[kellost]

Hey Calorie Counters.....

I've been doing the calorie counting thing since last January and it's worked well for me thus far. I'm just wondering how strict you guys are with fat grams or about how many fat grams you aim for per day. I've been a little lenient on fat grams this whole time. Don't get me wrong, I'm eating a low-fat diet, but I don't get as hung up on the fat, especially fat from Olive Oil, avocados, etc. Now that I'm nearing my goal, I'm trying to settle in to a routine of fat and calories that I can really stick to for life. I've recently added nuts as a snack for myself, and although they are a healthy fat, they do have a decent amount of fat.

Typically I eat between 1200-1500 calories per day, it varies depending on my hunger or my tendency to snack in the afternoons/evenings. I'm not sure what my maintenance calories will be (haven't quite made it to goal yet). My question is fat grams for both weight loss and maintenance for any of you who might be able to help.

Thanks so much!!!!!

[lorilove]

My target calories is 1500-1600 per day. I keep my total fat to 25% or less of my calories. This is consistent with FDA recommendations (less than 30%) and is very easy for me to stick with. It also allows me the occasional treat such as Peanut Butter.

[KDuffer]

I never paid attention to macro % while I was losing--so long as I stayed within my calorie count, I lost weight. Now that I'm maintaining, however, I find that limiting carbs to less than 100g per day makes me feel best and makes maintenance easier. I never paid attention to fat though and in fact don't eat any specifically low fat foods (i.e., I drink whole milk and dairy products rather than low fat ones).

[JulieJ08]

I think I first make sure I'm getting enough (lots) of veggies, moderate protein, and some fruits and a little grain - then, I don't worry about the fat if I'm maintaining. I think my fat is often between 30-40% of calories. I'm probably more concerned with making sure I always get some fats from olive oil, nuts and/or avocado every day.

[benchmarkman]

Its calorie counting so I ignore fat grams. A calorie is a caloire is a calorie. If you are going to continue calorie counting then just look at the calorie number.

[mayness]

I seem to lose just a little faster when I force myself to eat MORE fat (from healthy sources, of course)... but I find it hard to keep up long term, and my digestive system isn't always so happy about it, so I don't usually worry about fat. If I'm eating how I naturally like to eat, I'll take in between 15-25% of my calories from fat.