Macros

alottamama
alottamama Posts: 46
in Food and Nutrition
I sure hope to get an answer for this bc so far I have no idea lol....In the nutrition section, when you look at your macros in the pie chart for that day, if something is lacking should you work at adjusting that number? What I mean for instance, is say that day my highest percentage is fat, then carbs then protein....I dont want that, so I would eat something in the category Im lowest and try to round out the numbers. Is this right? I try to keep it like this....Carbs, then protein, then fat last. Thanks for any and all advice :o)

Replies

  • alottamama
    alottamama Posts: 46
    anyone?...
  • 3P0X
    3P0X Posts: 302
    Protein and fat takes precedence over carbs.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    The answer is that it depends.

    Calories are what matter for weight loss. As long as your calories are in the right spot you should still lose weight.

    Macros help with overall health and you shouldn't be afraid to adjust those goals to suit your needs. For instance, many of us eat double the protein MFP recommends because we feel their default setting is too low for our goal of maintaining our lean muscle mass.

    If your goals are set how you want them, then yes, you have the general idea right. If you're heavy on carbs but low on fat or protein then you can swap out foods until you reach your ideal percentages. Pre planning is helpful here, but you can always make adjustments over time as you spot your problem areas.
  • kikicooks
    kikicooks Posts: 1,079 Member
    It really depends on the individual and what is important to them. I know in general I feel fuller when I have a good amount of proteins, healthy fats so as the day goes on if I see them lacking I try to eat more of them than just carbs. If you lift weights protein is important for muscle recovery. Every body and fitness level is different so your body may function better on one set of macros, while another person does better on another.
  • alottamama
    alottamama Posts: 46
    i dont lift weights. I use the treadmill and do a lot of walking and also yoga. I have many medical problems with my spine and knees. My physiotherapist recommends the above things for me. Im not really sure what the macro amounts should be set at? Im just so far using what it entered for me. I dont eat a load of extra protein bc Im not weight training...Here is how my pie chart is set up by default....Carbs goal 50% Protein goal 20% Fat goal 30%... Im a total newb so I have absolultely no idea is this is good for me or not...Ive lost 14 lbs and feel great. But should I be doing something different?
  • kikicooks
    kikicooks Posts: 1,079 Member
    Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it then if you are feeling good just keep doing what you are doing and don't get too caught up in the macros right now.
  • alottamama
    alottamama Posts: 46
    I like that advice. I honestly feel like Im getting too obsessive about the macros. Even if Im 1% off my goal that day I try to do something to adjust it until its perfect. its putting a lot of pressure on me. I keep telling myself that I should just make healthy choices, eat properly, excercise when I can and try to maintain my calorie goal daily and just forget the macros. they are kind of making me miserable. But is it a bad thing to just ignore them? I feel like I never want to look at that pie chart again lol...but Im compelled to look at it every day and tend to obsess. Blah.
  • kikicooks
    kikicooks Posts: 1,079 Member
    Obviously our bodies need carbs, fats and proteins for different reasons so it is important to get them all in your body but unless you aren't getting any of one and are pretty much close to the 50/20/30 MOST of the time I wouldn't worry about it unless a doctor tells you need more of one for a specific reason. Counting calories can be enough to worry about, just try to eat a mostly healthy balanced diet.

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