How many carbs do you eat per day?

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Replies

  • Sreneesa
    Sreneesa Posts: 1,170 Member
    203 is what I'm suppose to eat.

    Would love to meet that. Still working on meeting macros.
  • BlakeHorton
    BlakeHorton Posts: 29 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,220 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
    Only when protein is held constant. This statement is a disclaimer because comparing low carb with low fat the low carb does have a TEF advantage.
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    I get as close as I can to the macros MFP sets :) I find that my body is happiest that way, but I don't worry about carbs too much, since they mostly come from healthy sources and I track sugar to keep that under control. I'm more concerned with getting enough protein so I don't get really hungry and eat everything in sight, as well as not getting too much fat because it upsets my stomach.
  • BlakeHorton
    BlakeHorton Posts: 29 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
    Only when protein is held constant. This statement is a disclaimer because comparing low carb with low fat the low carb does have a TEF advantage.

    I think you meant to say carbs have a higher TEF than fats, correct?
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,220 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
    Only when protein is held constant. This statement is a disclaimer because comparing low carb with low fat the low carb does have a TEF advantage.

    I think you meant to say carbs have a higher TEF than fats, correct?
    Fat doesn't really effect TEF at all.
  • BarbieAS
    BarbieAS Posts: 1,414 Member
    At appropriate levels of calories, fat, and protein for my current weight/body composition and weight loss/body composition goals, my carbs fall to about 120 per day. When you consider exercise calories, that can drift up to 150-160 or so. That's when I'm fully on-track, of course.

    I know this is a common belief, but I really subscribe to the idea that once you've met an appropriate minimum for fats and proteins, you can consume the rest of your calories in whatever macro ratio you like (of course excluding any medical conditions that might dictate a more specific ratio). If consuming 30 carbs per day works for you and is a way of eating that's pleasant and sustainable for you and allows you to meet your weight loss/gain and training goals, go for it. If that level is 300 carbs per day, then go for that.
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    I'm at the point in my weight loss where I eat whatever I want in small portions.
    I don't count cals, I don't weigh or measure food, or any other of that neurotic crap. I exercise regularly, try to eat clean, stop eating when I'm full, and only drink water.
    Ironically, when I stopped obsessing over what I was eating, I lost more.
    I only have about 10lbs to lose as a short term goal (which I am 3lbs away from). Anything more than that is lovely but I'm not exactly racing to get there.

    oh to be 22 and have it all figured out... haha

    Why are you laughing?

    The poster has it figured out.

    The question is why you haven't.

    Not sure if srs?

    I was referring to the part about counting calories & macros being considered neurotic behavior. Considering people have different goals, making a blanket statement like that is rather ignorant.
  • BlakeHorton
    BlakeHorton Posts: 29 Member
    error
  • BlakeHorton
    BlakeHorton Posts: 29 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
    Only when protein is held constant. This statement is a disclaimer because comparing low carb with low fat the low carb does have a TEF advantage.

    I think you meant to say carbs have a higher TEF than fats, correct?
    Fat doesn't really effect TEF at all.

    Can you provide an example using real world macro numbers explaining how a given persons different macro intakes at the same caloric deficit would affect the amount of weight loss due to different TEF's and by exactly how much? I'm asking this because your previous post is unclear.
  • Jestinia
    Jestinia Posts: 1,153 Member
    I eat 10-30 grams of carbs a day from fresh veggies and dried spices. I feel great. Full of energy, waking up earlier, not craving sugar all the time. Except a little dehydrated in the morning. I find I have to slurp down a lot of water and not just my customary 'sweeten up my personality' coffee.

    Also, stinky breath and stinky pits. It seems that strong mouthwash, toothpaste, and deodorant are necessities for carnivores.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I'm at the point in my weight loss where I eat whatever I want in small portions.
    I don't count cals, I don't weigh or measure food, or any other of that neurotic crap. I exercise regularly, try to eat clean, stop eating when I'm full, and only drink water.
    Ironically, when I stopped obsessing over what I was eating, I lost more.
    I only have about 10lbs to lose as a short term goal (which I am 3lbs away from). Anything more than that is lovely but I'm not exactly racing to get there.

    oh to be 22 and have it all figured out... haha
    Happens every day on here. Some of our resident experts are first time losers who've never been in maintenance and are mid 20s.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    If today goes as planned, I'll end up right around 450g for the day.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    I eat 10-30 grams of carbs a day from fresh veggies and dried spices. I feel great. Full of energy, waking up earlier, not craving sugar all the time. Except a little dehydrated in the morning. I find I have to slurp down a lot of water and not just my customary 'sweeten up my personality' coffee.

    Also, stinky breath and stinky pits. It seems that strong mouthwash, toothpaste, and deodorant are necessities for carnivores.

    Wait, huh?

    What was the question again?
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    I'm at the point in my weight loss where I eat whatever I want in small portions.
    I don't count cals, I don't weigh or measure food, or any other of that neurotic crap. I exercise regularly, try to eat clean, stop eating when I'm full, and only drink water.
    Ironically, when I stopped obsessing over what I was eating, I lost more.
    I only have about 10lbs to lose as a short term goal (which I am 3lbs away from). Anything more than that is lovely but I'm not exactly racing to get there.

    oh to be 22 and have it all figured out... haha
    Happens every day on here. Some of our resident experts are first time losers who've never been in maintenance and are mid 20s.

    Not everything the 20somethings say is incorrect though.
  • Jestinia
    Jestinia Posts: 1,153 Member
    I eat 10-30 grams of carbs a day from fresh veggies and dried spices. I feel great. Full of energy, waking up earlier, not craving sugar all the time. Except a little dehydrated in the morning. I find I have to slurp down a lot of water and not just my customary 'sweeten up my personality' coffee.

    Also, stinky breath and stinky pits. It seems that strong mouthwash, toothpaste, and deodorant are necessities for carnivores.

    Wait, huh?

    What was the question again?

    How many carbs do you eat per day to lose weight. If you don't feel great, you aren't going to lose weight and if you eat crap that makes you overly hungry or crave you won't lose or maintain. Or I don't.

    I suppose I could have left out the bit about stinky pits. :tongue:
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
    Only when protein is held constant. This statement is a disclaimer because comparing low carb with low fat the low carb does have a TEF advantage.

    I think you meant to say carbs have a higher TEF than fats, correct?
    Fat doesn't really effect TEF at all.

    Can you provide an example using real world macro numbers explaining how a given persons different macro intakes at the same caloric deficit would affect the amount of weight loss due to different TEF's and by exactly how much? I'm asking this because your previous post is unclear.

    Apologies for jumping in. Varying protein is an easier was to show the impact as protein has the highest TEF at about 30%. Carbs are about 10% and fats nearer 3%. They all vary, but these are approximate averages.

    Example:

    2,000 calories a day with 200 coming from protein, 500 from fat and 1,300 from carbs would give you a net impact of:
    Protein: 200 x 30% = 60 calories
    Fats: 500 x 3% = 15 calories
    Carbs: 1,300 x 10% = 130 calories
    Total TEF = 205 calories

    Compare to:

    2,000 calories a day with 1,000 coming from protein, 500 from fat and 500 from carbs would give you a net impact of:
    Protein: 1,000 x 30% = 300 calories
    Fats: 500 x 3% = 15 calories
    Carbs: 500 x 10% = 50 calories
    Total TEF = 365 calories

    Difference of 160 calories. You would also have a difference when keeping protein constant and varying fats and carbs - just not as extreme.
  • Jestinia
    Jestinia Posts: 1,153 Member
    LOL.

    People don't actually keep track of this, do they?

    Question: Can anyone on this protocol say they have kept track of this stuff daily for more than six months?

    I did before I was a dummy and lied myself into thinking I could eat like a 'normal person' again. Counting carbs works for me. Do I expect it to work for everyone? Nope.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    LOL.

    People don't actually keep track of this, do they?

    Question: Can anyone on this protocol say they have kept track of this stuff daily for more than six months?

    What protocol?
  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    LOL.

    People don't actually keep track of this, do they?

    Question: Can anyone on this protocol say they have kept track of this stuff daily for more than six months?

    Um. I've kept track of this stuff daily since April. It's not hard; you put the food in your diary and MFP adds all the stuff up for you. Fairly simple.
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    LOL.

    People don't actually keep track of this, do they?

    Question: Can anyone on this protocol say they have kept track of this stuff daily for more than six months?

    Strong logic is strong.

    314 days and counting. It takes a grand total of 5 minutes for me to weigh out and log per my macros... Would love to see you attempt to hold single digit bf% just purely guessing your intake levels :)

    Oh, wait...
  • laurelobrien
    laurelobrien Posts: 156 Member
    5-15g, sometimes 20 if I get whipped cream on my break drink.
  • KateK8LoseW8
    KateK8LoseW8 Posts: 824 Member
    At least 200g on workout days, closer to 100g on rest days.
  • florentinovillaro
    florentinovillaro Posts: 342 Member
    Bump
  • florentinovillaro
    florentinovillaro Posts: 342 Member
    LOL.

    People don't actually keep track of this, do they?

    Question: Can anyone on this protocol say they have kept track of this stuff daily for more than six months?

    I did before I was a dummy and lied myself into thinking I could eat like a 'normal person' again. Counting carbs works for me. Do I expect it to work for everyone? Nope.

    I personally do watch my nutrients, when I'm low on something, I compensate with supplements. Balance is key in my opinion.
  • JenniTheVeggie
    JenniTheVeggie Posts: 2,474 Member
    Normally under 100. It works for ME.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    Somewhere between 150-200 g per day according to my reports. I don't really keep track of carbs, I mostly focus on getting as much protein as possible and staying within my calories. I'm losing weight and seeing physical gains in my workouts, so something seems to be working.
  • BlakeHorton
    BlakeHorton Posts: 29 Member
    this thread is from almost exactly a year ago ..LOL

    just remember carbs do not make you lose weight, eating less than you burn does…

    What this guy said ^^

    In a steady caloric deficit, carbs don't matter at all. It's the deficit that matters. If you're regularly consuming less calories than you expend, you will lose weight even if you've eaten all junk food. Of course that's not the healthiest thing to do, but this thread is about losing weight.

    Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body can't store fat when it's using 100% of the calories (energy) you eat and then going to backup stores for the remaining energy it needs. If you put gas in your car and drive til empty, the gas is gone. It doesn't matter how good or bad the gas was. It's gone.
    Only when protein is held constant. This statement is a disclaimer because comparing low carb with low fat the low carb does have a TEF advantage.

    I think you meant to say carbs have a higher TEF than fats, correct?
    Fat doesn't really effect TEF at all.

    Can you provide an example using real world macro numbers explaining how a given persons different macro intakes at the same caloric deficit would affect the amount of weight loss due to different TEF's and by exactly how much? I'm asking this because your previous post is unclear.

    Apologies for jumping in. Varying protein is an easier was to show the impact as protein has the highest TEF at about 30%. Carbs are about 10% and fats nearer 3%. They all vary, but these are approximate averages.

    Example:

    2,000 calories a day with 200 coming from protein, 500 from fat and 1,300 from carbs would give you a net impact of:
    Protein: 200 x 30% = 60 calories
    Fats: 500 x 3% = 15 calories
    Carbs: 1,300 x 10% = 130 calories
    Total TEF = 205 calories

    Compare to:

    2,000 calories a day with 1,000 coming from protein, 500 from fat and 500 from carbs would give you a net impact of:
    Protein: 1,000 x 30% = 300 calories
    Fats: 500 x 3% = 15 calories
    Carbs: 500 x 10% = 50 calories
    Total TEF = 365 calories

    Difference of 160 calories. You would also have a difference when keeping protein constant and varying fats and carbs - just not as extreme.

    While I agree with your math and that a 'calorie' isn't technically a 'calorie', we both know there is no exact BMR either, but that's what we are all using at a point of measure. We know that some days the resting metabolic rate is different than others; one reason being that a persons average macro intake over a period of time is a factor in figuring out their BMR. Even though your example may be a 160 cal difference of actual food intake, to truly arrive at a 160 calorie difference using that example, someone would have to have figured out their BMR based on eating an average of 200 cal protein (50 grams protein on a daily basis) and then one day eat 1,000 cal protein (250 grams protein). Even if that happened, 160 cal would come out to about 1/21 of a pound of weight loss at a deficit; and if a person did that on a daily basis, that would change their BMR; Meaning they would be eating at more of a deficit. So while a person can raise their BMR through different macro intake (whether they realize it or not), it would really be back to calories in vs calories out.

    So at the end of the day, there's no exact science for all of this but if someone does a good job at measuring/monitoring their BMR and counting their caloric intake, eating different macros won't result in different numbers on the scale. If someone measured their BMR with an average macro intake from your first example and then changed their average macro intake to your second example without realizing their BMR changed, they can lose an extra pound in about 21 days (if if everything else they measured was perfect).

    To be honest I was more or less questioning where neanderthin said low carb has a higher TEF advantage than low fat and said Fat doesn't really effect TEF at all. I wasn't sure what was going on there.
  • edwardkim85
    edwardkim85 Posts: 438 Member
    180 - 220 on my reg. days

    600 + on my cheat(binge) days.
  • edwardkim85
    edwardkim85 Posts: 438 Member
    If you do a lot of cardio , you need more carbs.

    If you just do static heavy lifts or body build and do minimal cardio, you don't need much carbs.

    If you are active and on your feet at your job all day, then you will need a bit more carb than your friends sitting at a desk-job.

    It all depends on your workout and life style.

    I currently do 1 - 3 hours/day, 6 days/week of crossfit, yoga, long steady cardios, and heavy lifts, so I am eating 200g of carb from brown rice / day and even then I feel carb depleted.

    Without my binge day of high fat and high carb to keep my sanity, I would have to eat more calories and carb than what I eat now or else it will be hard to sustain for me long term(knowing myself).

    Super low carb's not always the way. I say adjust the intake based on your life style and diet.