Question:
How many carbs can I consume and be safe?

I am three weeks out and have lost 64 lbs. How many carbs can I consume in a day and be safe? I know as wls patients we do need some carbs--just wondering how many can I consume?    — Gene F. (posted on August 8, 2003)

August 8, 2003
Gene, don't go over 20 carbs, okay! You do need some, but to stay in active weight loss, try really hard to stay 20 or under! :~)
   — Sharon m. B.

August 9, 2003
I do not have a magic number for you -- and I would suggest anyone else's magic number is not necessarily right for you or me. I also think it depends so much on WHAT those carbs are. I believe there's a great deal of difference between 25 grams of watermelon carbs, v. candy bar carbs, v. beans .. vs. doritos. Some would disagree... but I do think that if you're going to eat them, the more complex the better like whole grains, fiber and fruits and veggies.. not pasta and white bread. <br><br>That said, here's what I do. I mostly only eat protein that includes things like beans, soy pasta and some other things that have complex carbs. I also eat some whole grain low calories bread most days, but not every single one. I don't have a NUMBER. I try to keep carbs out of my life and keep my carb grams about 50% of my protein grams. I also look to get my calories in this order 55% protein, and the rest divided sort of equally between fat and carbs. I use fit day to keep track. Good luck. Find YOUR balance.. maybe talk to a dietician?
   — Lisa C.