Getting enough calories, without going over in macros?

Collinsky
Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
For some reason, I'm struggling with this one. I am sure it's relatively simple, but I'm having trouble getting all the calories I'm supposed to, without going over in my macros... often I'm over in all three, but just barely getting the calories in or even under. I've tried inputting a cleaner diet to see what that changes, and that will help a lot (grocery shopping on Friday, so I'll be making the changes then!) but it still seems like it's going to be hard to get all the calories I need -- especially if I work out, which I'm doing 5 days a week.

Basically, if you are someone who has a really good balance with 1200 net calories a day, staying within the limits for the macronutrients, can you give me some hints, the types of foods that make this work for you, and maybe a peak at your food diary for some ideas - I'd really appreciate it! It might be completely obvious when I get what I know to be healthy foods, but I just want to have some good ideas for this next grocery trip!

Replies

  • TheKitsune6
    TheKitsune6 Posts: 5,798 Member
    The macros are usually just posted as a minimum amount - unless you are following a low carb diet or something you shouldn't worry about going over a bit on Macros :)
  • Collinsky
    Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
    The macro amounts are minimums? I thought they were a guideline for the maximum! Thanks.
  • milaxx
    milaxx Posts: 1,122 Member
    Most days I manage to stay under on all my numbers. i don't think I do anything special. I just try to stay away from processed foods & soda. I've had a few slip ups here and there but most days I'm good. Feel free to peek at my diary, it's public. I'm vegetarian but most of what I eat as mains, could become side dishes if someone were to add a cut of lean meat or seafood.
  • mapexdrummer69
    mapexdrummer69 Posts: 445 Member
    Yes, macronutrients should be viewed as minimums, not maximums. Calories are what determine weight loss.
  • Collinsky
    Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
    Thanks for the feedback, folks! That makes things much easier ... I'll just focus on getting enough calories of mostly clean foods, and not stress over the macros!
  • Collinsky
    Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
    Most days I manage to stay under on all my numbers. i don't think I do anything special. I just try to stay away from processed foods & soda. I've had a few slip ups here and there but most days I'm good. Feel free to peek at my diary, it's public. I'm vegetarian but most of what I eat as mains, could become side dishes if someone were to add a cut of lean meat or seafood.

    Milaxx, thanks for the peak at your diary!
  • 2BabyMama
    2BabyMama Posts: 65 Member
    Thanks for posting this...today was my day one and I had the same problem...under on calories and over in all the macros besides carbs and I felt like I ate pretty clean. Now I know not to stress....except I need to bring down my sodium!
  • milaxx
    milaxx Posts: 1,122 Member
    Most days I manage to stay under on all my numbers. i don't think I do anything special. I just try to stay away from processed foods & soda. I've had a few slip ups here and there but most days I'm good. Feel free to peek at my diary, it's public. I'm vegetarian but most of what I eat as mains, could become side dishes if someone were to add a cut of lean meat or seafood.

    Milaxx, thanks for the peak at your diary!

    welcome! BTW I completely disagree with the ignore the mcros comments. If they weren't important they wouldn't be there. It i entirely possible to eat filling meals, be satisfied and not go over. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure it out, but it can be done. That said a little bit over is not a big deal, but doubling or tripling those macro numbers may slow down or impeded your weight loss.
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