Problem with carbs

Rae9911

I always seem to go over on my carbs each day but miles under on Fat and Protein. Does anyone know what the appropriate levels for each of these should be each day, I just get so confused as I seem to get conflicting reports.

Any suggestions for the Carbs, Fat and Protein levels is appreciated. :huh:

glypta

It's basically 'to each his own'. I have my protein high and my carbs low, which many people prefer, but certainly not all. I do this because it 'seems' to work better for me physically, but certainly works better for me mentally as I don't crave protein and therefore don't (and pretty much can't!) overeat it. I also feel much fuller for longer with protein. You can check my diary if you want an idea of what I do.

Rae9911

Thanks glypta had a quick look at your diary for ideas.

taem

Rae, I would encourage you to do your own research and find out what the body uses for energy first: carbs or fat (google search it and you'll find out that the body uses carbs for energy and then fat and then muscle). You will also find out that adults need very little protein (unless you are rebuilding muscle) and so you should check with a professional (nutrionist/trainer) what your specific protein needs are as you are exercising. But generally speaking, adults do not need a lot of protein, not when you compare it to our need for carbohydrates. Lastly, do not consume (any) type of fat, especially animal fat. Animal fat is a denser fat compared to vegetable fat and it offers nothing in terms of "essentials" whereas plant fat is "lighter" (not saturated) and has the essential nutrients. For more information about carbs, proteins and fat, read some of Dr. John McDougall's books and read up on his opinion on the carbs vs protein debate.

Good health to you.

girlinahat

........ Lastly, do not consume (any) type of fat, especially animal fat. Animal fat is a denser fat compared to vegetable fat and it offers nothing in terms of "essentials" whereas plant fat is "lighter" (not saturated) and has the essential nutrients. For more information about carbs, proteins and fat, read some of Dr. John McDougall's books and read up on his opinion on the carbs vs protein debate.

do you have decent research that shows this? Evidence that animal fat is BAD?

Rae9911

All my Dr told me that when I saw him about loosing weight was to stick to 1400 - 1500 calories and not mentioned anything about Carbs, Protein or Fat. I have now tweeked my % on them and see what happens.

melaniecheeks

Your protein levels seem really high! What percentage did you use for those?

I try to have about 100 - 150g carbs, and 75- 100g protein.

nsimportant

You need em all. Really it just depends what kind of carbs you are consuming and how much fibers. So consuming allot of vegetables is really good they have carbs and fibers. And of course fruits that have fibers are good too because then their sugars wont get absorbed so fast. These are all carbs and they are needed by your body.
Fats are good too but go for some of those good fats like olive oils and nuts.

Go google Glycogen and Ketosis to see why some people go for protein diets and read the wiki pages.

My friend who is a professional body builder needs to eat allot of protein around 2-3g per kg and allot of carbs too so he can use then in his workouts.

And it really depends on Your body and your metabolism you need to experiment too see how you feel.

I have my protein high around 2g per kg and try to eat carbs from good sources.

taem

Well, animal fat is saturated fat, vegetable fat is either mono or poly. You can look up these types of fats. Saturated fats are clumped "tight" and is much denser than vegetable fat. This is why cooking and dipping oils are all considered liquid fat.

All fat is bad, but there are essential fats found in plants. So, I say this: fat is fat and fat (90%) of it will be placed as adipose tissue (under your skin and organs) because your body uses up carbs for engery first, then fat afterwards. Why would you work out and then eat olive oil or avocados when avocados have 34% fat per 150 g serving http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2 and olive oil has 332% fat per cup (216g). Now you say that you won't eat all that and that's fine, but that's still fat. Olive oil calories? 1910 Calories from Fat? 1910. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2

So if the fat you eat can be easily stored, because your body uses carbs for energy when working out then fat, why would you eat fat especially if MFP advocates that we eat back our work out calories? If you are going to eat a salad (something healthy), why would you pour fat over it (olive oil)?

Now, I agree that body builders need protein, no doubt, but I did say, generally speaking, the rest of adults who don't need to build muscle don't need a lot of protein.

If you think you need meat to be strong, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZwmluSn_T0

girlinahat

Well, animal fat is saturated fat, vegetable fat is either mono or poly. You can look up these types of fats. Saturated fats are clumped "tight" and is much denser than vegetable fat. This is why cooking and dipping oils are all considered liquid fat.

All fat is bad, but there are essential fats found in plants. So, I say this: fat is fat and fat (90%) of it will be placed as adipose tissue (under your skin and organs) because your body uses up carbs for engery first, then fat afterwards. Why would you work out and then eat olive oil or avocados when avocados have 34% fat per 150 g serving http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2 and olive oil has 332% fat per cup (216g). Now you say that you won't eat all that and that's fine, but that's still fat. Olive oil calories? 1910 Calories from Fat? 1910. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2

So if the fat you eat can be easily stored, because your body uses carbs for energy when working out then fat, why would you eat fat especially if MFP advocates that we eat back our work out calories? If you are going to eat a salad (something healthy), why would you pour fat over it (olive oil)?

Now, I agree that body builders need protein, no doubt, but I did say, generally speaking, the rest of adults who don't need to build muscle don't need a lot of protein.

If you think you need meat to be strong, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZwmluSn_T0

you say 'all fat is bad', but is it? I mean, are there actually any scientific studies that unequivocally show that fats (of any kind) are actually something we should avoid in totality? After all, that is what you are saying we should be doing if 'all fats are bad'.

I don't think it fair to compare avocados and olive oil. After all, you can't pour avocado juice over a salad in the way you do olive oil - each has its place in our diet and food choices. I certainly couldn't drink a cup of olive oil (I once tried it. I lost a challenge and the forfeit was to eat a huge chilli and drink the oil. I won't describe what it felt like)

I am happily an omnivore and firmly believe that we humans have evolved to be so. There are people who choose not to eat meat, and that is fine, but I do not think the nutritional or evolutionary argument holds water.

taem

The American Heart Association says Fat is bad. You can argue your point with them.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4582

If you are thin and healthy, I say eat what you want, avocados and olive oil, whatever. If you want to lose fat or lose weight, why would you eat the fat back?

The reason why I stopped eating meats? Animals have cholesterol and plants don't. I do not want a heart attack or any other cardio vascular disease. You can listen to a podcast by Dr. McDougall and Robert Pritikin (his father brought Diet to the states). http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/media/2007-08-06_robert_pritikin_5-14-92.mp3

Good health to you.

scarecrow41

Well, animal fat is saturated fat, vegetable fat is either mono or poly. You can look up these types of fats. Saturated fats are clumped "tight" and is much denser than vegetable fat. This is why cooking and dipping oils are all considered liquid fat.

All fat is bad, but there are essential fats found in plants. So, I say this: fat is fat and fat (90%) of it will be placed as adipose tissue (under your skin and organs) because your body uses up carbs for engery first, then fat afterwards. Why would you work out and then eat olive oil or avocados when avocados have 34% fat per 150 g serving http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2 and olive oil has 332% fat per cup (216g). Now you say that you won't eat all that and that's fine, but that's still fat. Olive oil calories? 1910 Calories from Fat? 1910. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2

So if the fat you eat can be easily stored, because your body uses carbs for energy when working out then fat, why would you eat fat especially if MFP advocates that we eat back our work out calories? If you are going to eat a salad (something healthy), why would you pour fat over it (olive oil)?

Now, I agree that body builders need protein, no doubt, but I did say, generally speaking, the rest of adults who don't need to build muscle don't need a lot of protein.

If you think you need meat to be strong, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZwmluSn_T0

Are you being serious?

All fat is bad fat? Not only are you wrong, your post should be deleted for its amount of misinformation. If you want:

Normal cell growth
Nutrient absorption
Normal cell function
Normal hormone function
Feeling of being satiated

Then eat fat. Of ALL kinds. Animal fats are a very important part of our overall health and the link to animal fats and ANY negative effects (given you don't gorge yourself) has been disproven by SCIENCE time and again.

You owe it to yourself to do some more research lest you continue to rapidly grow weak with age and gain in body fat.

TC:
All macro nutrients are important and you should eat all of them. They all contribute to a healthy body. The breakdown is different for each person's goals but by and large we eat too many carbs and not enough protein.

Elizabeth_C34

ANYWAY, to the OP:

Some people, myself included, like to keep the carbs low and eat more fats and proteins. I do this mostly because it keeps me full longer than a carb rich/low protein/low fat diet.

It really is a personal choice though. As long as you're under your calorie goal and feel okay, then it's fine.

girlinahat

The American Heart Association says Fat is bad. You can argue your point with them.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4582

If you are thin and healthy, I say eat what you want, avocados and olive oil, whatever. If you want to lose fat or lose weight, why would you eat the fat back?

The reason why I stopped eating meats? Animals have cholesterol and plants don't. I do not want a heart attack or any other cardio vascular disease. You can listen to a podcast by Dr. McDougall and Robert Pritikin (his father brought Diet to the states). http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/media/2007-08-06_robert_pritikin_5-14-92.mp3

Good health to you.

so you are saying if I only eat plants I will not get high cholesterol or have a heart attack? Interesting. Interesting because even a quick scan of the internet suggests cholesterol is a lot more complicated than that and my diet is only vaguely related to the cholesterol in my blood.

As I understand it, there is almost no evidence from properly conducted scientific studies that directly links animal fat per se to heart disease.

Personally I want good health, and to get that I want to eat a good range of foods with a good range of nutrients. And I like my food. To be honest I do not think that science/nutritionists or anyone really truly understands the way in which different foodstuffs interact with the body (by that I mean food in its whole form, rather than broken down into a nutrient).

pkpzp228

TC:
All macro nutrients are important and you should eat all of them. They all contribute to a healthy body. The breakdown is different for each person's goals but by and large we eat too many carbs and not enough protein.

Very much so, from cellular communication to fat soluble vitamins fat is as much an essential nutrient as carbs or protein. And don't be sold on the idea that too much protein is too much... to much of any of the macronutrients is too much by virtue of cals in versus cals out. What should be given consideration is energy provided by the macronutrient versus energy used to metabolize it. Ultimately protein is metabolized into amino acids and used for muscle growth and/or further metabolized in ATP synthesis or converted to glucose and finally stored fat when at excess.

It's easy to generalize about the biological process of metabolism when you've followed a specific diet that has let you from 35% body fat to 28% body fat. When you start getting into the elite athletic range that's when percentages of macronutrients and calorie deficits begin to walk a very thin line in terms of optimal performance.

Short answer, don't listen to people who over generalize processes. Especially when comes to the metabolism and the role of macronutrients.

taem

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

scarecrow41

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

I suppose you CAN make a generalization but its simply wrong. We absolutely do need fat. And what does that even mean: "our body uses 10% of fat"?

Again, EVERYONE needs more than a little protein. Again, if you want to have normal functioning cells and repair tissue then you need protein. If you want to stave off the natural loss of mucle mass as you age then you need protein. If you want to feel full and satsfied when you eat then you need protein.

I seriously can't tell if what you are posting is just misinformed copy pasta or outright lies. Either way, you're all the way wrong.

girlinahat

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

But you're WRONG. If fat is bad then we must postulate that no fat is good. So if I eat no fat I will live a happy and healthy life. Epic Fail. We do most certainly need fat.

I can agree with you on the refined sugar. But it tastes SO GOOOOD

taem

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

I suppose you CAN make a generalization but its simply wrong. We absolutely do need fat. And what does that even mean: "our body uses 10% of fat"?

Again, EVERYONE needs more than a little protein. Again, if you want to have normal functioning cells and repair tissue then you need protein. If you want to stave off the natural loss of mucle mass as you age then you need protein. If you want to feel full and satsfied when you eat then you need protein.

I seriously can't tell if what you are posting is just misinformed copy pasta or outright lies. Either way, you're all the way wrong.

When I say our body uses 10% of fat, I mean our body uses out of the whole fat we consume, it uses 10% of it. I never said we don't need protein, I said we don't need a lot of it but that is specific to your lifestyle. So, if you are sitting in front of a computer all day and all night, you don't need a lot of protein. If you are a body builder, you need protein--not that hard and it is specific, I did, again, say go to an expert to find out your specific needs. But generally speaking, as adults, we don't need a ton of protein.

If you want to feel satisfied, you don't eat protein but carbohydrates. Eating meat only and no/low carbs brings about Ketosis. You can listen to Dr. McDougall's interview with Dr. Atkins: http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/media/2007-05-03_01_track_1.mp3

taem

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

But you're WRONG. If fat is bad then we must postulate that no fat is good. So if I eat no fat I will live a happy and healthy life. Epic Fail. We do most certainly need fat.

I can agree with you on the refined sugar. But it tastes SO GOOOOD

I am replying, giving you folks urls to look up. Please back up your claims as well. Dr. Atkins is the meat only doctor so I suggest you listen to the interview and we can talk afterwards about fat and sugar. Dr. Atkins does say that fat and sugar is bad.

pkpzp228

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

I suppose you CAN make a generalization but its simply wrong. We absolutely do need fat. And what does that even mean: "our body uses 10% of fat"?

Again, EVERYONE needs more than a little protein. Again, if you want to have normal functioning cells and repair tissue then you need protein. If you want to stave off the natural loss of mucle mass as you age then you need protein. If you want to feel full and satsfied when you eat then you need protein.

I seriously can't tell if what you are posting is just misinformed copy pasta or outright lies. Either way, you're all the way wrong.

When I say our body uses 10% of fat, I mean our body uses out of the whole fat we consume, it uses 10% of it. I never said we don't need protein, I said we don't need a lot of it but that is specific to your lifestyle. So, if you are sitting in front of a computer all day and all night, you don't need a lot of protein. If you are a body builder, you need protein--not that hard and it is specific, I did, again, say go to an expert to find out your specific needs. But generally speaking, as adults, we don't need a ton of protein.

If you want to feel satisfied, you don't eat protein but carbohydrates. Eating meat only and no/low carbs brings about Ketosis. You can listen to Dr. McDougall's interview with Dr. Atkins: http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/media/2007-05-03_01_track_1.mp3

I'll generalize here... I agree on a whole we do eat way too much fat, I also think we eat way too much carbs. You mentioned that if you sit in front of a computer all day that you don't need as much protein. I agree there as well but what I feel you are suggesting as the alternative is to consume primarily carbs as your macronutrient source and if you sit in front of a computer all day that's going to have a more negative effect on your body than consuming large amounts of protein. In other words I get the impression that you're suggesting a diet that is comprised of mostly carbohydrates and argue if you will I'm a firm believer that will lead to insulin tolerance and is the root cause of the weight problems that americans experience.


EDIT: sorry cant type and spell at the same time

taem

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

I suppose you CAN make a generalization but its simply wrong. We absolutely do need fat. And what does that even mean: "our body uses 10% of fat"?

Again, EVERYONE needs more than a little protein. Again, if you want to have normal functioning cells and repair tissue then you need protein. If you want to stave off the natural loss of mucle mass as you age then you need protein. If you want to feel full and satsfied when you eat then you need protein.

I seriously can't tell if what you are posting is just misinformed copy pasta or outright lies. Either way, you're all the way wrong.

When I say our body uses 10% of fat, I mean our body uses out of the whole fat we consume, it uses 10% of it. I never said we don't need protein, I said we don't need a lot of it but that is specific to your lifestyle. So, if you are sitting in front of a computer all day and all night, you don't need a lot of protein. If you are a body builder, you need protein--not that hard and it is specific, I did, again, say go to an expert to find out your specific needs. But generally speaking, as adults, we don't need a ton of protein.

If you want to feel satisfied, you don't eat protein but carbohydrates. Eating meat only and no/low carbs brings about Ketosis. You can listen to Dr. McDougall's interview with Dr. Atkins: http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/media/2007-05-03_01_track_1.mp3

I'll generalize here... I agree on a whole we do eat way too much fat, I also think we eat way too much carbs. You mentioned that if you sit in front of a computer all day that you don't need as much protein. I agree there as well but what I feel you are suggesting as the alternative is to consume primarily carbs as you macronutrient source and if you sit in front of a computer all day that's going to have a more negative effect on your body than consuming large amounts of protein. In other words I get the impression that you're suggesting a diet that is comprised of mostly carbohydrates and argue if you will I'm a firm believer that will lead to insulin tolerance and is the root cause of the weight problems that americans experience.


EDIT: sorry cant type and spell at the same time

Thank you. Insulin is another topic. My plea to the poster was not to eat fat after his work out as it seems to defeat the purpose of the work out. As for protein, I do not know the poster's lifestyle so I did tell him to see someone to find out.

I have no doubt that the Atkin's diet works, I have no doubt the McDougall Program works. Once healthy, eat what you like but I am talking from the stand point that all here, for the most part, want to lose weight (and this means we want to lose fat). So if we are exercising and we must eat back our calories, why eat fat from calories?

girlinahat

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

But you're WRONG. If fat is bad then we must postulate that no fat is good. So if I eat no fat I will live a happy and healthy life. Epic Fail. We do most certainly need fat.

I can agree with you on the refined sugar. But it tastes SO GOOOOD

I am replying, giving you folks urls to look up. Please back up your claims as well. Dr. Atkins is the meat only doctor so I suggest you listen to the interview and we can talk afterwards about fat and sugar. Dr. Atkins does say that fat and sugar is bad.

I am not disagreeing that an excess of fat is not a good thing, but with your statement that fat is bad.

The American Heart Association does not appear to state that fat is bad - http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/FatsAndOils/TheDishwithDrEckel/The-Dish-Personal-Daily-Calorie-and-Fat-Limits_UCM_304896_Article.jsp#mainContent and recommends that we consume some fat. Hence my comment that no fat is no good either.

I'm afraid I haven't listened to the interviews, I am interested in more controlled scientific studies and I am not swayed by either Dr. McDougall or Dr. Atkins - who is not actually a 'meat only' doctor. My beef is with some of the blanket statements you make which are just plain wrong

pkpzp228

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

I suppose you CAN make a generalization but its simply wrong. We absolutely do need fat. And what does that even mean: "our body uses 10% of fat"?

Again, EVERYONE needs more than a little protein. Again, if you want to have normal functioning cells and repair tissue then you need protein. If you want to stave off the natural loss of mucle mass as you age then you need protein. If you want to feel full and satsfied when you eat then you need protein.

I seriously can't tell if what you are posting is just misinformed copy pasta or outright lies. Either way, you're all the way wrong.

When I say our body uses 10% of fat, I mean our body uses out of the whole fat we consume, it uses 10% of it. I never said we don't need protein, I said we don't need a lot of it but that is specific to your lifestyle. So, if you are sitting in front of a computer all day and all night, you don't need a lot of protein. If you are a body builder, you need protein--not that hard and it is specific, I did, again, say go to an expert to find out your specific needs. But generally speaking, as adults, we don't need a ton of protein.

If you want to feel satisfied, you don't eat protein but carbohydrates. Eating meat only and no/low carbs brings about Ketosis. You can listen to Dr. McDougall's interview with Dr. Atkins: http://www.drmcdougall.com/mcdougallcast/media/2007-05-03_01_track_1.mp3

I'll generalize here... I agree on a whole we do eat way too much fat, I also think we eat way too much carbs. You mentioned that if you sit in front of a computer all day that you don't need as much protein. I agree there as well but what I feel you are suggesting as the alternative is to consume primarily carbs as you macronutrient source and if you sit in front of a computer all day that's going to have a more negative effect on your body than consuming large amounts of protein. In other words I get the impression that you're suggesting a diet that is comprised of mostly carbohydrates and argue if you will I'm a firm believer that will lead to insulin tolerance and is the root cause of the weight problems that americans experience.


EDIT: sorry cant type and spell at the same time

Thank you. Insulin is another topic. My plea to the poster was not to eat fat after his work out as it seems to defeat the purpose of the work out. As for protein, I do not know the poster's lifestyle so I did tell him to see someone to find out.

I have no doubt that the Atkin's diet works, I have no doubt the McDougall Program works. Once healthy, eat what you like but I am talking from the stand point that all here, for the most part, want to lose weight (and this means we want to lose fat). So if we are exercising and we must eat back our calories, why eat fat from calories?

Fair enough, I think we can agree that we should not cut out any of the macronutrients. Certainly, making fat 60% of your intake is going to be counter productive in terms of most people goals and I think that was you original point . I'm of the opinion that protein on the other hand should make up the largest percentage of you diet, especially if weight loss is the goal. We're al going to do what works and if you can eat primarily carbohydrates and maintain you fitness goals than you've been blessed with a more productive metabolism than I have.

LifesPilgrim

Here is my two bits worth, for all they are worth. Let me back up by saying that I taught basic food, nutrition and cooking classes at the high school level for several years in a food service program. I am also a cooking merit badge counselor for the local boy scouts. If you look at the food guide pyramid, it says fats and oils in moderation. What I teach my scouts and my students is:

1. Make sure you get your servings from all the basic food groups each day.
2. Fats and oils in moderation
3. When you eat breads and grains, make sure they are whole grain and avoid white bread, pastas, rice, and sugar.

This advise is time tested and honored. Backed up with exercise, you will do fine overall.

Just so you know, I have my diary settings at 40% proteins and carbs, 20% fats. Again, eat clean, and cook everything you possibly can yourself so YOU have total control of what goes into your body.

taem

As adults, we don't need fat (not as much as the American culture is consuming) and I did say our body uses 10% of fat, we need little protein unless you are the exception (like body building). And I did say to go to a nutritionist/doctor to determine YOUR protein needs. I think however, I can generalize and say that fat is bad. I'll make another generalization and say that refined sugar is bad as well.

But you're WRONG. If fat is bad then we must postulate that no fat is good. So if I eat no fat I will live a happy and healthy life. Epic Fail. We do most certainly need fat.

I can agree with you on the refined sugar. But it tastes SO GOOOOD

I am replying, giving you folks urls to look up. Please back up your claims as well. Dr. Atkins is the meat only doctor so I suggest you listen to the interview and we can talk afterwards about fat and sugar. Dr. Atkins does say that fat and sugar is bad.

I am not disagreeing that an excess of fat is not a good thing, but with your statement that fat is bad.

The American Heart Association does not appear to state that fat is bad - http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/FatsAndOils/TheDishwithDrEckel/The-Dish-Personal-Daily-Calorie-and-Fat-Limits_UCM_304896_Article.jsp#mainContent and recommends that we consume some fat. Hence my comment that no fat is no good either.

I'm afraid I haven't listened to the interviews, I am interested in more controlled scientific studies and I am not swayed by either Dr. McDougall or Dr. Atkins - who is not actually a 'meat only' doctor. My beef is with some of the blanket statements you make which are just plain wrong

The American Heart Association says not to eat more than 7% saturated fat, 1% trans fat. Those are low numbers.

If you don't want to add to the solution and just nit pick my argument, go right ahead.

nyctraveler

Well, animal fat is saturated fat, vegetable fat is either mono or poly. You can look up these types of fats. Saturated fats are clumped "tight" and is much denser than vegetable fat. This is why cooking and dipping oils are all considered liquid fat.

All fat is bad, but there are essential fats found in plants. So, I say this: fat is fat and fat (90%) of it will be placed as adipose tissue (under your skin and organs) because your body uses up carbs for engery first, then fat afterwards. Why would you work out and then eat olive oil or avocados when avocados have 34% fat per 150 g serving http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2 and olive oil has 332% fat per cup (216g). Now you say that you won't eat all that and that's fine, but that's still fat. Olive oil calories? 1910 Calories from Fat? 1910. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2

So if the fat you eat can be easily stored, because your body uses carbs for energy when working out then fat, why would you eat fat especially if MFP advocates that we eat back our work out calories? If you are going to eat a salad (something healthy), why would you pour fat over it (olive oil)?

Now, I agree that body builders need protein, no doubt, but I did say, generally speaking, the rest of adults who don't need to build muscle don't need a lot of protein.

If you think you need meat to be strong, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZwmluSn_T0

Are you being serious?

All fat is bad fat? Not only are you wrong, your post should be deleted for its amount of misinformation. If you want:

Normal cell growth
Nutrient absorption
Normal cell function
Normal hormone function
Feeling of being satiated

Then eat fat. Of ALL kinds. Animal fats are a very important part of our overall health and the link to animal fats and ANY negative effects (given you don't gorge yourself) has been disproven by SCIENCE time and again.

You owe it to yourself to do some more research lest you continue to rapidly grow weak with age and gain in body fat.

TC:
All macro nutrients are important and you should eat all of them. They all contribute to a healthy body. The breakdown is different for each person's goals but by and large we eat too many carbs and not enough protein.

It's true you NEED fat and it's supposed to be a part of your diet. Especially healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts and avocadoes

Yes you should not eat butter with a fork and knife but you're making ridiculous connections under the umbrella "fat" that are blatantly wrong

taem

Here is my two bits worth, for all they are worth. Let me back up by saying that I taught basic food, nutrition and cooking classes at the high school level for several years in a food service program. I am also a cooking merit badge counselor for the local boy scouts. If you look at the food guide pyramid, it says fats and oils in moderation. What I teach my scouts and my students is:

1. Make sure you get your servings from all the basic food groups each day.
2. Fats and oils in moderation
3. When you eat breads and grains, make sure they are whole grain and avoid white bread, pastas, rice, and sugar.

This advise is time tested and honored. Backed up with exercise, you will do fine overall.

Just so you know, I have my diary settings at 40% proteins and carbs, 20% fats. Again, eat clean, and cook everything you possibly can yourself so YOU have total control of what goes into your body.

I think 20% fat is great.

Please watch this youtube video as Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn gives a talk about heart disease and mentions oils (about 4 or 5 times). And he mentions his scientifically controlled group which he led himself.

taem

Well, animal fat is saturated fat, vegetable fat is either mono or poly. You can look up these types of fats. Saturated fats are clumped "tight" and is much denser than vegetable fat. This is why cooking and dipping oils are all considered liquid fat.

All fat is bad, but there are essential fats found in plants. So, I say this: fat is fat and fat (90%) of it will be placed as adipose tissue (under your skin and organs) because your body uses up carbs for engery first, then fat afterwards. Why would you work out and then eat olive oil or avocados when avocados have 34% fat per 150 g serving http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2 and olive oil has 332% fat per cup (216g). Now you say that you won't eat all that and that's fine, but that's still fat. Olive oil calories? 1910 Calories from Fat? 1910. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2

So if the fat you eat can be easily stored, because your body uses carbs for energy when working out then fat, why would you eat fat especially if MFP advocates that we eat back our work out calories? If you are going to eat a salad (something healthy), why would you pour fat over it (olive oil)?

Now, I agree that body builders need protein, no doubt, but I did say, generally speaking, the rest of adults who don't need to build muscle don't need a lot of protein.

If you think you need meat to be strong, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZwmluSn_T0

Are you being serious?

All fat is bad fat? Not only are you wrong, your post should be deleted for its amount of misinformation. If you want:

Normal cell growth
Nutrient absorption
Normal cell function
Normal hormone function
Feeling of being satiated

Then eat fat. Of ALL kinds. Animal fats are a very important part of our overall health and the link to animal fats and ANY negative effects (given you don't gorge yourself) has been disproven by SCIENCE time and again.

You owe it to yourself to do some more research lest you continue to rapidly grow weak with age and gain in body fat.

TC:
All macro nutrients are important and you should eat all of them. They all contribute to a healthy body. The breakdown is different for each person's goals but by and large we eat too many carbs and not enough protein.

It's true you NEED fat and it's supposed to be a part of your diet. Especially healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts and avocadoes

Yes you should not eat butter with a fork and knife but you're making ridiculous connections under the umbrella "fat" that are blatantly wrong

I said that 90% of fat eaten is stored on your body as fat. 10% therefore is used so, yes, fat is needed. But as the statistics show, 1/3 of Americans are overweight and 1/3 are obese. So do you tell them to eat fat? As I said, most here are here to lose fat so we can lose weight so we can be healthy again. I never said as a healthy person don't eat avocados and almonds and olive oil. Please check out the amount of fat there is in those three products and tell me, would you tell someone who just finished his or her work out to eat fat to eat back their calories?

Would you eat fat after your work-out? What is the point of exercise then?

janeosu

I always seem to go over on my carbs each day but miles under on Fat and Protein. Does anyone know what the appropriate levels for each of these should be each day, I just get so confused as I seem to get conflicting reports.

Any suggestions for the Carbs, Fat and Protein levels is appreciated. :huh:

Can't speak for anyone else, but what works for me is having my percentages as 40-40-20 for protein-carbs-fats (mostly whole foods).

TK421NotAtPost

I said that 90% of fat eaten is stored on your body as fat. 10% therefore is used so, yes, fat is needed. But as the statistics show, 1/3 of Americans are overweight and 1/3 are obese. So do you tell them to eat fat? As I said, most here are here to lose fat so we can lose weight so we can be healthy again. I never said as a healthy person don't eat avocados and almonds and olive oil. Please check out the amount of fat there is in those three products and tell me, would you tell someone who just finished his or her work out to eat fat to eat back their calories?

Would you eat fat after your work-out? What is the point of exercise then?

Why does it have to be an all or nothing situation when consuming fat? Just have a nice, well-balanced meal meal that contains adequate carbs, protein and moderate fat after working out.

And as for the amount of fat that is stored on your body as fat, doesn't that depend more on how many calories are consumed?

As for the point of exercise, there are just too many to list..... Exercise has enriched my life in SO MANY WAYS. Losing weight is just one among the many points toward exercise.