Do macros really matter?

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thefitnewme
thefitnewme Posts: 7 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm finally ready to get back in the groove again & yeah, just want your opinion. Do macros really matter? Do YOU get better results by watching them vs just counting calories?

Thanks~

Replies

  • JcMey3r
    JcMey3r Posts: 431 Member
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    I'd say if you really looking to feed your body the best you can then macro's are the way to go but if you just want to eat in general better and lose weight then counting calories is fine.
  • Ian_Stuart
    Ian_Stuart Posts: 252 Member
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    If you are looking for strict weight loss then a pure calories in/calories out calculation is all you really need. Once you get close to your goal weight, macros can help you with body composition. If you are going for lean muscle mass then protein is your friend and you should prefer fat to carbs. If you are training for a marathon then carbs are a better source of ready fuel, but convert to fat more easily. It all depends on what your goals are.
  • thefitnewme
    thefitnewme Posts: 7 Member
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    I want to lean out/lower body fat %.. what % do you guys recommend?
  • Ian_Stuart
    Ian_Stuart Posts: 252 Member
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    Eat at least 1 gram of protein per lb of lean body mass, for your remaining calories, aim for at least 50% of them to come from fat.
    Give this calculator a try: http://www.1percentedge.com/ifcalc/
    Under "Presets" you can choose either recomp (Changes body composition) or weight loss.
    It will give you the percentages to put into MFP.
    Also, when that site talks about a workout day, they mean heavy weightlifting. If you are doing more cardio based work then things change a bit.

    Also, you would probably be interested in what this article has to say: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
  • Chadomaniac
    Chadomaniac Posts: 1,785 Member
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    Research suggests you need protein + fats as they are essential . Carbohydrate is not an essential macro nutrient
    With that being said , its very important to get in the required amount of protein and fats with regards to your body weight .
    Minimums: Protein 0.8g per pound bodyweight
    Fats 0.4g per pound body weight
    The rest of your calories can come from carbohydrates or even more fats+proteins doesn't matter

    Make sure you hitting minimum requirements . Other than that TOTAL calories are the most significant .

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