WTF are Macros?

sarahp86
sarahp86 Posts: 692 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Excuse my ignorance but I haven't a clue what anyone is on about when they track their macros. I googled it and it's something to do with computers so I can only assume that the "macros" here is an abbreviated version or a nick name.

It seems to work for these macros people so could somebody please explain what the frick they are because every time I read a post with macros in it I just have no idea what's going on!

Please and thank you

Replies

  • Bronx_Montgomery
    Bronx_Montgomery Posts: 2,284 Member
    Hahah I am the same way. I have seen people mention them but have not clue what it is. I think it may have to so with your Net Calories or something. Not sure
  • StarryEyed500
    StarryEyed500 Posts: 225 Member
    Macros on here = Macronutrients = Carbohydrates, fat and protein.
  • Anelda
    Anelda Posts: 99 Member
    Macros are macronutrients. These include carbohydrates, both simple and complex, fats, and protein.

    Micronutrients include things like calcium, potassium, and all your vitamins.
  • sarahp86
    sarahp86 Posts: 692 Member
    Ah ok so it's basically tracking everything instead of just calories?
  • StarryEyed500
    StarryEyed500 Posts: 225 Member
    Pretty much. If you're under or equal to all your numbers, you're a better person than me lol
  • hope516
    hope516 Posts: 1,133 Member
    :laugh: I was the same way....
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    Protein
    Carbs
    Fat

    For fat loss diets set MFP to:

    Protein 30%
    Fat 30%
    Carbs 40%

    For fine tuned macros.....
    Set protein to 1g per lean body mass or total goal weight.
    Set Fat to .35g-.60g per lean body mass or total goal weight.
    Carbs will bring up the rear.

    In most fat loss instances the 2 above numbers come close to 30% of your calories daily.
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    The Macro is a virtual world created by the machines to keep us all enslaved as organic batteries.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Macronutrients are the ones tracked by grams.

    Micronutrients are the ones tracked by milligrams.
  • Givemewings
    Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
    Ahhh...now I get it too lol
  • jennalink807
    jennalink807 Posts: 226 Member
    Ah ok so it's basically tracking everything instead of just calories?

    Exactly. It's important that you meet your macros, it's ok if you go over. It's best to try and get as closed to them as you can. I find that 50% carbs, 25% fat, 25% protein is a good breakdown for me. Some people go low-carb, but I have no reason to do so. If you are trying to strengthen and maintain lean muscle mass, it's good to eat a little more protein (and obviously lift heavy). That's where i'm at. :)
  • LastMinuteMama
    LastMinuteMama Posts: 590 Member
    Excuse my ignorance but I haven't a clue what anyone is on about when they track their macros. I googled it and it's something to do with computers so I can only assume that the "macros" here is an abbreviated version or a nick name.

    It seems to work for these macros people so could somebody please explain what the frick they are because every time I read a post with macros in it I just have no idea what's going on!

    Please and thank you

    ^ I was just about to post the same question, I'm glad I'm not alone!
  • castadiva
    castadiva Posts: 2,016 Member
    Protein
    Carbs
    Fat

    For fat loss diets set MFP to:

    Protein 30%
    Fat 30%
    Carbs 40%

    For fine tuned macros.....
    Set protein to 1g per lean body mass or total goal weight.
    Set Fat to .35g-.60g per lean body mass or total goal weight.
    Carbs will bring up the rear.

    In most fat loss instances the 2 above numbers come close to 30% of your calories daily.

    Possibly being idiotic, but after a fair bit of trawling, I can't figure out how to change the macro settings. Please could someone advise this tech-incompetent?
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    Possibly being idiotic, but after a fair bit of trawling, I can't figure out how to change the macro settings. Please could someone advise this tech-incompetent?
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/change_goals_custom
  • castadiva
    castadiva Posts: 2,016 Member
    Done! Thank you, Elizabeth!
  • AutumnLaughs
    AutumnLaughs Posts: 12
    Protein
    Carbs
    Fat

    For fat loss diets set MFP to:

    Protein 30%
    Fat 30%
    Carbs 40%

    For fine tuned macros.....
    Set protein to 1g per lean body mass or total goal weight.
    Set Fat to .35g-.60g per lean body mass or total goal weight.
    Carbs will bring up the rear.

    In most fat loss instances the 2 above numbers come close to 30% of your calories daily.

    If I do this it doubles my fat, though! Help?
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