain or lose weight. Second, Macros are important too! What are yours set to? Mine are 50% protein, 30% carbs, 20% fat with 1500-1600 calories per day. I'm in maintenance mode and workout 45 minutes a day five days a week and I'm very active. Height and current weight play a factor also. If you wan help calculating these numbers, let me know via PM.