Confused!

Blastoff999
Blastoff999 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Getting Started
What should my ideal carb, protein, fat etc percentages be set for each day? I am confused.

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    MFP has a default setting, use that. Concentrate on calories right now.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    queenliz99 wrote: »
    MFP has a default setting, use that. Concentrate on calories right now.

    Agreed. Calories first, macros second.

    For information sake, I have mine set up

    40% carbs
    30% protein
    30% fat



  • starwhisperer6
    starwhisperer6 Posts: 402 Member
    If weight loss is all you are worrying about at this time then those percentages are of little importance :)
  • nicknack40
    nicknack40 Posts: 2 Member
    I too am confused. I have recently started an 8 week programme of strength and cardio fitness consisting of 4 sessions per week (30 mins each). As part of the programme my calories have been set, alongside my macros. I am currently at the end of week 2 and have now started to hit my calories but I'm still struggling a little to hit my macros spot on. I have successfully hit my protein most days. However on weighing myself today I have gained weight
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    nicknack40 wrote: »
    I too am confused. I have recently started an 8 week programme of strength and cardio fitness consisting of 4 sessions per week (30 mins each). As part of the programme my calories have been set, alongside my macros. I am currently at the end of week 2 and have now started to hit my calories but I'm still struggling a little to hit my macros spot on. I have successfully hit my protein most days. However on weighing myself today I have gained weight

    @nicknack40 - Give it time. 2 weeks isn't enough time to rule out water weight fluctuations from hormones and the new exercise.

    My reply to someone else who had a similar concern after only a few weeks:
    shadow2soul wrote: »
    The thing is that the scale won't move every week. Sometimes you will see a loss and sometimes a gain. It's how it averages out over time that matters.
    Hormone fluctuations will play a part in what the scale shows. Hormones can make us (women) retain several pounds of water and it typically happens once a month for a week or so (usually right around TOM).
    Then there are things like new workouts/increased intensity in workouts that cause water retention for muscle repairs.
    More sodium then normal also equals to water retention.
    Constipated. Ya that shows on the scale too.
    Trends are what matter. Not individual weigh - ins.
  • nicknack40
    nicknack40 Posts: 2 Member
    Thank you much for your rapid response and for sharing your knowledge. I will stick with it and continue to strive to fulfil my goals. Your advice has been greatly appreciated and you have eased my worries somewhat. Many thanks
  • SherryTeach
    SherryTeach Posts: 2,836 Member
    The USDA has a range for each macro. That's a good place to start. The default settings here are right in that range.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    Macros can really vary. Mine are about 25% protein, 5% carbs and 70% fat (low crab high fat diet).

    Fat and protein can't go too low. I haven't seen many take either below 10%. Most seem to have protein somewhere between 20 and 35%. Fat is usually 20-30%. Carbs tend to fill in the rest
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,147 Member
    This will vary based on your goals.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories