Group: Specific Diets & Nutrition

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 104, Messages: 22775

With so many diets and nutritional plans out there, you can get lost. Find out what works best for others and share your experiences!

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How many carbs should I get?

hartsoup
hartsoup
Posts: 51
Joined: 2003/03/13
Canada
2003/03/23, 03:37 AM
My FT nutritional goal is to get 400 grams of carbs a day... I'm trying to lose fat by cutting carbs and just going for high protein. Is 400 still a good amount? Would it be bad if I went for like 100-200 grams of carbs a day?
what are the drawbacks and benefits of high/low carbs? Thanks!
ebabe1026
ebabe1026
Posts: 165
Joined: 2003/03/10
United States
2003/03/23, 07:27 AM
When you think of "carbs" don't limit yourself to the standard white carb world of pasta, bread, etc., Go for complex carbs. There's a listing of such to choose from under "related articles" on this site.

You should be fine as long as you're balancing your meals with carbs/protein intake.

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You only get ONE body, take care of it and it'll take care of YOU!
ebabe1026
ebabe1026
Posts: 165
Joined: 2003/03/10
United States
2003/03/23, 07:29 AM
Hart...thought I'd save you the step of searching for info:

Simple carbohydrates: or simple sugars, include glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose, sucrose, and lactose. These sugars are easily broken down by the body and quickly assimilated. They spike insulin levels, which can cause a high fluctuation in blood sugar and energy levels, making you feel sluggish when your blood sugar plummets. They are also easily converted into fat for storage.

Complex carbohydrates: are many simple sugars connected together. They are ultimately broken down into the same byproduct as simple sugars, glycogen, but it takes a much longer time and more energy for your body to assimilate these carbohydrates. This allows you to feel more full for a longer period of time and releases insulin into the system at a more constant, even rate. In return, you will have more even blood sugar and energy levels and will probably be able to avoid food cravings. Simple carbohydrates include sweets, cakes, cookies, dairy products, fruits, and soft drinks. Complex carbohydrates include vegetables, oatmeal, grains, beans, potatoes, and rice. Alright folks, hope that answers most if not all questions about simple and complex carbohydrates!

*thank god for "copy, cut-n-paste!" :)

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You only get ONE body, take care of it and it'll take care of YOU!
Carivan
Carivan
Posts: 8,542
Joined: 2002/01/20
Canada
2003/03/23, 01:04 PM
Nice post ebabe. Just to let you know though(hartsoup), the nutrition counter on here is a little out of whack. You might want to cut back on the crabs to the numbers you were mentioning, especially if you want to lean out. Just keep the protein up, and the fat at about 30% of your total calories.

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Peace on earth

Ivan Montreal Canada
arturo03
arturo03
Posts: 137
Joined: 2003/02/11
United States
2003/03/26, 04:11 PM
yeah protein up fat down and just the right amount of carbs.

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