Help me understand

Macros are what you'll find under "nutrition." So it's the amount of carbs, protein, sugar, sodium, vitamin A, etc. I use the macros more than looking at calories. For me at my weight and with my goals I try to do 30%carbs, 40%protein, and 30% healthy fats (you set those goals in the same spot that you set your calorie goal). Paying attention to that tends to help with picking good foods and maintaining a daily balance of what the body needs rather than just looking at calories. So for example, I could eat 1500 calories of M&Ms in a day and fit in my calorie goal, but I couldn't get away with that and fit into my macro goals (there would be no protein!)...so, I'd be hungry all day.

Macros are macronutrients that make up the content of your food/calories so fat, protein, and carbs.

Sodium, calcium, magnesium, etc are micronutrients. While essentially calorie free, they still have an impact on nutrition.

Macros = Fat, Protein, Carbs, Alcohol
Micros = vitamins and minerals

crzycatlady1 wrote: »

rjel78 wrote: »

I hear the word Macros a lot on here and in successful weight loss stories. I'm not new here but I also don't understand all of the terminology. What are Macros exactly, why are they so important for weight loss and how many should I have?

Macros aren't really important for weight loss-calories are

This... Some people like to adjust their macros for satiety and such but they are not required for weight loss.

crzycatlady1 wrote: »

rjel78 wrote: »

I hear the word Macros a lot on here and in successful weight loss stories. I'm not new here but I also don't understand all of the terminology. What are Macros exactly, why are they so important for weight loss and how many should I have?

Macros aren't really important for weight loss-calories are

While it is true that calories in vs calories out is what is necessary for weight loss, watching your macros can help you make adjustments in WHAT you eat to feel better and eat fewer calories while still feeling satiated.

I try to keep my fat and carb intake low, my fiber high, and hit my daily protein targets because I've learned that protein and fiber calories fill me up longer than carb and fat calories, and that too many carbs spike my blood sugar which makes me feel irritable, and too much fat messes with my digestion and makes me feel sluggish and blobby.

Macros = nutrients that provide calories (energy). Includes carbohydrates (4kcal per gram), protein (4kcal per gram), fat (9kcal per gram), and alcohol (7kcal per gram). Simply put, carbohydrates provide the body with quick energy, protein helps to maintain and build muscle, and fat helps in hormone regulation and storage of fat-soluble vitamins. You need a good balance of all three macros for general health (especially protein and fat. Carbohydrates are also important because of the micronutrients found in foods that contain them, such as vegetables).

Looking at macros is important if you notice that you tend to feel fuller when eating more of a certain macro (some people feel full when they eat high-fat, while others aren't satisfied from fat). If you're looking to maintain muscle or gain some (particularly when you're in a calorie surplus), paying attention to macros combined with weight lifting helps to make sure those extra calories you receive are used to build muscle instead of being stored as fat. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, also require close examination of macros because of medication doses often being based off what one eats (for example, I take insulin based off how many grams of carbohydrates I consume in every meal and snack).