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Explain macros

kristys2016
kristys2016 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi,

I am after weight loss wanting to keep to 1200 calories per day. My question is i dont understand macros! And how do they work with current goal of 1200 a day

Thanks

Replies

  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    Macros are just the main nutrients you should aim to get in your diet every day (fat, protein, carbs, etc.), and being on a 1,200 calorie diet just means it's going to be more difficult to reach those goals, but the only thing that technically really matters for weight loss is staying in a deficit.
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,750 Member
    edited January 2017
    Each macro nutrient has a caloric value.

    Protein and carbohydrates = 4 calories per gram
    (don't get confused with food weight. It's not related - eg 100g raw, skinless chicken breast has about 23g protein)

    Fat = 9 calories per gram (more dense than protein and carbs)

    Alcohol = 7 calories per gram.

    All food and drink, besides plain water, are made up of 1 or more of these macros. The calories from each component are added together to get total calories

    Calories are the main thing to worry about, but getting minimum protein and fat amounts is important for health and to maintain body functions.
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