Meeting macronutrients & What to eat before/after a workout?

jolieblossom

2 Questions.

1.) How important is it to meet your macronutrient goals every day? Most days I do not meet (sometimes even come close to) my protein, potassium, carbs and fiber goals. Most of the time this happens when I work out a lot, or burn lots of cals. When I add exercise on here, it increases that goal, so do I need to eat more then?

If you burn cals, should you eat those extra cals or just stay at your goal?

2.) Are you supposed to take supplements or eat anything before or after you lift weights/strength train or do cardio? And, what do you eat or take, and for what? As of now I do not take any supplements, but I am thinking about taking one a day for women again. I usually do not eat after a workout and do not eat before.

Thank you for your comments in advance!!

erickirb

2 Questions.

1.) How important is it to meet your macronutrient goals every day? Most days I do not meet (sometimes even come close to) my protein, potassium, carbs and fiber goals. Most of the time this happens when I work out a lot, or burn lots of cals. When I add exercise on here, it increases that goal, so do I need to eat more then?
Ans: Protein very important as you may burn msucle instead of fat if you don't get adequate protein.

If you burn cals, should you eat those extra cals or just stay at your goal?
Ans: YES, eat all or most of them Back

2.) Are you supposed to take supplements or eat anything before or after you lift weights/strength train or do cardio? And, what do you eat or take, and for what? As of now I do not take any supplements, but I am thinking about taking one a day for women again. I usually do not eat after a workout and do not eat before.
Ans: You don't need to take anything, just make sure you have the energy and to get protein and carbs after your workout.

Larius

1. Very important to your health. Potassium numbers in MFP are missing for most foods, so this one is tough to track on MFP. Too little protein will cause muscle loss, and less muscle means less fat burning. Too little fiber can cause gastric disturbances. Always eat your exercise Calories.

2. It is often recommended to eat around your workout, especially if you burn a lot of Calories. A daily multivitamin/multimineral supplement is a great idea.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Larius/view/why-eat-your-exercise-calories-or-even-eat-in-the-first-place-123256

joejccva71

2 Questions.

1.) How important is it to meet your macronutrient goals every day? Most days I do not meet (sometimes even come close to) my protein, potassium, carbs and fiber goals. Most of the time this happens when I work out a lot, or burn lots of cals. When I add exercise on here, it increases that goal, so do I need to eat more then?

It is very important to "hit" your macros each and every day. Your macros are your proteins, fats, and carbs. Your micronutrients are your vitamins, minerals, potassium, etc. You should find out what you burn throughout an entire day including your exercise, and daily lifestyle. You burn calories outside of the gym too ya know.

2.) Are you supposed to take supplements or eat anything before or after you lift weights/strength train or do cardio? And, what do you eat or take, and for what? As of now I do not take any supplements, but I am thinking about taking one a day for women again. I usually do not eat after a workout and do not eat before.

The supplements you should be taking are a good multivitamin to get all the micronutrients you are lacking to maintain overall health, and fish oil. All the other supplements are not really required. People take whey protein powders for the simple reason because they have trouble getting the minimum required protein intake from foods.

Check out this thread if you would like to learn how to calculate your BMR and what your calorie intake and macros should be every day depending on your lifestyle and your goals.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/293340