Low Carb, Paleo, Atkins, South Beach...which do you follow??

The base carb intake for MFP assumes you're going to be getting a good amount of exercise in which is why it sets it so high.

you know for a fact this is why MFP sets carbs high?

Lots of carbs
I go by the calories
I stay with healthy food, low in fat
Carbs are what give you energy for those workouts!

Not necessarily. My diet is extremely low in carbs, only because breads/rice/pasta/etc (gluten free and non gluten free) upset my stomach, so I just don't eat them. I'm typically around 65g of carbs a day. I have PLENTY of energy for workouts though! I eat tons of protein (my diet is 40% protein/ 30% carbs/ 30% fats) and get my carbs all from fruits and veggies. I feel about a million times better and have more energy sans starches. BUT----that's just me. Everyone's body chemistry is different so you just have to find what works for you specifically.

Bottom line though: it has to be something you can commit to for the rest of your life. If you can't commit, then your weight loss will not be permanent. Everything in moderation and avoid processed foods as much as possible is really the best rule to live by, in my opinion.

Wow, I had to look at this twice to make sure I hadn't written it :-). I am celiac and still don't eat any of the gluten free breads or pastas because while they don't make me sick like gluten does, I still don't feel all that well when I eat them. My ratios are the same as yours (40% protein/30% carbs/30% fats) and my carbs come from veggies and fruits too.

Everybody is different. What works for one person won't work for another. You just have to experiment and find what works best for you. I don't think carbs are bad or evil. I think people eat way too many processed/sugary foods. I don't bash ANY style of eating because there isn't ONE eating style that works for everyone. People have their own reasons for eating the way they do, and it's not up to me to say they're wrong or right. If it works for them then I applaud them.

As long as you base your eating on healthy food choices and minimize the processed foods, you will do great.

In general low carb diets are not really recommended for people who are very active or following rigorous weight loss regimens. Your carb intake should be related to your activity level. They're more or less just band-aids for people who can't or won't exercise to lose weight.

I think you're forgetting people with metabolic disorders, who can and do exercise.

I am on a Ketogenic diet which is the atkins phase 1 without adding the carbs back

I eat 20 gram of carbs a day max and feel this lifestyle change is one I can keep and stick to! I wouldnt suggest this diet to a person who is normal or has no underlining issues like IR or a medbolic problem. My husband can eat 50-100 carbs a day and be just fine... I go over 30 and I start feeling the effects of to much insulin.

In general low carb diets are not really recommended for people who are very active or following rigorous weight loss regimens. Your carb intake should be related to your activity level. They're more or less just band-aids for people who can't or won't exercise to lose weight.

I think you're forgetting people with metabolic disorders, who can and do exercise.

This. I keep my carbs lower, I exercise over 6 hours a week, and play rugby. Band-aids? NONSENSE.

I am trying to stay away from bad processed carbs as much as possible....this has helped me a lot. Lowering my carbs has aided with cutting cravings and helps me lose weight too. Basically I am grocery shopping for food God intended us to eat. If it's something "man-made" then it probably isn't as good for me.... Wheat may be natural but I wouldn't eat it in its natural state ....so whole wheat breads....I put that in the "man-made" category. Of course I'm not super strict and will allow myself bread or cookies or something once in a while but I try to mostly be good. This Did man make it or God make it helps me avoid processed food items. Hope this helps

None of the above. I don't do fad diets. All things in balance.

Hi,
Been looking into all these different lower carb diets and was wondering...which do you follow/recommend and how many carbs are you allowed? Which is the easiest lifestyle change to stick with? Can you have skim milk with any?

None of the above. I eat healthy nutritious foods in sensible portions, stick to my calorie goal, exercise and treat myself daily (reserve 100 to 150 calories for something sweet!). It works for me!

IMAO,

Everything in moderation. Just eat clean, homemade food whenever possible. Personally, Im 35% Carbs, 35% Protein, 30% Fat.

^ this, I am about the same too , I also get my carbs from vegetables and fruit.