Trouble Meeting Goals

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sarahbellum09
sarahbellum09 Posts: 32 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hey MFP Friends,

So I went grocery shopping on Sunday and prepped my food for the week. I have been keeping track of Calories, Carbs, Fat, Protein, Sodium, and Sugar. Even when I stay within the food groups I feel like, no matter what I do, I always go over one of my goals, most frequently, Protein and Sugar. Today it was Fat. I feel like I'm logging pretty accurately, so I'm wondering if I'm missing a food group or should lean towards other food groups more often.

Or I am over-thinking this? I want to tell myself that as long as I'm making healthier choices then that's a good change to start out with. But I've got 50 pounds to lose. So I really want to try to be strict on myself so that I'm not tempted to just eat whatever. Anybody have any tips on how to find the right balance of foods?

Replies

  • Forty6and2
    Forty6and2 Posts: 2,492 Member
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    Honestly, I think you should just ditch tracking the sugar unless you have a medical condition that necessitates it. As for your protein, it actually looks like you're getting a really good level of protein and your fat goal isn't too far off.

    I also wanted to point out that you shouldn't try restricting too much too early. Try taking it easy on yourself and still enjoy the foods that you like. If you hit your macros and still have 200-300 calories left, there's no reason you couldn't indulge in some ice cream or a taco or something.

    If you are having trouble losing weight while eating what you are now, I would suggest getting a food scale (if you don't already have one) to ensure that you're logging accurately.

    I know I post these to every thread, but there's truly a reason for that! They're two of the most helpful threads on MFP, imo

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
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    Unless you've got a good reason (medical, weightlifting, etc.) to watch your macros, I'd suggest just worrying about meeting your calorie goals for a few months, and just try to eat a reasonably balanced diet (i.e., mostly whole foods, not a lot of processed or "diet" food). Once you've got that down cold, then worry about fancier stuff like macros.
  • endermako
    endermako Posts: 785 Member
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    You are over thinking it. Unless you have a health problem that requires you to watch those I would worry more about calories in and out. Now I do notice water retention if I have too much salt but thats it.
  • sarahbellum09
    sarahbellum09 Posts: 32 Member
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    Honestly, I think you should just ditch tracking the sugar unless you have a medical condition that necessitates it. As for your protein, it actually looks like you're getting a really good level of protein and your fat goal isn't too far off.

    I also wanted to point out that you shouldn't try restricting too much too early. Try taking it easy on yourself and still enjoy the foods that you like. If you hit your macros and still have 200-300 calories left, there's no reason you couldn't indulge in some ice cream or a taco or something.

    If you are having trouble losing weight while eating what you are now, I would suggest getting a food scale (if you don't already have one) to ensure that you're logging accurately.

    I know I post these to every thread, but there's truly a reason for that! They're two of the most helpful threads on MFP, imo

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    This is exactly what I needed. I've been bouncing from thread to thread. I even found a complete list lol

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read

    Thanks so much!!
  • yungibear
    yungibear Posts: 138 Member
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    I would like to recommend the two threads forty6and2 mentioned! They definitely got me on my feet when I joined! I also agree that it's a lot easier to focus on calorie goals first. When you find out different foods weigh out in your day, you'll eventually get the hang of your macros in the process. No need to get everything perfect right at the get-go!

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