Should I alter my macros?

MrsGreco
MrsGreco Posts: 134 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I recently updated my "goal" on here and MFP suggested

1,470 calories
184g carbs 50%
49g fat 30%
74g protein 20%

I'm 5'7" (female)
SW: 284.8 (Jan 4th) CW:271 GW:165 (been stuck at the same weight for about 2.5 weeks)
I would like to lose 2lbs/week
Exercise 3 days a week burning approx 800 calories.

I haven't paid much attention to my macros in the past so it's time for me to buckle down and focus on hitting them for me to start seeing some results. These macros just seem kinda off to me.

What do you guys think? :)

Replies

  • NeverGiveUpKMV
    NeverGiveUpKMV Posts: 36 Member
    Those are fairly standard macro goals. 30% fat might seems a lot, but just make sure you load up on healthy fats. If you're doing cardio exercise I would keep it how it is, but if that 3 days a week involves lifting you could afford to consume more protein :smile:
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    When you say you burn 800 calories in your workouts; is that for the whole week or is that each time you workout? Also, how do you calculate your calorie burn during workouts?
  • seska422
    seska422 Posts: 3,217 Member
    Those are the macros I'm using and they've worked great for me. I would only adjust them if you aren't feeling satiated. I started at your weight and I've lost an average of about 1.5 pounds per week.

    Weight loss isn't linear so be sure to look at overall trends.

    I don't want to lose any faster than that because my skin needs as much time to keep up as possible.

    v07zr92y3qrb.jpg
  • MrsGreco
    MrsGreco Posts: 134 Member
    Asher_Ethan wrote: »
    When you say you burn 800 calories in your workouts; is that for the whole week or is that each time you workout? Also, how do you calculate your calorie burn during workouts?

    800 per workout. I have a Fitbit HR and put it into "exercise mode" during my workouts.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    It's MFP default. They're OK, but I think the carbs are a bit excessive, the fat too low and the protein maybe a bit on the low side too.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    It's MFP default. They're OK, but I think the carbs are a bit excessive, the fat too low and the protein maybe a bit on the low side too.

    I 100% agree with this. I've never understood why 50% of our calories have to come from carbs. A more even split would be better IMO
  • MrsGreco
    MrsGreco Posts: 134 Member
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    It's MFP default. They're OK, but I think the carbs are a bit excessive, the fat too low and the protein maybe a bit on the low side too.

    I 100% agree with this. I've never understood why 50% of our calories have to come from carbs. A more even split would be better IMO

    I was leaning more towards this as well. I tend to get around 100g protein average in a day. I struggle to meet my carbs. Usually have 40g or so remaining. I just started having a carb for breakfast so that helps a bit. I'm not used to having carbs with dinner but going to start adding them.

    I'm a veggie & meat type of person lol carbs are last on my list but I know they are essential for my energy levels.
  • seska422
    seska422 Posts: 3,217 Member
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    It's MFP default. They're OK, but I think the carbs are a bit excessive, the fat too low and the protein maybe a bit on the low side too.

    I 100% agree with this. I've never understood why 50% of our calories have to come from carbs. A more even split would be better IMO

    This split is actually higher in protein and much higher in fat than what I used previously to lose weight.

    Carbs have fewer calories per gram than fat (which is why low fat was all the rage until the last 20 years or so) and protein is monetarily expensive compared to the other nutrients. Carbs have a plethora of micronutrients.

    Carbs aren't evil.
  • seska422
    seska422 Posts: 3,217 Member
    MrsGreco wrote: »
    Christine_72 wrote: »
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    It's MFP default. They're OK, but I think the carbs are a bit excessive, the fat too low and the protein maybe a bit on the low side too.

    I 100% agree with this. I've never understood why 50% of our calories have to come from carbs. A more even split would be better IMO

    I was leaning more towards this as well. I tend to get around 100g protein average in a day. I struggle to meet my carbs. Usually have 40g or so remaining. I just started having a carb for breakfast so that helps a bit. I'm not used to having carbs with dinner but going to start adding them.

    I'm a veggie & meat type of person lol carbs are last on my list but I know they are essential for my energy levels.

    The important thing is to find a macro split that works for you and provides at least enough protein and fat. If you want to knock down your carb percentage because you don't normally eat that many carbs, go for it. If you are struggling to meet your carbs, eat fewer carbs.
  • MrsGreco
    MrsGreco Posts: 134 Member
    Thank you guys! I really appreciate your responses :smile:

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