MyFitnessPal goals for Carbs/Fats/Protein are strange

Hello everyone,

So, MyFitnessPal currently calculated my daily goal calories at 2100 for a projected loss of 0.5 pounds a week (yes, I know, glacier speeds here :smile: It's a long story!).

However, I looked at the daily targets for Carbs/Fats/Protein that MyFitnessPal has calculated for me, and they are interesting :huh: .

Here it is:

Carbs: 290
Fat: 70
Protein: 79


When I add up these numbers, and then calculate the percentage that each represents, it looks like MyFitnessPal is setting the following percentages as my daily goals:

Carbs: 66%
Fat: 16%
Protein: 18%

I was surprised to see this since I've never heard of such proportions before (in reality though, it seems my normal "healthy" eating gives me roughly 50% / 18% / 32% instead).

So, can anyone explain how MyFitnessPal comes up with these daily goals and why and any other thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • Go to GOALS, CHANGE, CUSTOM: You can see what it is set at, percentage wise, and you can change it. MFP sets ignorant macros when you sign up, not sure why.
  • Lina4Lina
    Lina4Lina Posts: 712 Member
    I've read that they set it to the US dietary recommendations.

    I set my own to 60/20/20 (c/f/p)
  • slicko
    slicko Posts: 9
    Weird. I just posted a reply and it didn't come up.. am I doing this wrong??

    This is my first forum.
  • slicko
    slicko Posts: 9
    I checked that page that Dontletmeeat mentioned, and it shows the following percentages instead:

    Carbs: 55%
    Fat: 30%
    Protein: 15%


    I guess I calculated these percentages wrong originally (I realized now that I should be calculating the calories from carbs/fat/protein proportionate to the total calories).

    Other than the 60/20/20 mentioned above, any other recommendations for what these settings should be ideally for someone who's trying to do weight loss and do some cardio daily?

    Thanks again.
  • Lina4Lina
    Lina4Lina Posts: 712 Member
    I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Some people do 40/30/30, some do a mix of other things. Although mine is set at 60/20/20, I just use that as a basic guideline.
  • I would recommend decreasing carbs to 40% and adding that 15% to protein. That is really low for protein. I would also change the fiber to 25g.
  • slicko
    slicko Posts: 9
    Sounds good, thank you both for your help, I really appreciate it.

    Cheers.