Fat, Protein, Carbs...what should I aim for in percentage?
from my experience it really depends on how your body reacts. i react badly to carbs so i keep them very low (probably 10-20%) and do higher fat and protein. Other people though are the exact opposite and feel like crap eating low carb and feel better doing low fat. I would suggest starting out with a balance of the three of them and monitor how what you are eating effects how you feel and how much you gain or lose. for example, when i eat a carb meal, like a bowl of spaghetti, i want to eat six more and then take a nap. when i eat a protein meal i get full and feel energized. you just need to listen to your body.
thank you jessica. I think more protein is what my body craves most. I will just have to see how it goes.
The recommended benchmarks for a healthy balanced diet are to get 25-30% of your daily calories from fats, 15-25% protein and 50-65% complex carbohydrate. Other pointers for health.... Simple sugars should be <50g per day, fibre >25g, salt should be <6g (or 2400mg sodium) and alcohol should be <2 units a day.
If you exchange sugary, starchy and heavily refined carbohydrates for complex wholegrain/unprocessed carbohydrates you can find the cravings for sugar/starch are much less pronounced because your blood-sugars are more stable. e.g eat wholewheat rather than white pasta. If you add a serving of lean protein to each meal you'll find meals are more satisfying. Adding seve ral portions of vegetables also makes meals more filling. If you eat regularly in a series of small meals and snacks starting with a healthy breakfast you'll also find you struggle less with hunger pangs and sugar cravings.
What about persons who have reflux or GERD? My doctor told me NOT to eat CARBS because it makes the reflux(GERD)WORSE. Today is my first day,I have eaten some carbs and done well. Any suguestions?
If you've got a specific medical condition for which you need a particular diet, your doctor should refer you to a dietician for advice. If you suddenly unilaterally excluded "carbs" that would mean everything from vegetables, and fruit to baked beans and bread..... and you'd risk being quite ill.
If you can't access a dietician this link has some very sensible suggestions on a suitable diet for people with GERD... http://www.healthcastle.com/gerd.shtml
Thanks soooo much for the advice and information. I told the doctor how did he expect me to have a healthy diet since it would consist of basically eating nothing,and he passed it off. I seem to be doing well so far on my diet,doctors are good but they are not god and they don't know our bodys as well as we do. So that is why I am still eating carbs but not just as much. I think a weight loss and not eating before going to bed is helping me. Thanks Again!
