How many grams of carbs is TOO much?
dreeminbig
Posts: 8
Hi all! Happy holidays :happy: :happy:
I've been having troubles with carbs lately. This may be worded weird, but I'll try my best to make it as simple as I can :laugh:
It's always either these two scenarios: 1) I eat just enough calories, but go past 180-200, sometimes more than 200, grams of carbs. 2) I don't get enough calories (below 1200) and get around 100-150 grams of carbs. I'm kind of stuck here. My carbs come from things like whole wheat english muffins, fruits, vegetables, frozen green peas, whole wheat bread, granola bars, kettle corn. I absolutely love oranges but according to MFP they have 19 grams of carbs! Obviously all of these numbers stack up, and it's getting me pretty stressed. I have been researching and everywhere I read it says "too many carbs make you gain weight" so I'm very worried about this. Also it seems as if no one else is having this problem - I feel like the odd one out!
Any help here?
I've been having troubles with carbs lately. This may be worded weird, but I'll try my best to make it as simple as I can :laugh:
It's always either these two scenarios: 1) I eat just enough calories, but go past 180-200, sometimes more than 200, grams of carbs. 2) I don't get enough calories (below 1200) and get around 100-150 grams of carbs. I'm kind of stuck here. My carbs come from things like whole wheat english muffins, fruits, vegetables, frozen green peas, whole wheat bread, granola bars, kettle corn. I absolutely love oranges but according to MFP they have 19 grams of carbs! Obviously all of these numbers stack up, and it's getting me pretty stressed. I have been researching and everywhere I read it says "too many carbs make you gain weight" so I'm very worried about this. Also it seems as if no one else is having this problem - I feel like the odd one out!
Any help here?
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Replies
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Well, it's a difficult question to answer. Sure, lots of carbs may make you gain weight but it has to do more with the type of carbs you are putting in your body (simple, complex). Your daily activity level is important as well. You can have tons of carbs and workout like an animal and not gain weight. Our body does need a significant amount of carbs in order to function/workout. If you can, try and stick with unprocessed or minimally processed carbs.0
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i just found out im prediabetic and my doc sd all carbs turn to sugar. THat is why they put on weight so fast. I limit my carb intake to 180 grams a day. I eat minimal carbs though and i feel full.
The one thing I noticed when i did ww before mfp, is when i would eat healthy granola bars brown rice etc i would gain wt so i just cut them out. i lost 8 lbs after the first week of making that change0 -
Well, it's a difficult question to answer. Sure, lots of carbs may make you gain weight but it has to do more with the type of carbs you are putting in your body (simple, complex). Your daily activity level is important as well. You can have tons of carbs and workout like an animal and not gain weight. Our body does need a significant amount of carbs in order to function/workout. If you can, try and stick with unprocessed or minimally processed carbs.
Exactly - that's why I always remember old friends who were into running talking about how they need pasta and brown rice, things like that, to fuel up for runs. I, myself, am not that active of a person, just the occasional workout, so I don't need as many carbs as I am consuming. I just don't understand how to lower the carb intake but keep my calories in check.0 -
I honestly believe in calorie in vs calorie out and all the other things like breaking down the macros, eating certain types of carbs, and eatinf protein to build muscles just adds stress. I eat whatever I feel like eating, as long as I finish the day with my calorie goal reached. So what I'm saying is pretty much eat all the carbs you want, but don't pass up your total calorie intake goal for the day.0
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Well, it's a difficult question to answer. Sure, lots of carbs may make you gain weight but it has to do more with the type of carbs you are putting in your body (simple, complex). Your daily activity level is important as well. You can have tons of carbs and workout like an animal and not gain weight. Our body does need a significant amount of carbs in order to function/workout. If you can, try and stick with unprocessed or minimally processed carbs.
Exactly - that's why I always remember old friends who were into running talking about how they need pasta and brown rice, things like that, to fuel up for runs. I, myself, am not that active of a person, just the occasional workout, so I don't need as many carbs as I am consuming. I just don't understand how to lower the carb intake but keep my calories in check.
Veggies are a good source of carbs but very low in calories.0 -
Well, it's a difficult question to answer. Sure, lots of carbs may make you gain weight but it has to do more with the type of carbs you are putting in your body (simple, complex). Your daily activity level is important as well. You can have tons of carbs and workout like an animal and not gain weight. Our body does need a significant amount of carbs in order to function/workout. If you can, try and stick with unprocessed or minimally processed carbs.
Exactly - that's why I always remember old friends who were into running talking about how they need pasta and brown rice, things like that, to fuel up for runs. I, myself, am not that active of a person, just the occasional workout, so I don't need as many carbs as I am consuming. I just don't understand how to lower the carb intake but keep my calories in check.
Veggies are a good source of carbs but very low in calories.
Very low in calories. If I snack on veggies all day I don't think I'd reach my calorie goal.0 -
I honestly believe in calorie in vs calorie out and all the other things like breaking down the macros, eating certain types of carbs, and eatinf protein to build muscles just adds stress. I eat whatever I feel like eating, as long as I finish the day with my calorie goal reached. So what I'm saying is pretty much eat all the carbs you want, but don't pass up your total calorie intake goal for the day.
That's what I've been thinking of doing lately. It's just hard to ignore the carb number
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Maybe try imputing just the total numbers of calories you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner instead of breaking it down by the food you eat. That way, you get the total for the calories, and you don't get to see the carb numbers :P0
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Maybe try imputing just the total numbers of calories you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner instead of breaking it down by the food you eat. That way, you get the total for the calories, and you don't get to see the carb numbers :P
Yeah I agree, just start with this method. Stick with it for about a month or two and reevaluate. But you have to be honest with yourself and really give an effort to your eating/exercising, otherwise you will never know whether this or that works. This, i know from experience and I think is shared by many. good luck~0 -
Good idea, I'll give it a try
Thanks guys!0 -
Carbs used to stress me out too. I'm a distance runner, and need carbs for fueling...so I stopped tracking them. I can glance at my diary and know (by how my other macros are stacking up) about how crazy I've been with carbs. I eat mostly "good" carbs and that's really good enough for me. It's not worth the stress of it for me personally!0
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there are many "low/lower carb" options. for example instead of a tortilla shell, Joseph's Lavash wraps.
as for the fruit, I am a low carber and have half an orange each day, or 10 cherries, etc. my carbs are kept low, preferably under 100 a day, sometimes lower. and you are right, often can't get to the 1200 amount that mfp sets, but then again, i am having very little dairy or sodium either.
(if you peek at my diary, keep in mind i have been a little bad lately...last month was waaaay better...0 -
Jillybeanruns- I feel like you have the perfect excuse to ignore carbs - because you're a distance runner. I'm definitely not that
Pu_239- Good point. I'll try to focus on that.
Iamtippicanoe- I completely understand. And don't worry about it, we all have bad times! Lol. What matters is standing up after we fall
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At this point in the game, don't worry about macro nutrients too much (proteins,carbs,fats). Make sure you get enough protein though protein is the building blocks of the body. I don't like this rule of thumb, but it's usually 0.5g-1.0g of protein. It's best to go by LBM(lean body mass) but right now don't worry about that.
If you get enough protein, stay under your caloric goal, if you go over on carbs, or fats, doesn't matter, calories are what matter.
Agree with this.
Carbs don't make you gain weight (processed or unprocessed), excess calories over your TDEE do.
You may need to reassess your cal goal too as 1200 is not a "one number fits all" thing.
http://www.emma-leigh.com/basics_calorie_needs.html0 -
Hi all! Happy holidays :happy: :happy:
I've been having troubles with carbs lately. This may be worded weird, but I'll try my best to make it as simple as I can :laugh:
It's always either these two scenarios: 1) I eat just enough calories, but go past 180-200, sometimes more than 200, grams of carbs. 2) I don't get enough calories (below 1200) and get around 100-150 grams of carbs. I'm kind of stuck here. My carbs come from things like whole wheat english muffins, fruits, vegetables, frozen green peas, whole wheat bread, granola bars, kettle corn. I absolutely love oranges but according to MFP they have 19 grams of carbs! Obviously all of these numbers stack up, and it's getting me pretty stressed. I have been researching and everywhere I read it says "too many carbs make you gain weight" so I'm very worried about this. Also it seems as if no one else is having this problem - I feel like the odd one out!
Any help here?
Try eating less of the granola bars, bread, peas and corn, how is the portion control?0 -
Hi all! Happy holidays :happy: :happy:
I've been having troubles with carbs lately. This may be worded weird, but I'll try my best to make it as simple as I can :laugh:
It's always either these two scenarios: 1) I eat just enough calories, but go past 180-200, sometimes more than 200, grams of carbs. 2) I don't get enough calories (below 1200) and get around 100-150 grams of carbs. I'm kind of stuck here. My carbs come from things like whole wheat english muffins, fruits, vegetables, frozen green peas, whole wheat bread, granola bars, kettle corn. I absolutely love oranges but according to MFP they have 19 grams of carbs! Obviously all of these numbers stack up, and it's getting me pretty stressed. I have been researching and everywhere I read it says "too many carbs make you gain weight" so I'm very worried about this. Also it seems as if no one else is having this problem - I feel like the odd one out!
Any help here?
Try eating less of the granola bars, bread, peas and corn, how is the portion control?0 -
Hi all! Happy holidays :happy: :happy:
I've been having troubles with carbs lately. This may be worded weird, but I'll try my best to make it as simple as I can :laugh:
It's always either these two scenarios: 1) I eat just enough calories, but go past 180-200, sometimes more than 200, grams of carbs. 2) I don't get enough calories (below 1200) and get around 100-150 grams of carbs. I'm kind of stuck here. My carbs come from things like whole wheat english muffins, fruits, vegetables, frozen green peas, whole wheat bread, granola bars, kettle corn. I absolutely love oranges but according to MFP they have 19 grams of carbs! Obviously all of these numbers stack up, and it's getting me pretty stressed. I have been researching and everywhere I read it says "too many carbs make you gain weight" so I'm very worried about this. Also it seems as if no one else is having this problem - I feel like the odd one out!
Any help here?
Try eating less of the granola bars, bread, peas and corn, how is the portion control?
I think I am pretty good with my portion sizes. I don't serve myself on huge plates nor do I serve myself on really small plates - it's just right. Atleast for my stomach and I, because we are both pretty satisfied. :happy:
As for eating less of the things you mentioned, those are the things that really rack up my calorie count.0 -
Chrisdavey, I will take that into consideration!0
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This ^^^^ calories vs. calories out for the most part. Caloric balance controls your body weight. If your talking about body composition then adjustment of your macros is needed.I honestly believe in calorie in vs calorie out and all the other things like breaking down the macros, eating certain types of carbs, and eatinf protein to build muscles just adds stress. I eat whatever I feel like eating, as long as I finish the day with my calorie goal reached. So what I'm saying is pretty much eat all the carbs you want, but don't pass up your total calorie intake goal for the day.0 -
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It just depends entirely on your own particular metabolism and how efficient it is at processing different types of calories. So no one can answer this question for you. For some people, eating 50% of their calories in carbs works fine. For others, that's a recipe for diabetes and an early death. My doc has me at no more than 25 carbs per day (only 5% of my daily calories), 'cause my body just can't handle them. Unless you get your doctor to do some medical tests, all you can do is listen to your body, try different amounts, and decide through trial & error what works best for you.
Biochemically speaking, if you're trying to lose weight, many people find it effective to cut down on their carbs. The body likes to get its energy from carbs, but when carbs aren't available it switches to burning a combination of fat & protein. So for some people, cutting down on the carbs and upping the protein helps them to burn more fat & lose more weight. But again, how well that works will depend on your own individual metabolism.0 -
Jillybeanruns- I feel like you have the perfect excuse to ignore carbs - because you're a distance runner. I'm definitely not that
Well yes. But if you don't want to see the red numbers and want to have some idea of your macro breakdowns, hiding one is a good way to "know" without knowing. Calories in vs out is really what it's all about for weight loss. It's once you start trying to build (and repair) muscle and fuel up right that the macros come into play. I do 50-25-25 and it works for me!0 -
Assuming you do not have any insulin related medical conditions I would answer your topic as follows:
1) If you are still under you calorie goal
AND
2) If your carb consumption doesn't cause you to continually be UNDER on pro/fat
Then you're fine.0 -
complex carbs are good, those sources you're getting it from seem great. and I eat high carbs(originally over 200, now more so 100-200) (long live bread) soooooo :yawn:
at a lost:indifferent: you should be fine0 -
As long as you are getting in protein and fats, I wouldn't worry. Look at the percentages instead of the grams.0
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bump0
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I eat primal so my beliefs are a lot different the the majority of people here, of course. I look to Mark Sisson's website for guidance and according to him for weight loss its best to stay under 100g a day, 150g-200g for maintenance. I can function with under 100g daily and do intense workouts, others may not be able to. If you're extremely active, you may need more carbs. Me personally, I never feel sluggish or anything like that but everyone is different. What works for me may not work for you. I'd say for now to try to obtain your carbs from healthy sources like vegetables and fruits and do your best to moderate carbs from junk food. You could also try eating around 100-150g daily for a little while and see if that helps. If you're sluggish, go up a little until you reach an amount that works for you. Good luck! & Don't stress yourself out too much about it. I'm sure you'll be ok
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Bump0
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hmm.. I don't worry about carbs really.. My carbs mostly come from whole raw fruits and veggies, not starchs or processed foods, so I don't worry about them..
should I be? I feel amazing :~)0 -
well ill tell you what IM doing thats been working out PERFECT for me
use MFP religiously and aim for low sugar fruits like small apples and blue/black berries (only eat 2 oz at a time)
i would suggest when it comes to carbs, everything counts including fruits etc i PERSONALLy suggest that you eat around 100-115 carbs a day MAX on regular days (replace your rice/bread/pasta with vegetables that keep you really full such as broccoli, i also really love peas and carrots and mushrooms....but for the most part i stick with broccoli it keeps me the fullest longer)
HOWEVER, on the days that you DO workout, definitely have some carbs but ONLY before and after a workout, personally before a workout (i do 45 minutes hard interval cardio classes) the perfect meal to eat is 1/2 cup oats and 2 oz blueberries sometimes even add a tbls of peanut butter believe me this will give you the energy for you workout
and then after your workout obviously just have protein (like greek yogurt) with a simple carb such as 1/2 of a banana is perfect
if its a workout day you should def eat like 150 carbs id say is enough! on days you dont wrkout keep it btwn 100-115 carbs max
thats just what works for ME, also if you go low carb keep in mind that you still need calories, so getting them from healthy fats is much better way to go because healthy fats burns fat anyway like peanut butter, walnuts, avocado,
my diet is full of fats and protein with vegetables only as my main source of carbs unless im working out
hopes that help, as for my results, i been seeing amazing results and i actually have tons of energy because i eat a lot of fats to compensate when i go low carb on nonworkout days0
http://youtu.be/_nMnz1XEDj4?hd=1
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