Is everybody eating protein/fats/carbs/ as suggested by mfp?

susanswan
susanswan Posts: 1,194 Member
edited September 24 in Food and Nutrition
Hi,
I am learning as I go. I started watching my eating less than a week before I joined here. The first week I lost 3.5 pounds which of course didn't reflect here. Then .6 came back one day then .2 lost here and there and a whole 2 pounds came back when I weighed in today. I weigh every day to keep tabs and try to work towards being better such as eating my exercise calories. My water intake was low (5) but my protein was 40 gms over the limit.

I generally eat whole foods and cook all meals myself. I drink soy milk that has no sugar or other additives and I don't like chemicals in my food and don't eat "diet" products except for low fat triscuits. I think this hanging on to my weight happened to me last time I seriously watched what I ate to lose weight. I am generally a slow loser anyway, but I never ate my exercise calories before and used to drink more than 8 glasses of water a day. I used to eat a lot more protein than listed here for me, to. I am getting well over 30 gms of fiber, in, too and I really watch the salt content.

ANy suggestions would be appreciated. I weigh slightly more than I did 2 weeks ago. I am not giving up. I know that much! = D

Replies

  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    No. I eat more protein and less carbs that MFP suggests. I just use MPF for logging rather than as an authority on my nutrition needs.
  • RNewton4269
    RNewton4269 Posts: 663 Member
    I try to always drink my water...that helps me so much.
  • bettyboop573
    bettyboop573 Posts: 610 Member
    I usually up my protein as well
  • ChloMonster
    ChloMonster Posts: 19 Member
    The site is just recommending a % of your calories to be eaten as protein/carbs/fat. I follow my Dr. recommendations and get between 25 and 30 grams of fiber and my current weight X .5 for my grams of protein.
  • susanswan
    susanswan Posts: 1,194 Member
    Thanks! I knew you guys are the experts! Thanks for the protein formula, I will work with that. Also forgot to mention that today I am going to chug my water to 8 glasses! :smile:
  • Losing2Live69
    Losing2Live69 Posts: 743 Member
    I contacted a registered dietician at the hospital where I live. I told her what MFP originally had for me and she said they were way to high to be able to lose weight. I have my calories lowered to 1200, my carbs at 120, and my protein at 105. The fat registers in whatever percentage is remaining. These are the values she suggested. I have lost 3 pounds in the last week and I lost 13 pounds in January. She also suggested that I eat 6 times a day. This is supposed to stop your blood sugar from spiking and dropping too low.
  • susanswan
    susanswan Posts: 1,194 Member
    ahcoble Thank You for your opinion. I have the feeling these calories are too high, too because I am stuffed all the time and I can't seem to get them all in! I don't think I gained 2 pounds because of calories, but I know there is a water balance going on and whatever it is, something is amiss! I am not going to obsess about eating all of my exercise calories now, just use them as a "bank" if I need to. YEA! Can't wait to eat more protein, too! Thank you!:smile:
  • MrCresote
    MrCresote Posts: 2
    Try not to weigh in every day. You will fluctuaye to much daily. Weigh in over a week and at same time..
  • bjshields
    bjshields Posts: 677 Member
    I agree with the last guy -- weighing yourself every day can get obsessive, especially for women; hormones can make you fluctuate in weight a LOT. I generally go by MFP, but I don't sweat it if I'm over. My carbs tend to be lower than they suggest. I also don't have a problem going over on water, I think that helps. Remember, too, your body is going to process fat & protein differently than sugar or carbs, so even though the calorie count may be accurate, the types of calories you are getting may be slowing you down. Upping veggies & fruits is ALWAYS a good strategy. Good luck!
  • crystal_sapphire
    crystal_sapphire Posts: 1,205 Member
    nope

    20% carbs
    40% fat
    40% protein

    works for me. i get the majority of my carbs from veggies.
  • taiyola
    taiyola Posts: 964 Member
    Measure yourself! Best tip I've found. I've put on weight this week (like 2lb) but have lost 1" off my waist, and 0.25" off my hips - and that's only in 5 days :)

    I lowered my calories to 1040 after doing a BMR on a different site. If I do lots of exercise though, I go over the 1040 and eat back some of my calories.

    I usually am under for most of them - but ALWAYS over my sugar! Apart from today because I have switched to a sweetener tablets instead of sugar. :)
  • nitamo
    nitamo Posts: 64
    I've been trying to stick with the 1200 that mfp allots me and I don't eat the exercise calories. I have also been trying to get most of my calories from protein and complex carbs. I've been losing weight so far. Do any of you have opinions on diet soda's? I've been drinking one 8 oz pepsi maxx every day but I think that may be sabotaging my weight loss. Any ideas?
  • taiyola
    taiyola Posts: 964 Member
    I agree with the last guy -- weighing yourself every day can get obsessive, especially for women; hormones can make you fluctuate in weight a LOT. I generally go by MFP, but I don't sweat it if I'm over. My carbs tend to be lower than they suggest. I also don't have a problem going over on water, I think that helps. Remember, too, your body is going to process fat & protein differently than sugar or carbs, so even though the calorie count may be accurate, the types of calories you are getting may be slowing you down. Upping veggies & fruits is ALWAYS a good strategy. Good luck!

    That's a good point too. I wasn't eating many calories before - but it was mainly junk and unhealthy calories! I still have chocolate most days, but in general I'm eating better and exercising more.
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    No. I eat more protein and less carbs that MFP suggests. I just use MPF for logging rather than as an authority on my nutrition needs.

    This is me also. I eat way more fat, protein and way less carbs than MFP suggests. I have my ratios customized.
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
    No. I eat more protein and less carbs that MFP suggests. I just use MPF for logging rather than as an authority on my nutrition needs.

    I am the same. I use it for a calorie count only.
  • MuseumMonkey
    MuseumMonkey Posts: 43
    I also only look at the calories, and try to get 5 or 6 servings of fruits and vegetables (mostly vegetables) each day.
    I'm always getting too many carbs (with or without POPCORN!) and usually too much protein, according to MFP. I don't think it's changing those to match the extra calories it allows for when you get more exercise. And I am one of those people who eats back all or nearly all her exercise calories.
  • susanswan
    susanswan Posts: 1,194 Member
    Thanks for your input to my question! I have heard blurbs from news sources & Dr. Oz (www.realage.com) that diet sodas can or do contribute to metabolic syndrome and type two diabetes. It helps to promote abdominal fat. My doctor nixed those for me years and years ago, but I do miss them terribly and do indulge in just a few cans every year - not daily, weekly, or even monthly. Reminds me of a quote: In order to live longer you have to give up the things that make you want to live longer! = D
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