Confused about macros?

ovi212

So I know it is a much debated topic. I get that weight loss is about a deficit and it doesn't matter how you make up those calories. Other than some foods keeping you fuller, give you nutrients (donut vs apple or meat) etc. But what about for health? Does the macro numbers matter for health? muscle gain?

_John_

macros during weight loss are more about muscle retention.

1g protein/lb of lean body mass is kind of the accepted "safe point" for minimizing muscle loss while losing weight.

Extreme calorie defecits, or low protein diet during weight loss (especially when combined with low impact cardio [citation would be useful here]) can lead to an unsatisfactory % of weight loss as lean body mass.

CallMeCupcakeDammit

I had a link to something I want to say Eric Helms wrote, about low impact cardio affecting muscle retention, but it's on my old computer and I lost it. I do have a link to a video of an interview with Layne Norton where he talks about muscle retention and the dangers of too much cardio, though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcM8HablpZk

Lizzy622

I see it as another step toward a healthier lifestyle. First eat at deficit to lose. Then balance the macros to get the right nutrients especially protein. Then look at your micros and try to keep them where they should be. Remember "garbage in, garbage out". Your body can't run efficiently on garbage.

JamesE678

your macros are just the numbers that make up your calories. but you should definitely still eat balanced and have a portion of fruit or veg daily