How to balance macros?

arsalak

Hi friends,
Please excuse me for my ignorance. I am trying to increase my protein intake without going over my fat and carb limit, but I am finding it difficult to juggle these. I tried to have a protein shake but I do not know if I should have it as a meal replacement or as a snack. I dont particularly like the taste. I would rather eat a chicken (yes I have eaten a whole chicken in one go-not very proud of it though). I am also finding it difficult to stay within my sugar limit as all fruits and veg has some (I think) and ofcourse Muesli has it as well. If I eat more than two eggs, I go over my cholesterol limit. I have tried just egg whites but I still feel hungry afterwards so I mix one whole egg with one egg white. Is that good?

Sorry to have asked so many questions. It is suffocating to keep within micronutrient limits. I wonder if anyone else has similar problems?

Help please

Thanks

MoreBean13

I ignore the sugar limit. Almost all of my sugar comes from whole fruit- and as I saw someone else post once- If you eat one grape you're over your MFP sugar limit.

Theres tons of things you can add to a protein shake to improve the taste- fruit, peanut butter, yogurt- I even add cocoa powder to the chocolate ones to make them extra chocolate- (with some stevia). A coach of mine used to recommend vanilla protein powder and orange gatorade to make a "creamsicle".

pearsy67

Speaking only from experience from having struggled with similar issues, some points I use.
Chicken rocks - but just buy chicken breasts without skin, one breast is about 250g (8oz) good protein, low other bits. I usually dry fry mine sliced with a touch of hickory smoked BBQ sauce for extra flavour. BBQ chickens are the devils work because they are sooo tasty and fatty/salty/ etc. but I still cave in occasionally.
Eggs? two eggs is fine, the really good bits in the egg are in the yolk, the cholesterol spike is only for a day and it is not 'bad' cholesterol. So long as you are not having eggs every day it seems fine, 2 or 3 times a week works for me.
Protein shakes, I usually use them as snack or recovery drink. I use a chocolate one mixed with crushed ice and water after a big workout or even over my cereal instead of milk. But I like the chocolate taste of mine, and I am a bit strange :-) I went overboard on the protein for a while and was recommended to drop it back down and increase my carbs. Makes it easier for the body use the energy without overloading your kidneys. This is from a nutritionist I am seeing, search the forums if you want arguments either way on carbs, but be prepared to read lots of opinions.
Sugar? well that is my killer too, I am trying to cut down my sugar from processed foods like cereals and sweets and then not get too concerned about sugar from fruits and veggies, in moderation of cause.

Damn I have waffled on for a bit, sorry.
Cheers
M

arsalak

I ignore the sugar limit. Almost all of my sugar comes from whole fruit- and as I saw someone else post once- If you eat one grape you're over your MFP sugar limit.

Theres tons of things you can add to a protein shake to improve the taste- fruit, peanut butter, yogurt- I even add cocoa powder to the chocolate ones to make them extra chocolate- (with some stevia). A coach of mine used to recommend vanilla protein powder and orange gatorade to make a "creamsicle".

Speaking only from experience from having struggled with similar issues, some points I use.
Chicken rocks - but just buy chicken breasts without skin, one breast is about 250g (8oz) good protein, low other bits. I usually dry fry mine sliced with a touch of hickory smoked BBQ sauce for extra flavour. BBQ chickens are the devils work because they are sooo tasty and fatty/salty/ etc. but I still cave in occasionally.
Eggs? two eggs is fine, the really good bits in the egg are in the yolk, the cholesterol spike is only for a day and it is not 'bad' cholesterol. So long as you are not having eggs every day it seems fine, 2 or 3 times a week works for me.
Protein shakes, I usually use them as snack or recovery drink. I use a chocolate one mixed with crushed ice and water after a big workout or even over my cereal instead of milk. But I like the chocolate taste of mine, and I am a bit strange :-) I went overboard on the protein for a while and was recommended to drop it back down and increase my carbs. Makes it easier for the body use the energy without overloading your kidneys. This is from a nutritionist I am seeing, search the forums if you want arguments either way on carbs, but be prepared to read lots of opinions.
Sugar? well that is my killer too, I am trying to cut down my sugar from processed foods like cereals and sweets and then not get too concerned about sugar from fruits and veggies, in moderation of cause.

Damn I have waffled on for a bit, sorry.
Cheers
M

Thank you both for this invaluable advice. I will take that on board. Dry fried Chicken breast and Creamsicle->here I come :-)

Thanks once again.

Take care.
MARK