Why macros matter
Replies
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AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.
Agreed, my bigger point (not so much directed at you but rather the macros schmacros person) is that both the importance of macros AND what your macro targets should be are largely dictated by your goals.
Optimum macros for an elite level ultrarunner will be very different from those for an elite level body builder. The vast majority of MFP will be somewhere in the middle.
I like what Meggo said a few posts back -MommyMeggo wrote: »Wetcoaster wrote: »So, yes, at least having an understanding of the macros and being able to eyeball various foods for their macronutrient breakdown IS valuable.
^^ I like this. ^^
We are all adults with at least a high school level reading comprehension. (I hope). There is nothing wrong with providing information and opinions. Macros ARE important whether or not they are tracked- more to some than others.
Give them the info and let them do with it what they will. Not everyone wants to maintain or build muscle. Not everyone wants to lift, not everyone does cardio, etc.
Everyone has different goals but I agree they should have the knowledge to understand their food and how it may effect their goals, whether positively or negatively. MACROs should not be ignored completely as each has a place on their journey.
Give people the info along with enough context to appropriately use that info, and let them do what they need to do for themselves. But we don't do context on MFP.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »
Ya, when I take care of protein, the rest takes care of itself.AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
Again, that depends on your goals. I was so focused on protein for the longest time, now my goals have shifted to requiring more carbs and I actually have to make an effort to hit my carb levels.
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muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Have you been to many marathon races? Or are you referring to elite level racers where carrying less weight is advantageous?
I've seen lots of competitive cyclists and triathletes who look healthy. They also have higher carb requirements.0 -
3dogsrunning wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »
Ya, when I take care of protein, the rest takes care of itself.AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
Again, that depends on your goals. I was so focused on protein for the longest time, now my goals have shifted to requiring more carbs and I actually have to make an effort to hit my carb levels.
I'm having the same issue. Getting enough protein is second nature, but I'm trying to see if raising my carbs will help with running (I have read Matt Fitzgerald on studies that show that even people who thought they were training fine on 40% carb improving with more, as well as a lot of other information along the same lines), and am struggling to do so.0 -
Everyone's definition of healthy is different. An adult man that is 6 feet tall and weighs 140 lbs is not healthy "looking" in my opinion. Now compare marathon runners to track and field athletes, you'll see a body composition difference in referring to.3dogsrunning wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Have you been to many marathon races? Or are you referring to elite level racers where carrying less weight is advantageous?
I've seen lots of competitive cyclists and triathletes who look healthy. They also have higher carb requirements.
0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.
Agreed, my bigger point (not so much directed at you but rather the macros schmacros person) is that both the importance of macros AND what your macro targets should be are largely dictated by your goals.
Optimum macros for an elite level ultrarunner will be very different from those for an elite level body builder. The vast majority of MFP will be somewhere in the middle.
I like what Meggo said a few posts back -MommyMeggo wrote: »Wetcoaster wrote: »So, yes, at least having an understanding of the macros and being able to eyeball various foods for their macronutrient breakdown IS valuable.
^^ I like this. ^^
We are all adults with at least a high school level reading comprehension. (I hope). There is nothing wrong with providing information and opinions. Macros ARE important whether or not they are tracked- more to some than others.
Give them the info and let them do with it what they will. Not everyone wants to maintain or build muscle. Not everyone wants to lift, not everyone does cardio, etc.
Everyone has different goals but I agree they should have the knowledge to understand their food and how it may effect their goals, whether positively or negatively. MACROs should not be ignored completely as each has a place on their journey.
Give people the info along with enough context to appropriately use that info, and let them do what they need to do for themselves. But we don't do context on MFP.
No one here is elite level anything. For the everyday person macros don't mean anything at all. All you need is calories in vs calories out and check min protein for the day. For the gym bro macros mean nothing. For the fat person macro mean nothing. For the runner macros mean nothing. Protein intake does matter because anybody trying to lose weight wants spare their muscle.
If you don't naturally hit 20 grams of fat a day you're probably on some idiotic diet.
If macros are important to you then supplements and meal timing probably are too. For the 99.999% it won't make a noticeable difference. The only exception where macros matter that I can see is people who are type 2 diabetic.
Summary
Macros schmacros0 -
AnabolicKyle wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.
Agreed, my bigger point (not so much directed at you but rather the macros schmacros person) is that both the importance of macros AND what your macro targets should be are largely dictated by your goals.
Optimum macros for an elite level ultrarunner will be very different from those for an elite level body builder. The vast majority of MFP will be somewhere in the middle.
I like what Meggo said a few posts back -MommyMeggo wrote: »Wetcoaster wrote: »So, yes, at least having an understanding of the macros and being able to eyeball various foods for their macronutrient breakdown IS valuable.
^^ I like this. ^^
We are all adults with at least a high school level reading comprehension. (I hope). There is nothing wrong with providing information and opinions. Macros ARE important whether or not they are tracked- more to some than others.
Give them the info and let them do with it what they will. Not everyone wants to maintain or build muscle. Not everyone wants to lift, not everyone does cardio, etc.
Everyone has different goals but I agree they should have the knowledge to understand their food and how it may effect their goals, whether positively or negatively. MACROs should not be ignored completely as each has a place on their journey.
Give people the info along with enough context to appropriately use that info, and let them do what they need to do for themselves. But we don't do context on MFP.
No one here is elite level anything. For the everyday person macros don't mean anything at all. All you need is calories in vs calories out and check min protein for the day. For the gym bro macros mean nothing. For the fat person macro mean nothing. For the runner macros mean nothing. Protein intake does matter because anybody trying to lose weight wants spare their muscle.
If you don't naturally hit 20 grams of fat a day you're probably on some idiotic diet.
If macros are important to you then supplements and meal timing probably are too. For the 99.999% it won't make a noticeable difference. The only exception where macros matter that I can see is people who are type 2 diabetic.
Summary
Macros schmacros
I need a lot more than 20 grams of fat, Chuck.
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Configuring your Macros can make keep feeling good and staying within calories.
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Lovee_Dove7 wrote: »Configuring your Macros can make keep feeling good and staying within calories.
It also ensures you get enough fat for healthy hormone function, joints, skin, hair, not to mention brain function.0 -
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AnabolicKyle wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.
Agreed, my bigger point (not so much directed at you but rather the macros schmacros person) is that both the importance of macros AND what your macro targets should be are largely dictated by your goals.
Optimum macros for an elite level ultrarunner will be very different from those for an elite level body builder. The vast majority of MFP will be somewhere in the middle.
I like what Meggo said a few posts back -MommyMeggo wrote: »Wetcoaster wrote: »So, yes, at least having an understanding of the macros and being able to eyeball various foods for their macronutrient breakdown IS valuable.
^^ I like this. ^^
We are all adults with at least a high school level reading comprehension. (I hope). There is nothing wrong with providing information and opinions. Macros ARE important whether or not they are tracked- more to some than others.
Give them the info and let them do with it what they will. Not everyone wants to maintain or build muscle. Not everyone wants to lift, not everyone does cardio, etc.
Everyone has different goals but I agree they should have the knowledge to understand their food and how it may effect their goals, whether positively or negatively. MACROs should not be ignored completely as each has a place on their journey.
Give people the info along with enough context to appropriately use that info, and let them do what they need to do for themselves. But we don't do context on MFP.
No one here is elite level anything. For the everyday person macros don't mean anything at all. All you need is calories in vs calories out and check min protein for the day. For the gym bro macros mean nothing. For the fat person macro mean nothing. For the runner macros mean nothing. Protein intake does matter because anybody trying to lose weight wants spare their muscle.
If you don't naturally hit 20 grams of fat a day you're probably on some idiotic diet.
If macros are important to you then supplements and meal timing probably are too. For the 99.999% it won't make a noticeable difference. The only exception where macros matter that I can see is people who are type 2 diabetic.
Summary
Macros schmacros
What a bunch of nonsense. I'd think a guy that goes by "anabolic Kyle" would have a better understanding of the importantce of protein. Protein is a "macro" young fella. Calories in vs calories out is great in theory but it's an over simplification for people just trying to lose weight (not even good weight that's mostly fat). For a "gym bro" macros are everything!0 -
@muscleandbeard
Did you read what I wrote? I said you should track your minimum protein!
A macro is not protein
A protein is a macro
I just think hitting ratios, or getting x amount of carbs is pointless for almost anybody using this site.0 -
AnabolicKyle wrote: »@muscleandbeard
Did you read what I wrote? I said you should track your minimum protein!
A macro is not protein
A protein is a macro
I just think hitting ratios, or getting x amount of carbs is pointless for almost anybody using this site.
Yes you did. I stand corrected. Just saw that, not sure why I missed it0 -
AnabolicKyle wrote: »
Dietary guidelines recommend 20-35% of total calories for proper health.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fat/art-20045550?pg=2
On a 2,000 calorie diet (precisely what I'm on during this cut) that's 44 to 78 grams per day.
I shoot for .35-.42 grams per lb of body weight. Right now, at 180, that's 63 to 75 grams per day. So about 28-34% of total calories.
From Layne Norton -
Fat recommendations:
<20 years old: 0.25-0.4g/lb bodyweight
21-40 years old: 0.35-0.5g/lb bodyweight
41-65 years old: 0.45-0.6g/lb bodyweight
>65 years old: 0.55-0.7g/lb bodyweight
http://www.biolayne.com/nutrition/anabolic-eating-for-your-age/0 -
Good article and debate. Thank you for posting this @muscleandbeard.0
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Why do you make the exception for protein and fat. Either they matter or they don't matter....which is it?AnabolicKyle wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.
Agreed, my bigger point (not so much directed at you but rather the macros schmacros person) is that both the importance of macros AND what your macro targets should be are largely dictated by your goals.
Optimum macros for an elite level ultrarunner will be very different from those for an elite level body builder. The vast majority of MFP will be somewhere in the middle.
I like what Meggo said a few posts back -MommyMeggo wrote: »Wetcoaster wrote: »So, yes, at least having an understanding of the macros and being able to eyeball various foods for their macronutrient breakdown IS valuable.
^^ I like this. ^^
We are all adults with at least a high school level reading comprehension. (I hope). There is nothing wrong with providing information and opinions. Macros ARE important whether or not they are tracked- more to some than others.
Give them the info and let them do with it what they will. Not everyone wants to maintain or build muscle. Not everyone wants to lift, not everyone does cardio, etc.
Everyone has different goals but I agree they should have the knowledge to understand their food and how it may effect their goals, whether positively or negatively. MACROs should not be ignored completely as each has a place on their journey.
Give people the info along with enough context to appropriately use that info, and let them do what they need to do for themselves. But we don't do context on MFP.
No one here is elite level anything. For the everyday person macros don't mean anything at all. All you need is calories in vs calories out and check min protein for the day. For the gym bro macros mean nothing. For the fat person macro mean nothing. For the runner macros mean nothing. Protein intake does matter because anybody trying to lose weight wants spare their muscle.
If you don't naturally hit 20 grams of fat a day you're probably on some idiotic diet.
If macros are important to you then supplements and meal timing probably are too. For the 99.999% it won't make a noticeable difference. The only exception where macros matter that I can see is people who are type 2 diabetic.
Summary
Macros schmacros
For **YOU** they don't matter.
But later, if "all things stop being equal" for you, then you may learn something new about using macros to support your body's health.0 -
Lovee_Dove7 wrote: »
Why do you make the exception for protein and fat. Either they matter or they don't matter....which is it?AnabolicKyle wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Looking healthy is not their goal, assuming we are talking about accomplished, competitive marathoners.
You do need carbs...no question. Protein goes a long way in body composition though so I'm all for it.
Agreed, my bigger point (not so much directed at you but rather the macros schmacros person) is that both the importance of macros AND what your macro targets should be are largely dictated by your goals.
Optimum macros for an elite level ultrarunner will be very different from those for an elite level body builder. The vast majority of MFP will be somewhere in the middle.
I like what Meggo said a few posts back -MommyMeggo wrote: »Wetcoaster wrote: »So, yes, at least having an understanding of the macros and being able to eyeball various foods for their macronutrient breakdown IS valuable.
^^ I like this. ^^
We are all adults with at least a high school level reading comprehension. (I hope). There is nothing wrong with providing information and opinions. Macros ARE important whether or not they are tracked- more to some than others.
Give them the info and let them do with it what they will. Not everyone wants to maintain or build muscle. Not everyone wants to lift, not everyone does cardio, etc.
Everyone has different goals but I agree they should have the knowledge to understand their food and how it may effect their goals, whether positively or negatively. MACROs should not be ignored completely as each has a place on their journey.
Give people the info along with enough context to appropriately use that info, and let them do what they need to do for themselves. But we don't do context on MFP.
No one here is elite level anything. For the everyday person macros don't mean anything at all. All you need is calories in vs calories out and check min protein for the day. For the gym bro macros mean nothing. For the fat person macro mean nothing. For the runner macros mean nothing. Protein intake does matter because anybody trying to lose weight wants spare their muscle.
If you don't naturally hit 20 grams of fat a day you're probably on some idiotic diet.
If macros are important to you then supplements and meal timing probably are too. For the 99.999% it won't make a noticeable difference. The only exception where macros matter that I can see is people who are type 2 diabetic.
Summary
Macros schmacros
For **YOU** they don't matter.
But later, if "all things stop being equal" for you, then you may learn something new about using macros to support your body's health.
He's also making two false assumptions:
1) macros only matter for elite level athletes. Actually, recreational athletes and amateur lifters can also benefit from proper macro balance.
2) there are no elite level athletes on these boards. This is highly debatable depending on your definition of "elite." We have everything from accomplished marathoners to record holding power lifters.0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
How many marathons have you attended? Based on the above comment I'll say zero.0 -
Both links provide no evidence which is pretty typical of any nutrition based "science". That doesn't mean they are wrong but it means their is no definite answer. Maybe the minimum is 20g of fat or 60g of fat, I don't know.
Two types of diets I have seen
The 90% carb diet. I forget the name. Some YouTube guy always brings it up.
The no carb diet Atkins paleo etc
My point is that as long as you eat some what normal diet all you need to lose fat is
1.calories in vs calories out
2.A min target of protein
3.rule number one is king
Thought experiment
Macros matter!!!
What should my daily carb intake be?
Why?
What should my daily fat intake be?
Why?
What should my daily protein intake be?
Why?0 -
AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
But protein is a macro. You're saying who cares about macros, but care about this macro! LOL.0 -
A lot. As a cop I work them ever couple of months. I see guys passing out within the first 10 miles. None of them look above 150lbsmuscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
How many marathons have you attended? Based on the above comment I'll say zero.
0 -
PikaKnight wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
But protein is a macro. You're saying who cares about macros, but care about this macro! LOL.
Protein is a macro
Macros are not protein
Plz no bully!0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »
A lot. As a cop I work them ever couple of months. I see guys passing out within the first 10 miles. None of them look above 150lbsmuscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
How many marathons have you attended? Based on the above comment I'll say zero.
And you think that some person passing out in the first ten miles qualifies as a well trained and healthy marathon runner?
Maybe you should instead check out the people who finish.0 -
AnabolicKyle wrote: »Both links provide no evidence which is pretty typical of any nutrition based "science". That doesn't mean they are wrong but it means their is no definite answer. Maybe the minimum is 20g of fat or 60g of fat, I don't know.
Two types of diets I have seen
The 90% carb diet. I forget the name. Some YouTube guy always brings it up.
The no carb diet Atkins paleo etc
My point is that as long as you eat some what normal diet all you need to lose fat is
1.calories in vs calories out
2.A min target of protein
3.rule number one is king
Thought experiment
Macros matter!!!
What should my daily carb intake be?
Why?
What should my daily fat intake be?
Why?
What should my daily protein intake be?
Why?
Why "A min target of protein?"
Thought experiment for you:
You are going to a world-televised beach party on the French coast with 12 supermodels. There will be photo sessions and competitions with other athletes for strength and endurance.
What will be your diet for the next two weeks? Will you be tightening up on that diet, paying attention to your macros so you will look and perform your best?0 -
Lovee_Dove7 wrote: »
Why "A min target of protein?"
To avoid muscle loss while at a calorie deficit.Lovee_Dove7 wrote: »Thought experiment for you:
You are going to a world-televised beach party on the French coast with 12 supermodels. There will be photo sessions and competitions with other athletes for strength and endurance.
What will be your diet for the next two weeks? Will you be tightening up on that diet, paying attention to your macros so you will look and perform your best?
for 14 days I would eat nothing but protein probably about 250g(1000calories) to look as lean as possible.0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »
A lot. As a cop I work them ever couple of months. I see guys passing out within the first 10 miles. None of them look above 150lbsmuscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
How many marathons have you attended? Based on the above comment I'll say zero.
And you think that some person passing out in the first ten miles qualifies as a well trained and healthy marathon runner?
Maybe you should instead check out the people who finish.
I can't, I always get stuck somewhere half way through
0 -
muscleandbeard wrote: »
Everyone's definition of healthy is different. An adult man that is 6 feet tall and weighs 140 lbs is not healthy "looking" in my opinion. Now compare marathon runners to track and field athletes, you'll see a body composition difference in referring to.3dogsrunning wrote: »muscleandbeard wrote: »AnabolicKyle wrote: »macros schmacros
just hit your minimum protein requirement for the day
I'll remember that as my training ramps up for my 6+ hour races this summer. Who needs carbs...
Well I'm yet to see a marathon runner that looks healthy and not underweight.
Have you been to many marathon races? Or are you referring to elite level racers where carrying less weight is advantageous?
I've seen lots of competitive cyclists and triathletes who look healthy. They also have higher carb requirements.
I run marathons and ultramarathons. I'm considerably more than 140. No one would ever call me underweight.
But nice broad brush you've got there, brofessor.0
This discussion has been closed.
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