What are macros

deirdrejacqueline
deirdrejacqueline Posts: 2 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I do not understand what macros are, i am trying to to eat healthy but also lose 2st. I do not understand what balance of protein carbs fat I should be aiming for at

Answers

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,999 Member
    Macros are mostly for satiety and happiness. And what makes you happy and feel full is probably totally different to lots of other people here. So why not ignore this and just log your food. See how much calories you eat in a day. Then reduce food here and there. If you feel hungry after a meal then make adjustments. Try things. Be flexible.
  • Jackie9003
    Jackie9003 Posts: 1,133 Member
    I've never paid attention to macros, some people get obsessive about them but I just make sure I'm in a deficit. They do have their place though as people use them to help get to a specific goal.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,407 Member
    Calories cause weight loss, macros affect satiety and satisfaction.

    Personally I keep my carbs lower than the MFP default because I'm not actually a fan of the classic carbs, rice, pasta, bread (plus we're a gluten free household), and I find protein keeps me full and satisfied. But to be honest, I eat higher protein, not low fat, and lowish carb because that's what I like, I don't actually count or measure my macros, and if some days my carbs are high, whatever.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,294 Member
    Macros are just the name given to describe the overall nutrients (macronutrients) in the foods we consume and we consume carbohydrates, protein and fat and each will have their own job to do.

    Just for basic explanation purposes carbs are broken down into glucose, basically for energy. Protein which is just another name for amino acids are essential for building and repairing tissues, enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Fat provides energy, supports cell growth, protect our organs and helps absorb some nutrients.

    How you formulate those are up to you but the basic recommendations by most authorities show around:
    • Carbohydrates: 45-65% of total daily calories
    • Proteins: 10-35% of total daily calories
    • Fats: 20-35% of total daily calories

    Within those parameters many options on how you eat are available. For example those macros can describe pretty much most dietary variations like a vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, and the standard American diet.

    These are not something to abide by religiously or taken as absolutes because each person will have many differences that are based in genetics, cultural norms, health considerations etc.

    Nutritional science is mostly misunderstood not only by the vast majority of the population but most doctors as well, so it will be important that we understand the only important fact is how we respond to the different foods we consume and we are all our own n:1 experiment.

    Myself for example and dealing with my own health implications many years ago found that consuming fewer carbs and more fat have reversed and totally eliminated many of those health concerns. For example if someone is diabetic it's probably a good idea to understand the carbohydrate connection, that's just one example. I'm sure many here will be giving you good advice but just thought I'd offer mine. :)


  • totameafox
    totameafox Posts: 17 Member
    as i diabetic i am concerned with protein and fiber. so i try to make sure I am high in those. it naturally tends to keep my sugar and carbs lower than the suggested amount. At one time I lost 42 pounds just being calorie deficient but i discovered the second time i need to loose weight that focusing on protein and fiber made me feel better. Both ways work
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