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Macros, protein

tdslyoung
tdslyoung Posts: 1 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Today was my first day to monitor my macros. I am already way over in protein and not even halfway close to my carbs. This is so confusing because all I keep hearing is how we need more protein, more more more. I ate fairly normal today and wanted to monitor just to see where I’m at. Now I’m confused. I do not want to decrease my protein.

Replies

  • Cats_fitness_journey
    Cats_fitness_journey Posts: 49 Member
    The same thing happened to me!! I’m pretty sure that’s the default protein goal the app sets for you, and I don’t think there are any negative sound effects to going over it, I’m also kinda confused with macros 😅 hopefully someone more knowledgeable replies to your comment, I want to know too 😭
  • MacLowCarbing
    MacLowCarbing Posts: 350 Member
    You can change your macros to reflect your preferred dietary intake. Despite how adamantly different camps might argue, fact is the science of the ideal diet is far from settled. Research diets and decide what macro balance works best for your life. If you're not sure, try tweaking 5-10% at a time until you find your sweet spot.

    The Mayo Clinic has some good advice for calculating how much protein you need or how much is too much, a lot does depend on things like your physical activity level, age, etc. Generally 10 - 35%, or .8 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of your ideal body weight. If you're very athletic you may need more.





  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 7,000 Member
    MFP's macro percentages are very generic. Protein goals are better determined in absolute number rather than in percentages: for low calorie goals (smaller people, aggressive weight loss rate) they tend to be too low and for high calorie goals (very heavy people) they tend to be higher than necessary.

    Going over your protein goal is generally fine, unless you have kidney problems.

    I like this calculator: https://examine.com/protein-intake-calculator/

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