How do I do it?

MsSassyCassie

I just joined this site. It tells me I need to consume 210g of carbs, 51g of fat, and 57g of protein a day. Maybe this sounds dumb, but how do I do that? I never really learned how to eat right so I have no idea the right things to eat to get that. I'm totally new to this trying to change my eating and track calories. Can anyone offer tips and suggestions or anything?

channa007

Honestly I just go off of the calories on the label and make sure I'm under my daily allotment. If you want to get crazy then you can grab that info from the labels of your products and add it up to stay in check.

rockylucas

If you are brand new to this, then don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed with details like those. Focus on counting your calories, and focusing on one of the three specific nutrients. Since protein is most important for providing satiety (feelings of fullness), start with that one. Lean meats, beans, nuts, tofu, cheeses, etc, are good sources of protein. What you will find is that is you calories and protein are correct, you will eventually be able to tweak things so that your fat and carbs fall into place

rkteal

Most important stick to the calorie count and you will lose weight.

High Fiber is good, makes you feel full and you can lose weight.

I eat 3 small meals and have a am and pm snack.

Drink a lot of water, it will help keep your hunger at bay.

Good luck!

onelilredhen

i also just go by calories,, depending on which train of thought, 210 carbs is way excessive, if you listen to dr. atkins, and others have other thoughts, i think its not that you have to eat that many, but rather that you dont exceed that many

bluemist248

If you are brand new to this, then don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed with details like those. Focus on counting your calories, and focusing on one of the three specific nutrients. Since protein is most important for providing satiety (feelings of fullness), start with that one. Lean meats, beans, nuts, tofu, cheeses, etc, are good sources of protein. What you will find is that is you calories and protein are correct, you will eventually be able to tweak things so that your fat and carbs fall into place

Agreed. Also many people on this site, including myself have public food diaries so If you're looking for inspiration it's may be useful to have a browse for ideas on what to cook/eat and what is in their meals.

SueInAz

You'll get the hang of it over time. Don't let it overwhelm you. Start by just logging what you're eating and focusing on the overall calories. Calories are the most important factor in weight loss and if you have a lot to lose just staying within your calorie goal will be enough for you to lose weight.

As you're entering in the foods you eat, start watching which macro-nutrients (carbs, protein, fat) are in the foods you eat. Over time, you'll start to understand which foods are high protein, low fat, etc. and you'll be better able to balance them.

If you have little concept of a healthy, balanced diet, I'll give you a little advice: fast food has a lot of fat and sodium and you're better off avoiding it completely if you can. It's easier to log foods you've made yourself. Those foods are also more likely going to be more healthy than anything you buy.

bcattoes

This has some good advice on eating healthy.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/healthy-eating-without-the-hassle?

momma3sweetgirls

As an experiment, eat like you normally do and track everything. You'll get an idea of how many carbs, how much protein, fat, etc. you're already eating. By the way, you don't HAVE to eat the alloted fat...that's just an upper limit. That's how I view carbs as well. I also like to track fiber and sodium. My diary is open if you need inspiration. Just ignore the chips and icecream!!!