Question about caloric deficit

SStapelfeld

Hi! I have a question over why it’s important to have macro nutrients like protein and fats. I understand why they are important but can you lose weight eating mostly carbs? What benefits are there to hitting those numbers instead of just getting your caloric deficit and hitting that number. Thank you

Scottgriesser

You can lose weight eating only twinkies if ya like as weight loss is about calories not macros, but your body would prefer if you threw some real food at it too.

Same thing goes for macros. Sure carb heavy, protein heavy, or fat heavy diets can all work, but in most cases a more balanced approach is advisable.

Shortest answer is, carbs give you short term energy, proteins retains/rebuilds muscles, and fats keep everything running smooth/long term energy. Obviously, there is a whole lot more to it than that, and Dr. Google could help you out.

The reason some people go with high protein/fat/carb is that it works better for them. Certain macros make them "FEEL" more satiated or energized. Everyone is different.

AJ_G

In the hierarchy of importance, it's most important to hit your calorie goal. Number 2 right under that is hitting proper macronutrient goals. As mentioned above me, you will lose weight with a calorie deficit regardless of your macronutrient breakdown, but it is important to get enough protein and fat if your goal is to retain muscle while losing weight (also requires heavy lifting), and to be healthy as adequate dietary fat is important for brain function, and hormone production.

Commander_Keen

It boils down to what you want to look like, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who is all protein, or the Comedian Fluffy

AJ_G

Commander_Keen wrote: »

It boils down to what you want to look like, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who is all protein, or the Comedian Fluffy

Terrible analogy. First of all, the Rock, as amazing as he looks, is still stuck in the 1980s in terms of nutrition. He thinks he needs to eat 6 meals a day, and they all have to be clean meals, and then when he's done filming whatever movie he is working on, he has a massive cheat day where he famously eats like 6 pizzas or 30 pancakes etc. The rock's body is built mostly in the gym and he gets plenty of protein (most likely much more than he needs). The same results could be achieved without eating clean and by eating 2 or 3 meals a day instead of 6.

AwesomeOpossum74

Though I get plenty of carbs and fat from my general diet (I don't worry too much about balancing the macros), I lean toward protein just so I'm not always hungry, and try to keep my calories in the zone.

HollyPFlax

SStapelfeld wrote: »

Hi! I have a question over why it’s important to have macro nutrients like protein and fats. I understand why they are important but can you lose weight eating mostly carbs? What benefits are there to hitting those numbers instead of just getting your caloric deficit and hitting that number. Thank you

For weight loss, macros do not matter. Tracking them and making adjustments can make you feel more or less full for a longer period of time. If you're in a calorie deficit and hungry between your planned meals and snacks, you may be tempted to overeat. You may give in and undo the calorie deficit. If you feel full, you'll be a lot less tempted to eat extra food. People like different ratios. I prefer high carb, high protein, low fat. Eat what you like in a deficit and track everything. Look for a pattern on days where you feel full and satisfied. That will tell you what macro ratio works best for you.

lemurcat2

MFP's defaults have no special benefits other than helping with structure, since a balanced meal will normally have protein, fat, and carbs, unless you are following a special diet (I prefer to think of it as protein, starch, and veg, and the fat comes in naturally as part of the foods chosen or by cooking in olive oil or adding it to a dressing).

You can lose with any macro breakdown, but you may find that you are more or less hungry on different ones (for me macros are less important to satiety than focusing more specifically on food choice).

For maintaining muscle in a deficit or building muscle, getting a certain level of protein is important. Basically, at least 0.8-1 g per lb of lean body mass, which can be loosely estimated as about .65-.85 g per lb of a healthy goal weight.

lalalacroix

Commander_Keen wrote: »

It boils down to what you want to look like, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who is all protein, or the Comedian Fluffy

This is not true.

placeboBL

AJ_G wrote: »

Commander_Keen wrote: »

It boils down to what you want to look like, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who is all protein, or the Comedian Fluffy

Terrible analogy. First of all, the Rock, as amazing as he looks, is still stuck in the 1980s in terms of nutrition. He thinks he needs to eat 6 meals a day, and they all have to be clean meals, and then when he's done filming whatever movie he is working on, he has a massive cheat day where he famously eats like 6 pizzas or 30 pancakes etc. The rock's body is built mostly in the gym and he gets plenty of protein (most likely much more than he needs). The same results could be achieved without eating clean and by eating 2 or 3 meals a day instead of 6.

...and steroids.