How much should you be eating in your macro percentage

teadan27
teadan27 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello. I was trying to find answers regarding this through search but was unable to find an answer.

It just occurred to me that I've been trying to eat within my macros percentage. Carb, fat, protein. I always eat the alotted percentage for carbs and fats. Going 5% over. I know I'm somewhat low in protein.

Long story short, am I doing this wrong? Am I not supposed to be eating my alloted carb and fat amount. That it should be much lower? I'm trying to lose weight. On a 1200 calorie diet. Would greatly appreciate some advice!

Replies

  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,054 Member
    Hi. Welcome. Many people think of their protein and fat goals as minimums. One rule of thumb is:
    Protein: 0.8g (or within a range of 0.6 to 1g) per pound body weight, at a minimum while eating at a deficit
    Fat: 0.35g per pound body weight, at a minimum, regardless of whether maintaining or losing
    Carbohydrate: human brains use ~50g per day

    I'm not sure what percentages these would be for you. Calculate protein and fat first, and you can fill the rest with carbs or extra fat/protein if that's what you prefer. Best of luck!
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,462 Member
    edited March 2016
    I shoot to stay within my calorie goal overall and macro %. I look at the % daily, but Also weekly. A few % one way or the other pet week is just fine. This is for nutrition. Being off on Macros doesn't matter for weight loss.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    teadan27 wrote: »
    Hello. I was trying to find answers regarding this through search but was unable to find an answer.

    It just occurred to me that I've been trying to eat within my macros percentage. Carb, fat, protein. I always eat the alotted percentage for carbs and fats. Going 5% over. I know I'm somewhat low in protein.

    Long story short, am I doing this wrong? Am I not supposed to be eating my alloted carb and fat amount. That it should be much lower? I'm trying to lose weight. On a 1200 calorie diet. Would greatly appreciate some advice!

    The primary goal is to hit the calorie target. Within that I would try to achieve the protein as a minimum. Then fat, or at least 30 g/day of fat. Carbs are optional so less critical you hit a number.
  • Yi5hedr3
    Yi5hedr3 Posts: 2,696 Member
    Set macros 15c/20p/65f. :)
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