Having trouble hitting macros? Help?

kassiebby1124

I've had a MyFitnessPal account for over a year or so now and I've lost 80lbs (woo). I've been hearing a lot of "IIFYM" on here and eating 1400 calories a day (yes, I log and weigh everything now), I'm not losing like I could like to. Someone said I needed to adjust my macros, which I did (I used the IIFYM website). Now that I have that in check, I'm having trouble with something:

Actually HITTING my macros. I tend to focus on my sodium intake so much I neglect my macros. Stupid, I know. But I can't properly digest salt. It makes me swell up, not just bloating. So I'll be low on everything else because I set my sodium limit to 1500. What are some low sodium foods I can do to help me hit my macros? I'm in college and I have no job at the moment so buying food will be a bit difficult.

Here are what my macros are:
Carbs: 117
Protein: 156
Fat: 52

Also, one last question: How does this equal 1400? Is it based off of calories or something else?

I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but thank you for helping me.

-Kassie

kassiebby1124

Bump.

editorgrrl

Carbs & protein have 4 calories per gram; fat has 9.

117g carbs = 468 calories
156g protein = 624 calories
52g fat = 468 calories

Total = 1,560 calories

Edited to add that I just use the MFP defaults and try to exceed my protein goal every day. (Also exceed fiber and meet iron & calcium.) Then I meet my calorie goal & ignore the rest.

editorgrrl

Re: sodium, limit processed foods and eat out as little as possible. Cook healthy meals from scratch with no added salt. (In North America & Europe, it's soup weather. Bean, lentil, and split pea soups are cheap & filling.)

sjaykay13

I eat low-sodium as well and try really hard to hit my macros. The easiest way to avoid sodium is by avoiding processed foods (even dairy!!). Eliminating table salt can only go so far, so familiarize yourself with naturally low sodium foods.

Feel free to add me so we can swap low-sodium tips!!

Some of my favorite products
- quest nutrition protein bars
- Mrs. Dash salt free seasoings

Some of my favorite foods to prepare myself:
- kale
- chicken breast
- roast beef (even deli sliced)
- sweet potato (add brown sugar or maple)
- brown rice (lemon juice to flavor)
- turkey bacon (low-sodium kinds)
- oatmeal
- fish (especially salmon)
- low fat greek yogurt (fage is lowest sodium)
- beets

sjaykay13

Oh and I make all my salad dressings too!!

TavistockToad

plan your day in advance so that you hit your macros... if you eat then log its too late to do anything about it.

Tiernan1212

plan your day in advance so that you hit your macros... if you eat then log its too late to do anything about it.

When I first started IIFYM, this was the best advice I ever received!