So it it JUST about calories

BaldBehemoth
BaldBehemoth Posts: 21 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
or does carbs and protein and stuff actually matter when trying to lose weight?

Replies

  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    For losing weight, yes it is just about calories.

    But having a healthy balance of your macros will do your body good and ensure you're getting properly balanced nutrition. Also protein is fantastic. Always hit your protein goal.
  • Strokingdiction
    Strokingdiction Posts: 1,164 Member
    For losing weight, yes it is just about calories.

    But having a healthy balance of your macros will do your body good and ensure you're getting properly balanced nutrition. Also protein is fantastic. Always hit your protein goal.

    This. For health, you need to pay attention your micros as well.
  • bajoyba
    bajoyba Posts: 1,153 Member
    For losing weight, yes it is just about calories.

    But having a healthy balance of your macros will do your body good and ensure you're getting properly balanced nutrition. Also protein is fantastic. Always hit your protein goal.

    ^Yeah, that.

    For weight loss, you just need to be in a calorie deficit (which means eating fewer calories than your body requires to maintain its current weight). You can achieve a calorie deficit eating any ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. For nutrition, it's best to eat a balanced diet. Eating plenty of protein and doing some sort of resistance training will help you preserve muscle mass while you lose weight .
  • AdreaC
    AdreaC Posts: 34 Member
    Any calorie deficit will cause weight loss, however the bigger the deficit the bigger the weight loss.

    HOWEVER! There are only 3 basic sources of energy; fat, protein, and carbs.

    Fat has the most "energy" per calorie so it takes longer for your body to break it down, then protien, then carbs.
    This is why you feel so bloated after a fatty meal, and quickly feel hungry after eating a high carb meal.

    In addition, if you are eating all your calories in carbs, you are not getting essential nutrients which can slow your metabolism and make weight loss more difficult.
  • Iwishyouwell
    Iwishyouwell Posts: 1,888 Member
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    This is why you feel so bloated after a fatty meal, and quickly feel hungry after eating a high carb meal.

    I don't get bloated after a fatty meal if the high fat content is paired mainly with protein, or alone. The only macronutrient that tends to bloat me is carbohydrate.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    or does carbs and protein and stuff actually matter when trying to lose weight?
    Weight loss is calories in/calories out.

    Food is for fuel. I can't eat 1600 calories of cookies all day and expect to go for a good six mile run. Instead, I'd be asleep on the sofa for most of the day. However, I can eat 1600 calories consisting of protein and carbs and fat and go for an excellent six mile run.

    However, both methods will lead to weight loss (thought the cookies might cause my body to hold on to some water retention because that's what happens for me on carb/sugar overloads).

    The numbers on MFP or any TDEE calculators are estimates only. Trial and error is what gets you the correct numbers for your calorie goals.
  • bizgirl26
    bizgirl26 Posts: 1,795 Member
    It is just about calories however eating healthier and balanced will probably help you maintain your loss. The right balance will help curb hunger and stop those sugar lows
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    In the hierarchy of things that are important for weight loss, calories is numero uno. Your macros or important to body composition as well as nutrition and thus your overall health and well being.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    For losing weight, yeah. Its all about the calories. However...for being healthy, looking good, feeling good, and all that kind of important stuff...its about nutrition and exercise.
  • AbsolutelyAnnie
    AbsolutelyAnnie Posts: 2,695 Member
    I eat between 1200 and 1600 calories per day and I eat what I like. That includes burgers, pizza, pasta, and chocolate. I also eat salads, vegetables, lean meat and fish, and drink plenty of water. I also adjusted my macros to a bit lower on carbs and a little higher on fat and protein. When I am getting enough protein and fat I do not get as hungry between meals; carbs burn faster. Not getting so crazy hungry helps me to stay at a calorie deficit and helps me lose weight. I've lost 27 pounds in 75 days and walk for about 30-60 minutes per day for exercise.
  • LadyTalulah
    LadyTalulah Posts: 174 Member
    For pure and simple short term weight loss, yes.
    But like someone said, food is fuel. If you think of your body like a machine, the quality of fuel you put into it is very important.
    Eating a lot of sugar for example will cause rapid spikes and drops in your blood sugar levels, which leads to increased hunger and cravings.
    Protein is digested a lot slower, so you feel full for longer and it is essential in building and preserving muscle.
    You should also think of the quantity of food you are getting for your calories. A two egg omelette with mushrooms, red peppers and onion will have around the same amount calories as one Kit Kat.
    Also, if you consume all your calories in high-sugar, deep-fried processed food, you'll lack essential nutrients, feel lethargic and your body will become less efficient at everything. It can cause digestive issues, high blood pressure, mind fog.. The list is too long.
    Give your body the good quality fuel and you'll have so much more energy and your body will be much more efficient at burning fat.
  • HazeyBlue69
    HazeyBlue69 Posts: 22
    I have lost a total of 22lb now at a steady 1 - 2lb a week. Until the beginning of this week I havnt really paid much attention to my macros. But I decided that since settling into calorie counting I would look at this, so this week I have, and Ive lost 3lb, and feel tons better! Since increasing my protein and knocking back my carbs a bit its made a big difference to my energy levels I tell you!

    The extra 1 - 2lb is probably more water weight from less carbs but I'll take that :wink:

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