What's the proper carb / protien / fat ratio?

First time post for me. Great website, and very informative.

I was wondering what a good balance / percentage of protien, carbs, and fats should be in a given day?

I'm 5' 11", DOWN to 215 from 227 in 4 weeks of approx 1500 calories per day.

My goal is somewhere around 195 lbs.

Since I'm a new member, I had the chance to play with the food log. I noticed it gives me a breakdown of carbs, protein and fats.

What's a good balance for me?

My exercise rountine is fairly light, with only 1 hour (each workout) of moderate cycling (12-14mph) 3-4 times a week.

Hi!  Welcome, and congrats on your loss so far!

I try to follow the 50-25-25 rule.  50% carbs, 25% protein, 25% healthy fats.  I'm 5'1", and I've gone from 195 to 180 in 11 weeks, slowly but steadily.

Just a thought... If you're a man, you might want to consider upping your calorie intake a bit (unless you're being monitored by a doctor).  1500 is the lowest 'safety' intake for a man, and it seems kind of low for a 5'11" man with a regular exercise routine, but I'm no expert.  Use this site to check the "burn meter" for your height/weight/activity level and aim for a 500-700 calorie deficit.  (For example, if you burn an estimated 2500 calories a day, you'd want to eat at least 1800.)  You want to make sure you're getting the nourishment you need!

Best wishes, and keep up the good work! 

Everyone you ask will give you a different opinion....

This is another version:

Fats: 20-25% of total calories

Protein: 15-20% of total calories

Carbs: 50-60% of total calories

I would also agree that you may wish to reconsider your current calorie load, it is a little low for a male, particularly on the days when you do exercise.  In the long run you may find it easier to lose while eating more.

Original Post by beckabooey:

I try to follow the 50-25-25 rule. 50% carbs, 25% protein, 25% healthy fats.

I lost 20 pounds last summer doing this.  I'm trying to get back there as I'm back on the band wagon after a year off and putting the pounds back on.  Anyway, I think if you're around this variance, you should be ok as everyone's body is slightly different.  Good luck and welcome!

I'm a former college athlete who is trying to get back into playing shape.  I follow a 40% protein 35% carbs and 25% fat diet.  The higher protein helps you burn more calories during the day, as protein is harder to breakdown than carbs or fat, so your body works more to do the same work.