[unload2]

So I am trying to simplify my approach on things, so I don't become so overwhelmed and compulsive about food and counting calories. So basically my plan is as follows:

*1250-1450 calories daily
* Not restrict the things I want to have as long as I account for them, so this is sustainable over the long run
* 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily
* Log my eating
* NO nighttime binging!
* At least 5-6 glasses of water daily

Seems easy enough, but my problem in the past has been obsessing about where my calories are coming from. For example I eat pretty healthy for the most part but I get caught up in the ratios of protein/carbs/fats. Since I'm compulsive about this, I get overwhelmed and then I end up not wanting to continue.
So I guess my question is, since I want to make this easy and sustainable as possible, do the macros really matter? I'm really trying to tell myself that this is the beginning, to just stay within my chosen range for a few weeks and see what happens. But I'm sure you know old habits die HARD! Any suggestions?

[JulieJ08]

I'd suggest sticking with the simple plan for starters. That might mean a few weeks, it might mean a few months. Depends on you. *Then*, think about looking at the macros and playing with them a bit.

A plan you actually stick with will have far more impact than what your macros are.

[ToutDeSuite]

I'm on a similar plan and the 7-Day Food Plan (.pdf file) at this link helped me get off to a great start:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/heal...-day-diet-plan

[Mahalia]

What if you just said that you want to make sure and have a little protein with every meal, and at least three servings of fruits or vegetables, something like that?

[fiberlover]

Well - you can make it as complicated or as simple as you want. If you are just starting, I might just work at getting used to how much food you get to eat within your calorie range. The longer you do this, the more patterns and habits you will develop - as well as staple meals that you eat regularly and know the calorie count off the top of your head.

Once you have the hang of that - then start focusing on the macros, because it will be easier to adjust a meal to add protein, or lower fat or whatever when you already know what the normal calorie count is. You will also start to pick this up intuitively as you plan your meals, just from fitting foods into your range.

[lorilove]

Don't overstress the macros. If you focus on choosing quality foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats the macros tend to fall in place.

Once you monitor your natural diet for several weeks you will see a pattern develop. When I first got started I actually was a bit low on the protein side. So once I saw this I made just some simple tweeks such as adding one egg or some cottage cheese to my salad. Other might find their protein is fine but their fat is high in which case they would perhaps cut back a bit on the red meat and add more turkey.

Eat what makes your feel good and then sit back and look at the nutrients. If they fall into a reasonable range and you are happy with your plan then let it be - there is no perfect answer. If like me, you see an area that you might like to change or improve then all you have to do is think about a few subtitutions. This does not have to be a major effort.

[unload2]

Thank You everyone for the advice, I really do appreciate everyones input!

[chick_in_the_hat]

Yup yup, get the calorie counting down, the macros will be easier once you are comfy with logging and counting.