Is it more important to hit macros or calories?

[nicolepopz]

Hey all-
so my currents macros are set at 140P/62F/120C and 1600 cal. I do a pretty good job hitting my macros but my calories are short usally anywhere from 50-150 on most days but looking back at myfitnesspal, there are days where Im short even around 200 calories.. Is this okay as long as I'm hitting my macros or do I need to do some major adjusting?

I havent been macro tracking for very long and Im still learning so any suggestions and information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Freiord]

1g of protein = 4 calories
1g of carbohydrates = 4 calories
1g of fat = 9 calories

if you hit your macros you also hit your calories.

[dipatel13]

Count macros in MFP. Nutritional labels can be off which give you a lower calorie total than what it really contains.

[rimam1]

It's six in one hand, half a dozen in the other.

Track macros for body composition.

Track calories if you just care about losing weight.

[RyanJayRobinson]

Depends on goals, overall aim for your calories but keeping protein goals at the top of your priorities.

[nicolepopz]

Count macros in MFP. Nutritional labels can be off which give you a lower calorie total than what it really contains.

Ohh okay, this makes sense. Thanks so much!

[desslok]

Ohh okay, this makes sense. Thanks so much!

Count calories, making sure you hit your protein and fat minimums

[Xenuprime]

Count macros in MFP. Nutritional labels can be off which give you a lower calorie total than what it really contains.

Can you elaborate on this? I'm using MFP and when I search for a food I'm eating, I always try to find the one that matches the label. I then weigh my portion in order to determine how much of a serving I'm eating.

[Mrpb]

Calories.

You don't need to hit your macros. Just make sure you're reaching your minimum fat and protein.

[leeniepie]

if you're trying to cut, no issue, if you're trying to bulk, then yeah not hitting calories is an issue.
sounds like your tracking it a bit off too as macros should=calories if they're right (which yours are). if you're using MFP then make sure you're using the values for the brand of food you're eating and compare with the label - companies change their nutrition info all the time.

[macdawg202]

You should be hitting your calories if you hit your macros

But anyways if one was trying to lose weight macros would be more important. Hit minimums in fat and protein to protect your muscles and hormines, with the calorie deficit causing fat loss.

If bulking it'd be more important to hit calories. Just getting your fat and protein minimums won't add muscle if your in a caloric deficit still. And its not like being off of your protein intake one day will destroy your bulking results.