Macros / Food Ideas?

Vorcha

Hello! MFP new-newcomer here. I've read up quite a bit about macros and was wondering if mine are set right? I'm going to be embarking on C25K and StrongLifts next week, and want to be prepared well enough for lifting as well as eating enough to lose weight. I'm set on 1200 currently as I want to lose around 2lbs a week if possible. Are my macros fine as they are?

Also, I work through the week, I'm looking for tasty dinner time meals I could make for my lunches as I'm far too tempted by the delights of the canteen (and the full cooked breakfast!) - so, what're your 'go to' healthy meals have on a day to day basis? How do I pack wonderful health into a flask or bait box? And what're some meals that are choc full of nutrients, protein and all that good stuff that're cheap enough to make at home? I've got quite an uneducated fear of carbs at the moment as I seem to overeat a lot on them, so carb low foods included are a bonus or at least some education on how much I should eat.

Okay. That about covers it. Now throw me every recipe you've got!

...

Ahem.

Last question. No really, I promise.
What're the best times to eat too? Small and often, large every few hours? With my work schedule, breakfast for me will either be at 7:30-8 or 10-10:30; lunch from 12-1 and dinner some ways after that at 5 pm+

climbing_trees

Hey there!

If you're doing a lifting program, it is very important to get enough protein. This helps maintain muscle mass while you are losing weight. A common estimate is around .75-1.25g per lb of body weight. I would suggest 40% carbs, 35% protein, 25% fat. This is what I'm currently set at and I have had success. Tweak it as you find what works best for you. I like having the extra protein, it helps me feel full for longer and it reduces my carb cravings.

As far as meal times, you can eat whenever you want! Experiment with eating fewer larger meals, and more smaller meals. See which one makes you feel the most full and gives you the most energy. For me, I like to eat a snack sized meal every two or three hours. I have friends who like to eat two or three huge meals a day and no snacks. Everyone's body is different.

There's no need to fear carbs. Try to stick to carbs from vegetables, fruits, whole grains. The sugar limit given by mfp is for "added" sugar, so things like candy/cake/soda. I went over that every day so I just removed it from my tracker. (edit: I see you've done the same thing! good idea~)

My go-to healthy lunch is a big bowl of spinach, a can of tuna(or chicken) mixed with spicy mustard or hummus (or avocado if I'm feeling luxurious), topped with tomatoes and whatever other veggies are in my fridge. Very filling and high protein! I have an open diary so feel free to browse if you like~