MFP Macros

FlaxMilk · May 2012

Do people agree that the levels are reasonable or feel that they are off? When I have my macros set to 40/30/30, I usually go over my carbs, but if I use MFP's formula, I am usually within my carbs. Some have suggested that I am eating too many carbs. I am always aiming to get as much protein as I can (I'm a vegan) so I usually focus on getting enough of that and ignoring the other macros. How much will too many carbs affect me?

babynew · May 2012

What matters is where they come from.
I don't even track them. ..

FlaxMilk · May 2012

Thanks Babynew! I'm not even sure I have much in the way of options with my dietary restrictions, but I am curious.

guardian419 · May 2012

I normally don't pay much attention to them, as I'm losing weight anyway (maybe not lbs, but measurement) I always go over on sugar (46g a day... 2 oranges and an apple and its over...really?)

I'd recommend is do what you're comfortable with as long as you're still working your way to your goal.

Now, if you want to be an elitist with 6% body fat and can bench press a small car, more power to ya, but you do need to focus more on these kinds of things then.

FlaxMilk · May 2012

No bench pressing small cars necessary. I'd just like to be slender with some definition.

pundas · May 2012

I was following MFP's guidelines for a while, and then plateaued with my weight for a month. I am now doing 45 C 30 P and 25 F because I am focused on gaining muscle and strength training now. I am hoping to get to 40 C 40 P 20 F in a couple months!

toysbigkid · May 2012

if the carbs are from potatoes, breads and so on I would definitely cut them back but from fruit I would not worry about it.

FlaxMilk · May 2012

Thanks Dagoth! I've cut as much as possible from my life that I can control. My shampoos, conditioners, soaps, dish soaps, laundry detergent, etc etc etc, are vegan. As I can choose not to contribute to what I consider inhumane practices very easily by not eating non-vegan foods, I do so. That's really not the purpose of this thread though-I mention my veganism only as a reason why it is hard to cut too far back onto carbs. If you'd like to debate the merits of a vegan lifestyle, can you please start your own thread?

Dagoth · May 2012

Thanks Dagoth! I've cut as much as possible from my life that I can control. My shampoos, conditioners, soaps, dish soaps, laundry detergent, etc etc etc, are vegan. As I can choose not to contribute to what I consider inhumane practices very easily by not eating non-vegan foods, I do so. That's really not the purpose of this thread though-I mention my veganism only as a reason why it is hard to cut too far back onto carbs. If you'd like to debate the merits of a vegan lifestyle, can you please start your own thread?

Nah, just thought I'd share an image.

FlaxMilk · May 2012

if the carbs are from potatoes, breads and so on I would definitely cut them back but from fruit I would not worry about it.

Thanks! I have a gluten allergy so most of my carbs tend to be from fruits, veggies, and I try to keep my bread to one serving a day. I of course also have other sources of carbs that are not as healthy as fruits and veggies, with some days being worse than others.

Elizabeth_C34 · May 2012

I reset my macros to 40/30/30 also. MFP default protein levels are very low. I usually go over on carbs also, but as long as it's not over by an excessive amount (to the detriment of your protein or fat intake), you should be just fine.

FlaxMilk · May 2012

Thanks Dagoth! I've cut as much as possible from my life that I can control. My shampoos, conditioners, soaps, dish soaps, laundry detergent, etc etc etc, are vegan. As I can choose not to contribute to what I consider inhumane practices very easily by not eating non-vegan foods, I do so. That's really not the purpose of this thread though-I mention my veganism only as a reason why it is hard to cut too far back onto carbs. If you'd like to debate the merits of a vegan lifestyle, can you please start your own thread?

Nah, just thought I'd share an image.

I hope that either you can edit it to help me keep my thread on track or that others can ignore it to help keep my thread on track.

khagador · May 2012

(I'm a vegan)

You must have missed this thread a couple days ago. Also, completely unrelated to OP's question.

jenniejengin · May 2012

bump

jsapninz · May 2012

From what I am heard, this is how you need to calculate your intake (and you shouldn't just use some generic formula):

Protein = 0.8-1 g for every kg of your total weight (2.2 lbs in 1 kg)
Fat = 25-35% of total calories
Carbs = what's left over

MFP's default protein is usually way low for most people.

FlaxMilk · May 2012

I reset my macros to 40/30/30 also. MFP default protein levels are very low. I usually go over on carbs also, but as long as it's not over by an excessive amount (to the detriment of your protein or fat intake), you should be just fine.

Awesome! Thank you

I aim to get 60-70 g of protein (I'm 112 lbs) at a minimum and I think I do a decent job of usually meeting this. Fat is definitely not a problem. I have not been able to devise a way to cut my carbs any further--other than drinking nothing but my protein shakes with no fruit, but that sounds miserable.

Elizabeth_C34 · May 2012

I reset my macros to 40/30/30 also. MFP default protein levels are very low. I usually go over on carbs also, but as long as it's not over by an excessive amount (to the detriment of your protein or fat intake), you should be just fine.

Awesome! Thank you I aim to get 60-70 g of protein (I'm 112 lbs) at a minimum and I think I do a decent job of usually meeting this. Fat is definitely not a problem. I have not been able to devise a way to cut my carbs any further--other than drinking nothing but my protein shakes with no fruit, but that sounds miserable.

I don't function well without a good amount of carbs especially when I workout regularly, so as long as you're getting sufficient protein and fat, I don't see the problem with a higher carb intake as long as you're meeting your calorie goals as well.

Pebble321 · May 2012

I don't pay too much attention to macros - but then I don't have any reason (ie medical reason or irrational fear) to avoid carbs.
Usually I keep them set to MFP's macros, now and again I will tinker with them to increase the protein slightly because I get influenced by the "must eat more protein" comments on MFP - which I think is more relevant for the bodybuilder set than the general population.

In my experience, and for my body - the macro composition isn't as important as overall calories for losing weight.
For my health, I feel better (and tend to avoid colds etc) when I eat more fruit and veg and less processed snacks (cakes, chocolate etc). Eating carbs like pasta, rice, bread aren't an issue for me.

jsapninz · May 2012

I don't pay too much attention to macros - but then I don't have any reason (ie medical reason or irrational fear) to avoid carbs.
Usually I keep them set to MFP's macros, now and again I will tinker with them to increase the protein slightly because I get influenced by the "must eat more protein" comments on MFP - which I think is more relevant for the bodybuilder set than the general population.

In my experience, and for my body - the macro composition isn't as important as overall calories for losing weight.
For my health, I feel better (and tend to avoid colds etc) when I eat more fruit and veg and less processed snacks (cakes, chocolate etc). Eating carbs like pasta, rice, bread aren't an issue for me.

Macros aren't important for losing weight.

But they ARE important for being healthy, which hopefully everyone should be working at.
Especially if you are concerned about muscle mass (which you are likely to lose if you aren't eating enough protein), macros are important.

MFP Macros

Replies

Categories