Measuring Calories vs. Measuring Carbs

Adventure9

I'm 4 weeks in using MFP. Enjoying it! Have lost 6 lbs. Have been reading some of the threads on Carbs vs. Calories and I see there is a philosophical debate and some feel very dogmatic about one side or the other.

Here is an interesting article in the USA Today that says we should measure both calories and carbs. What are your thoughts on this article?

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/wellness/story/2012-07-24/ellie-krieger-eating/56465240/1

helenrosemay

It pretty much tells us what we already know.

•Get carbohydrates from whole fruit, vegetables, beans, low-fat dairy and whole grains, not refined sources such as white breads and sugary foods.
•Eat modest portions of whole grains and starchy vegetables in their least processed form (steel-cut oats, brown rice, quinoa, hearty whole-grain breads.)
•Incorporate healthy fats such as nuts, avocado, fish and olive oil
•Include protein from beans, nuts, eggs, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry and lean meats.
•Limit sugary drinks, candy, and sweets.
•Watch total calories and be active

MoreBean13

The first sentence of that article:

Anyone who has tried to lose weight and keep it off knows one big challenge is keeping your metabolism stoked. That's because as you shed pounds, your body tends to sink into "starvation mode," conserving energy by burning fewer calories.

was enough for me to stop reading. But I kept going anyway, and I agree that 40% carbs is a good place for most people, but not because of the carbs, because at 40% you have room to get adequate protein and fat. I think the article is focusing on the wrong angle.

Adventure9

Thanks. MoreBean13 - If you don't mind, tell me more about what you mean by your comments. Why didn't you like that first part? And explain "coming at this from the wrong angle" I'm just trying to learn and curious. Thanks!!

Any others with thoughts?

Some will argue that Calories alone are the only thing that is important in weight loss. Do you think there is any merit to this idea that we burn more calories if we keep our carbs moderate because it somehow keeps our metabolism at a slightly higher rate? Or that less calories convert to fat under a moderate carb plan? I think the Author is saying that watching both Calories and Carbs is optimal. Seems the study said that under a moderate carb plan that the group burned more than a 100 calories a day more on average vs. the higher carb plan with the same calories?

thanks for any thoughts.