it gets on my nerves lol, but its *the* way for me. Anyways.. I have been using fit day and I have noticed that 45-50% of my calories come from carbs, and I was like *gasp* I eat too many carbs.. and then I found this article, which made me feel just peachy so I thought I would share for those who didnt know this already....

"Atkins supporters would say that you don't need to worry about the calories you eat — as long as they don't come from carbs. Dietitians and other weight-loss experts know the truth: calories in equal calories out. In other words, if you eat more calories than your body uses, they will be stored as fat.
It's true that different energy sources have varying amounts of calories. Here's the breakdown:

1 gram of carbohydrates equals four calories
1 gram of protein equals four calories
1 gram of fat equals nine calories
1 gram of alcohol equals seven calories

Though carbs and protein are only half as caloric as fat, you can't eat them with wild abandon. The best plan is to eat a healthy mix of all three energy sources. Approximately 45-60 percent of calories should come from carbohydrates, 15-20 percent should be protein and the remaining 25 to 35 percent can come from fat (mostly from monounsaturated sources).

One way to keep track of the calories you eat is by keeping a food diary. Most dietitians recommend a food and activity diary as the first step toward getting a handle on how many calories you consume. Try keeping track of what you eat, drink and how you exercise for at least three days, including a weekend day. Be completely honest and write down the cookie you shared with a friend or the leftover PB&J sandwich you finished from your son's plate. You'll be surprised when you start to see the "hidden" sources of calories that you're eating."

Gret stuff! Thanks for sharing.. and good luck with the remaining 18 pounds! Wow -- what an accomplishment thus far! Way to go!!!

Ready to shed.

thanks for the info. That is just what I have been looking for!
I am new to this and there is so much info. It boggles my brain.

I have wondered too... how do you know how the 3 main groups should be broken up. Now I feel like I have not been doing so bad.

thanks,

Theresa

Not a problem, I thought I was doing bad with the carbs, even though they are complex carbs I was like my lord what the **** lol.. its like EVERYTHING is loaded with carbs that I like.. oatmeal, and apples.. blah I could NEVER do low carb..

Ready,
Your success is inspirational! I am just trying to hang on to get under 200 pounds for the first time in 19 years. Congratulations! People like you give me the hope I am searching for!

Hey LookingforHope!

You came to the right place to look for hope!!

on 6 pounds gone!

Ready,
Congratulations on your success!

I'd be really hesitant to tell everyone that this is the best plan for everybody. While still eating a healthy mix of all three energy sources, different bodies and activities require different forms of energy sources. 35% fat is generally considered too high- even if the source is healthy fats and oils. People who do a lot of weight training probably should up their protein intake beyond 15-20% and drop the carbs accordingly. People who do a lot of distance cardio need the carbs. There really is no "one plan fits all" even in the calorie counting world.

Mel

huh...who woulda guessed I follow that particular experts recommendations. I agree wtih Mel though, I think there are so many "EXPERT" and not one best way

I believe in find what ever combination lets you meet your calorie goals the best and not feel hungry. For me that HAPPENS to be ~ 45C/33F/22P----for now.. I am sure when I stop nursing I will rearrange everything.