[skm0005]

I am calorie counting, and I am staying in the 1200-1400 range. Any idea what my % of carbs/protein/fats should be? I lost 4 lbs my first week, but all three were approx the same. I would think fats should be lower, but how low? The carbs I am eating are not junk food, so I'm ok with that. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks! Sandy

[lorilove]

The only specific recommendation by the FDA is that Fat should be less than 30% of your total calories and less than 1/3 of those calories should be Saturated Fats.

You will find most members here stay 30% or less (I personally aim for 25%).

When it comes to Protein vs. Carbs there is much more variation. Unless you are doing some serious strength training, there is no reason to be more than 40% Protein. You will likely see recommendations in the range of 20-40%. I personally stay closer to the low end of the range (20%) but there are equally successful members that stay closer to the high end of the range. This is something you will want to personalize for yourself.

The remainder of course is Carbs.

So for me that equates to 25% Fat, 20% Protein and 55% Carbs.

Lori

[baffled111]

As Lori said, this is a highly individual choice. I try to hit around 40-50% carbs, 30% protein, 25-30% fat. I like this breakdown because it seems to come naturally with healthy, well-balanced eating. Dramatically minimizing carbs or fat leads to artificial and unsustainable food plans, at least for me. I like balance.

[chick_in_the_hat]

My ratio's look pretty much like baffled's, 40/30/30 c/p/f. Most people fit into this metabolic type - but some people actually do funtion better on low carb. Try playing with 50/20/30 or therabouts and see if you feel good with that. if you are doing weight training you might want to up the protein a bit.

[skm0005]

Thanks Lori and baffled111! I appreciate your help. I just checked my % and in 6 days I had 3 days over 30% and 3 with 20% or less. It's the damn cheese. I love it so... BUT, "aint" no room for it now. I still lost 4 lbs so, I'll keep tweaking and see how it goes. I was so concerned about the carbs. I have been trying to have higher protein, cause I thought that was better. Go figure.
I will keep doing my research, and will check frequently. Thanks again for your posts. And congrats to both of you for stellar weight loss. Keep it up!
Sandy
P.S.- you too chick in the hat