Macros

mahoneypaula3

Can someone explain about macros and what I should be aiming for?
Thanks

AJ_G

So macros just refers to the three macronutrients: fat, protein, and carbohydrates. All calories that you will consume will fall into one of these three macronutrients(except for alcohol). It's important that you are consuming a minimum amount of fat and protein, and as far as carbohydrates go, to make sure you're not consuming too much. For fat, a good minimum goal to shoot for is 0.35 grams of fat per pound of body weight. As for protein, everyone should really be getting a bare minimum of 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight for health purposes to ensure that your body has a solid supply of amino acids at it's disposal. If you are trying to lose weight, which really means that your goal is to lose fat, then you're going to want to maintain as much muscle as possible while losing weight. This is done by maximizing your body's potential for muscle synthesis by consuming 0.82 grams of protein per pound of body weight, and also by engaging in strength training to stimulate your muscles. As for carbs, once your protein and fat minimums have been accounted for, the rest of your calories can go to carbohydrates, or any combination of the 3 macronutrients that you prefer, but most people including myself tend to use the remaining calories for carbohydrates because they are delicious and amazing.

AnvilHead

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/819055/setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets/p1

Old_Cat_Lady

I found it too complicated and gave up. Trying to stay in calories was work enough. The only macro I watch is protein. Micros I track are fiber, sodium, and calcium.