Is it me or my macros?

mittencat77

I have been at it awhile. First I was told I was not eating enough. I upped it and have been doing heavy lifting and keeping my calories right. but it strikes me that weight and calories are not enough. I am guessing I need less fat, more protein (my diary is open). I have been topping up the calories with fat I guess.

I eat fish and eggs but no meat. Probably really on cheese and eggs too much. Any advice anyone has would be appreciated. Hate working out so consistently and getting no where.

cmeiron

Hi!

Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1040742-wanting-your-thoughts-vs-wanting-your-help

then this:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/910257-the-new-and-improved-asking-questions-about-your-intake
:flowerforyou:

mittencat77

Wow! When I started reading this I was so confused I was ready to give up altogether. But then it led me to something else that led me to Layne Norton's video on Clean vs IIFYM. IFINALLY, I understand.

Thank you!

Sarauk2sf

Here is an explanation as to how to set your macros: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

mittencat77

Sorry to ask...and I swear this will be my last annoying question....but how do I calculate my LBM accurately. I did a search and all I came up with was people discussing BF% scales and their inaccuracy.

I literally weigh nothing (just weighed self at 96lbs....I am 4'11) but I am soft and chubby. I really want to get this solved once and for all.

SideSteel

You can see this thread and post pics here, or you can use the estimates in comparison and estimate yourself:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/826435-bodyfat-estimation-thread

It is not critical to be accurate when using it as a method to estimate calorie intake. You just need to get reasonably close and you need to then pay attention to your results and adjust your intake based on results.

And the bolded part is where most people go wrong.

So what I'm saying is this, if you mess up your intake and end up eating 800 calories more or less than you should, you will see it via really fast weight loss or really slow weight loss, and after a few weeks you should be able to adjust and fine tune this to end up close to the proper intake.

Remember, this is all one big estimation. Intake calculators are generalizations that are not correct for everyone, far from it in many cases. They are just estimations to get you close. So is bodyfat analysis even when done with tools designed for it. So is intake tracking which is why you use a food scale to increase accuracy.

Etc. etc. etc.

My point is this: Don't get too caught up in perfectly estimating your starting point. Put your emphasis on accurate logging of food intake/calorie tracking, pay attention to that data, pay attention to your results, and adjust it as you go.