Calculating Carbs etc

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RebeccaLynea
RebeccaLynea Posts: 4 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I started MFP a couple years ago but wasn't dedicated enough. Well I'm back with a better attitude. I have discovered Clean Eating and Paleo. I'm loving it and I believe I can do this! In fact since January, I've dropped 20#'s. My problem, I don't remember where I got my calorie, carb, protein goals from. My current goals on MFP are Calories=1200, Carbs=165, Protein=45, Fat=40, Fiber=12, Sodium=2300. I'm a female, 60 yrs, 190#'s, 5'2", Sedentary Activity, and I'd like to get down to the 130's. Recently I was in a group of women and when I mentioned my Carb goal was 165, I was boo'ed. I need to make sure I'm doing it right. How do I calculate the carbs I need to loose weight, still be healthy, and feel like I'm starving?

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  • Tried30UserNames
    Tried30UserNames Posts: 561 Member
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    Why did they boo? Did they think it was too low or too high? Clean eating and Paleo don't necessarily have to be low carb. Paleo just eliminates grains and junk food, doesn't it? It still allows vegetables and other carbs.

    At 190 lbs, 1200 calories would probably be a bit low for me. As for the carb/protein/fat macros, that's kind of a personal decision. I believe the MFP macros are set at USDA recommendations. I know from experimenting with my diet that I feel better when I eat more fat and fewer carbs than that.

    You'll probably need to play around with your diet a little to find where you feel best. You really don't need to calculate carbs to lose weight - you'll need to calculate the amount of food you're eating. And then within that calorie level, you'll want to find the amount of carbs that makes you feel satiated and energetic. Usually protein and fat help you feel fuller.
  • RebeccaLynea
    RebeccaLynea Posts: 4 Member
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    They thought it was to high. Thanks for the reply
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
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    RebeccaLynea wrote: »
    They thought it was to high. Thanks for the reply

    I'd find a new group of women to hang out with.

    Ultimately, you'll have to find the macro breakdown that is going to 1. help you meet your goals and 2. is sustainable for you.

    At only 1200 calories, you don't give yourself much wiggle room or margin for error.

    That all said, I might suggest trying to up your protein just a bit, probably at the expense of some of the carbs.
  • IsaackGMOON
    IsaackGMOON Posts: 3,358 Member
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    RebeccaLynea wrote: »
    I started MFP a couple years ago but wasn't dedicated enough. Well I'm back with a better attitude. I have discovered Clean Eating and Paleo... How do I calculate the carbs I need to loose weight, still be healthy, and feel like I'm starving?

    OP; you DO NOT NEED TO CUT CARBS TO LOSE WEIGHT.

    Cut your calories.
  • mizzlarabee
    mizzlarabee Posts: 134 Member
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    Your protein is pretty low for your weight. I would at least double it to be 90g. That will also help you not feel like you are starving.
  • Sarasmaintaining
    Sarasmaintaining Posts: 1,027 Member
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    Weight loss is about eating at a calorie deficit. Doesn't matter how many carbs, how 'clean' you eat etc etc. Calories and math, simple as that :)
  • wanttobefit300
    wanttobefit300 Posts: 157 Member
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    Scientifically, the ratio that controls insulin the best is 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fats. I can't hack that though, so I use 50% carbs, 25% protein and 25% fats. Either of those is a good start, but you can adjust a little either way. You need a lot more fiber than 12 g; 25-35 g is usually recommended. Take care of your gut and it will take care of you. Actually, when my fiber intake is included, my carbs are closer to 45%.
  • MoiAussi93
    MoiAussi93 Posts: 1,948 Member
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    You should eat less carbs and more protein. Protein will keep you full, carbs generally don't unless they contain a lot of fiber, and you aren't eating much fiber. You can feel full on 1200 calories...I ate that for a while. But you need to choose very filling foods. Protein and fat keep you full for hours. Carbs make you hungry again soon after you eat.
  • RebeccaLynea
    RebeccaLynea Posts: 4 Member
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    Wow! Thanks everyone for the information. You've given me a lot to "chew" on ;) I'm going to read your answers again

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