Carb Question

fitOsaurus_Rex_we_changed

Hey all!!

So i have a question about carbs and i wanted to see what you all thought. i try to eat between 150-200 carbs/day and take in about 1400 calories. I'm 5'2", lightly active, and trying to lose another 25lbs. Here's what I eat on a typical day:

Breakfast
3 cups Raw Spinach Juiced
2 Gala Apples Juiced
5 stalks Kale Juiced
1 Lemon Juiced
1/5 Pineapple Juiced
1" Ginger Juiced

Snack
1/3 of a Personal Watermelon, 0.33 melon

Lunch
Raw Salad - Lettuce, Carrots, Raw Corn, Sunflower Seeds with homemade oil/vinegar dressing

Snack
1 banana
1 c grapes

Dinner
Varies, but generally a meat and a veggie, sometimes with a carb

ex: tonight i'm having Angel Hair Pasta and Shrimp tossed in some olive oil and fresh parmasean. dinner last night was steak with green beans sauteed in olive oil

Now my question to you all is this: Would you worry about carbs? If I'm eating healthy and 90-95% unprocessed and/or raw, do you think 200 carbs is too much? I'm thinking of swapping my grapes or banana in the afternoon with butter beans but it would still be higher in carbs, just a different source.

Also, if i'm lightly active (walking 10-15 miles/week with light lifting 3-4x/week) do you think 1300-1400 calories is too much food?

2013sk

I think 200 grams of carbs is good, You need these for energy!!

Sounds like you eat really healthy anyway, so I wouldn't worry too much

A lot of people pay more attention to the calories in and out.

Have you worked out your BMR & TDEE? Showing you how many your body needs, and what you need to lose weight?

abrocklehurst

The main thing from that is there is hardly any protein what so ever! The best thing at burning fat is active muscle and without protein you are not going to build any additional muscle and may eat away at what you have!

neanderthin

Protein and fat.........where is it.

ndj1979

that sample meal is 1400 calories...???

4legsRbetterthan2

Cutting carbs is a personal choice, some love it some hate it. You are looking pretty low on your carbs and fat though as neanderthin mentioned....

fabiomuralha

Also, if i'm lightly active (walking 10-15 miles/week with light lifting 3-4x/week) do you think 1300-1400 calories is too much food?

First, for me you don't became lightly active just because of this. What you do all day long defines how much active you are. I spend almost all day sitting and I run 6 times a week, 50+ km and I'm still a sedentary.

Second, I guess your calories should be good to your body, but remember to eat at least half of the calories gained from workouts.

And third, I'm 6'0 and 188 lbs , I'm following a low carb diet and I'm consuming 60-70 g a day (especially pre and after the workout), and I'm fine.

nicoleisback

Some carbs earlier in the day will help give you energy for the day. I would also suggest adding a bit more fiber. Juice is great, but it does take most of the fiber out of what you consume, and it takes so much less energy to consume because juicing is in effect 'semi processing' your food.

TavistockToad

Protein and fat.........where is it.

this. your carbs are fine, but i think you need to look at balancing your macros better.

chrisdavey

In order of priority.

1. enough protein
2. enough fat
3. enough carbs

You are starting at the wrong end.

also 200g of carbs is 800cals and your sample day has basically nothing other than carbs so something is out there.

BrainyBurro

In order of priority.

1. enough protein
2. enough fat
3. enough carbs

You are starting at the wrong end.

also 200g of carbs is 800cals and your sample day has basically nothing other than carbs so something is out there.

^ this.

there are only 3 types of people who worry about carbs...

1) those with a legitimately diagnosed medical condition that requires monitoring of carbs
2) those who don't know any better
3) those who are gullible and have bought into the anti-carb/anti-sugar/low-GI hysteria being stoked by a few charlatans who have discovered that writing books on this subject is a quick way to get rich and famous.

LumpySpacePrincess1

In order of priority.

1. enough protein
2. enough fat
3. enough carbs

You are starting at the wrong end.

also 200g of carbs is 800cals and your sample day has basically nothing other than carbs so something is out there.

What he said. Definitely. I'll pretend I knew this all along cause I have the ability to quote and agree.
I was a genius all along! :bigsmile:

SkinnyFatAlbert

First, for me you don't became lightly active just because of this. What you do all day long defines how much active you are. I spend almost all day sitting and I run 6 times a week, 50+ km and I'm still a sedentary.

Huh? Exactly when does someone become not sedentary then? If 30 miles a week of running doesn't do it then I'm not sure what will.

Mareebzz

In order of priority.

1. enough protein
2. enough fat
3. enough carbs

You are starting at the wrong end.

also 200g of carbs is 800cals and your sample day has basically nothing other than carbs so something is out there.

^^^^This and I thought I should mention - you better make sure you are getting enough protien (it doesn't look like you are) or else you're going to start having some pretty bad hair loss. It's quite unnerving. I learned this the hard way.

Chadomaniac

Protein and fat.........where is it.

This

Get this in check then worry about carbs

fishgutzy

For me, I limit processed carbs. They tend to be trigger foods for me. Particularly sweet stuff like donuts and cake.
I also limit things like potatoes.
I also find that I feel better with less gluten though I do not specifically avoid gluten. But when I have a choice I choose gluten free.

We all find a balance that works for us. There is no on formula that works for everyone.

jellybeanhed313

Lifting 3-4x a week...I don't think that is lightly active. I looks like you need a lot more protein. If you can blend instead of juice you will get more fiber out of those veggies/fruits.

engrdad

My doc has me on a low carb diet due to my cholesterol. The overall number is fine: 165 but my HDL is too low (33) and my LDL is too high (189). So low carbs for me and taking krill oil capsule (1000mg/day) and of course diet & excercise.

Agree with others about the lack of protein. Very important and helps curb appetite as well. Also I have found that many fruits and veggies are high in carbs (e.g. apples, bananas, grapes, corn). You might try substituting low carb fruits such as strawberries, cranberries, cantaloupe blueberries, etc. Best of luck on your journey...

Pearsquared

First, for me you don't became lightly active just because of this. What you do all day long defines how much active you are. I spend almost all day sitting and I run 6 times a week, 50+ km and I'm still a sedentary.

Huh? Exactly when does someone become not sedentary then? If 30 miles a week of running doesn't do it then I'm not sure what will.

They work a job that is active or light active, like a teacher (who stands most of the day) or walking postman. Marking lightly active makes it easier to get the calories you need without worrying about logging the exercise separately, because it's kind of awkward to log "standing for eight hours because job" even though that burns many more calories than "sitting at computer for eight hours".

So, somebody could not exercise at all besides their job and be "lightly active" whereas our runner gets way more exercise but is "sedentary". He still logs that exercise, but because it's easy to keep track of, it's better for him to set himself as "sedentary" and just add the exercise separately.

SkinnyFatAlbert

First, for me you don't became lightly active just because of this. What you do all day long defines how much active you are. I spend almost all day sitting and I run 6 times a week, 50+ km and I'm still a sedentary.

Huh? Exactly when does someone become not sedentary then? If 30 miles a week of running doesn't do it then I'm not sure what will.

They work a job that is active or light active, like a teacher (who stands most of the day) or walking postman. Marking lightly active makes it easier to get the calories you need without worrying about logging the exercise separately, because it's kind of awkward to log "standing for eight hours because job" even though that burns many more calories than "sitting at computer for eight hours".

So, somebody could not exercise at all besides their job and be "lightly active" whereas our runner gets way more exercise but is "sedentary". He still logs that exercise, but because it's easy to keep track of, it's better for him to set himself as "sedentary" and just add the exercise separately.

Ah OK, I guess I was thinking of it from the perspective of TDEE and having the exercise included rather than logging it separate.

kennie2

I eat like 300g of unprocessed carbs! I have tons of energy!

mrsfoster102613

From a fellow juicer, lover of raw foods & friend,

I noticed when I am eating mostly raw foods that my carbs CAN be low. Throwing in a banana, organic pasta, organic quinoa etc. here and there (in addition to other things, obviously) can help provide some good-quality carbs. You just need to monitor your carb level and make sure you’re providing your body with what you need. If you’re going over some but eating according to your current plan the majority of the time, I wouldn’t fret over it.

Your morning juice sounds awesome. I always go over my fiber every day even though I juice for breakfast and for a snack, so I wouldn't worry too much about getting enough fiber. When you eat a lot of raw foods, you are usually in good shape there.

You do need to keep an eye on your protein, but keep in mind protein comes from more vegan/vegetarian sources than most people realize. Even your green juice has protein in it. Vegan foods like beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa, dark & leafy greens (kale, romaine, spinach etc. all are good sources of low-calorie protein) etc. Yes, you need to focus on protein but you don't HAVE to eat meat to get it in.

I also often enjoy a raw and/or organic protein shake with a banana added to it. The protein I use is neutral (in the sense of combining foods like Rose mentions in her book), so I blend it with almond milk, a banana, cinnamon and sometimes coffee (not raw, I know lol). Love it, and it ups my carbs and protein without eating meat or heavy starches.

If you are working out regularly, be sure you are eating enough. Don’t be afraid to up your calories a bit and/or eat back some of those workout calories. You will be hungry. The nice thing is when you eat raw foods most of the time, you can eat loads of foods that are very low in calorie but super good for you!

Keep me posted on how things are going,

~Andrea

JoyeII

If you're not diabetic, don't worry about it. The majority of your carbs are coming from fruits and vegetables. If you're hitting your calorie mark and you feel satisfied, that's all that matters.

jennaworksout

Protein and fat.........where is it.

This

Get this in check then worry about carbs

agreed...for weight loss carbs from 100 -150 g a day is perfect or less if you can. Also a carb is a carb, no matter where its coming from, fruit or whatever, your body does not know the difference, its a carb. IMO you are eating too many carbs.

fitOsaurus_Rex_we_changed

The main thing from that is there is hardly any protein what so ever! The best thing at burning fat is active muscle and without protein you are not going to build any additional muscle and may eat away at what you have!

sorry, forgot to add that i add in a protein drink with almond milk in the afternoon as well. my protein comes in around 70gms/day and my fat between 45-55gm/day

fitOsaurus_Rex_we_changed

that sample meal is 1400 calories...???

yea...like i said, i forgot to add in the almond milk and the protein but it rounds out at around 1350 calories

fitOsaurus_Rex_we_changed

Lifting 3-4x a week...I don't think that is lightly active. I looks like you need a lot more protein. If you can blend instead of juice you will get more fiber out of those veggies/fruits.

thank you. i do switch up and blend sometimes but i have a medical condition that causes me to have to have low fiber. when i blend i cannot get as much greens in so i switch between blending and juicing

MelRC117

I just have to agree that you seem to be eating alot of carbs. You eat a lot of fruit apples, watermelon, pineapple, grapes, banana and then add in the pasta...seems like a bit much. Although fruit is good for you, don't forget about the amount of sugar in fruit. If you like fruit I would try adding more berries.

You are eating almost 60% of your calories from carbs. I would up the protein to reduce the percentage of your calories from carbs.

sobriquet84

your # of carbs isn't a problem. what i would say you need to look at is increasing your protein and fat BIG TIME.

fitOsaurus_Rex_we_changed

your # of carbs isn't a problem. what i would say you need to look at is increasing your protein and fat BIG TIME.

Once again, my protein and fat are in a good range of 45-55gm of fat per day and 70gm protein. I have decided to swap out a banana for more protein which puts me at 90-100gm/day

fitOsaurus_Rex_we_changed

I just have to agree that you seem to be eating alot of carbs. You eat a lot of fruit apples, watermelon, pineapple, grapes, banana and then add in the pasta...seems like a bit much. Although fruit is good for you, don't forget about the amount of sugar in fruit. If you like fruit I would try adding more berries.

You are eating almost 60% of your calories from carbs. I would up the protein to reduce the percentage of your calories from carbs.

I don't know if I should even respond to this or just ignore it. You don't have a picture or info on your page and your diary is private. I don't "add in pasta" every day. Like I stated in my original post I usually have a meat and a veggie. Having pasta once a week with carbs at 185gm isn't bad IMO.