CARBS

Kayzia_M

Hi I'm from Ghana, West Africa.
the staple foods in my country are all starchy. foods are usually made from corn dough, rice, cassava, plantain, corn and millet.
since starting MFP i have ALWAYS been over my carb limit, and i would just like some advice on what to do.

This might sound silly to some of you, or you might think, just increase protein and reduce carbs, but i would like to find SUSTAINABLE alternatives to this issue.
Advice, links to recipe blogs etc are all welcome.

florentinovillaro

I have issues with Gout so I'm heading in the opposite direction from you. Increased grains (starches) and vegetables, lowered proteins (less protein, less Gout attacks). I don't buy into the low carb recommendation at all and I've lost weight with a balanced approach of 33% across the board.

Kayzia_M

I have issues with Gout so I'm heading in the opposite direction from you. Increased grains (starches) and vegetables, lowered proteins (less protein, less Gout attacks). I don't buy into the low carb recommendation at all and I've lost weight with a balanced approach of 33% across the board.

33% doesnt seem high at all, but good for you. i have my carbs at 50% and i usually pass that by 20-30% . just this week i had meals made up of 81% carbs :sad: :sad: :sad:

_Zardoz_

My Carbs are at 50% and I have no problem losing weight. The calories are what matter weight wise. Though you do need a balance of carbs, Fats and protein for health. The daily World health Organisation recommendation for protein is around 50 - 60 grams a day (though many people recommend more). If though you are frequently doing vigorous activity/exercise you will need more to aid muscle recovery. If you have problems getting sufficient protein normally in your diet it may be worth looking at protein powders to supplement this a lot depends on what is available where you live and what you can get access to,

It's actually difficult not to get enough protein. Millet has around 4g per 100g brown rice has 6g even 100g of plantain has 2g of protein.

JesterMFP

Unless you have medical reasons for reducing carbs, or you have problems with too many carbs causing cravings/hunger issues etc, then I would focus more on getting enough protein and fat rather than worrying too much about the carb number. If you struggle to get enough protein, there is a good list of sources here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/926789-protein-sources Choose some that you like and are easily available to you, and work on increasing them in your diet. Looking at your diary, you seem to be a bit low on fat, so try getting a bit more oily fish, olive oil, nuts, soymilk, avocados etc. You're already eating those things, so just try to eat more. Once you can increase those numbers, you will naturally have to reduce your carb portion sizes in order to fit into your calorie goal.

jenilla1

I eat tons of carbs and I have no trouble with weight. I just make sure it's within my calories and then I eat whatever I want. If you have a medical condition (like insulin resistance) it's probably a good idea to eat fewer carbs and make sure the ones you do eat are higher in fiber. Your local foods sound pretty healthy to me. If you just control your calorie intake I'd think you'd be fine.

BenjaminMFP88

My suggestion would be to not worry about the macros so much. Focus on getting your protein and fat intake for the day and leave the rest of your calories wherever they go. Someday's my carbs go up to 70%, some days my carbs are at 30% and it doesn't appear to be having any noticeable affect on my goals.