Carb intake

vim_n_vigor
vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
edited October 4 in Food and Nutrition
I would like to hear from the high carb and low carb groups for this one. What do you think is the ideal goal for carb intake and why? Do you count carbs from fruits and veggies in your carb count, or do you count carbs that are not from fiber only in your count?
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Replies

  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    I really only care about hitting my protein and fat. Carbs make up whatever is left in my caloric budget.
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    I really only care about hitting my protein and fat. Carbs make up whatever is left in my caloric budget.

    How did you pick your protien and fat goals?
  • PBJunky
    PBJunky Posts: 737 Member
    I really only care about hitting my protein and fat. Carbs make up whatever is left in my caloric budget.

    Touche =P Someone that knows their stuff...
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    I really only care about hitting my protein and fat. Carbs make up whatever is left in my caloric budget.

    How did you pick your protien and fat goals?

    40/30/30 carb/protein/fat. .. It was suggested to me and upping fat has been such a good thing!
  • NPAdamsPope
    NPAdamsPope Posts: 9
    I am a low carber. I count only the carbs that are not from fiber. To lose weight, I find that I need to stay around or below 60 net carbs a day.
  • Missjulesdid
    Missjulesdid Posts: 1,444 Member
    I am not high carb or low carb, I just eat what I feel like eating and it usually falls within the MFP default for carb/fat/protein.

    I get most of my carbs from fruits and vegetables and legumes. I do eat two slices (120 total calories) of whole wheat bread a day, but other than that, unless I'm having a splurge, my carbs are from fruits, veg and legumes
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    I set protein and fat to a minimum in grams, carbs fluctuate depending on how much I exceed pro/fat.

    The only time I low carb intentionally would be if I miss my fat target for a few days in a row. In this case, I'll have a day where I hit my pro target and go way over on fat, which defaults carbs down.
  • PBJunky
    PBJunky Posts: 737 Member
    I really only care about hitting my protein and fat. Carbs make up whatever is left in my caloric budget.

    How did you pick your protien and fat goals?

    40/30/30 carb/protein/fat. .. It was suggested to me and upping fat has been such a good thing!

    Not a fan of percentages...

    OP follow this guide

    http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=121703981
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    OK, let me give a little more background here. While there are obviously some people that do well with a high carb diet, I am not one of them. From personal experience and observation of others, many people seem to do very well on lower carb diets and lose weight more consistently, and if maintained, keep the weight off better. I can find plenty of 'evidence' from a variety of sources about why low carb is best and high carb is bad or why high carb is good and low carb is bad.

    I also have concerns that what I choose to include or not include in my diet (definition used here being what I eat consistently, not weight loss method) being an example for my kids. My kids are 3 and 5, and I understand that their nutritional needs are not the same as mine, but it is very difficult to figure out what their dietary needs really are when it comes to nutrients as well. So I want to get the best balance for everyone in my house.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    OK, let me give a little more background here. While there are obviously some people that do well with a high carb diet, I am not one of them. From personal experience and observation of others, many people seem to do very well on lower carb diets and lose weight more consistently, and if maintained, keep the weight off better. I can find plenty of 'evidence' from a variety of sources about why low carb is best and high carb is bad or why high carb is good and low carb is bad.

    I also have concerns that what I choose to include or not include in my diet (definition used here being what I eat consistently, not weight loss method) being an example for my kids. My kids are 3 and 5, and I understand that their nutritional needs are not the same as mine, but it is very difficult to figure out what their dietary needs really are when it comes to nutrients as well. So I want to get the best balance for everyone in my house.

    Cho is non essential, so if you don't operate well on high to medium cho, then by all means keep it in the lower range
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    OP: Listen to these guys (MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal). They are spot on.
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    I really only care about hitting my protein and fat. Carbs make up whatever is left in my caloric budget.

    How did you pick your protien and fat goals?

    Same here, but I count numbers not percentages.

    I go for:

    1g of protein for ever lb of body weight (or lean body mass when I was heavier)
    .35-.5 times my body weight for minimum fat

    then the rest of the calories i have left (varies day to day with exercise) I use on what ever. Usually carbs and a little more fat :]
  • MeganNP
    MeganNP Posts: 4
    I am a low carber--3.5 years ago I went to a Bariatric Doctor and was educated on the proper diet for health and weight loss. I lost 34 lbs on a doctor supervised low carb diet and started to feel GREAT. 40-50 carbs a day is the target, striving for 15 carbs per meal. Remember carbs are sugars---watch out of "hidden" sugars in the foods you eat.....take # of carbs and divide by 5 and that is the amount of teaspoons of sugar in that food. Beware of marketing ploys--many foods are marketed as "healthy" when in fact they are loaded with sugar and have virtually no nutritional value.

    Another tip--your protien intake in grams should be your weight divided by 2 (140 lbs / 2=70 grams a day)
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I set a minimum for protein, then let fats and carbs fluctuate (carbs more-so than fats) based on my workouts.

    Generally starting points should be 1g of protein and .3g of fat per pound of body weight.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I am a low carber--3.5 years ago I went to a Bariatric Doctor and was educated on the proper diet for health and weight loss. I lost 34 lbs on a doctor supervised low carb diet and started to feel GREAT. 40-50 carbs a day is the target, striving for 15 carbs per meal. Remember carbs are sugars---watch out of "hidden" sugars in the foods you eat.....take # of carbs and divide by 5 and that is the amount of teaspoons of sugar in that food. Beware of marketing ploys--many foods are marketed as "healthy" when in fact they are loaded with sugar and have virtually no nutritional value.

    Another tip--your protien intake in grams should be your weight divided by 2 (140 lbs / 2=70 grams a day)

    all diets work for weight loss in the same manner, a caloric deficit, there is nothing magical about low carb diets for weight loss

    and your minimum daily protein intake should likely be a bit higher as the equation you listed is roughly 1g per kg of bw
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    I try to get my protein (0.5-0.75g of protein per pound of BW), my fats (No less than 20g) and the rest is carbs. Typically that puts me around 160-200g per day.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    I am a low carber--3.5 years ago I went to a Bariatric Doctor and was educated on the proper diet for health and weight loss. I lost 34 lbs on a doctor supervised low carb diet and started to feel GREAT. 40-50 carbs a day is the target, striving for 15 carbs per meal. Remember carbs are sugars---watch out of "hidden" sugars in the foods you eat.....take # of carbs and divide by 5 and that is the amount of teaspoons of sugar in that food. Beware of marketing ploys--many foods are marketed as "healthy" when in fact they are loaded with sugar and have virtually no nutritional value.

    Another tip--your protien intake in grams should be your weight divided by 2 (140 lbs / 2=70 grams a day)

    1. Sugar doesn't matter. Sugar is carbs. Track your food intake. Period.
    2. Your protein intake equation is flawed, especially for people interesting in fitness, bodybuilding, athletes or anyone that is trying to burn fat while retaining lean mass.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I am a low carber--3.5 years ago I went to a Bariatric Doctor and was educated on the proper diet for health and weight loss. I lost 34 lbs on a doctor supervised low carb diet and started to feel GREAT. 40-50 carbs a day is the target, striving for 15 carbs per meal. Remember carbs are sugars---watch out of "hidden" sugars in the foods you eat.....take # of carbs and divide by 5 and that is the amount of teaspoons of sugar in that food. Beware of marketing ploys--many foods are marketed as "healthy" when in fact they are loaded with sugar and have virtually no nutritional value.

    Another tip--your protien intake in grams should be your weight divided by 2 (140 lbs / 2=70 grams a day)

    I disagree as a general practice. It may work for some people in some situations, but I don't think low carb low protein is a healthy "diet" option.
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    I am a low carber--3.5 years ago I went to a Bariatric Doctor and was educated on the proper diet for health and weight loss. I lost 34 lbs on a doctor supervised low carb diet and started to feel GREAT. 40-50 carbs a day is the target, striving for 15 carbs per meal. Remember carbs are sugars---watch out of "hidden" sugars in the foods you eat.....take # of carbs and divide by 5 and that is the amount of teaspoons of sugar in that food. Beware of marketing ploys--many foods are marketed as "healthy" when in fact they are loaded with sugar and have virtually no nutritional value.

    Another tip--your protien intake in grams should be your weight divided by 2 (140 lbs / 2=70 grams a day)
    BloodsportAAAAAAA.gif
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    joejccva71, MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal,

    I know the questions here are generally pointed just to adults. As I do have young children in the house, any insight for 3 and 5 year olds what kind of macro needs they have? They are both very trim and active - weight control is not an issue, but teaching them healthy life-long habits are important. I don't have much trust in the pediatrician since they suggested adding very high sugar liquids to their diets to help them put on weight - they are not underweight and have been consistent on their growth chart. There isn't any need for them to gain, but definetly, I don't want their weight percentage to go down.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    joejccva71, MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal,

    I know the questions here are generally pointed just to adults. As I do have young children in the house, any insight for 3 and 5 year olds what kind of macro needs they have? They are both very trim and active - weight control is not an issue, but teaching them healthy life-long habits are important. I don't have much trust in the pediatrician since they suggested adding very high sugar liquids to their diets to help them put on weight - they are not underweight and have been consistent on their growth chart. There isn't any need for them to gain, but definetly, I don't want their weight percentage to go down.

    3 and 5 year old kids don't need to have their macros managed. They need a well balanced diet with lots of milk, fruits, vegetables, and lots of love.
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    joejccva71, MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal,

    I know the questions here are generally pointed just to adults. As I do have young children in the house, any insight for 3 and 5 year olds what kind of macro needs they have?

    My answer is assumption here, please take that into consideration and perhaps consider consulting a different pediatrician for a more medically related answer.

    I would not consider tracking macros for kids that age, even if you are doing it and they aren't. I would follow a general intuitive sense of "health" by feeding them lots of fruits/veggies/meats and don't give them cheetos for breakfast like my brother does to his kids.

    And speaking strictly as a parent, I would also give them sugary treats in moderation.
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    Completely agree joe.

    I learned last year in one of my nutrition courses that kids do need a slightly higher protein intake.

    They also should not be getting a large amount of fiber. Fiber can cause children to under eat because they get full much more quickly then adults
  • PBJunky
    PBJunky Posts: 737 Member
    joejccva71, MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal,

    I know the questions here are generally pointed just to adults. As I do have young children in the house, any insight for 3 and 5 year olds what kind of macro needs they have? They are both very trim and active - weight control is not an issue, but teaching them healthy life-long habits are important. I don't have much trust in the pediatrician since they suggested adding very high sugar liquids to their diets to help them put on weight - they are not underweight and have been consistent on their growth chart. There isn't any need for them to gain, but definetly, I don't want their weight percentage to go down.

    3 and 5 year old kids don't need to have their macros managed. They need a well balanced diet with lots of milk, fruits, vegetables, and lots of love.

    Perfectly said Joe!
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    joejccva71, MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal,

    I know the questions here are generally pointed just to adults. As I do have young children in the house, any insight for 3 and 5 year olds what kind of macro needs they have? They are both very trim and active - weight control is not an issue, but teaching them healthy life-long habits are important. I don't have much trust in the pediatrician since they suggested adding very high sugar liquids to their diets to help them put on weight - they are not underweight and have been consistent on their growth chart. There isn't any need for them to gain, but definetly, I don't want their weight percentage to go down.

    3 and 5 year old kids don't need to have their macros managed. They need a well balanced diet with lots of milk, fruits, vegetables, and lots of love.

    This, + exercise. A decent well balanced diet and something resembling a limit on tv/video game time works wonders.
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    joejccva71, MrsCon40, PBJunky, Acg, Sidesteal,

    I know the questions here are generally pointed just to adults. As I do have young children in the house, any insight for 3 and 5 year olds what kind of macro needs they have? They are both very trim and active - weight control is not an issue, but teaching them healthy life-long habits are important. I don't have much trust in the pediatrician since they suggested adding very high sugar liquids to their diets to help them put on weight - they are not underweight and have been consistent on their growth chart. There isn't any need for them to gain, but definetly, I don't want their weight percentage to go down.

    Kids are a whole different animal.

    Generally speaking, kids need about the same amount of protein (0.5g per pound of bw), a little more fat (~30-35%), and the rest from carbs.

    For the average kid under 10 a couple glasses of 2% milk and a decent piece of meat and handful of peanuts each day should cover most of the protein and fats needed. Fill in the rest with veggies, fruits and whole grains.
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member

    3 and 5 year old kids don't need to have their macros managed. They need a well balanced diet with lots of milk, fruits, vegetables, and lots of love.

    They do get this - and no cheetos for breakfast. Sometimes they get air popped popcorn with almonds and dried fruit for breakfast, but no cheetos.
  • PBJunky
    PBJunky Posts: 737 Member
    As long as you don't force your kids to look like this

    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsmzHFiZVrWKEQObY1ZWsMrzK1ddm7znoJZqOVUji2YFzEJJtmOA
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    As long as you don't force your kids to look like this

    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsmzHFiZVrWKEQObY1ZWsMrzK1ddm7znoJZqOVUji2YFzEJJtmOA

    Haven't done any weight training with them... They have tried push ups though, and that is pretty entertaining!
  • NPAdamsPope
    NPAdamsPope Posts: 9
    Using my current weight (163) to lose weight (1 lb a week) I should only eat 1200 calories. It just ain't gonna happen and that is why I use a lower carb approach. My calorie intake is not bad (about 1700 calories a day plus or minus) but it is not low enough to lose weight. The lower carb gets me there, if I'm good about it. So low carb does not really equal lower calorie, particularly if I decided I wanted to eat a ribeye for every meal. Of course I don't do that. I eat plenty of vegetables as well. Sometimes my protein is lean and lower calorie, other times it is not by any stretch of the imagination.
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