Carbs, good or bad?

roxannerivas
roxannerivas Posts: 1
in Health and Weight Loss
I just started my diet about week ago. I started on the juicing diet, but I only juice morning and lunch and do a healthy meal at dinner. I limited myself to a 1,200 calorie intake. My question is though my calorie breakdown I always have a higher percentage of carbs then I do fats and proteins. Is this bad? Is this going to stop me from losing weight or make it harder too?? I'm juicing all organic fruits and veggies, I cut out the majority of breads and starchy food. I'm losing weight so far, so I wasn't too concerned with it but my weight is at a stand still now so I'm curious. Also my exercise is limited, I have a desk job so I'm not on my feet to often and I have an infant at home so if I have time to exercise its not much but I do try to fit it in, I'm mostly relying on my diet. Should I be worried or keep doing what I'm doing? Thanks!

Replies

  • lemonsnowdrop
    lemonsnowdrop Posts: 1,298 Member
    Keep doing what you're doing. Carbs aren't bad. Some people find that reducing carbs makes weight loss easier, but for weight loss all you need is a calorie deficit. My split usually looks about 40/30/30, but sometimes it's 33/33/33. Getting enough protein is key for muscle repair and overall health, though, so make sure you reach your daily goal. As long as you hit your macros, don't worry about "too many carbs."
  • lindsey1979
    lindsey1979 Posts: 2,395 Member
    It really depends on the person. Some people tolerate carbs really well, so it's all equal for them -- they can just look to overall calories for the most part.

    For others, unfortunately, carbs can be a real issue and people end up restricting them for that reason. For example, folks with insulin resistance can have real problems with carbs because of their faulty glucose metabolism. And, unfortunately, a LOT of US adults have some form of insulin resistance -- the CDC estimates that over 40% of US adults have either insulin resistance at diabetic or pre-diabetic levels. So, it's totally possible that you have one these issues and don't know it (I did! and was shocked to find it out).

    You can go to the doctor and get your A1C level checked, but a lot of people just prefer to restrict carbs and see if they notice a difference. Some fair better at lower levels, others at higher. I personally restrict to less than 100g/day, often falling into the 50-80g range, and that's the sweet spot for me.

    So, it could be an issue or not. It's really about figuring out what works for you. Carbs aren't inherently bad, but they could be bad for you and your weight loss efforts. Or not.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    carbs are simply a macronutrient just like protein and fat. Most people who basically SAD could stand to reduce carbohydrate intake just in general for a more well balanced diet, but really, outside of certain medical conditions, eating carbohydrates shouldn't hinder your weight loss.

    Weight loss stalls and plateaus are a normal part of the process...and that's what people have to put their focus on...the process. This is not something that is going to be linear...you aren't going to lose X Lbs per week into perpetuity which is why it can be a bad idea to set a date for when you want to hit goal...it generally doesn't work that way. To boot, and unfortunately, people tend to lose focus when they stall...so what would be a matter of weeks in a stall turns into months and longer because ultimately people get lazyish in their habits when they stall instead of focusing on that process and really refining their habits and just trying to be a little better today than yesterday.

    I'm 18 + months in...ask me how I know.
  • _KitKat_
    _KitKat_ Posts: 1,066 Member
    Neither, sources of energy do not have that much power. Sorry just hate the good food/ bad food argument. Everything should be in moderation, unless there is a medical reason for restrictions.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    I just started my diet about week ago. I started on the juicing diet, but I only juice morning and lunch and do a healthy meal at dinner. I limited myself to a 1,200 calorie intake. My question is though my calorie breakdown I always have a higher percentage of carbs then I do fats and proteins. Is this bad? Is this going to stop me from losing weight or make it harder too?? I'm juicing all organic fruits and veggies, I cut out the majority of breads and starchy food. I'm losing weight so far, so I wasn't too concerned with it but my weight is at a stand still now so I'm curious. Also my exercise is limited, I have a desk job so I'm not on my feet to often and I have an infant at home so if I have time to exercise its not much but I do try to fit it in, I'm mostly relying on my diet. Should I be worried or keep doing what I'm doing? Thanks!

    Wait, what? You started your diet a week ago, but are now concerned that you are at a standstill? I'll be honest, for you to be seeing weight loss in a week that you would notice it stopping makes me concerned that you may be eating far too little. With 20 lbs to lose, you should be aiming to 1/2 to 1 lb of weight loss per week.
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    Good.
    A good portion of my dinner tonight was carbs, and I have no regrets. I've lost consistently consuming a decent amount per day. Don't be worried! Just keep experimenting and find what works well for you.
  • FireOpalCO
    FireOpalCO Posts: 641 Member
    I'd be more concerned about the fact that if you are juicing, are you getting all your fiber? (I assume you are truly doing juice and not whole food smoothies.)

    There is an awful lot of yummy filling stuff that gets left behind by juicing machines.
  • Swilla_Swole
    Swilla_Swole Posts: 333 Member
    Carbs are great. Learn the differience between simple and complex and consume most of your carbs during the part of the day where you are busiest and need the most energy. Dont load up on carbs before bed or long periods of inactivity.
  • birkona
    birkona Posts: 24
    Carbs are not bad. But make sure they are 100% whole wheat. The white carbs will retain a ton of water. And try and keep them in the beginning of the day.
  • FireOpalCO
    FireOpalCO Posts: 641 Member
    Carbs are not bad. But make sure they are 100% whole wheat. The white carbs will retain a ton of water. And try and keep them in the beginning of the day.

    The snarky bitca in me immediately thought "where do I get whole wheat apples, I want some!"

    /realize that's not what you meant.

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