Calories Vs Carbs and Grams of Fat

MW2286
MW2286 Posts: 6
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Just wondering if counting calories is they way to go? Ive noticed that I am l always over my calorie intake but always under in my grams of fat and carbs intake. I am having trouble finding the correlation between the two and wondering if it is better to watch the latter than the calories?

Replies

  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    If you goal is to create weight loss then you should monitor calorie intake and be sure to consume under your TDEE/maintenance calories.

    Calorie intake governs weight gain and weight loss.
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    it is more to it thatn just calories, fat, and carbs...... when you eat carbs, eat complex carbs which is used for weight loss, not simple carbs which is used for weight gain...... When you eat fats eat monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats which are used to get rid of saturated fat..... instead of eating transfat and saturated fat.... So see some fats and carbs are used for weight loss so when you are eating those calories you actually lose weight....
    Just wondering if counting calories is they way to go? Ive noticed that I am l always over my calorie intake but always under in my grams of fat and carbs intake. I am having trouble finding the correlation between the two and wondering if it is better to watch the latter than the calories?
  • eddyca
    eddyca Posts: 153 Member
    How many calories a day do you have your goal set to? You may have set it too low
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    If you goal is to create weight loss then you should monitor calorie intake and be sure to consume under your TDEE/maintenance calories.

    Calorie intake governs weight gain and weight loss.

    Yep, indeed. Macros (protein, carbs, fat) do matter. But for many, when they are starting out, it's easier just to get the calories in line first, then start tuning macros later.

    FWIW, the default settings on MFP for protein are pretty low and that throws people off. You might consider changing them to 40/30/30 (protein/carb/fat).
  • MW2286
    MW2286 Posts: 6
    1200 is what it set it for. seemed normal to me as all my friends have the same goal
  • MW2286
    MW2286 Posts: 6
    that all sounds foreign to me, do you have ay examples for what types of carbs those might be?
  • MW2286
    MW2286 Posts: 6
    that all sounds foreign to me, do you have ay examples for what types of carbs those might be?
    it is more to it thatn just calories, fat, and carbs...... when you eat carbs, eat complex carbs which is used for weight loss, not simple carbs which is used for weight gain...... When you eat fats eat monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats which are used to get rid of saturated fat..... instead of eating transfat and saturated fat.... So see some fats and carbs are used for weight loss so when you are eating those calories you actually lose weight....
    Just wondering if counting calories is they way to go? Ive noticed that I am l always over my calorie intake but always under in my grams of fat and carbs intake. I am having trouble finding the correlation between the two and wondering if it is better to watch the latter than the calories?
  • MW2286
    MW2286 Posts: 6
    thanks how do i change that?
    If you goal is to create weight loss then you should monitor calorie intake and be sure to consume under your TDEE/maintenance calories.

    Calorie intake governs weight gain and weight loss.

    Yep, indeed. Macros (protein, carbs, fat) do matter. But for many, when they are starting out, it's easier just to get the calories in line first, then start tuning macros later.

    FWIW, the default settings on MFP for protein are pretty low and that throws people off. You might consider changing them to 40/30/30 (protein/carb/fat).
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member


    FWIW, the default settings on MFP for protein are pretty low and that throws people off. You might consider changing them to 40/30/30 (protein/carb/fat).

    OP: Just do the above setting and do your best to hit those targets at the end of the day. There's no need to complicate things with carb type. Just hit your goal numbers and ideally, select nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, and win.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    thanks how do i change that?

    You can do it from My Home -> Goals -> Change Goals -> Custom
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    Ok, complex carbs..... 100% whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables, brown rice, whole grains....... simple carbs is what you want to stay away from sweets, soda's, diet soda's, white bread, white rice, pizza, spaghetti, pasta, etc..... for fats you want to eat healthy fats like eggs, peanut butter, nuts, avacado, fish.... don't eat fat that is saturated or trans..... so no fast food, red meats, hamburgers, packaged foods, don't eat canned vegetables... make sure they are frozen or fresh, no french fries, no potatoe chips....


    quote]
    that all sounds foreign to me, do you have ay examples for what types of carbs those might be?
    [/quote]
  • MW2286
    MW2286 Posts: 6
    thanks so much. i eat very healthy, but i like my alcohol, i know its hypocrytical to try and lose weight and still drink but there is somethings about my lifestyle i just wont change.


    FWIW, the default settings on MFP for protein are pretty low and that throws people off. You might consider changing them to 40/30/30 (protein/carb/fat).

    OP: Just do the above setting and do your best to hit those targets at the end of the day. There's no need to complicate things with carb type. Just hit your goal numbers and ideally, select nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, and win.
  • jjwaite
    jjwaite Posts: 3
    Certainly if you are aiming to lose weight you must be in a calorie deficit and the only way to know for sure that you are is to track everything you put in your mouth. What you eat as far as macros (carbs/fats/proteins) and also considering if carbs are complex vs simple will more-so determine where more of the weight loss comes from; fat or lean tissue. Everyone's body is different as to how they process macros, specifically carbs, so learning how your own body reacts to different macro ratios will help you make better choices to reach your personal goals.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    Ok, complex carbs..... 100% whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables, brown rice, whole grains....... simple carbs is what you want to stay away from sweets, soda's, diet soda's, white bread, white rice, pizza, spaghetti, pasta, etc..... for fats you want to eat healthy fats like eggs, peanut butter, nuts, avacado, fish.... don't eat fat that is saturated or trans..... so no fast food, red meats, hamburgers, packaged foods, don't eat canned vegetables... make sure they are frozen or fresh, no french fries, no potatoe chips....

    That is if you want to be 100% healthy, no matter what it takes.

    For some of us, we just want to be healthier, without making too many changes that will actually severely impact our enjoyment of food. We want a way we can happily live with for ever if need be. Cutting things out totally is a surefire way to end up getting fed up with it and falling off.

    OP, start simple. Eat less, move more. Don't overcomplicate it with things that don't really matter, especially in the early stages.
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    well that is what I do and I love feeling and looking great!! you learn to love all of these foods!! I cold eat chicken and fish every day :P and I love my bottled water... I think feeling great and looking great is more important

    quote]
    Ok, complex carbs..... 100% whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables, brown rice, whole grains....... simple carbs is what you want to stay away from sweets, soda's, diet soda's, white bread, white rice, pizza, spaghetti, pasta, etc..... for fats you want to eat healthy fats like eggs, peanut butter, nuts, avacado, fish.... don't eat fat that is saturated or trans..... so no fast food, red meats, hamburgers, packaged foods, don't eat canned vegetables... make sure they are frozen or fresh, no french fries, no potatoe chips....

    That is if you want to be 100% healthy, no matter what it takes.

    For some of us, we just want to be healthier, without making too many changes that will actually severely impact our enjoyment of food. We want a way we can happily live with for ever if need be. Cutting things out totally is a surefire way to end up getting fed up with it and falling off.

    OP, start simple. Eat less, move more. Don't overcomplicate it with things that don't really matter, especially in the early stages.
    [/quote]
  • eddyca
    eddyca Posts: 153 Member
    FWIW, the default settings on MFP for protein are pretty low and that throws people off. You might consider changing them to 40/30/30 (protein/carb/fat).

    I personally do 40% carbs 30% protein 30% fat

    40% protein is too much for a girl trying to lose weight!
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