Macros???

Kamille2007
Kamille2007 Posts: 34
in Food and Nutrition
So I have been reading through posts and see a lot of people talking about "macros." Not knowing what they were talking about I went on a mission to find out, I have had little success, I think. Most of what I have come across blurbs it as being an excuse to eat junk all day... maybe someone here could explain the health benefit and what exactly they are better to me? Thanks!

Replies

  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    The term macronutrients just means carbohydrates, fats and protein.

    When people on MFP talk about macros, or "hitting your macros", they're referring to getting the optimal amounts and types of foods to meet their macronutrient goals. Most commonly, people try to hit their protein goal as a priority.

    I think when you talk about "an excuse to eat junk all day", you are referring to the term "if it fits your macros" (IIFYM), meaning that you can eat what you want as long as you meet your calorie and macronutrient goals. That's commonly misunderstood to mean you can eat junk all day, but really, if you have your macronutrient goals set up right, it's hard to hit those and eat just junk. Depends what you define as junk as well. Regardless of the actual food they eat, someone who hits their calorie, protein and fat goals will have a pretty healthy diet. It's just a different way of looking at your diet - instead of thinking of foods as "good" or "bad", you look at the nutritional content of all the food you eat in that day.

    Just as an example, if you eat chocolate, crisps (potato chips) and beer all day, up to your calorie goal, you're probably going to go over on your carb and fat goals, but be way under on protein. That would not be "hitting your macros".

    This guy can explain it better: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/741010-another-iifym-post
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Eating junk all day would make you fee llike crap, especially in a calorie deficit.

    Like Jester said, macronutrients are what your body needs each day: carbohydrates, fats and protein. Similarly, micronutrients are things like vitamins and minerals that your body also needs.

    I check my macros daily and my micros weekly. You don't hear too many people talking about micro-nutrients. But for me, I look closely at calcium. Some people look closely at sodium and potassium.

    From the "My Home" tab, click on "settings," then click on "diary settings" and you will be able to see all the tracking options and tailor it to your preferences.
  • Kamille2007
    Kamille2007 Posts: 34
    Thanks y'all!

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