What works for you?

atunny93

Is it realistic to set a calorie goal and keep to it whilst achieving your macro targets? What works for you?

Teabythesea_

I simply set my calorie allowance and eat to it by eating whatever I want, whenever until i reach my goal for the day. For macros I try to reach my fat and protein goals and let carbs fall wherever. Some people prefer to maintain a deficit through intermittent fasting, low carb, or other techniques. At the end of it all though, the most crucial part of weight loss is maintaining that deficit. Optimally you should use a method that's condusive to sustainable, healthy weight loss.

estherdragonbat

At first, all I focused on was calories. When I was comfortable with that, I worked on hitting my protein target, then iron, now fiber. I let the rest fall where it falls. And, since I don't have a lot to lose and I'm not on that many calories (1350 base to lose 1/2lb per week), I exercise to increase the amount I can eat.

NovusDies

atunny93 wrote: »

Is it realistic to set a calorie goal and keep to it whilst achieving your macro targets? What works for you?

What is realistic can vary from person to person. I always recommend starting with the easiest path forward possible and the fewest initial changes.

AnnPT77

atunny93 wrote: »

Is it realistic to set a calorie goal and keep to it whilst achieving your macro targets? What works for you?

I think it's not realistic to hit a calorie goal, and goals for all 3 macronutrients, all exactly precisely spot on every single day.

But close enough is fine.

I'd point out that counting calories or counting macros (a la IIFYM) are roughly equivalent, in that each macro has an approximate per-gram calorie level (4 calories per gram for protein and carbs, 9 calories per gram for fats, 7 calories per gram for alcohol which isn't a macro per se but acts kind of like one calorically).

Calories are pretty much the only thing important for weight loss, especially in the short run (food choices and nutrition could affect energy level or satiation/compliance, so indirectly affect weight loss success in the longer run).

Macronutrients (and micronutrients) are important for good nutrition, body composition, and health. But humans are adaptive omnivores, so we can get away with a lot of variation for extended time periods, if we don't get too crazy. Protein and fat levels are more important nutritionally than carbs, but carb levels can affect some people's appetite/satiation and/or energy level, so may have personal importance to you as an individual. You'll see a lot of people around here who shoot for a protein minimum, slightly fewer but still many who shoot for a protein and fat minimum, some who go for a fiber goal as well, and then there are low carb or keto eaters who try not to exceed a certain carb level . . . opinions all over the place!

Personally, I have a calorie goal that's less than my maintenance calories (but exceed it now and then, so I average out - I hope - somewhere around maintenance calories); a protein minimum; a fat minimum; and veggie/fruit-servings goal. That works for me.

echmain3

I only counted calories.

I mostly ignored my macros but I did try to eat more protein. It helps me stay fuller longer.