Question:
how many carbohydrates can i have a day?

I have been told that i have to have a high protein content daily and a low carb. intake..but so far i have no idea about how many carbs i should limit myself to each day.    — Jenny G. (posted on July 6, 2003)

July 6, 2003
I limit it to 40 per day. That seems to be my cutoff as far as cravings go and it is very doable. Anything under 30 grams is hard for me because they are in so many things. I don't do pasta, bread, rice, or potatoes. I find that the carbs just make me want more carbs and they REALLY slow the weight loss for me.
   — Carol S.

July 6, 2003
Sounds like a question for your doctor.... Personally, while I was losing, I just tried to keep my daily protein grams ahead of my carb grams (even if just barely) -- part of my "protein first" rule was keeping the protein grams ahead of the carb grams. I had to use protein shakes to help me do it, though -- I just couldn't get that much protein in from food alone on a daily basis. From about three months post-op, I probably ate about 80-100 grams of carbs a day (and at least that much daily in protein grams, too). I had no trouble reaching goal in a reasonable time (about nine months/120 lbs. down during that time). I exercised a lot, though.
   — Suzy C.

July 7, 2003
I too try to stick to 20 grams and under.
   — kultgirl

July 7, 2003
You can count the grams.. but the further you're out, the more carbs you need to get, but not in the form os simple stuff, but rather veggies, fruits, whole grains and beans. I would say the days I only got/get 20 to 40 carbs a day are RARE... that's very restrictive and low for me. I don't count the exact number of grams either. I put all my stuff into fitday and I work on percentages.. I try to get 50% or more protein and the rest carbs and fat.. usually about equal... BALANCE is a good thing... not getting too crazy is even better -- but like Suzy says.. ask your doc, or your doc's dietician... good luck! Oh... and my methods have worked fine for me.. 163 pounds down in a little over a year.
   — Lisa C.

July 7, 2003
25 grams (roughly) of starch carbs a day (max!). I don't count carbs from veggies, meats, eggs or cheese. Everyone has there own "magic formula" that works best for them. It'll take time for you to find yours. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 7, 2003
Your starting BMI is very close to mine. I always went by "Protein first, then fruits & veggies, then other stuff if I have room." When you are a new postie that translates to almost all protein because by the time you eat the protein you are supposed to you are full! LOL The more you can eat, the more you have to watch what you are putting into your body. Your body does need carbs (and fat) but all carbs are not created equal. You will feel better if you get rid of the "white" carbs in your diet (white bread, white rice, pasta, potatoes) and replace them with whole-grains and fresh fruits/veggies. The non-white carbs will give your body lots of things you need, including fiber and trace minerals. If you don't like the taste, remember that it may take you seven times tasting something to get used to it. (Why O why couldn't that be true with desserts??? LOL I always like those the first time! ;) I (and my 4YO daughter along with me) have successfully made the switch to whole-wheat bread and pasta, lo carb tortillas, and sweet potatoes. Lo carb bread may take me more than 7 times. LOL Craving a cracker? Triscuits are whole grain. Cereal? Oatmeal has fiber and you can make it with milk for extra protein. As far as grams, I think I started with about 40 grams early postop and now on maintainance, I eat somewhere between 75-125 grams of carbs. But just remember to subtract the fiber out--it doesn't count towards your total!
   — ctyst