Am I eating too much carbs?

Heather032190

Hi all,

I have been on my journey on and off for some time, but I really kicked into gear April 2013. I have lost a total of 11lbs so far. I am reevaluating my calories/intake and exercise. I am going to give you an average of what I tend to eat on a daily basis and would like to know what you all think...btw my diary may be open but I have not been logging on this site I have another app on my phone that I use.

Breakfast: 1 cinnamon raisin bagel w/peanut butter 314cal
Snack: 1 slice colby jack cheese 80cal
Lunch: 1 sandwhich consists of 2slice of ovenroaster turkey 2slice of hard salami and 1tbs of light mayo on whole grain 320cal
Snack: 1 pack of nature valley oats and honey granola 190
Dinner: 2 baked chicken breast tenderlions, 1cup mac and cheese, 1 cup of steamed broccoli 411cal

total average cal intake: 1315/day

I usually stick to this only with a occasonal mix of either oatmeal, romaine salad, talapia.

I would like to here your feed back for if I should change anything in my diet..I mean I am losing weight but I guess I am being impatient and wish to lose more quickly. Thanks in advance!

MommaSherryB

Have you tried to replace any of the breads/snacks with lower carb? like whole grain breads?
For some reason the main thing my body gains weight on is sugar and carbs.

When my doctor told me I was headed for diabetes, I went on a diabetic type diet to get my glucose back to normal. I not only lost the weight easily but I have been able to easily maintain my current weight.

I don't eat over 300 carbs a day.

I substitute Stevia for sugar. (Buy bulk bag at Walmart)

trojanjoy

a book called "it starts with food" is life changing (totally changed my life and how i try to pick what i eat). your meals are very focused on low calorie and don't appear all that nutritious. do you feel hungry as well throughout the day? if you cut out grains/artificial sugars and just stick to real foods (meat, veggies & fruit), you stay full way longer and feel better overall. the first week getting off the carb (grain/sugar) addiction is painful but afterwards you'll feel like a new person. i'm going on day 16 of absolutely no cheating with grains or sugars and feel fantastic. good luck to you on your journey.

wlinda224

Hi, I looked at your food list and this is just the way I like to eat too. I don't see a carb count but just from the looks of your food intake I would say you are eating to many carbs for the day. Eating the 165 carbs allowed per day you will lose weight very slowly and the only way to lose more quickly is eliminating carbs. 25plus years ago I lost 140 lbs and I did it by eating less than 100 carbs a day and 0 carbs for the first 2 weeks. eating mostly protein foods , very low carb veggies, and almost no bread or fruit. This was the Dr Atkins diet at that time and it worked for me. I am not recommending that you use his diet but you might want to try lowering your carb intake by 25 gr. per day for a week and see what happens. Good Luck, Linda

Heather032190

Thanks everyone.

I have switched my bread to whole grain but as far as my pasta or bagels I have not. I dont give myself much time in the morning to eat a healthier breakfast but I have read and heard that carbs in the morning are good for you. I like salads for lunch but I had gotten to used to them I switched to a snadwhich. I think I will eliminate the pasta and add more veggies for sure.

I will definately have to look into the book and look into lowering my carb intake. I really think that is what is holding me back on losing more.

cwolfman13

carbs aren't the devil; weight loss is a slow process. 1-2 Lbs per week is safe and healthy weight loss. When you cut carbs you will lose a bit more quickly initially...but that is due to water loss, not fat loss. Your body can only oxidize so much fat in a given time. Patience is a virtue.

MileHighScott

Firstly, Great job on the weight loss!!

I agree with the others. Carbs are good for you; they provide energy. You are better off switching to healthier, whole grain carbs than significantly limiting them.

One other thing, are you sure that the calories you are tracking are accurate. Just looking very quickly, you say that the bagel and peanut butter is only 314 calories. I did a quick search and depending on the size of bagel it ranges from 100-300 or so calories. 2 TBSP of peanut butter can go up to 190-200 calories. The dinner sounds like it would be more than 411 calories with the mac & cheese. A quick search on here shows Kraft Mac & Cheese (not sure what kind you have) at 400 calories/cup. I'd try to swap that out or limit it to once/week or every other week.

You could try a fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast. They are pretty easy to make. I make a large batch of steel cut oats on Sunday night and have them for breakfast throughout the week.

Heather032190

I am not looking to completely eliminate my carbs, just wondering if I was over doing which as I thought seems that I am. I know I need to be patient but trying to lose weight makes me anxious :ohwell: .

I eat the mini bagels from Peppridge farm and I only limit my self to no more than a tablesoon of peanut butter. As for the mac and cheese i just go off the app I use which says 1 cup is 260cal...might have to look into that.(wonder what else is really off).

I have been thinking about doing smoothies for some time just afraid to try and not sure where to start with them any suggestions?

Thanks everyone for the great feedback!

trojanjoy

Advice on smoothies - eat the real fruit & veggies instead. The juicing process can take away fiber and other important parts of the fruit (depending on how you're juicing). I read an article a few weeks ago that said as far as health goes, the best options are 1. real fruit, 2. dried fruit with nothing added, distant 3rd is dried fruit with sugar added and very last place and far behind eating the fruit in its natural form is juice. Your body is also more satiated when you're chewing your calories vs. drinking them. Grains are absolutely not necessary for health - there's nothing you can't get from vegetables in a healthier and more bio available way. Lots of people are very resistant to this since we've all grown up with bread and it's been around for forever, but how they process grains now (even "whole" grains) makes it pretty much toxic to tons of people (think of how many are all of a sudden gluten intolerant). Again, good luck - but try to add veggies to every single meal you eat - they're low calorie and you can't beat the vitamins in them.

MileHighScott

Advice on smoothies - eat the real fruit & veggies instead. The juicing process can take away fiber and other important parts of the fruit (depending on how you're juicing). I read an article a few weeks ago that said as far as health goes, the best options are 1. real fruit, 2. dried fruit with nothing added, distant 3rd is dried fruit with sugar added and very last place and far behind eating the fruit in its natural form is juice. Your body is also more satiated when you're chewing your calories vs. drinking them. Grains are absolutely not necessary for health - there's nothing you can't get from vegetables in a healthier and more bio available way. Lots of people are very resistant to this since we've all grown up with bread and it's been around for forever, but how they process grains now (even "whole" grains) makes it pretty much toxic to tons of people (think of how many are all of a sudden gluten intolerant). Again, good luck - but try to add veggies to every single meal you eat - they're low calorie and you can't beat the vitamins in them.

There is a big difference between smoothies and juices. Typically blending smoothies keeps the fiber and nutrients. It may even help with absorbtion of nutrients as well.

Very few people are actually gluten intolerant. Whole grains are part of a healthy lifestyle. They are very important ingredient for energy especially for exercise and fitness.

I agree with your advice to eat more veggies; that's about it.

trojanjoy

Advice on smoothies - eat the real fruit & veggies instead. The juicing process can take away fiber and other important parts of the fruit (depending on how you're juicing). I read an article a few weeks ago that said as far as health goes, the best options are 1. real fruit, 2. dried fruit with nothing added, distant 3rd is dried fruit with sugar added and very last place and far behind eating the fruit in its natural form is juice. Your body is also more satiated when you're chewing your calories vs. drinking them. Grains are absolutely not necessary for health - there's nothing you can't get from vegetables in a healthier and more bio available way. Lots of people are very resistant to this since we've all grown up with bread and it's been around for forever, but how they process grains now (even "whole" grains) makes it pretty much toxic to tons of people (think of how many are all of a sudden gluten intolerant). Again, good luck - but try to add veggies to every single meal you eat - they're low calorie and you can't beat the vitamins in them.

There is a big difference between smoothies and juices. Typically blending smoothies keeps the fiber and nutrients. It may even help with absorbtion of nutrients as well.

Very few people are actually gluten intolerant. Whole grains are part of a healthy lifestyle. They are very important ingredient for energy especially for exercise and fitness.

I agree with your advice to eat more veggies; that's about it.

At least the more veggies, less sugar is universally accepted.

http://authoritynutrition.com/11-biggest-lies-of-mainstream-nutrition/

melaniecheeks

Every person's sensitivity to carbs is different, so no-one can say whetehr your diet is "too much carbs" except you.

Are you losing weight? Do you have enough energy for your workouts? Do you feel bloated or sluggish?

jennaworksout

yes

lkgarza

a book called "it starts with food" is life changing (totally changed my life and how i try to pick what i eat). your meals are very focused on low calorie and don't appear all that nutritious. do you feel hungry as well throughout the day? if you cut out grains/artificial sugars and just stick to real foods (meat, veggies & fruit), you stay full way longer and feel better overall. the first week getting off the carb (grain/sugar) addiction is painful but afterwards you'll feel like a new person. i'm going on day 16 of absolutely no cheating with grains or sugars and feel fantastic. good luck to you on your journey.

Love this advice, helpful and real.

hookilau

Every person's sensitivity to carbs is different, so no-one can say whetehr your diet is "too much carbs" except you.

Are you losing weight? Do you have enough energy for your workouts? Do you feel bloated or sluggish?

THIS^^^^

I didn't know I had an issue with carb consumption & no one here on MFP did either, when I asked wth was going on with my inability to lose weight. I wasn't able to lose *any* though, this is where we differ.

You are losing weight at a reasonable pace, I don't see any reason to monkey with what's already working :drinker:
Good luck and stay the course

lovelylovebug

Advice on smoothies - eat the real fruit & veggies instead. The juicing process can take away fiber and other important parts of the fruit (depending on how you're juicing). I read an article a few weeks ago that said as far as health goes, the best options are 1. real fruit, 2. dried fruit with nothing added, distant 3rd is dried fruit with sugar added and very last place and far behind eating the fruit in its natural form is juice. Your body is also more satiated when you're chewing your calories vs. drinking them. Grains are absolutely not necessary for health - there's nothing you can't get from vegetables in a healthier and more bio available way. Lots of people are very resistant to this since we've all grown up with bread and it's been around for forever, but how they process grains now (even "whole" grains) makes it pretty much toxic to tons of people (think of how many are all of a sudden gluten intolerant). Again, good luck - but try to add veggies to every single meal you eat - they're low calorie and you can't beat the vitamins in them.

I agree with you! After reading Wheat Belly, I look at all bread the same as I would other processed food. I'd recommend that book to anyone!

phieaglefan

[/quote]

http://authoritynutrition.com/11-biggest-lies-of-mainstream-nutrition/
[/quote]

Excellent summary article, thank you! (That was supposed to be in quoted form - not sure how I messed that up!)

I'm not carb free, far from it, but I do limit my starchy carbs and sugar and it seems to work for me. I never limit my non-starchy vegetables. Then I add in the starchier stuff at sparing intervals. Those processed carbs are what make your blood sugar go up, make you secrete insulin, and that's what triggers fat storage.

That said, I don't think people should go drastic IF they can't sustain it for a long period of time. I considered eliminating all starchy carbs, but I know that's not a long term solution for me. So I am happy when my carbs are around 100 g. a day.

You could always try it and see how you do.

Francl27

Hi all,

I have been on my journey on and off for some time, but I really kicked into gear April 2013. I have lost a total of 11lbs so far. I am reevaluating my calories/intake and exercise. I am going to give you an average of what I tend to eat on a daily basis and would like to know what you all think...btw my diary may be open but I have not been logging on this site I have another app on my phone that I use.

Breakfast: 1 cinnamon raisin bagel w/peanut butter 314cal
Snack: 1 slice colby jack cheese 80cal
Lunch: 1 sandwhich consists of 2slice of ovenroaster turkey 2slice of hard salami and 1tbs of light mayo on whole grain 320cal
Snack: 1 pack of nature valley oats and honey granola 190
Dinner: 2 baked chicken breast tenderlions, 1cup mac and cheese, 1 cup of steamed broccoli 411cal

total average cal intake: 1315/day

I usually stick to this only with a occasonal mix of either oatmeal, romaine salad, talapia.

I would like to here your feed back for if I should change anything in my diet..I mean I am losing weight but I guess I am being impatient and wish to lose more quickly. Thanks in advance!

Seems like too many carbs. With 1315 calories a day, you need to balance your macros better, I don't think you're getting enough proteins at all (MFP's goal is too low). I'd change your macros to 40% carb, 30% fat, 30% protein. And way too few veggies and fruit as well. It's a wonder you're not starving with this diet. I would be.

Suggestions - ditch the breakfast, have some eggs, you'll get more protein and no carbs. At lunch get some kind of veggies or fruit, maybe switch the sandwich for a wrap with some veggies in it too. Snack ditch the granola bar and eat some plain greek yogurt or some cheese with some fruit. Dinner seems fine, although the mac'n cheese is a lot of calories for the nutrition. I'd ditch it, have some plain noodles or couscous (or sweet potato) and have more veggies.

Unknown

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WendyTerry420

No, you are not eating too many carbs.

WendyTerry420

I agree with you! After reading Wheat Belly, I look at all bread the same as I would other processed food. I'd recommend that book to anyone!

Wheat Belly? Of course I put dat wheat in mah belly! :drinker:

Kekkling

One thing I've tried at lunch is replace the bread with lettuce leaves, it adds a great crunchy taste to your sandwich and eliminates the guilt! Try it!

ngyoung

I think you need to swap in some more veggies and whole fruit and less breads and granola. It doesn't have to be all or nothing, just mix it up. If you have the bagel in the morning have an apple for the snack instead of granola or mac and cheese. Like previous poster mentioned, try lettuce leaf wraps once in a while instead of bread.

Most whole grain bread is so refined that there really isn't that big of a difference between that and white bread. When talking about complex carbs most breads don't qualify. Also a typical raisin bagel isn't much different then a doughnut. Not saying give them up just keep looking for something else.

It really doesn't take that long to whip up some eggs in the morning. Frying pan can heat up in about 5 mins and takes about 2-3 mins to cook. Toss in some of that chicken you've been using and maybe a palm full of spinach if you like, some tomato, or even avocado. Hell for a while I used to just crack an egg on a plate and stick it in the microwave for 1 min. You can also pre-cook bacon the day before and store it in the fridge and use in your other meals to swap in some variety or just as an alternative snack.

Just remember it doesn't have to be some huge all or nothing change. Just mixing in different things here and there and maybe you find better results.

erickirb

As long as you are getting the minimum amount of fat and protein you need, carb amount wont matter. Having said that your diary is not public so I can not say whether you are getting enough fat and protein.

bcattoes

What is your daily average intake of carbs, fat and protein? The day you described doesn't look bad to me, except that it's low on fruits and vegetables.

If you have a medical condition such as insulin resistance or diabetes, you should check with your doctor for your carb limits. Otherwise, you are eating too many carbs when carbs cause you not to eat enough of other things - like fat, protein or fruits/vegetables. Micronutrients are important too.

navyrigger46

Hi all,

I have been on my journey on and off for some time, but I really kicked into gear April 2013. I have lost a total of 11lbs so far. I am reevaluating my calories/intake and exercise. I am going to give you an average of what I tend to eat on a daily basis and would like to know what you all think...btw my diary may be open but I have not been logging on this site I have another app on my phone that I use.

Breakfast: 1 cinnamon raisin bagel w/peanut butter 314cal
Snack: 1 slice colby jack cheese 80cal
Lunch: 1 sandwhich consists of 2slice of ovenroaster turkey 2slice of hard salami and 1tbs of light mayo on whole grain 320cal
Snack: 1 pack of nature valley oats and honey granola 190
Dinner: 2 baked chicken breast tenderlions, 1cup mac and cheese, 1 cup of steamed broccoli 411cal

total average cal intake: 1315/day

I usually stick to this only with a occasonal mix of either oatmeal, romaine salad, talapia.

I would like to here your feed back for if I should change anything in my diet..I mean I am losing weight but I guess I am being impatient and wish to lose more quickly. Thanks in advance!

Sounds a bit boring to me, aren't you setting yourself up for failure by doing this? I mean, you're not going to eat the same food for the rest of your life are you? What happens when you diversify your diet, what about when you get tired of eating the same thing every day? My cousin had the same approach, and about the same meals, took him two months and he snapped, fell off the wagon out of food boredom and gained all his weight back plus 15 pounds.

Outside of my mini-rant, I'd cut out a little of the carbs, say the bagel? And add eggs or some other protein. Better to have higher protein than carbs IMO.

Rigger

chargraves

Every person's sensitivity to carbs is different, so no-one can say whetehr your diet is "too much carbs" except you.

This! Another important thing to take into consideration is what is sustainable for you in the long term. Most of us can stand to go through a short period eliminating or severely restricting certain foods or food groups for the sake of weight loss but the weight finds it’s way back once those foods are re-introduced. Although I agree with the posters who suggested swapping out for more whole grains where you can. But if you are comfortable with your current choices and are losing weight, I would stick with whatever works best for you. Best of luck!

jovalleau

I'm always wondering this, too, when I look at my diary.

I'm not eating any "refined" sugars per say, but I get a lot of carbs from the milk in my shakes and the oats or whole grain rice I eat throughout the day. So, ultimately, they are all good carbs pretty much, just a lot of them.

If anyone could check my diary and let me know of any swaps I could make, I'd be appreciative!