Calorie Intake vs. Fat, Carbs etc...

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LesIsMoreXX
LesIsMoreXX Posts: 169
in Food and Nutrition
Hello,

I just started using this application a few days ago. It's really great so far but I'm wondering what's more important to watch while dieting...

I have my food tracker made so that it shows intake of calories, carbs, fat, protein, sodium and sugar. I notice that everything seems to be out of whack. For example one day I may have eaten 400 calories less than my goal has set me for but my intake of sugar, protein etc will be just barely at my cut off point.

I am still learning a lot about proper diet. Is that what's causing my calorie intake to be so unbalanced with everything else is my lack of knowledge? I know everyone is different but is it better to keep an eye on one thing over the other or should I just stick to making sure my calories are where they should be?

Thanks!

Replies

  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
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    Have you consulted with your doctor? Or nutritional specialist?
  • mmuzzy1068
    mmuzzy1068 Posts: 39
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    For me all I have to really do is keep carbs down, so I only track, calories, carbs, protein and fat. Whatever you do, do not go below 1200 calories a day. Anything under is no good, body will go in starvation mode and then you end up gaining and not losing at all. You can talk with a doctor or nutritionist to help you with good food vs bad food. A good way to remember to eat healthy is food that is not processed, get rid of that stuff. It can be expensive buying fresh all the time, but with veggies you can always go with frozen if need be and stock up on that type of stuff. Chicken/Shrimp/Pork are all good proteins for you, good carbs are in fruit, beans, lentils, quinoa, etc. Check out google as well, hope this helps and good luck!
  • FitnessDivaK
    FitnessDivaK Posts: 229
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    I'm no expert, but my rule of thumb is to try to be under on calories, carbs, sugar and sodium, but I'm okay with being over on protein ;-)
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
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    Depending your preferences, the protein and sugar settings in MFP are pretty low. I eat a lot more protein and a lot less carbs than the default goals and some people eat a lot more sugar (mostly in the form of fruit). You are free to change the settings by going into the Goals area and using the Custom settings.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
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    I purely focus on my calories, as that ultimately determines weight loss.

    I also make sure i get plenty of protein to minimise muscle loss.

    My sodium is naturally low anyway.

    The rest....bleh...not bothered with.

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