Does it matter what your calories are made up of?

LauraMarie37

In terms of weightloss, it doens't matter where your calories come from as long as you are getting the proper ratios of proteins/carbs/fats. A lot of people will tell you it matters but I am proof it doesn't.

So exactly what amount of Protein/ Carbs/ Fat is needed for Weight loss? I have never been able to figure that out. Everyone i talk to says that Sodium is a huge factor as well as what we are eating, Most people say to eat "Clean" which I have a hard time with that.
So even if we don't eat "Clean" you are saying that no matter were our calories come from we can still lose weight as long as we are getting enough Protein/Carb/Fat ??

Sodium has nothing to do with weight loss.

I don't eat clean in the slightest. There is no difference in Clean vs unclean in terms of how they affect the fat burning hormones. I have read a study that backs this up. There is no magic ratio of the macro nutrients. Some people do better with lower carbs, some with lower fats. A good place to start is 35%protein 35%carbs 30%fat.

I agree with the general idea (different ratios work for different people), but I would say the 35% protein - 35% carbs - 30% fat is maybe too severe of a place to start (though you may end up there or possibly even with less carbs). Remember MFP's default settings are 65% carbs - 15% protein - 15% fat (which most people would say is too high on carbs, and I'd agree in many cases). So try something in the middle first - maybe 50% carbs, 25% protein, 25% fat, and go up or down on carbs/protein/fat from there. I strongly believe that anyone doing over an hour a day of challenging cardio should be at at least 40% carbs (even if most carbs come from fruit/veggies).

And I think macros really only become important in the last 20 lbs or so, if you have a history of insulin-related problems, or if you are seriously training for some kind of athletic event. Until then, your plan of "eat mostly healthy and some snacks" sounds great.

daniey89

Heya! Welcome! I think aslong as you base your diet around healthy foods ( wholegrains, lean protiens. low fat dairy/substitutes and fruit and veges then I think including a few treats into your calorie intake won't hurt. I find that If i eat less processed food though that I'm not as hungry and end up eating less. As for water I drink two ltires of water a day this in including green tea aswell. Water is really good for your skin and also stops you from getting fake hunger ( sometimes we think we are hungry but actually we are dehydrated). I notice a big difference when i don't drink enough water. In sayingt this, I am no expert but I find that this really works for me

ambermichon

A calorie is a calorie however you will stay full longer, feed your body the nutirents needed and give it the needed energy with eating healthy. You could technically lose weight with say ...a high fat diet but that isnt probably going to get you the results you want. I find if I eat real foods I am far less hungry.