Over onCertain Macros...

Johlawrence

To meet my calorie goal, I am almost always over in some area...sometimes fat, sometimes sugar, and sometimes carbs. How do I handle this? Is one area better than others to be over in? I have them set as protein 40%, carbs and fat 30%, to help me steer clear of lots of carbs and work on increasing my protein.

Any suggestions are welcome! But please don't kill my diary. I do still eat some processed foods. I am trying to do this as a lifestyle change and I am sure that they will be part of my lifestyle in the long run, though I have cut way back...

SibylDiane

My doctor says not to even bother counting sugar unless you are diabetic or prediabetic (or have a related health condition related directly to blood sugar levels). I have to try to stay consistently under my sodium levels due to high blood pressure, but my doctor says it's okay for me to have reasonable variations in other macros from day to day. I don't include carbs in my macros either as I don't really care about them (my doctor says this is fine as long as I am focusing on an eating plan that includes complex carbohydrates and lots of protein and healthy fats). So, that's the advice I have been given and it has been working pretty well for me -- down 70 lbs in 10 months.

BurtHuttz

It's okay if you don't have a perfect diet. You cannot stick the landing every day. If you're under your cals and you're within a reasonable (+/- 10%) range of reasonable macro ratios, you will do fine. Part of the lifestyle change is realizing that you don't have to be perfect, you simply need to not overeat.

angieleighbyrd

I'm over on fat and carbs daily...my body does well on high carb though. I can't function without carbs. The only thing my body doesn't do well on is sodium so I tend to watch that like a hawk...

aimforhealthy

I have this issue, too. I don't worry so much about going over on sugar - my "sugars" are mostly natural sugars in fruits and veggies - but I am ALWAYS over on fats because I am mostly a vegetarian and try to get enough protein. And that usually means something fatty for vegetarians, like nuts. I've started using a protein powder to try to combat this. Going over in salt is an issue for water retention and blood pressure, too. Since you eat more processed foods, your sugars may be the not-so-good kind from corn syrup and table sugar that come from foods with few nutrients. I'm interested to see what kinds of replies you get.

Klem4

It is okay to be plus or minus occasionally. I go over fat quite often, but try not to by a huge amount. But as for different foods, I would ditch the flavored greek yogurts and trail mix granola bars. I did months ago, and so much better!! I love plain greek yogurt with homemade granola. very filling! Also eggs, if I go that route I do the instant egg whites. I'd also ditch the tyson breaded stuff... loads of sodium and crap. make up some grilled chicken instead. more veggies, less chips. things like that!

Johlawrence

I have this issue, too. I don't worry so much about going over on sugar - my "sugars" are mostly natural sugars in fruits and veggies - but I am ALWAYS over on fats because I am mostly a vegetarian and try to get enough protein. And that usually means something fatty for vegetarians, like nuts. I've started using a protein powder to try to combat this. Going over in salt is an issue for water retention and blood pressure, too. Since you eat more processed foods, your sugars may be the not-so-good kind from corn syrup and table sugar that come from foods with few nutrients. I'm interested to see what kinds of replies you get.

I probably should have stressed that the majority of my sugars are from fruits. I love them!!! I also usually eat a granola bar in the morning, so I get sugar from that too.