carbs verses proteins

shyla11

I have tried to keep the carbs up but most days my carbs are between 100 and 150 and proteins alot of times match this but not as high as 150. I exercise every other day and do not have a full 8 hour day from early am to pm. I work in the evening till 11 for 6 hours so most times it is a early dinner but still try to maintain at least 1000 calories which is hard sometimes unless I was to snack at nightime late which is not a good thing. Does anyone know professionally if this is okay as everything I read says that a person should eat at least 1200 calories a day but not possible in my schedule most times!

bajangrl29

1200 calories are basic and less than than results in starvation where your body actually breaks down your muscles to give itself the nutrieints it needs. Think about the skinny person who just lost a lot of weight but there is no tone to their bodies. Regardless of this less than 1200 is unhealthy to your body. It will teach your body to operate on less calories which willl cause that rebound weight gain once things change.

If you work a late shift, keep nuts such as almonds, cashews on hand to munch on and to boost calories. Balance bars are great and at 200 calories a piece can be eaten quickly during a bathroom break, etc. Protein shakes are also great as you can gulp those down on your way in from work. Muscle milk sells 4pk shakes in Chocolate, cookies and cream, strawberry and banana creme. I love these and actually use these to supplement with when running errands and even during our Disney trip. Keep heallthy snacks in your car that can be consumed when needed, these tips should at least keep you at 1200 or higher.

HTH,
Michelle

drvvork

If anything you should probably keep the proteins up over the carbs (carbs are a form of sugar) the proteins feed your muscles (and brain). And yes, you don't want your body to start snacking on itself so should attempt to bring your calorie (at least the basic calorie) to the mark that MFP suggests. I have problems meeting my caloric mark daily (with a few exceptions where I've gone over :sad: ) and have to really force myself to eat more of the healthy calories :ohwell: . It's not easy but I'm sure it will get easier with time. (I'm feeling pretty confident of that). :happy: