Calorie vs Carb/Protein/Fat/Cholesterol etc...

SandyC04
SandyC04 Posts: 32
in Health and Weight Loss
Confused... Do you manage yourself to just calorie count or do you watch the individual categories such as Carbs, Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium etc?

Replies

  • ken_hogan
    ken_hogan Posts: 854 Member
    Confused... Do you manage yourself to just calorie count or do you watch the individual categories such as Carbs, Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium etc?

    I do pay attention to the individual ones, mainly sodium & cholesterol though. I TRY to stay below in both, but if I don't on occasion I don't sweat it. I use those individual categories more as guides. I try to get to my daily calories as close. As I can.
  • FP4HSharon
    FP4HSharon Posts: 664 Member
    One of the main reasons I joined MFP was to try to get a more balanced diet. So while the main goal is to be within my calories, I look at whichever category goal I'm the farthest away from & try to pick a food that adds to that. This has made me very aware that I must have been way too low in protein before I started MFP. Carbs usually take care of themselves, but sometimes I''m a little low on fats. I also watch my calcium, because osteoporosis runs in my family, so if I'm low on that, then when I choose a protein, I'll make it a dairy. The more balanced you are, the better your body works, & the better you'll feel. Calories in/burned will affect whether you lose or gain, but being balanced will keep you healthier. For example, if you don't get enough protein, it's harder to build muscle from your workouts.
  • ELEANOR43da
    ELEANOR43da Posts: 166 Member
    Thanks for posing this question because I am having so much difficulty coming remotely close to the cholesterol /sodium and I have a medical issue with sodium. I need to have it at the daily intake and can't get there, any ideas without it rising everything else.I believe for me I try to reach the goal of it all and keep the vitain A down as I learned it is fat soluable.
  • SandyC04
    SandyC04 Posts: 32
    Thank you all... I too am keeping to a low sodium, 1500 a day, but I seem o go over on my protein and fiber... I am doing a 70% plant/30% protein organic diet so I guess it's the nature of the plan... I am feeling better so I guess it is working... I like the suggestion to uses the detail counts as to where I can add my additional calories... Making the right choices is an area I have to focus on and using this as a guide may help me focus more too! I am just 3 weeks into this lifestyle change and learning as I go... Keep your suggestions coming! This is great!!!!!

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