Please explain Macros...in a easy format!

Sdotthickums
Sdotthickums Posts: 7 Member
in Introduce Yourself
I'm starting my weight journey for the 10th time. I never had to worry about what i was eatting and what it was doing to my body...to busy enjoying the food and didnt worry enough to care. I'm trying to lose about 70 pounds. Can some please explain Macros to me in a easy format? What would be the break down for someone looking to loose a lot of weight? When making food choices how do you determ the macros? Sorry if this is a silly queation.

Thank you!

Replies

  • RedfootDaddy
    RedfootDaddy Posts: 274 Member
    I'm actually wondering this too . . . (sorry I am not helpful)
  • TX_Rhon
    TX_Rhon Posts: 1,549 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?hl=guide+to+sexy+pants

    Start here.
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    Net calories will determine weight loss, but macro- and micro-nutrients can have a big impact on your health. I stick to what MFP recommends. I find that sticking to the macros helps me stay full and energized, and also reduces my digestive issues.
  • bmskid
    bmskid Posts: 153 Member
    All calories come from these Macros:
    1 gram of protein has 4 calories
    1 gram of carbohydrate has 4 calories
    1 gram of fat has 9 calories

    If you want to eat a balanced diet (and not just lose weight), you have to pay attention to what portion of each macro makes up most of your calories.
    Many people suggest a balance of 40% carb, 30% fat, 30% protein. This is the ratio that works best for me, too.
  • BossLadyDSimp
    BossLadyDSimp Posts: 257 Member
    I had the same question ... there is so much to keep track of. I wonder what is the most important

    50540473.png
  • teamnevergoingback
    teamnevergoingback Posts: 368 Member
    All calories come from these Macros:
    1 gram of protein has 4 calories
    1 gram of carbohydrate has 4 calories
    1 gram of fat has 9 calories

    If you want to eat a balanced diet (and not just lose weight), you have to pay attention to what portion of each macro makes up most of your calories.
    Many people suggest a balance of 40% carb, 30% fat, 30% protein. This is the ratio that works best for me, too.

    This. It's what makes up your calories.

    If all you ate was bread products all day, up to your goal of 1500 calories, your day would be 90-100% carbs! Same with fat and protein. It's the pie chart on MFP that's divided up into the three. Before I started watching this, I looked at my pie charts for a few days prior and saw that I was eating too much fat and not enough protein! As soon as I started keep track, I lost weight again and my muscles are coming out! =]
  • bmskid
    bmskid Posts: 153 Member
    I had the same question ... there is so much to keep track of. I wonder what is the most important

    50540473.png

    Calories is the most important for weight loss. Protein is the most important for making sure the WEIGHT you lose is FAT (as opposed to Lean Body Mass), in my opinion. I think if you're eating enough protein and the right amount of calories, you hopefully aren't over-eating in the other macros.
    On the mobile app, clicking the graph on the bottom right corner of your diary (iphone) shows your percentages...that makes it much easier.
  • Timimbo
    Timimbo Posts: 14 Member
    Macronutrients

    Protein
    Fat
    Carbs.


    about as simple as I can get..
  • bmskid
    bmskid Posts: 153 Member
    For me, it was carbs and SOOOO not enough protein. I think eating the right portion of carbs has been the difference between success with this weight loss effort and failure the other times I've tried.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    All calories come from these Macros:
    1 gram of protein has 4 calories
    1 gram of carbohydrate has 4 calories
    1 gram of fat has 9 calories

    If you want to eat a balanced diet (and not just lose weight), you have to pay attention to what portion of each macro makes up most of your calories.
    Many people suggest a balance of 40% carb, 30% fat, 30% protein. This is the ratio that works best for me, too.
    Alcohol is also a macro, 7 calories per gram.

    As for which ratio works best? There is no set ratio. Get 0.8 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass, 0.35 grams of fat per pound of bodyweight, and fill the rest in with carbs.
  • Sdotthickums
    Sdotthickums Posts: 7 Member
    Thank you everyone that made a comment to help me have a better understanding!!!1 :smile:

    Everyone has been very helpful....thank you a lot! :bigsmile:
  • ChaQuel
    ChaQuel Posts: 5 Member
    I'm not sure if this will completely answer your question.. But this link helped me understand and I hope it could be some type of assistance to you .

    www.freedieting.com/tools/nutrient_calculator.htm
  • BossLadyDSimp
    BossLadyDSimp Posts: 257 Member
    I had the same question ... there is so much to keep track of. I wonder what is the most important

    50540473.png

    Calories is the most important for weight loss. Protein is the most important for making sure the WEIGHT you lose is FAT (as opposed to Lean Body Mass), in my opinion. I think if you're eating enough protein and the right amount of calories, you hopefully aren't over-eating in the other macros.
    On the mobile app, clicking the graph on the bottom right corner of your diary (iphone) shows your percentages...that makes it much easier.

    This makes a lot of sense ... i have some MFP that keep a close eye on sodium and carbs ... I am usually under my carbs and over on protein

    50540473.png

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