Can someone please explain this to me?

Dying2Live84
Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
in Getting Started
Totals 1002 147 29 57 747 62
Daily Goal 1650 227 55 62 2300 62
Remaining 648 80 26 5 1553 0
Calories Calories Carbs Fat Protein Sodium Sugar


So, the above is what my chart reads after inputting what I have had so far today (evening meal added early to guide myself).

As you can see, my sugar allowance is now at 0 - if I go over this how will it affect my progress? I feel like it's impossible to not go over it.

Also, my protein is down to 5 - what affect would it have if I had the remaining and more?

Any light shed on this would be amazing!

xx
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Replies

  • JenAndSome
    JenAndSome Posts: 1,893 Member
    The most important thing out of all of that is calories. You need to make sure you are getting enough calories to not inhibit your weight loss. Going over on sugar won't destroy your progress. Going over on protein definitely won't hurt anything. A lot of people aim for higher protein amounts. I try to get at least 100g a day myself.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Unless you're diabetic, don't worry about sugar, especially if it's coming more from fruits than other items.

    Going over on your macros is fine as long as you're still in a calorie deficit. In fact, most people tend to think of their fat/protein goals as minimums to hit.
  • cookmtn
    cookmtn Posts: 156 Member
    At the beginning of this journey I would first worry about the calories. Nothing horrible will happen if you are a little under or over the macronutrients. Later, you may want to worry more about those things, but even then it is mainly preference, or for satiety, or maintaining muscle, not life or death.
  • dfranch
    dfranch Posts: 207 Member
    I only focused on total calories when I was losing weight. I didn't concern myself too much about the other stats. I regularly exceeded my daily allowance for fat, sugar, sodium and I still lost weight at a regular pace.
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    OK, so as long as I am sticking within my calories and my sugar intake is from healthy foods, I'm good to go?!

    Thanks so much :)
  • mynameiscarrie
    mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
    MFP tends to really under allow sugar. I don't even track it anymore. Protein isn't a bad thing to go over on, just keep your calories, carbs, and fats in check. Based on what you've written for today, you do need to eat more calories. I don't know if you're planning on having something else and just haven't logged it, but 1000 calories a day will be awesome for weight loss until you try eating more and gain everything back (personal experience lol).
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    OK, so as long as I am sticking within my calories and my sugar intake is from healthy foods, I'm good to go?!

    Thanks so much :)

    On the surface, yes! Look at your fat and protein goals as a minimum: there's no reason to worry about going over them (Unless your fats are saturated)
  • jstout365
    jstout365 Posts: 1,686 Member
    Sugar is a hot button issue around here, but in my opinion (and said opinion formed on scientific studies), going over on sugar will not prevent weight loss unless that overage contributes to an overall calorie surplus. Many people chose to ignore the sugar tracking since good things like fruits, grains, and veggies all have sugar. I chose to track fiber over sugar. There will be some who proclaim that sugar is the devil and eating it will make you obese. I am not obese and eat sugar regularly in both whole foods and processed goodies, but keep things in moderation. Sugar is a carb so you just need to keep track of those.

    Protein on this site is another debate, but a little less volatile as the sugar one. Protein is perfectly fine to go over and the basic MFP settings tends to be on the lower side to begin with. Many references recommend intaking .6-.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight or 1 gram per lb of lean mass. So if you weigh 150 lbs, 90 grams of protein would not be unreasonable. Protein intake helps maintain lean mass (muscle) while eating at a caloric deficit. Add in some strength training and you protect your muscle mass even more.

    here is a great link that goes into things better:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    OK, so as long as I am sticking within my calories and my sugar intake is from healthy foods, I'm good to go?!

    Thanks so much :)

    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    Sugar is a hot button issue around here, but in my opinion (and said opinion formed on scientific studies), going over on sugar will not prevent weight loss unless that overage contributes to an overall calorie surplus. Many people chose to ignore the sugar tracking since good things like fruits, grains, and veggies all have sugar. I chose to track fiber over sugar. There will be some who proclaim that sugar is the devil and eating it will make you obese. I am not obese and eat sugar regularly in both whole foods and processed goodies, but keep things in moderation. Sugar is a carb so you just need to keep track of those.

    Protein on this site is another debate, but a little less volatile as the sugar one. Protein is perfectly fine to go over and the basic MFP settings tends to be on the lower side to begin with. Many references recommend intaking .6-.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight or 1 gram per lb of lean mass. So if you weigh 150 lbs, 90 grams of protein would not be unreasonable. Protein intake helps maintain lean mass (muscle) while eating at a caloric deficit. Add in some strength training and you protect your muscle mass even more.

    here is a great link that goes into things better:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    Thank you! I will have a read x
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    MFP tends to really under allow sugar. I don't even track it anymore. Protein isn't a bad thing to go over on, just keep your calories, carbs, and fats in check. Based on what you've written for today, you do need to eat more calories. I don't know if you're planning on having something else and just haven't logged it, but 1000 calories a day will be awesome for weight loss until you try eating more and gain everything back (personal experience lol).

    Oh I haven't finished tracking just yet, which is why I had to question the sugar and protein part!

    xx
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.

    So, basically you think fruit sugars are just as bad?

    xx
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.

    So, basically you think fruit sugars are just as bad?

    xx

    Or just as good, depending on your perspective...
  • Phrick
    Phrick Posts: 2,765 Member
    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.

    So, basically you think fruit sugars are just as bad?

    xx

    No actually I am pretty sure the point is that it equally does not matter.
  • vismundcygnus27
    vismundcygnus27 Posts: 98 Member
    Like others have said, your total calories are really the only things that matter as far as weight loss is concerned. Long-term health is another, more complicated issue - I think MFP errs on the low side for sugar because the sugar intake recommended by national health organizations seems to be getting lower and lower because of recent scientific research, but I guess we'll have to see how that pans out in the long run. I'm regularly way under on sugar and well over on fat, but that's more a result of my eating habits than any conscious decision to keep my diet low in sugar.
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    No actually I am pretty sure the point is that it equally does not matter.

    That's what I thought.

    xx
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    Like others have said, your total calories are really the only things that matter as far as weight loss is concerned. Long-term health is another, more complicated issue - I think MFP errs on the low side for sugar because the sugar intake recommended by national health organizations seems to be getting lower and lower because of recent scientific research, but I guess we'll have to see how that pans out in the long run. I'm regularly way under on sugar and well over on fat, but that's more a result of my eating habits than any conscious decision to keep my diet low in sugar.

    Thanks so much for replying.

    I understand this a lot more now.

    xx
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.

    So, basically you think fruit sugars are just as bad?

    xx

    Sugar is neither good nor bad. Most people don't even track it. Even diabetics (at least Type 2 like myself) are told to look at total carbohydrates only and not to single out sugars. I took sugars off of my tracking and track fiber instead because I feel it is more important to overall health.

    ETA: my ideal day is a little over on protein and fat and a little under on carbs. My fiber goal is a minimum and I try to get over that.
  • happieharpie
    happieharpie Posts: 229 Member
    FOR ME, sugar is always a problem, and I do much better when I limit my consumption to my fruit serving once a day.

    OBVIOUSLY, most people do not share my concern.

    My point is, if you aren't losing and are always eating at your sugar limit, whether consumed in healthy foods or not, you can tinker with your sugar intake without sacrificing nutrition.

    After years and years of fooling around and staying obese, I've found that MY best results come from addressing my personal triggers and nutritional needs and moving from there.

    AS ALWAYS- your results may vary!!!!!!!
  • JayCee625
    JayCee625 Posts: 13
    MFP tends to really under allow sugar. I don't even track it anymore. Protein isn't a bad thing to go over on, just keep your calories, carbs, and fats in check. Based on what you've written for today, you do need to eat more calories. I don't know if you're planning on having something else and just haven't logged it, but 1000 calories a day will be awesome for weight loss until you try eating more and gain everything back (personal experience lol).

    I agree with this post completely.

    My protein is through the roof, but my doctor said that is more than okay (especially if you're working out---protein builds muscle).
    Calories/Carbs/Fat. I do my damdest to NOT go over on carbs and fat, but if I do---I don't stop eating. I just make my meals as low in those areas as realistically possible. It's calories that ultimately, I refuse to go over on. :)

    I have a lowfat cottage cheese serving in the mornings as a snack---it zips my protein count right up. Generally, I am at about 100-110 protein for the day. way more than mfp says I need. My carbs are usually under. Truthfully, if you're making your calories count, (eating healthy foods), most of those macro numbers should fall (mostly) in line anyway. A little bump here or there isn't bad.

    What I'd suggest is to keep track. If you see that you are going WAY over on your sugars every day, for example---perhaps that's something to review in your usual diet. Do you splurge on a candybar as part of your daily calories? (etc) If carbs are too high, maybe replace a potato/rice/bread with some veggies or something? I use those other numbers as a guide to help ensure I'm getting a more rounded, healthful meal.

    But it's the calorie deficit that will take the fat off the *kitten* :) (pardon my french) :)

    Happy dieting and good luck with the healthier you :)<3
  • mbbseb
    mbbseb Posts: 124 Member
    I also exchanged my sugar with fiber.
  • NessaReh85
    NessaReh85 Posts: 140 Member
    I honestly dont pay too much attention to my sugar. I try not to go like WAY over the sugar but most fresh fruits have natural sugar in them and they will be great for you due to the small calories but the sugar can throw you over. Watermelon is a good example. They are not high is calories but they have a higher sugar content. So far I am still losing weight with just following the calorie counter. Good Luck!!
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    I choose to not track sugar; you can personalize what your diary shows. I prefer to track fiber as I find that more useful.
  • wgaue
    wgaue Posts: 222 Member
    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.

    So, basically you think fruit sugars are just as bad?

    xx

    Or just as good, depending on your perspective...

    My perspective is, No, fruit sugars are not "just as bad". Yes, it's still sugar BUT, that fruit has more nutrients in it, (that we need) then that piece of cheesecake.
    Now, I'm not saying don't eat the cheesecake, but keep it as a treat. Work it into your calories for the day. Just don"t have it every day.
  • cookiealbright
    cookiealbright Posts: 605 Member
    I eat a variety of foods and just pay attention to my calories. I'm pretty healthy so I don't worry about it at all. Good luck to ya! :flowerforyou:
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    Thank you all.

    I'm going to just concentrate on the calories for now and see how I go.

    xx
  • FemWeight
    FemWeight Posts: 96
    Unless you're diabetic, don't worry about sugar, especially if it's coming more from fruits than other items.

    Going over on your macros is fine as long as you're still in a calorie deficit. In fact, most people tend to think of their fat/protein goals as minimums to hit.

    Totally agree . I have heard many times fresh fruit will take you way over the limit of sugar on here. But as long as its fruits going over is fine.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,217 Member
    Your sugar can be from apples or from cheesecake. It don't matter one bit.

    So, basically you think fruit sugars are just as bad?

    xx

    Or just as good, depending on your perspective...
    Looking at the nutritional profile of sugar found in whole foods and added sugar, I'll take the sugar in whole foods considering the energy is the same.....but that's just me.
  • carolinaem
    carolinaem Posts: 58 Member
    I can never stay under on fats - but I don't worry about it. The great majority of my daily fats are from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and the cheese in my morning egg white omelette. I think that quality of the food consumed is more important to look at. Are you over on sugars by an excessive amount each day? Where is your sugar coming from?

    At the end of the day, if it isn't slowing or stopping your weight loss, I wouldn't be too worried at this point.
  • Dying2Live84
    Dying2Live84 Posts: 154 Member
    I can never stay under on fats - but I don't worry about it. The great majority of my daily fats are from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and the cheese in my morning egg white omelette. I think that quality of the food consumed is more important to look at. Are you over on sugars by an excessive amount each day? Where is your sugar coming from?

    At the end of the day, if it isn't slowing or stopping your weight loss, I wouldn't be too worried at this point.

    It's from fruit more than anything!

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