lowering carbs from a 1200 calorie diet plan

Trying to lower my carbs in my diet plan is very hard. I had no idea I was eating such a high number of carbs in my diet. Any suggestions on helping me lower the carbs in my 1200 calorie plan would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks.

Replies

  • bizgirl26
    bizgirl26 Posts: 1,795 Member
    I would try to focus on the type of carbs as not all carbs are created equal. The carbs in fruit are difefrent than the carbs in white bread for instance.
  • schwim
    schwim Posts: 65
    try cutting carbs out of one meal. like each week i'll have one dinner which is a salad with baked fish. its a dinner salad so not just a couple of pieces of lettuce. or i might have a veggie stirfry with meat for dinner. I try to stay away from carbs in the evening time and keep them to breakfast and lunch. that usually keeps me within my carb goals. that being said i'm not specifically trying to low carb diet. i just find they have too much calories to eat all the time and i liek to have big meals so its better to load up on veggies so i can have a big plate than have a little piece of bread or small portion of rice so that i can have carbs.
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
    Remove all starches! Especially white ones. White bread, white potatoes, white rice, etc. Remember carbs from fruits and vegetables are acceptable in nearly all low-carb plans. So be sure that they are your primary source of carbohydrates. Also, remember NET carbs are different from your total carb intake. I'm on a low carb plan, and I'm still getting about 40% of my calories from carbohydrates. They are mainly from fruits and vegetables too.
  • msliu7911
    msliu7911 Posts: 638 Member
    I think the generally recommended ratio is 40% of calories to carbs, 30 % fat, 30 % protein... however, if you want to flip flop the carb/protein ratios feel free. I think thats where I have mine set.

    Also, I don't know where the exact link is- but they say to have at least 1g of protein per lb of lean body mass you have. So, if you weight 150 lbs and your body fat % is 28%, you would want to strive for 108g of protein per day (150 - (.28 x 150)).
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    What carbs are you currently on? And where are you getting them from?

    If you could set your diary to public that would be useful.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Why are you trying to lower them? That's the most important question to answer. Do you have a specific medical reason for doing it? Or is it just because someone suggested it at random? Without a medical reason for it, I can think of many other things that you should focus on, rather than the number of carbs you are eating, especially since you are already eating very low calorie as it is.
  • SilentRenegade
    SilentRenegade Posts: 243 Member
    Why are you trying to lower them? That's the most important question to answer. Do you have a specific medical reason for doing it? Or is it just because someone suggested it at random? Without a medical reason for it, I can think of many other things that you should focus on, rather than the number of carbs you are eating, especially since you are already eating very low calorie as it is.

    I agree with this. The only reason I eat low carb is for medical related reasons. Most people that do not have a medical related reason feel like crap when they go low carb (not everybody, but a lot of people do). If you're on a 1200 cal a day diet, that's pretty low as it is (not bad, just low). Instead of cutting carbs, replace them, as somebody else said. Eat more fruits and veggies instead of starches. Replace white rice and white bread with brown. Watch your sugar intake, etc.