What is the REAL truth about carbs?

jomariewill
jomariewill Posts: 35 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals? Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose? Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them? My stats: I'm 5'11 female. Weight 287. Need to lose 140. Do 30 minutes of aerobics each morning and walk 2 miles each evening 5 days a week and eat under 160@ calories.
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Replies

  • crzycatlady1
    crzycatlady1 Posts: 1,930 Member
    edited December 2016
    The only thing that matters for weight loss is calorie intake, and making sure you're at the correct deficit for your weight loss goals. Everything else, like macro ratios, is secondary and that's where preferences and adherence/sustainability come into play. Some people prefer to eat lower carb to reach their goals, while others prefer to eat a higher carb ratio. But again-calories are what actually matter :)

    eta: in terms of weight loss- carb timing, meal timing and meal frequency do not matter, nor do the kinds of foods you're eating matter. CICO.
  • jomariewill
    jomariewill Posts: 35 Member
    jomariewill wrote: »
    When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals? Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose? Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them? My stats: I'm 5'11 female. Weight 287. Need to lose 140. Do 30 minutes of aerobics each morning and walk 2 miles each evening 5 days a week and eat under 160@ calories.

    I meant if I have to eat a carb, like rice or bread, is wheat healthier? I find they sometimes have more calories but more nutrients.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    jomariewill wrote: »
    jomariewill wrote: »
    When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals? Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose? Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them? My stats: I'm 5'11 female. Weight 287. Need to lose 140. Do 30 minutes of aerobics each morning and walk 2 miles each evening 5 days a week and eat under 160@ calories.

    I meant if I have to eat a carb, like rice or bread, is wheat healthier? I find they sometimes have more calories but more nutrients.

    Not much difference at all between white and brown rice
  • endlessfall16
    endlessfall16 Posts: 932 Member
    I eat pizza, rice-base products (noodle and such) breads and all sorts of rices and it's hella hard to lose weight.

    I have had much easier time with fresh salads and grilled chicken, pork.

    But everything is my choice :)

    It's up to you. There is hard way and there's easy way. Pick your poison.
  • jomariewill
    jomariewill Posts: 35 Member
    diannethegeek wrote: »
    jomariewill wrote: »
    When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals? Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose? Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them? My stats: I'm 5'11 female. Weight 287. Need to lose 140. Do 30 minutes of aerobics each morning and walk 2 miles each evening 5 days a week and eat under 160@ calories.

    Are you referring to just things like breads, starches, & pasta or are you talking about all carbs including fruits & veggies? My answer is the same either way, but I think it's important to keep in mind that carbs are a very broad category found in a huge variety of foods.

    Unless you have a medical reason that forces you to restrict them, this is largely about personal preference. Some people feel better keeping their carbs low or find it reduces their hunger. Others experience the opposite. As long as you're eating a varied diet that hits your nutrition goals, pick the carbohydrate goal that works best for you.

    I speaking of breads and rice primarily.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    This
    crzycatlady1 wrote: »
    The only thing that matters for weight loss is calorie intake, and making sure you're at the correct deficit for your weight loss goals. Everything else, like macro ratios, is secondary and that's where preferences and adherence/sustainability come into play. Some people prefer to eat lower carb to reach their goals, while others prefer to eat a higher carb ratio. But again-calories are what actually matter :)

    eta: in terms of weight loss- carb timing, meal timing and meal frequency do not matter, nor do the kinds of foods you're eating matter. CICO.

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,582 Member
    You can include all the carbs you want in your diet, as long as they fit within your calorie limit ... unless you've got a medical condition where that would not be advisable.

    Personally, I like brown rice because I find it is a little bit more filling than white rice ... and I like it better.

    And we've found a really nice whole grain bread we like, so we go with that.
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    I prefer white rice and white breads - I get my fiber from veggies, whole grain pasta & beans.

    It's not 100% necessary to switch to whole grain everything. If you're low on fiber, you may find it worthwhile to try some whole grain options. If you don't like the taste of one, try another.

    Timing is irrelevant.

    ~Lyssa
  • Jleigh225
    Jleigh225 Posts: 49 Member
    If you have no issues related to diabetes, insulin resistance like pcos, carbs are just like any nutrient and just need to fit them in your calories. I have genetic issues with insulin sensitivity so eating less carbs for me is key for dealing with cravings and keeping my insulin in check. If I had no issues, I'd eat carbs within my calories like it was my job.
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    I've lost more weight (and kept it off) eating pizza and French fries (in moderation) than I ever did with any other diet.
    Not bread though. Turns out I don't like bread and I've always just eaten it because I thought I was suppose to.
    But i find it so sweet, it's gross. It's like eating a hamburger but the bun is cake, gross.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,582 Member
    I actually started eating bread after joining MFP.

    Prior to that, I only ate bread on occasion ... but about 2 or 3 weeks into the process here, I started craving bread. At first I ignored the craving, but then I started eating about 1 slice a day. :)
  • tlflag1620
    tlflag1620 Posts: 1,358 Member
    Are you asking about whole grains vs refined grains (IOW brown rice vs white rice; wheat bread vs white bread)? In that case, "whole" grains have more fiber, which some people find more filling, so they could theoretically help you eat less.

    Myself, I find fat and protein more filling than any type of carb, but that's an individual thing. I get my fiber from veggies and skip most grains entirely (starch makes me hangry). It may take some experimentation for you to find what works for you. FWIW, you don't "have to" eat rice or wheat. Like at all. Unless you want to.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    jomariewill wrote: »
    jomariewill wrote: »
    When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals? Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose? Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them? My stats: I'm 5'11 female. Weight 287. Need to lose 140. Do 30 minutes of aerobics each morning and walk 2 miles each evening 5 days a week and eat under 160@ calories.

    I meant if I have to eat a carb, like rice or bread, is wheat healthier? I find they sometimes have more calories but more nutrients.

    I don't think so.....for some of us with wheat intolerance or celiac, wheat is very unheathy.

    Eat what you want, when you want, just stay in a calorie deficit and you will lose weight.


  • saFit247
    saFit247 Posts: 117 Member
    edited December 2016
    jomariewill wrote: »
    When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals? Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose? Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them? My stats: I'm 5'11 female. Weight 287. Need to lose 140. Do 30 minutes of aerobics each morning and walk 2 miles each evening 5 days a week and eat under 160@ calories.

    @jomariewill
    Excellent Question !
    Most of your energy is derieved out of FAT & CARBS.
    Yes Carbs are important & the selection of the same makes a big change whether you are going to gain or loose weight "efficiently"

    The Idea is to select complex carbs that digest slowly and keep supplying you with sufficient energy throughout the day. You dont want the Carbs to get digested instantly and then convert into Fat when not utilized. A smart selection of Carb source can give you sufficient energy to do more work and burn calorie.

    But remember the calorie intake is the main guide , carb selction can improve the efficiency of your weight loss.


    Here are few of my picks of good Carb :
    1. BARLEY : 1/2 cup cooked pearl barley: 97 calories, 22g carbs, 3g fiber
    2. Green Peas : 1/2 cup cooked: 67 calories, 12.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber
    3. Whole Wheat Pasta : 2 ounces dry: 198 calories, 43g carbs, 5g fiber
    4. Acorn Squash : 1 cup cubed and baked: 115 calories, 30g carbs, 9g fiber
    5. Whole Wheat Bread : 2 slices Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread: 160 calories, 30g carbs, 8g fibe
    6. BEANS : 1/2 cup canned low-sodium black beans: 109 calories, 20g carbs, 8g fiber
    7. OAT MEAL : 1/2 cup dry: 153 calories, 27g carbs, 4g fiber
    8. QUINOA : 1/2 cup cooked: 111 calories, 20g carbs, 2.5g fiber

    Cheers !
    Saji
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited December 2016
    jomariewill wrote: »
    When trying to lose weight, are they ok to eat in moderation as long as they fit into your calorie goals?

    As others have said, carbs include vegetables, fruits, legumes, as well as grains and tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes) and are also found in a ton of other foods (carbs and fats together make up most so called junk foods, dairy tends to be a balance of protein, fat, and carbs). Using "carbs" to mean only some carbs (or some things that are as much fat as carbs) is confusing and part of why carbs unfairly have a bad rap.

    Thus, definitely you can and IMO should eat carbs when trying to lose weight (vegetables are very important, IMO). As for higher calorie carbs, yeah, how many carbs you eat doesn't really matter for weight loss and is personal. Some are more satisfied and do well eating lots of carbs, some are less hungry and more satisfied eating low carb, many of us like a middle position (I ate around 40% carbs losing weight).

    As for grains, which is what you seem to be asking about:
    Is "wheat" really healthier if you have to choose?

    To be pedantic again, most white bread IS wheat (wheat flour is made of wheat whether it's whole grain or refined). What you are asking about is really whole grain vs. refined (helpful hint: a bread or pasta label that lists wheat is likely refined, even with many breads that are brown in color -- you need "whole wheat" or "whole grain" to mean, well, whole wheat or whole grain).

    Anyway, whole grain is marginally healthier or more helpful to some due to more fiber and sometimes more protein, but if you prefer white the difference isn't that huge and you can get fiber elsewhere. What you eat with it is more important -- whole wheat pasta with just cheese is going to give you fewer nutrients and fiber than white pasta with lean meat and lots of vegetables.

    Brown rice vs. white rice is debatable -- it's not really clear that we can get the added nutrients out of brown rice so you might actually get more out of white. I'd just go with whatever you prefer.
    Is there a better or worse time during the day to eat them?

    If you are trying to maximize training or athletic performance, maybe (probably). Otherwise, and for weight loss? No, it doesn't matter.
  • Gamliela
    Gamliela Posts: 2,468 Member
    There are a significant amount of 'carbs' in dairy products too!

    and in nuts and nut butters. Just can't really get away from them carbs. :)
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    More fiber = better carbs IMO. I love my carbs and eat a lot of them because I eat a high fiber diet. Good for my energy levels, good for my gut, good for my soul.
  • Flapjack_Mollases
    Flapjack_Mollases Posts: 218 Member
    There is nothing wrong with having 20-30% of your calories come from nutrient dense carbs. I'm sorry, but I have never seen someone get fat because they had a baked potato with dinner.
  • Gamliela
    Gamliela Posts: 2,468 Member
    Need2Exerc1se wrote: »
    More fiber = better carbs IMO. I love my carbs and eat a lot of them because I eat a high fiber diet. Good for my energy levels, good for my gut, good for my soul.

    Now fibre is absolutly necessary imo. 5 swervings of veg and fruit is supposed to do it if I remember?
    Of course that will include 'carbs'.

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