How important is nutrition?

annabellemayh

I've stupidly only recently noticed the nutrition pie chart on my daily food diary. I've been going over on carbohydrates ALOT on most days. Is this a massive issue? Can I still lose weight without being strict? My diet is healthy with lots of vegetables so I'm unsure how to proceed...

WBB55

Some people aim to eat about .8 grams of protein per lb of bodyweight. Or 1 gram of protein per pound of lean bodyweight. It's easy to not get enough protein. For instance, my goal is 100 g of protein. More is fine. Less isn't "bad," it's just 100 g is my goal. Depending on your overall goals, the amount of carbs you get doesn't much matter. But getting enough protein while you lose weight can be very important.

diannethegeek

Calories are all that matter for weight loss. You can eat high carb, low carb, no carb, etc. and still lose weight as long as your calories are in the right range.

Macros (fat/protein/carbs) help with body composition and health. Fats and proteins help you feel fuller and more satisfied. Protein helps you retain muscle mass. Fats help with vitamin absorption, healthy skin and nails, cell growth, etc. And carbs help to give you energy. You can tweak those percentages however you want depending on your goals, medical history, and fitness routine. But they shouldn't have a noticeable impact on your weight loss.

RunBakeLove

I've noticed when I eat less carbs, I feel less bloated. I went really low carb for a while though and was miserable so I try to stay in the 100-150g range...not Atkins by any means but lower than most people eat day to day...and it is very difficult. I rarely have bread or cereal even though those are not inherently "bad". I think it is about finding what works for you - it isn't always what works for everyone else.

deksgrl

Unless you have insulin resistance (diabetic, or from PCOS or other hormonal issues), then it shouldn't be a big factor.

bpavisia

Not all carbs are equal. If you are eating a lot of vegetables, then you are getting a lot of your carbs from fiber. This is ideal -- try to get as many fiber-filled carbs as you can!