Which Nutrients To Track?

Jordant107
Jordant107 Posts: 218 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Which 6 nutrients are the best to track............?? Is there much point tracking sugar if carbs are being tracked (sugar is a part of carbs)??

Replies

  • myak623
    myak623 Posts: 615 Member
    Carbs/Fats/Protein is all that is really necessary for the average person. And, no, there is no reason to track sugar unless you have an underlying medical condition that would warrant tracking it.
  • bilzprincess
    bilzprincess Posts: 107 Member
    I like to track sodium and potassium. But I imagine it's all a personal preference. Left to my own devices I eat sodium in the 3000 or worse range, so I like to keep an eye out.
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    IMO, Protein, carbs, fats. Beyond that sodium if you want, sugar if necessary, and fiber.
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    Which 6 nutrients are the best to track............?? Is there much point tracking sugar if carbs are being tracked (sugar is a part of carbs)??

    Calories (obviously), carbs, protein, fat, sodium, and fiber.
  • babycook
    babycook Posts: 172 Member
    I track sugar and fiber. I keep my sugars low and my fiber high. It's just personal preference though what you track.
  • Jordant107
    Jordant107 Posts: 218 Member
    Which 6 nutrients are the best to track............?? Is there much point tracking sugar if carbs are being tracked (sugar is a part of carbs)??

    Calories (obviously), carbs, protein, fat, sodium, and fiber.
    That's what I've just started to track. I was just hoping to see what everyone else thought.
  • amurph25
    amurph25 Posts: 41 Member
    Right now I track calories, carbs, fat, protein, fiber, and calcium. My doctor told me I she didn't think I was getting enough calcium though, so that's the only reason I track that! I like to switch my fiber column up every few weeks though. Once I start learning foods that fit within whatever section it is that week, I switch it up to make sure other things are in track!
  • Jordant107
    Jordant107 Posts: 218 Member
    I like to track sodium and potassium. But I imagine it's all a personal preference. Left to my own devices I eat sodium in the 3000 or worse range, so I like to keep an eye out.
    Yeah I find the same when it comes to sodium!! What does too much potassium do?? I've never tracked it??
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    You only have to worry about potassium f you have a heart condition, kidney problems, take diuretics or any other medication that may affect your potassium levels, of if you have another medical condition that produces an increase or decrease of potassium and your doctor is concern about it.

    If you over exercise and sweat a lot you may lose potassium too, but hydration will resolve the problem.
  • bilzprincess
    bilzprincess Posts: 107 Member
    Too much isn't the prob. Plenty of potassium is my goal. It keeps me on track with fresh fruits, veggies, and legumes.
  • bilzprincess
    bilzprincess Posts: 107 Member
    I like that idea for when I've built a good habit in one area to start switching up the categories. I may try that.
  • wftiger
    wftiger Posts: 1,283 Member
    Carbs/Fats/Protein is all that is really necessary for the average person. And, no, there is no reason to track sugar unless you have an underlying medical condition that would warrant tracking it.

    Carbs would not be the true picture without Fiber. Fiber is insoluble so you do not digest it. True carb count (Net Carbs) is total subtract Fiber. That is what you should be tracking.

    Add sodium and fats. Fats are good as long as they aren't too heavy in the Saturated area (and stay away from Trans altogether).

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