Question about carbs and fat - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Michie · 09-12-2009, 08:12 PM

So I'm been working to keep my protein UP, water UP, carbs DOWN, and fat DOWN. I've been tracking my food on The Daily Plate to make sure I'm on the right track each day. So here's my question...

I know there are good carbs/bad carbs and good fat/bad fat. How do I account for this. I mean, I eat things like beans and nuts which make my carbs and fat totals sky rocket which makes me panic a little. I guess I need to know what's OK and what's not.

poet_kelly · 09-12-2009, 08:22 PM

I'm not really familiar with Daily Plate, but I'm guessing when they total your carbs and fats they don't differentiate between good and bad, huh? I just wouldn't focus on their number for carbs and fats, then. Just know that you're avoiding the "bad" ones. I try to limit starchy carbs like bread and crackers and stuff, but I don't worry about beans and veggies and stuff at all. I pretty much eat as much of those things as I want to. I do limit fats, even the good ones, because they are still not good for you in large quantities. But we actually need a little of them in our diet to be healthy.

Kelly

Corrine · 09-12-2009, 08:28 PM

I don't eat meat (fish occasionally) and get a lot of my protein from beans etc. I also eat a lot of ff yogurt/cottage cheese, fruit and vegetables.

Because of the beans, yogurt and cottage cheese (and veg and fruit), my carbs tend to be on the higher than normal side but as none of them come from bread, pasta, rice, crackers etc., that's fine - I don't worry about it all all.

This is an excellent calculator for giving you an indication of the ratio of carbs/protein/fat: Carb, Protein, Fat Calorie Calculator

It'll even work out how many grams of of protein/carbs/fat you should aim for per meal.

Personally, I like to keep my fat on the low side - around 18-20% normally. That's mostly because I've had an issue with fat since having my gallbladder out last year.

I more or less follow the "Moderate II" plan - I just ease up on the fat a touch.

For what it's worth, fitday.com will work out the percentages for you.

Michie · 09-12-2009, 08:30 PM

No, they just show total carbs and total fat. I don't eat bread or rice. I do have some Trader Joe's Multigrain Crackers every once in a while with cheese, but just a fraction of a serving. I stopped eating oatmeal and granola (used to put it in my greek yogurt) beacuse of the carbs. Should I worry about that??
I'm so confused!

poet_kelly · 09-12-2009, 08:34 PM

Should you worry about what? Putting granola in your yogurt? Personally, I don't a little granola in your yogurt would be a problem if you like it. I just wouldn't eat a ton of it. And I don't think a few crackers once in a while are going to be a problem. Just don't eat half a box in one sitting.

Kelly

Michie · 09-12-2009, 08:34 PM

Corrine,
The Daily Plate shows my percentages for protein, carbs, and fat. My fat tends to be in the 20% range, and carbs and protein anywhere 35-45% each. I try to keep my protein the highest. What I'm worried about is beans , fruit, and nuts and such really throw me off.

DPaul · 09-12-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michie

Corrine,
The Daily Plate shows my percentages for protein, carbs, and fat. My fat tends to be in the 20% range, and carbs and protein anywhere 35-45% each. I try to keep my protein the highest. What I'm worried about is beans , fruit, and nuts and such really throw me off.

That's about what I try to do also, about 40% each from carbs and protein and 20% from fat (15-30% on a dialy basis).

Josephine · 09-13-2009, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michie

Corrine,
The Daily Plate shows my percentages for protein, carbs, and fat. My fat tends to be in the 20% range, and carbs and protein anywhere 35-45% each. I try to keep my protein the highest. What I'm worried about is beans , fruit, and nuts and such really throw me off.

I wouldn't stop eating healthy things like beans, fruit, and nuts just because someone once upon a time decided that we shouldn't get more than 30% of our daily intake from carbs.

Native2u · 09-13-2009, 06:58 AM

Michie...

My doctor told me (cause I was concerned about carbs also), that we "may" only absorb 1/2 of the carbs that you are putting into your mouth daily....but that most of the time it's LESS than half. He told me not to worry and that if I want granola (which I love) on my yogurt...eat it!! I do eat crackers, but VERY rarely, only when I have a craving for them...and then it's only 2, maybe 2. I do eat a lot of cheese and seafood (shrimp loves my pouch and I love shrimp....instant protein for me). I also use Chike Protein drinks, which is a meal replacement protein drink. I ONLY mix it with water. My doctor also told us NOT to deprive our bodies of something that we are craving....within reason, of course. I'm not saying if you are craving ice cream to go and eat it.....instead, have a Popsicle. Also, I do eat Subway on occasion and I order the "kids meal", when I get the ham & cheese sandwich, I take off the biggest piece of bread and eat the meat,cheese, and veggies...but that is all and most of the time, I don't even eat the bread....I take it all off and make a roll of it.

I hope this helps.

Michie · 09-14-2009, 01:36 PM

I guess I've just gotten carb-phobic. That's funny, because I used to be carb-addicted!
I'll try not to stress over the carbs in fruit and beans, or the fat in nuts, and continue to eat those in healthy moderation.