Forcing the Macros issue

mikey8914

I usually have about 150-300 calories after dinner and I use them to align my macros. But I do this even if I’m not really hungry. I’ve been losing weight, but no longer my biggest concern. For instance, if my fat is high I’ll have cookies or if my carbs are high it’s salami & cheese. Any thought? Am I the only one doing this?

LyndaBSS

I don't pay much attention to the macros. I focus on staying in a calorie deficit to lose weight.

Unless you have a medical reason for choosing certain macros, you don't have to worry about them.

Luke_rabbit

I plan in advance and make any adjustments with my afternoon snack, but usually only to get enough protein. I don't care if carbs or fats are low.

lynn_glenmont

I don't worry about achieving some perfect macro distribution. I worry about getting enough protein and fiber (I would worry about getting enough fat if not getting enough fat was something that happened more than once in a blue moon for me). So, yeah, if I'm short of my protein goals, I might have plain greek yogurt with cheese powder mixed in as my evening snack. If I'm short on fiber I might have something like an apple with peanut butter, or whole grain toast with peanut butter. But if I'm actually feeling full, I wouldn't push it.

mmapags

LyndaBSS wrote: »

I don't pay much attention to the macros. I focus on staying in a calorie deficit to lose weight.

Unless you have a medical reason for choosing certain macros, you don't have to worry about them.

Not true that it requires a medical reason to focus on macros. Fitness goal for muscle building and maximizing satiety and minimizing cravings can both be good reasons. And it is not really worrying about them. Just bringing a little focus.

You may not choose to and if that works for you, great. Others may choose to without having a medical reason and that is equally valid for them.

OP, I have done something similar but I really only focus on protein. Fats are always in an acceptable range for me and carbs can just fall wherever they do. The focus on protein is for recovery from weight training and tissue building. I also find higher protein and fibrous fruits and veggies most satisfying and limits craving.

deannalfisher

yes i do this - i call it macro tetris

Sharon_C

I think its a great idea. If it's working then keep doing it.

NovusDies

LyndaBSS wrote: »

I don't pay much attention to the macros. I focus on staying in a calorie deficit to lose weight.

Unless you have a medical reason for choosing certain macros, you don't have to worry about them.

There are helpful threads at the top of the forums with useful information in them. Some of them cover the importance of protein. You should check them out.

gouin4goals

I think macros are important mostly get in your protein, keep fat moderate and eat carbs only as you need for energy.

snickerscharlie

I focus on hitting my protein macro and then pretty much letting the others fall where they may. Within reason.

Namtabmi

I plan my day in the morning or the day before usually. So I'm not fighting with my macros all day. If I go out or have an off day Occasionally I dont stress out about it. But if there is a food I really want to eat, I.e. a burger, I will mix and match every food in the house until I find a combo that gets me my macros, and then that's my other meal

middlehaitch

My only focus is protein.

As a post menopausal woman it is really important for muscle and bone retention even if you don’t do any resistance work. I lift so make sure I get my 0.8-1g per lbs LBM per day.

Also because MPS can be less effective in an older person (me) I ensure most of my protein is consumed in 20-35g ‘blocks’ rather than bits and bobs throughout the day.

Never had a problem with fibre intake so don’t track it. It is the only other thing I would if I did though.

Cheers, h.

HoneyBadger302

I have a few things that are pretty set, and lunch I just do a frozen meal, so I'll pre-log most things, and then just fill in dinner to stay in my macros.

Weekends can be a bit more complicated, or if there's something I just really want to enjoy, then I'll build the rest of my day to fit in, and it may be a complete mash up LOL. But I'm trying to stay under 100g carbs/day total to see if it helps with TBI symptoms, which is making it MUCH easier to hit my protein goals since I'm not sucking up as many calories with carbs (which I do enjoy, and if I don't really see results will likely get a lot more lenient on it. I do find it easier to stay in my calorie range though, and I'm a lot more satiated, and my workouts aren't suffering AT ALL so I may stay lower-ish carb no matter what).

AnnPT77

I have goals for protein grams (minimum); fat grams (minimum), with a bias toward reasonable MUFAs/PUFAs and O-3s; servings of veggies/fruits (which I also try to vary lots), and hydration. By intention, it's a rare day I'm under on protein or fats (unlike many, I do tend to undereat fats if I don't pay attention). I'm a little more willing to be under my veggie/fruit serving goal now and then (shooting for 5+ 80g servings, preferably 10+).

Some people don't need to concern themselves with hydration; I also tend to underhydrate to my detriment if I don't pay attention to it. I track but don't worry about fiber, because I'm pretty much always over my goal without much attention (partly because of the fruit/veggie goals). As long as other things are in line, I don't care about carbs, sugar or alcohol (other than not abusing the latter).

Personally, I think nutrition is important, not just for sports performance or body composition or satiety, and not just protein. I think a well-rounded, balanced way of eating is important for general health. Therefore, I try to achieve it the overwhelming majority of days (without being obsessive about hitting everything exactly or every single day).

Humans are adaptive omnivores, so precision or obession are optional, but I think it's a good idea to strive for good nutrtion as a whole, not just hit calorie goal without worrying about anything else. But that's just me.