Staying under calories but going over on macros!

myfitnesspaller
myfitnesspaller Posts: 74 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Is it going to hamper the weight loss? I am worried because more often than not I go over my macros (fat and carbs) but my daily calorie intake is still under.

Any opinions?experiences with this?

Replies

  • joshdann
    joshdann Posts: 618 Member
    how far off are we talking? Weight loss is a pretty simple equation of calories in versus calories out. Macros are for general health (also important) and optimal effectiveness, lean mass retention/growth/etc.
  • myfitnesspaller
    myfitnesspaller Posts: 74 Member
    how far off are we talking? Weight loss is a pretty simple equation of calories in versus calories out. Macros are for general health (also important) and optimal effectiveness, lean mass retention/growth/etc.

    around 50-60 on fat and around 90-100 on carbs.
  • joshdann
    joshdann Posts: 618 Member
    how does that translate to percentages? assuming you're following the 40-40-20 plan, does that make you something like 20-45-35? I'd be more worried about the lack of protein than anything else, if that's the case.
  • myfitnesspaller
    myfitnesspaller Posts: 74 Member
    how does that translate to percentages? assuming you're following the 40-40-20 plan, does that make you something like 20-45-35? I'd be more worried about the lack of protein than anything else, if that's the case.

    I on the default MFP plan.
    So it would slow down the weight loss, isnt it?
  • joshdann
    joshdann Posts: 618 Member
    depends on who you ask... but probably not, if you're meeting your caloric goals (whatever you've set those at). At least not by enough to force you into a less-happy diet plan. There is a strong contingent on these boards in favor of the psychological boost of eating more calories and types of foods that you enjoy in order to keep you on track. I understand the mentality, I just don't share it.

    IMO it boils down to your personal experience. I think you have to play with and tweak your regimen, using things like TDEE and "default" macros to get you started and guide you towards healthy decisions. I post this a lot, but please do yourself a favor and get your BMR tested. The online estimators can be very inaccurate (especially for obese or formerly obese people) and can hurt your progress before you even get started.

    Good luck finding your balance :)
  • myfitnesspaller
    myfitnesspaller Posts: 74 Member
    depends on who you ask... but probably not, if you're meeting your caloric goals (whatever you've set those at). At least not by enough to force you into a less-happy diet plan. There is a strong contingent on these boards in favor of the psychological boost of eating more calories and types of foods that you enjoy in order to keep you on track. I understand the mentality, I just don't share it.

    IMO it boils down to your personal experience. I think you have to play with and tweak your regimen, using things like TDEE and "default" macros to get you started and guide you towards healthy decisions. I post this a lot, but please do yourself a favor and get your BMR tested. The online estimators can be very inaccurate (especially for obese or formerly obese people) and can hurt your progress before you even get started.

    Good luck finding your balance :)

    thanks!
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    One thing, MFP's default for carbs is really high, personally I would try hard to stay under it... Unless it's coming all from fruit and veggies, you're probably eating too many carbs if you go over by a lot. Try to eat more protein instead (you really want to be over MFP's goal for protein).

    I've changed my goal to 40% carb, 30% fat, 30% protein, I sometimes go over on fat and/or carbs, but I stay under my calories.

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