Educate Me

snookeroo

I am looking at the top of my "FOOD" page and I track Calories, Carbs, Fat , Fiber, Cholesterol and Sugar.

Ok I got it! (I think)
Calories = bad
Fat = bad
Cholesterol = bad
Sugar = bad
Fiber = good (right?)
Carbs...well I'm not sure...do you want carbs or not?

gnastro

Fat is not bad unless in excess. Carbs are good if natural state like fruits and vegetables. Eating things that are natural is your best bet.

LJCannon

There are good and bad fats. You NEED the Good fats--Olive oil, avocado, etc--in moderation.

The same with Carbs. You NEED a limited number of carbs to stay healthy. Your Brain LOVES Carbs. Just don't get too many.

MFP gives you a range for all nutrients. You don't ever want to eliminate ANY group of Nutrients. If you follow the Guidelines that MFP gives you, you should be OK.

snookeroo

Fat is not bad unless in excess. Carbs are good if natural state like fruits and vegetables. Eating things that are natural is your best bet.

So if I keep my numbers within their limits, is that optimal, or do I want to get them as close to zero without going over?

and

Should there be two columns for carbs: natural (fruits and veggies) and unnatural?

thirtyby40

Fat is essential... keep it within your allowance and avoid unhealthy fats, but definitely consume fat.

Carbs are also essential. Try to stick to carbs from vegetables, fruit and whole grains.

Watch your refined sugar consumption, If you can't eliminate it that is fine, but your body does need sugar, just in its natural state. Fruits are high in sugar, but it is not the kind of sugar that is going to tip the scales.

Fiber is fantastic for helping to keep you fuller longer, as well as keeping things running well...

Calories are not bad either. You have no choice but to fuel your body. Just make sure you are fueling it properly and you will lose weight. Eating too little it just as counter productive as eating too much,

Good luck. If you haven't read the newbie info I would do that in your spare time. SO much great information there.

thirtyby40

Always strive to reach your numbers...

There is not a way of separating your sugars, just be mindful as you log of where your sugars are coming from.

snookeroo

I have noticed, if in one day, I have a glass of milk, an apple and perhaps something else, I am over my sugars. There is really no way to stay under sugars.
Are you saying the sugar in apples is better/diferent than sugar in i.e. soda, jelly beans, ect?

ivykivy

That question will get you a thread full of different responses. The question is can your body do well with fruit sugar. Some people can't. I limit my fruit sugar but I do well with dairy sugar (yogurt b/c of the acidity)

This is a helpful website. http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition

I have noticed, if in one day, I have a glass of milk, an apple and perhaps something else, I am over my sugars. There is really no way to stay under sugars.
Are you saying the sugar in apples is better/diferent than sugar in i.e. soda, jelly beans, ect?

snookeroo

...and how about fiber? Can you have too much?

aareeyesee

Here are some very handy links that will help tons.

http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/nutrition_for_newbies

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/anthony4.htm

http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/fiber.asp

http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/fat.asp

electricgypsy

your BMR is the minimum amount of calories you need for your body to do its stuff. It is not healthy to be underthis long term.
Too much of any food regardless of it is source is bad. imagine eating only bananas all the time?
There are different kinds of sugars found naturally short chain sugars such as glucose and fructose. This are rapidly digested which is why they make us hungrier quicker and why we should eat less of them, there are intermediate length sugars called oligosacchiarides (ie. lactose) and most inportantly complex sugars in the form carbohydrates.
Fibre is an addition to the diet and small quantities are enough (i.e some bran flakes or wholemeal bread in a day), large amounts of fibre will help you develop a close bond with the bathroom