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How do I maintain a level diet?

Kyndal16
Kyndal16 Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I eat to much of one thing like protein and not enough of others like fat. How do I keep those levels where they need to be?

Replies

  • mlboyer100
    mlboyer100 Posts: 115 Member
    It depends what's too much and not enough? I set my macros at 30% carbs, 20% fat and 50% protein. Are you talking percents or actual grams! Again, it depends on many factors, total calories, amount if exercise, weight loss, maintenance or weight gain?
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Prelog your days so you can play with the numbers.
  • Sandcastles61
    Sandcastles61 Posts: 506 Member
    It's okay to go over on protein. When I was in the losing phase, it was recommended by the then MFP weight loss gurus and my doctor that I focus first on protein, then fats and let the carbs fill in the balance of my calorie allowance. If I went over on a macro, to have it be protein. YMMV, but I lost 30pounds and have been maintaining steadily by following that advice.

    Of course, you will also hear it doesn't matter what you eat so long as you are in a deficit, (which is true) but it helps you maintain muscle, and the protein/fats and leafy veg keep me more satiated and full longer than the days I accidentally go overboard on the starchy carbs for instance.
  • DerekVTX
    DerekVTX Posts: 287 Member
    To be honest the only Macro I ever concerned myself with was the protien and total calories.....everything else takes care of itself (IMHO). Think of food as Fuel for your body, not a comfort mechanism.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    When I try and balance every meal, every snack, it's easy. Eating a one-macro meal sucks. Imagine trying to balance your macros with a tablespoon of olive oil.

    http://www.choosemyplate.gov

    http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/
  • pstegman888
    pstegman888 Posts: 286 Member
    I check my macros, but don't get overly concerned about hitting the exact percentages on a daily basis...instead I balance it out over a matter of a few days. In other words, if I end up with a higher carb day and miss my protein goal, then the next day will be a Protein Day...eggs for breakfast, tuna for lunch, chicken for dinner. If I'm way over on fats one day, I concentrate on veggies the next day (without dips, sauces or butter!). Over the course of a week, it balances out pretty well without having to over-analyze and agonize over every meal's particular composition.
  • VykkDraygoVPR
    VykkDraygoVPR Posts: 465 Member
    I don't fuss much over macros. I'm starting a weight routine, so I will be more interested n protein now. The rest just fall as they will. So today, 26% protein (100 grams), 27% carbs, 47% fat.

    I like to keep an eye on vitamins, and potassium, but that's just so I know "hey, I need more potassium," if I start gettings cramps, or whatever.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    edited September 2015
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    Prelog your days so you can play with the numbers.

    This is what I do as well. Pre-planning helps a lot.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Don't wig out if you've just started. Take a look at how it's going and start to increase whatever you need to increase and cut back where you need to do that.

    Rome wasn't built in a day. Just keep plugging along and it'll even out. Work on it, but give it time. :)
  • PinkPixiexox
    PinkPixiexox Posts: 4,142 Member
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    Prelog your days so you can play with the numbers.

    This! :)

    Also - don't worry too much about the individual macro's unless you are medically advised to.. If you are looking to lose weight, a calorie deficit is sufficient. Having said that, it IS always good to be mindful of what you consume so good on you for being aware of your food groups. Pre-log but don't panic if you are going over here and there - it's fine.
  • kkarcher94511
    kkarcher94511 Posts: 196 Member
    just depends on your body and what you do best on, i personally need a lot more carbs than most seem to choose to eat, so struggle to hit my fat and have gotten better about protein, but would eat 70-80% carbs if left alone to eat whatever i felt like. pre-select your macro ratio and work to adjust your diet accordingly
  • Kyndal16
    Kyndal16 Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks everyone!
This discussion has been closed.

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