Macros??

jennifer_417
jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Ok, so I've done a pretty ok job staying with in my cals, though I still need to work on this some, but I haven't paid much attention to my macros. I have recently realized that I consistently go over in fats, sugars and sodium. Will this affect my weigh loss? How much could it affect my overall health?

Replies

  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
    of course optimal health while maximizing fat loss/minimizing muscle loss comes with optimal nutrition. If you find you are going over on fats, sugars and sodium, then its time to re-examine your diet. and implement a diet change.

    in reality calories are what makes us gain weight. but, not having the proper recommended amounts of vitamins and nutrients can hinder FAT loss and increase muscle loss. if you are getting too many calories from fats, and worse sugars (which are empty calories, have no nutritional value) then you are not getting enough protiens and carbs your body needs. yes there are healthy fats, which is ok, but still they add to calories and can still subtract from the other macros you need.

    its important too, to eat a variety of foods. dont just eat sweet potatos for your carbs and beans for your protien. if you do this, you wont be getting the proper amounts of nutrients and vitamins varied foods give you.

    so yes, not eating healthy foods can/will affect your overall health and fat loss. now i said FAT loss, not weight loss. eating properly contributes to higher energy levels, retention of muscle mass, bone mass etc..while minimizing chances of heart, bowel and other disease.
  • dave4d
    dave4d Posts: 1,155 Member
    For most people calories is all that matters for losing weight. Some things will slow your progress, though. Sodium can make you retain water, which can affect your scale weight. Some people are insulin sensitive, and can be negatively affected by sugar. For those people low carb diets are ideal. Fats are okay, as long as they are healthy fats. Fats are higher in calories than either carbs, or protein. Protein is necessary to retain muscle mass, which will help you burn fat. Carbs are needed to fuel your body. Healthy fats can help with fat loss, and brain function. It is best to go over on your protein, but depending on your goals, and exercise, you can adjust the macros for fats, and carbohydrates.

    Try to minimize your saturated fats, and eliminate trans fats. You'll find yourself with a lot more energy, and see better results if you can also avoid processed foods, and foods high in sugar.

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