carbohydrates

Bernard

Cathlete
Hi Everyone !

I need advice from the educated crowd, please ! I eat clean as much as possible, I have splurge days too, I follow a low fat way of eating around 40 % fat intake daily. But, I was wondering should someone like me be concerned about carbohydrates, is it a bad idea you fill up on carbs, while trying to lose weight ? Can they in the long run be as fattening as fat grams ? I have always relied on carbs to bulk my diet, such as bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc ? I always thought they would be a good fuel for my cardio workouts ? And they tend to be low in fat, too.

Many thanks
Anna
 
I too had a similar question along those lines and posted it. I also eat clean, but I take in about 20%fats, 50% carbs and 30% protein. I know the ratios are way off and I should consume more protein since I workout with weights 3-4X's per week. I'm slowly starting to see my weight creepup even though I'm at a low body fat%.
 
Anna,

Maybe there's a typo, but 40% of calories from fat is not "low fat". For health reasons, it should be 30% or less. Limit saturated fat (animal fat, hydrogenated products, tropical oils) & emphasize the healthy fats (cold water fish, flax, almonds).

You'll get a lot of diverse advice on carbs but here's my 2 cents. Emphasize nutrient dense vegies & fruits, along w/ whole grains & beans. Watch your portions when it comes to the starchy carbs like pasta & rice.

And yes, carbs are the best fuel for exercise, but you still want to emphasize nutrient dense sources most of the time!

Debra
 
Hi Anna! You should by all means eat your carbs. Their very important for your body to function and for you to have the energy it needs for all the exercising. However, you should try to cut out pasta but do eat brown rice 1-2x a week as well as your potatoes and try to eat a very fibrous bread such as Ezekiel. This bread is very high in fiber grams per slice. Also Fiber One cereal should be placed in your protein shakes and your yogurt. Try to consume at least 30 grams of fiber per day. Try to consume more protein (for example, I weigh 110#'s and take in 110 grams of protein) but I also take in 220 grams of carbs. Do try to keep your fat lower than 40%. I think it should be no more than 30% but I really don't know what your stats are. Eat very clean (no processed foods at all), up your veggies and fruits. Its important to know which veggies and fruits have the most fiber grams. This will take away your cravings for junk food and you'll be hungry. I eat just about every 2 hrs. I consume a lot of food! Hope I helped some. Kathy
 
I think both Debra and Kathy have excellent advice.

Kathy.. I did have to LOL at your post though. So regimented!! "Fiber One should be "placed"..... Of course, I "place" this in my shakes as well, but it just sounds so extreme!! Great advice though!!

Janice
 
I have a GREAT dish that I eat everyday that includes Fiber One. I use a 1/2 c. of cottage cheese, add a dash of vanilla, a couple packets of Spenda, a 1/4 c. of blueberries or whatever fruit you would like, and 1/4 c. of Fiber one. Mix it all together, and it is YUMMY!!!! You can up your portions if you want, that is just what I use. It is very healthy, and delicious!!!!
Lori S.
 

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