That depends quite a bit on trial and error - learning what works for you. For instance, I figured out that I can stick to a calorie goal without being hungry by getting about 40% carb, 40% protein, and 20% fat. This is the ratio that makes me feel the best, personally - but this took some trial and error to figure out. Obviously, someone on a low-carb plan would approach this whole ratio differently. I would eat for a couple of days that meet your goal (for me, that would be eating a couple days at 1200-1500 calories), then see which days you felt most satisfied and look at the ratios for those days.
Sorry I can't be more precise, but what works for each of us depends on so many personal factors!
"The United States Department of Agriculture suggests that approximately 50% of your calories come from carbohydrates, about 30% from fats, and approximately 20% from protein sources. 1 gram of protein has about 4 calories, 1 gram of fat has about 9 calories, and 1 gram of carbohydrate has about 4 calories."
"The United States Department of Agriculture suggests that approximately 50% of your calories come from carbohydrates, about 30% from fats, and approximately 20% from protein sources. 1 gram of protein has about 4 calories, 1 gram of fat has about 9 calories, and 1 gram of carbohydrate has about 4 calories."
Sorry Angel, but as long as the USDA lumps all proteins together (animal with plant), and all fats together (healthy or less healthy) I will take their advice with a grain of salt. Also, the USDA has a compromised agenda (INMHO). It's like the fox guarding the hen house.
My problem with government or health group recommendations is that they are for 'average' people. If we wish to be slender and muscular, I'm not syre averages are for us.
My problem with government or health group recommendations is that they are for 'average' people. If we wish to be slender and muscular, I'm not syre averages are for us.
That too... their recommendations also do not take into account the enormous variety of foods the world's people eat. It is a bit more stereotypical of an "average" American fare.
HEy!!! I got your solution! I signed up for spark people. with a com after it. (It gets edited out if I put the website??) It gives you a ratio of protien, fat, calories, and carbs that based on your weight, age, etc, how much you should have per day to lose weight. you can also adjkust these as you see fit. I like this site much better than fitday- the food "adding" for your daily meals seems to be much easier and I can do it much faster- which is great!
check it out and let me know how you like it?
WOW, the site is awsome. I can't believe it is free. I signed up, but I think I will keep using fitday for the time being. I have a lot of foods that I eat on a regular basis (custom foods) entered in. Maybe one day when I get motivated enough, Ill transfer all the info.
HEy!!! I got your solution! I signed up for spark people. with a com after it. (It gets edited out if I put the website??)
Just so you know, the reason it gets edited out is that they have weight loss and fitness forums as well, so that ite is considered a competitor, and advertising or posting links to competitor sites is against 3FC's forum rules.
Oh, and as for the question at hand, it depends on your personal goals, too. I mean, it is possible to lose weight eating nothing but bread all day long as long as you keep track of calories. If your main goal is just to lose weight, then the ratios don't particularly matter (assuming you're not just scooping lard directly out of a bucket for lunch). If you're trying to be completely heart healthy, recommended amount of fat is 30% or less (limiting saturated fats as much as possible, and eliminating trans fats if you can). If you're trying to build muscle, you may need a bit more protein than those who aren't. If you ind yourself feeling hungry at your calorie amount, try increasing protein and/or fiber, or even fat. So yeah, unfortunately, the answer is--"whatever works best for you!"
Even worse, they bombarded us with spam last fall. It was outrageous -- multiple new users signing up just to tell us about this wonderful site that they discovered. That sort of behavior does NOT sit well with the sisters!!
% of fat, carbs, protein??????/
That sort of behavior does NOT sit well with the sisters!! 
