My husband and I are having an ongoing conversation about carbs and whole grains. He says that the old food pyramid showed whole grains at the bottom; therefore, should eat more whole grains than vegetables which I equate to breads... How many portions of grains should be in our daily food plan? Also, what foods have the highest slow-burning carbs?

Slow carbs / fast carbs don't really matter for weight loss.

The great thing about MFP is that you can fill your calories in however you wish as long as you are staying within your ranges.

That being said, I find that most of my clients are successful when they focus on lean proteins and vegetables first, and then add in the other stuff into their food journal when they are planning ahead.

So when you plan ahead for the day before, fill in your meals with lean meats in veggies, then go in and add the breads, fats, fruits, fun foods with whatever calories you have remaining.

There is no formula for grains. Grains are primarily carbohydrates. Eat them to help fill your carbohydrate requirements.

If you're looking for a better macronutrient %, I generally recommend 35% protein and fat and 30% carbs.