Calories or carbs?

[flying_babyb]

Ok what do you do? Calories or carbs? Im new to dieting and am confused. Al

 

[MelanieC]

I do calories - carbs are a necessary macronutrient. Its all about balance. I eat healthy clean whole natural foods, so the carbs I eat are good carbs.

 

[lil mermaid]

I do calories - carbs are a necessary macronutrient. Its all about balance. I eat healthy clean whole natural foods, so the carbs I eat are good carbs.

I second this. Eat clean, and you don't have to worry about the carbs.

 

[JMD]

I second this. Eat clean, and you don't have to worry about the carbs.

You still have to worry about carbs. Everything works together, calories, meal timing, macro balance, etc.

My calories content is usually divided up 40/30/30, protein/carbs/fats. So, as I adjust my total caloric intake, I adjust it within that framework. There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to dieting, but through trial and error, I've found this works best for me.

 

[lisaviolet]

You still have to worry about carbs. Everything works together, calories, meal timing, macro balance, etc.

My calories content is usually divided up 40/30/30, protein/carbs/fats. So, as I adjust my total caloric intake, I adjust it within that framework. There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to dieting, but through trial and error, I've found this works best for me.

I absolutely disagree with "you still have to". OP I give no thoughts or worries to carbs or calories at all. If you want to - obviously many success stories such as above. Many ways to go. Many success stories. My way isn't everyone's way to go. I simply just want to highlight that it can be done without counting a thing.


OP I've lost at least 78 pounds, at least is because 78 is all I can document because I was off scale for years, by just eating. I eat everything. I just strive to eat consciously. And that was the difference for me. Bad habits and emotional, unconscious eating made me overweight. (And not enough exercise)

Also, I exercise regularly.

 

[TennisGirl80]

Personally, I count calories ( points actually on Weight Watchers) but I try to lessen my carbs as well - or at least the really bad carbs like white bread and such. Thats what I do, and I'm about to hit 75 pounds lost!!!

 

[rluey29]

I count calories also and I eat what I want just as long as I keep my calories below my set number. Have lost 22 pounds in just over a month. I have 100 calorie chocolate cupcakes for a treat daily.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

You still have to worry about carbs. Everything works together, calories, meal timing, macro balance, etc.

My calories content is usually divided up 40/30/30, protein/carbs/fats. So, as I adjust my total caloric intake, I adjust it within that framework. There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to dieting, but through trial and error, I've found this works best for me.

Our news channels here just aired that the basic rule of eating is calories in must be less than calories out in order to effect weight loss.

That has always been my rule. I've also had opportunities to talk with some body builders and they say they follow the division of proteins/carbs/fats similar to what is mentioned above. This I was explained should be for every meal. You always want the protein/carb...relation. It is something about how the body needs to absorb the nutrients for fuel.

You want to find what will work for you so you can make healthy eating choices. Experiment.

Try to not think of the "D" word. Think fueling your body and healthy choices.

Good luck with finding what works for you. You can do it!

Let us know what you decide and how you are doing.

 

[janni518]

I do both but I have some special dietary issues. Also it's not all carbs that concern me it's those with a high glycemic index.

 

[flying_babyb]

high glycemic index? are those considered bad carbs? if so how would one find out which carbs are high glycemic index carbs?

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

You can go to glycemicindex.com to check.

Not all react the same to foods that is why you need to look for the way that works for you. Basically the composition in the carbohydrate will affect how the body’s sugar levels react. You want something that will last longer rather than the "sugar high" that you may have heard about. That gets you a fast fix but also drops quickly and leaves you hungry quicker. For example, white bread will rate high on the glycemic index whereas wholegrain or rye bread will be rate lower on the glycemic index as it contains more grains and contains complex carbohydrates. Examples of low glycemic foods are breakfast cereals (which are based on wheat bran, barley and oats), wholegrain break, fruit, lentils, soybeans, baked beans etc. Examples of high glycemic foods are white bread, soft drinks, full fat ice-cream, chocolate bars etc.

 

[JMD]

Our news channels here just aired that the basic rule of eating is calories in must be less than calories out in order to effect weight loss.

That is true. If you eat less calories than you burn, you will lose weight. I tell people all the time, that they could lose weight eating potato chips, and long as they are eating less than they are burning.

But the main focus should be losing bodyfat and not just losing weight. I see people all the time that lose alot of weight, but still look "unfit". They are still pear shaped, just a smaller pear. They haven't changed their body composition.

People with large amounts of weight to lose can certainly do so without weighing their food and counting calories. Sometimes simple changes in diet can have dramatic effects for someone who is severly overweight. But that will only get you so far. At some point, you will have to consider total caloric intake, carb selection and timing, etc. Calories in vs. Calories out is only part of the equation.