MACROS AND CALORIES

Weight loss is based on calories.

I view my fat macro as a minimum so going over is no big deal to me. I very rarely even look to see how that number plays out for me by the end of the day.

jaysanchez4 wrote: »

So for the most part, i should just focus on the amount of calories i eat per day? I'm given roughly 2114 to eat every day and i usually come around 1700 to 1800. I'm really trying to lose more weight, i've been at it for about 3 and a half weeks and lost about 10lbs so far.

I, personally, focus on getting my calories and getting enough protein. For me, enough protein is 120 grams (.8 x my weight, rounded) as a minimum. I consider my fat goal (.4 x my weight = 60 grams) a minimum but I actually don't really pay attention to it because it is rare that I don't reach it so it's not worth worrying about. I don't really pay attention to carbs.

I like a good blend of nutrients that work for me.

Calories are units of energy you get from food. You can get those calories from a variety of sources. Some are more nutritious than others, some may fill you or satisfy you more.

I will normally go with filling fiber carbs and protein... But if I am craving chocolate I will get a piece of 85% dark chocolate and put it in my food log. Slam that chunk down and get the monkey off my back.

It does get down to burning off all the calories you eat and then some from body fat. How energized and healthy/full you are is influenced by what you eat.

You could eat doughnuts for a day. Probably do wacky things to your energy levels. But if you ate 1000 calories of them you would burn some body fat. Not a long term strategy... Obviously not balanced nutrition.

I have splurged on pizza at lunch and ended up with celery and low fat cottage cheese for dinner!

But I am stubborn about staying in calorie deficit.

Good luck with sorting out your fav foods and the mix that works best for you

Everyone finds their own way.

If you're just starting and calories are an issue, just focus on those. While you get that under control, you'll notice which foods have tons, which foods (if any) make you want to eat more, which fill you up more, etc.

Once you have that down, you can begin looking at things like fiber and fat and increase or decrease as necessary.

Then, if you want, start looking at micros.

A dietitian is a huge help, if you can see one.

I keep my fat low and go months and months without any trans fats. Fiber really fills me up more than anything else and simple carbs make me crave more simple carbs. But everyone is different. YMMV...and probably will.