What are "macros" ?

norie92

People keep mentioning macros. I have no idea what that is.

upgetupgetup

Macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_macronutrients

Getting them in a reasonable ratio, within your calorie allotment, both helps you feel full and gives you the building blocks for muscle.

Protein: the consensus is you need 1 g per pound of bodyweight, or per pound of lean body mass. 1 g of protein = 4 calories.

Fats: keep you full. 1 g = 9 calories. Better if they come from stuff like avocados, olive oil, fish <- gives you Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which are good for you.

Carbs: 1g=4 calories. Better for fullness (and digestion) if as much of it as possible comes with fiber (skins of fruits and veg, whole grains, cruciferous veg).

You can roughly hit these if you aim for a 30/40/30 ratio. (protein/carb/fat). This can be monitored in mfp settings, if you customize them.

PikaKnight

Here is some more info on it -

you can follow the formulas to figure out where your macros need to be and how to set them in MFP

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets