Macro question

PamelaKuz
PamelaKuz Posts: 191 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So, I'm a little confused. I understand that if you are maintaining a caloric deficit that you will lose weight. I'm just trying to understand the role the macros play. I have been thinking that if I meet my macros that weight loss will be be at its optimum level.. And if my macros are off and I'm under my daily cals, I'll still lose weight, just less than I could have. Is this correct? Thanks!

Replies

  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    Not necessarily.

    There are many different body types out there, and everyone has different sensitivities. Most people just have to worry about staying in a certain calorie range. Some people are sensitive to insulin, so for them, they will want to set the macros on their carbs lower. Some people do a lot of weight lifting, and will need more protein, others do a lot of cardio, and they will need a lot of carbs to fuel their workouts. Some macros are good to exceed, while others, it is better to stay under.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    So, I'm a little confused. I understand that if you are maintaining a caloric deficit that you will lose weight. I'm just trying to understand the role the macros play. I have been thinking that if I meet my macros that weight loss will be be at its optimum level.. And if my macros are off and I'm under my daily cals, I'll still lose weight, just less than I could have. Is this correct? Thanks!

    Speaking very generally:

    Calories ---> Weight loss
    Macronutrients ---> Body composition
    Micronutrients ----> Health

    This isn't a perfect explanation, it's a sweeping generalization, just FYI.
  • PamelaKuz
    PamelaKuz Posts: 191 Member
    Ok, thanks guys. That helps!
  • CaseRat
    CaseRat Posts: 377 Member
    So, I'm a little confused. I understand that if you are maintaining a caloric deficit that you will lose weight. I'm just trying to understand the role the macros play. I have been thinking that if I meet my macros that weight loss will be be at its optimum level.. And if my macros are off and I'm under my daily cals, I'll still lose weight, just less than I could have. Is this correct? Thanks!

    Speaking very generally:

    Calories ---> Weight loss
    Macronutrients ---> Body composition
    Micronutrients ----> Health

    This isn't a perfect explanation, it's a sweeping generalization, just FYI.

    That being said^, the macros that MFP sets aren't very good...protein intake should be higher.
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member
    1g/lb of protein is a great place to start and let the other macros fall where they may. No need to over complicate things.
  • PamelaKuz
    PamelaKuz Posts: 191 Member
    That's 1 gram/lb of goal weight, correct?
    1g/lb of protein is a great place to start and let the other macros fall where they may. No need to over complicate things.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    That's 1 gram/lb of goal weight, correct?
    1g/lb of protein is a great place to start and let the other macros fall where they may. No need to over complicate things.

    You'll get many different opinions on this. Most people go by lean mass. If you don't know that, go by goal weight. From what I've read it is actually supposed to be 1 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of lean mass. If you shoot for the 2 grams it would equal per lb.
  • tiptoeketo
    tiptoeketo Posts: 271 Member
    That's 1 gram/lb of goal weight, correct?

    ^^ ^^ ^^


    It's a good ballpark, without complicating things too much.

    The fiber goal is also set quite low-. I've read elsewhere that women under 50 should consume 25 grams of fiber per day, rather than 14.
  • dedee32282
    dedee32282 Posts: 28
    This is where I'm really struggling! I don't understand how MFP sets the macro goals- and I don't want to change anything b/c I'm not sure what would be best for me!?!?!
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    This is where I'm really struggling! I don't understand how MFP sets the macro goals- and I don't want to change anything b/c I'm not sure what would be best for me!?!?!

    From what I understand, Mfp sets the macros according to recommended daily allowances... but they are also set for sedentary people who aren't working out.

    Not all people have the same goals, or needs. Body builders need a lot of protein, long distance runners need a lot of carbohydrates. You can adjust them to your needs by going into custom settings. If you lift weights, I would recommend increasing the protein to around 35 to 40 percent of your calories.

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