fat question

rayche319

so i've been doing really well for the past 3 weeks and i've been sticking to my calories. i like to look at the other components too though and i've noticed that my fat intake is usually 5-8 grams less than my goal and my protein is always 2-3 more. Is this good, or is it important to stick to those goals as well? i know that i should eat all my calories, should i eat all the fat too?

rayche319

so i've been doing really well for the past 3 weeks and i've been sticking to my calories. i like to look at the other components too though and i've noticed that my fat intake is usually 5-8 grams less than my goal and my protein is always 2-3 more. Is this good, or is it important to stick to those goals as well? i know that i should eat all my calories, should i eat all the fat too?

rosiesantos7

I am not sure that you have to eat all your fat...I didn't even know you are suppose to eat all your calories. I am feeling guilty for eating all my calories because it seems like when I exercise it is adding more calories to my goal. I don't mind, I like to eat but I want to benefit and lose weight, like everyone else on this website.

Lost....:huh:

rayche319

yeah, you're supposed to eat all your calories, i guess if you dont on a constant basis your body will go into "starvation mode" and you wont be able to lose anything because your body will store what little it is getting (i read that on this site in another string somewhere)...i'm losing so i guess i should just leave well enough alone and keep doing what i'm doing

hnlymark

There's a dude on here dressed like Superman. He's like WAY smart and has a most excellent post regarding eating all your calories. I'll go find it and bump it for you. Fat, protein, carb ratios? I had a similar question and the consensus seemed to be as long as you eat your calories (including exercise) and don't get crazy with the other stuff you're alright. I always go over on protein and am usually under on the other two. I'm not sure if he addresses this question anywhere or not...

rosiesantos7

Thanks that will be really helpful cause I just started MFP and I really want to do this "program" right so I can maximize my weight loss.

hnlymark

'Ya find it? Its called "For those confused or questioning Eating your exercise calo" and written by Banks1850.

sweetpea03b

I consult a nutritionist on a monthly basis. She always tells me if you go over on anything.. its best to go over on proteins and carbs because this is what you burn first when you work out. ALWAYS stay low on fat if you can.


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Eliyan

Well, your body needs fats as well, just the right kinds. Definitely stay away from trans fats, and try to keep your saturated fats low too, but make sure you're getting enough mono and polyunsaturated fats, where you get your omegas. Eat almonds and other nuts and seeds, avacado, fish, etc. Those are good fats.

tamifanny

I've been wondering this myself....should we eat all our exercise calories or just never go under 1200? Say like I've had 1283 today but still have 578 in calories burned & it's almost 9:00pm...I really don't want to eat over 500 calories before I go to bed. :noway:

Poison5119

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo

That should do it.

Eat as many of those calories as you can. I like to let a few go, but try not to ignore them completely.

And as far as the fat, it's only part of your caloric intake. If you don't want to eat something with fat in it to finish off your calorie allottment for the day, by all means, skip the fat. It can't hurt you. We all need a little fat in our diets, just not the "DoubleWhopperWithBaconAndCheese" kind!!

Read as much as you can by Banks1850 - he has done a lot of research and has a lot of experience. He has several very good, informative posts that will help you understand dieting and how to use this site.

Good luck and welcome!!

cnolovechild

There's a dude on here dressed like Superman. He's like WAY smart and has a most excellent post regarding eating all your calories.

LOL...I call banks the MFP patrolman.... He always has great advice!

banks1850

"way smart" LOL! you guys are too much. I'm not any different from the rest of you except for this: My wife has been doing this for a long time, and I picked up a lot of info from her. She did ALL of it, the diets, the fasts, the crazy exercises, the low carb, the low fat, the low food...etc I've seen it all. NONE of it worked in the long term. the only thing that worked, and works (IMHO) is eating a healthy diet with a moderate deficit in calories with a good strong workout regimen. Add to that my computer skills (15 years in the business), and my desire to do this right, and you get me. Lil, ole me.

FYI, eating below your fat by a couple of grams won't kill ya, and yes, if you're going to do that, better to make up the calories with protein then with carbs or sugar. While healthy fat is VITAL to your body, you're not going to ruin anything by being a few percentage points below your goal.

I know this seems like a shell game sometimes. But if you think about it, you will come to understand that the body has a precise routine, keep to it and your body will react accordingly. The trick is to find the routine for you, cuz everyone is different.

rayche319

thanks everyone! i'm going to keep doing what i'm doing then! i knew you all would be able to help!