Question about calories

[nol3afclover]

I think we can all agree that if you're in a caloric deficit, then you're going to lose weight, and if you're in a caloric surplus, then you'll gain weight. However does it matter WHERE the calories are coming from??

For example....IF your daily calorie intake was split up in percentages such as:

20% of cals from fat, 45% from protein, and 35% from carbs - Total cals 2000

Would that be the same as taking in 2000 cals with the stats below?

50% of cals from fat, 25% from protein and 25% from carbs - Total cals 2000



Just wondering...Cause sometimes I eat 20% fat...sometimes i get close to 40%, but my overall calorie intake for the day is alow nearly the same, about 1000 less than maintenance.

 

[Steve]

Depends on what you mean by "does it matter."

In simplistic terms, you're right. A calorie deficit is a calorie deficit no matter what, which will lead to weight loss.

On that note though, what's a deficit now won't be necessarily next month. Our metabolisms are dynamic and volatile in nature. They respond/adapt to the stresses we place on it. Stress=diet

In complicated terms, a deficit is not the only thing you should concern yourself with. What comprises this calorie intake (i.e., fats, proteins, carbs) and in what percentages matter too.

So how much of each?

There's no set rule. However, I don't like working in percentages. I'd rather focus on grams.

That said, as a very general rule of thumb, something like 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass works well. .25-.5 grams of fats (comprised primarily of the good stuff) per pound of body weight. The rest carbs and/or more fats.

I like to make sure I'm getting enough of the essentials in; proteins and good fats. After that, it's different for everyone.