Go Over On Carbs?

Yeah, I live in Minnesota/Wisconsin (border town)...it's like zero windchill today. Weather cannot be an excuse! I was on my stationary bike at 4:30 am and will be taking a quick walk with my dog this afternoon (buddled up). Most likely, i'll be doing some walking on my treadmill later today as well.

Do whatever you can each day...even if it isn't "ideal."

I wouldn't worry about carbs that much either. Calories are more important.

I agree--dance!!

If you're hungry, eat some fruit, otherwise I'd just close the log for today. It shouldn't hinder your weight loss if you're over on carbs, especially if you balance over the long-run.

Carbs are not bad and what really matters is your overall calorie intake.
And if your working out even better, you'l have more energy.

How are you for fat grams for the day? Have some meat of some kind... tuna? turkey?

And, yeah, turn on the music and dance. Since you're online, check out my Internet radio station... www.ultimatevarietyradio.com. I play all kinds of music that'll get you movin'.

There's always situps, pushups, squats and stuff like that too.

If worst comes to worst, you could do an extra deep cleaning around the house too. (I hate cleaning, so I count it as exercise, for sure!)

I tend to disagree.. Of course it is ok to go over on carbs, every now and than. Going over a bit is not going to kill. But what did you go over with? Did you eat lots of fruit? Or was it cake and cookies?

Yes calories is the only thing you're body cares about when losing weight.. However you're body also cares where it gets its energy from. If you over eat carbs on a daily bases, even while staying lower on calories you are not maximizing you're fat burn, because you're body will have plenty of carbs to use for energy as opposed to burning you're fat.

But don't go over day after day. Yes you need carbs for energy, but as a general rule of thumb, people eat to many carbs.

As for what you can eat the rest of the day.. baked chicken is high in protein, low in calories and has 0 carbs!

the above is quite correct... your body looks for carbs to burn first before it turns to your fat. how are you on your protein. do you have a chicken breast you can grill?

Exercise will burn those carbs right off. Your body will burn carbs for energy first before your body fat. I have a diabetic in the family and I am always carb consious. In the future, if you want to lose weight faster keep your protein higher than your carb count especially if you exercise regularly.

I wish everyone thought this way hahahah. It is rare to hear people talk about high protein, low carb on MFP. Don't get me wrong, I love carbs as much as the next guy. But I'd rather be in shape.

First of all, realize that there are actually ranges our bodies like to be in not set numbers. So, say you are set at 55% carbs (what I've seen as standard for MFP) but you go over by 5 grams of carbohydrate, that still isn't going to put you over the range of carbs that is considered the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range, which is actually 45-65%. And some people function better on higher carbs then even the AMDRs, while others prefer lower carb ranges. Personally, I'm a high carb person. I haven't taken the time to figure my percentages lately, but in the past I've found I lose weight faster and maintain my muscle mass more when I'm at 70-80% carbs. So, basically, don't stress it.

As for the calories being interchangeable, or you can't burn fat when you consume a lot of carbs, those are both false. Nutritional science is a lot more complicated then that. And so is the energy sources of the body. Basically, you burn a combination of carbs, protein, and fat no matter what exercise you do. When you do high intensity, short duration exercise, you burn a higher percentage of carbs. When you do a low intensity, long duration workout, you burn a higher percentage of fat. Protein stays the same unless you don't have enough carbs. If you don't eat enough carbs, then the body breaks down it's protein stores (IE Muscle) to convert them to carbs so that they can be used to provide fuel for activity. In order to get to the stage of the process that burns fat, you have to breakdown carbs to provide some of the necessary components for the chemical reaction to be able to burn fat. Protein isn't actually necessary for the process and is only used in place of carbs if you don't have enough carbohydrate. Thats actually one of the problems with low carb diets. By not having the carbs, you don't have all of the protein you are eating to be able to build muscle, so it ends up being more catabolic (breaking down of muscle) then anabolic (building up of muscle). Carbohydrates are actually considered an anabolic ergogenic aid because they allow the protein to be used for muscle building instead of energy production and they are stored in the muscles so they can increase muscle size (appearance) by being stored there with the water it takes to store them.

First of all, realize that there are actually ranges our bodies like to be in not set numbers. So, say you are set at 55% carbs (what I've seen as standard for MFP) but you go over by 5 grams of carbohydrate, that still isn't going to put you over the range of carbs that is considered the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range, which is actually 45-65%. And some people function better on higher carbs then even the AMDRs, while others prefer lower carb ranges. Personally, I'm a high carb person. I haven't taken the time to figure my percentages lately, but in the past I've found I lose weight faster and maintain my muscle mass more when I'm at 70-80% carbs. So, basically, don't stress it.

As for the calories being interchangeable, or you can't burn fat when you consume a lot of carbs, those are both false. Nutritional science is a lot more complicated then that. And so is the energy sources of the body. Basically, you burn a combination of carbs, protein, and fat no matter what exercise you do. When you do high intensity, short duration exercise, you burn a higher percentage of carbs. When you do a low intensity, long duration workout, you burn a higher percentage of fat. Protein stays the same unless you don't have enough carbs. If you don't eat enough carbs, then the body breaks down it's protein stores (IE Muscle) to convert them to carbs so that they can be used to provide fuel for activity. In order to get to the stage of the process that burns fat, you have to breakdown carbs to provide some of the necessary components for the chemical reaction to be able to burn fat. Protein isn't actually necessary for the process and is only used in place of carbs if you don't have enough carbohydrate. Thats actually one of the problems with low carb diets. By not having the carbs, you don't have all of the protein you are eating to be able to build muscle, so it ends up being more catabolic (breaking down of muscle) then anabolic (building up of muscle). Carbohydrates are actually considered an anabolic ergogenic aid because they allow the protein to be used for muscle building instead of energy production and they are stored in the muscles so they can increase muscle size (appearance) by being stored there with the water it takes to store them.

Not saying you are wrong here on any of these, however;

Low carb diets are used by body builders all the time? Lower the carbs enough to get into ketosis (where the body burns fat stores for energy instead of carbs) and up the protein to maintain muscle mass?

Of course you will need tons of protein to keep the muscle. However isn't it science that say you're body will be in ketosis when carbs are low enough? I understand that for a diabetic person, this can be very dangerous, but for everyone else not such a bad thing?

I am not trying to prove you wrong, just stating my understanding of it. I am always keeping an open mind.

On low carb diets you lose muscle cause without enough carbs your body will look for it and use that precious protein you talk about.
I'm soo done with the protein fanatics there minds will never change.

As for bodybuilders, you have to understand what they are training for in using a high protein low carb plan. They are training for look, not performance. In the off season, they are eating plenty of carbs and bulking up. Then before shows is when they go really low carb so that they cut water weight to make their vascularity show. (Carbs are stored with water, so not consuming them will mean not storing them or the water that goes with them.) At the point that they are on stage posing, they are as weak as kittens. They certainly couldn't perform any max lifts or even 5 minutes of cardio. As individuals, we don't typically train for that, but rather for health and better performance, which requires carbs.

+1 on this as well. Bodybuilders give up a lot for the sake of looking strong. Ironically, one of the things they give up (for show season) IS being strong.

As for bodybuilders, you have to understand what they are training for in using a high protein low carb plan. They are training for look, not performance. In the off season, they are eating plenty of carbs and bulking up. Then before shows is when they go really low carb so that they cut water weight to make their vascularity show. (Carbs are stored with water, so not consuming them will mean not storing them or the water that goes with them.) At the point that they are on stage posing, they are as weak as kittens. They certainly couldn't perform any max lifts or even 5 minutes of cardio. As individuals, we don't typically train for that, but rather for health and better performance, which requires carbs.

+1 on this as well. Bodybuilders give up a lot for the sake of looking strong. Ironically, one of the things they give up (for show season) IS being strong.

So true I see so many people on here try to give off advice but don't really understand things themselves.
I started losing alot of weight once I stopped taking in excess protein and taking in more complex carbs.
Haven't lost any muscle or nothing, if anything I'm getting stronger now.
I mean I looked into it so if one pound of muscle contains only 100 grams of protein and the body can only produce a pound max a week then I don't need too much protein. But I'll take in the extra Carbs so that my body doesnt have to dip into taking protein.

I agree with TrainingWithTony she hit the nail on the head.

You guys have to remember that difference diets will work for difference people. There is not one perfect diet for everyone. If there was this would be way to easy. Some people may have better success with low carb, others with high carb.

Some people consider low carb under 50, others consider it under 100, other under 150. The point I am trying to make is that different things work for everyone. For every person who hates low carb, you find 10 that swear by it. And vice-versa.

Not for nothing Uptopargolf but a diet is a diet is a diet.
Doesn't matter if its low carb low fat or whatever ultimately it comes down to your calorie intake.
That's what makes it a diet.

I looked at how I was eating but mostly I was looking at how I was training.
Me personally I didnt know the first thing about fitness and nutrition and believed everything that was thrown at me.
When I was taking in over 200 grams of protein by shakes I was bonking in my workouts.
I didn't have any energy so I upped my carbs and lowered my protein and bam I was kicking *kitten*.

I see guy on here that take all this protein but dont even train that hard to begin with.
So they just get fat or they wonder why the pounds arent coming off.

There's alot of misleading information put out there to the public and I notice for every piece of advice they give they'll be a product behind it.

Yes, all your body cares about is calories to lose weight. However, some people have a much easier time eating 200 grams of protein and staying under their calorie goal, as oppose to eating 200 grams of carbs, and vice-versa.

And if all that matters is calories than how is the guy eating 200 grams of protein gaining weight? If he eats the same 200 grams of carbs he'll lose weight?

Either all that matters is calories, or we admit that there is MUCH more at play per individual than just calories in and calories out.

As for bodybuilders, you have to understand what they are training for in using a high protein low carb plan. They are training for look, not performance. In the off season, they are eating plenty of carbs and bulking up. Then before shows is when they go really low carb so that they cut water weight to make their vascularity show. (Carbs are stored with water, so not consuming them will mean not storing them or the water that goes with them.) At the point that they are on stage posing, they are as weak as kittens. They certainly couldn't perform any max lifts or even 5 minutes of cardio. As individuals, we don't typically train for that, but rather for health and better performance, which requires carbs.

+1 on this as well. Bodybuilders give up a lot for the sake of looking strong. Ironically, one of the things they give up (for show season) IS being strong.

So true I see so many people on here try to give off advice but don't really understand things themselves.
I started losing alot of weight once I stopped taking in excess protein and taking in more complex carbs.
Haven't lost any muscle or nothing, if anything I'm getting stronger now.
I mean I looked into it so if one pound of muscle contains only 100 grams of protein and the body can only produce a pound max a week then I don't need too much protein. But I'll take in the extra Carbs so that my body doesnt have to dip into taking protein.

I agree with TrainingWithTony she hit the nail on the head.

You guys have to remember that difference diets will work for difference people. There is not one perfect diet for everyone. If there was this would be way to easy. Some people may have better success with low carb, others with high carb.

Some people consider low carb under 50, others consider it under 100, other under 150. The point I am trying to make is that different things work for everyone. For every person who hates low carb, you find 10 that swear by it. And vice-versa.

Yes, everyone is different, that is why there is a range that is recommended. Do I prescribe 70% carbs for my diabetic clients. NO, but I do prescribe 45% carbs all chosen from the low end of the glycemic index. It has been scientifically proven that the brain and red blood cells only use glucose for fuel. That is why there is a minimum recommendation of 130 grams of carbohydrates a day because that is approximately what the average person needs to fuel those things. If you aren't getting enough carbs, then your protein is being broken down for that purpose and can't be used to build muscle. If you then add exercise that has to have glucose to break down to pyruvate to be able to burn fat, then you break down protein to make that glucose too. Depending on how much exercise you are doing or how intense it is and the amount of protein you are consuming, you may or may not have any protein left to build muscle even with a large protein intake. If you can safely eat carbs to prevent having to use protein to meet your glucose needs, then it is better for the body in that you can use all of the protein you eat, even if it is less then what would be consumed on a high protein diet, more may be used for muscle growth and repair, plus you don't have the possible issues with the kidneys or urea buildup or ketosis. If carbs are a problem for you, then go with the lower range of carbs and the higher range of protein for your health, but still stay in a safe range for everything. 45-65% carbs, 10-35% protein, and 20-35% fat are the standard. You can go 45% carbs, 35% protein, and 20% fat and be on a high protein, low fat diet without depriving the body of needed carbs. This is what is recommended for diabetics who are needing to watch that they don't spike their blood sugar. I also recommend that for strength athletes because they don't need the extra carbs for long duration exercise but need the protein for muscle repair and growth. Endurance athletes have to up the carbs and lower the protein. There are other medical issues where carbs have to increase, not necessarily for endurance reasons, but to make up for having to be low in protein for kidney issues or low in fat for cancer issues. I'm suppose to be 70% carbs, 15% protein, and 15% fat because I'm donating a kidney (have to be low protein) and have had a breast lump removed (low fat). Would I recommend this to the average person, NO. Everyone has their own optimal ranges for carbs, protein, and fat. The best thing you can do is play with them and see where on the wide spectrum of healthy ranges work best for you. And to the OP, don't stress if you aren't 100% in the range you think you are suppose to be in because it is a large spectrum and what one person does isn't perfect for the next person. The recommendations for amounts on here are just that, Recommendations. But don't tell your Mom that I'm saying to Play With Your Food (Recommendations). :laugh: