Understanding Macros

amlelas68

Can someone please help me understand the macros on here. I dont even know what they are suppose to be set at. I just hear everyone talking about them.

kommodevaran

In that case, you can safely ignore them, or if you want to track macros, leave them as they are, to start with. Your primary goal is always going to be total calories. Macro(nutrient)s are fat, protein and carbs, the nutrients that provide us with energy (calories). To lose weight, you have to consistently take in less energy that your body burns. A good macro balance can make that easier, a setup that doesn't match your needs and preferences, can make it hard.

deannalfisher

all you really need to know/remember - calories are king for weight loss; macros help with satiety/nutrition

three macros - protein/fat/carbs - you want to ensure you have optimal protein/fats and then typical recommendation is fill in the rest with carbs - UNLESS you are doing something like Keto where you will injest significantly more fat

normal recommendation = protein - .8-1.2g per goal lean muscle mass; .4-.6g per goal body weight; fill in the rest with carbs

AnvilHead

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

Machafin

Some diets will go as far as tracking your macros. For general weight loss, you don't need to worry about them, just maintain a deficit. Macros refer to fats (9 cals/gram), carbs(4 cals/gram), and proteins(4 cals/gram) and in some diets will suggest a percentage of your calories come from each. An example would be 40% Carbs, 40% Protein, 20% Fat, and other diets like that.

Again, I wouldn't worry about it for now. Google them if you want more in-depth info.

amlelas68

Thank you everyone for the info. Very helpful.