Macros

szippel927

I have never counted macros and just signed back up for MyFitnessPal and decided to give it a shot since I’m really struggling to lose weight/fat. What is the best % for me to follow to lose weight. Also, what if I don’t hit them or go over a little?

SuzySunshine99

Calories are what matter for weight loss, not macros.

The default macro split in MFP is fine, but you can make adjustments in order to fit your preferred eating habits, or if you find you are more satisfied and less hungry with different percentages.

But to lose fat, you need to achieve a calorie deficit. Follow the calorie allotment that MFP gives you to lose weight.

westrich20940

The macros that MFP gives you automatically is a generic split. Start with that -- but it will take some trial/error and tweaking to figure out what works best for you.

Changing your macro split will help you with satiety - which in turn, will help you stay within your calorie goal. Like, for example - I have two breakfasts that I usually make on weekend/non-work day mornings. One is higher in carbs, the other is higher in fat (and possibly a little more protein). They have roughly the same amount of calories -- however, I notice that I am hungry 2-3 hours earlier when I have the higher carb meal than the higher fat meal.

So through paying attention to what you're eating you will probably find that you gravitate towards a different split and then you can change them on MFP if you want.

As far as not hitting them or going over by a little -- NET calories is what will matter. But - If I'm looking at my macros and I see that I still need a lot of protein I will try to build my dinner around a high protein meal or do a protein supplement shake. If you are going to go significantly over your calories - it's generally going to be better to do that with protein than anything else, it's harder for your body to convert excess protein into fat.