Understanding MACROS. Help!!

micahiggins
micahiggins Posts: 6 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi,

Im 23 female 5ft5 weigh 11stone 13.

I've lost 3 stone and hit a brick wall.

Im tracking my calories with fitness pal aiming for 2lbs a week loss which allows me 1,200 calories per day.

Should i be customising my carbs, protein & fat??

I believe from a previous post as long as i'm within target for the day calories wise it doesn't really matter if the macro percentage is higher than goal.

My carbs intake percentage is always really low but protein high and i was concerned that i should be looking to manually figure my macros and stick to these?

Replies

  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    edited October 2016
    Weight loss is driven by calories. Trying to hit certain macros can help with muscle retention and satiety (being full). In general I am not as strict about macros as some people are. I try to eat around 80-100g of protein.

    As you get closer to your goal you probably don't want to keep theta large of a deficit. I'd up it to a pound a week.

  • extra_medium
    extra_medium Posts: 1,525 Member
    You might feel more satisfied with different macro ratios, so do some experimenting to see what works best for you. But it won't change your rate of weight loss as long as you keep your calories within your limit.
  • micahiggins
    micahiggins Posts: 6 Member
    That's reassuring. I've been going crazy reading up on macros!

    Ok i feel reassured that ultimately sticking to daily calories set is all i need to focus on rather than obsessing over percentages.

    I think more exercise is needed here for that extra push!

    Thanks guys
  • amgerbin
    amgerbin Posts: 49 Member
    Try Paleo. Watching all those numbers will make you crazy. I did it for years. Went Paleo and the weight flew off me.
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    You might feel more satisfied with different macro ratios, so do some experimenting to see what works best for you. But it won't change your rate of weight loss as long as you keep your calories within your limit.

    This... this exactly. I prefer more carbs in my diet... it makes me feel full. Some prefer higher fat for the same reason.
  • micahiggins
    micahiggins Posts: 6 Member
    Ive been aboiding carbs thinking that they were the problem so my carbs have been really low but now i know aslong as i stick to the calorie deficit goal it doesn't actually matter then i'll be having my wholemeal toast for breakfast lol!
  • micahiggins
    micahiggins Posts: 6 Member
    Amgerbin i will look into it, i have heard of it before but not sure exactly what it involves
  • amgerbin
    amgerbin Posts: 49 Member
    research on marksdailyapple.com
  • 603PIPER
    603PIPER Posts: 115 Member
    Unless you are doing something like the keto diet just staying under your calories should work.

    I'm in the keto diet though so I've customized my macros to make sure I'm having the right amount of fat/protein/carbs. It is helpful when you need it, but don't stress about it unless you need it!
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