good carbs vs. bad

[LLSibley 1]

I've been recording my food intake on Fitday and have noticed that I seem to have a lot of carbs, like 70 to90 grams. The thing is it's stuff like Beans and fruit, good carbs. How much of a problem is this? I know we're suppose to keep carbs down but figure these really aren't bad. Any ideas on this?

[Big Monkey 0]

70-90 grams? I use Fitday as well, and I average 100-120 grams of carbs usually, and that still usually doesn't meet my goal of 55-60% carb ratios.

Most of my carbs come from Soups and oatmeal. I also eat fruit (strawberries, blueberries, apples.) My carbs are clean/healthy so far as I can tell. Nothing wrong with carbs, as long as you're balancing your diet and watching your caloric intake...which should be easy with the band helping control the hunger.

[Jachut 487]

Personally I dont think its a problem at all, I dont restrict carbs at all and I dont count them, but I do stick with low glycaemic, wholegrain ones.

I do believe what research says about insulin levels, metabolic disorders and processed carbs but I truly dont believe that means a high Protein diet is the answer, I really think in another five years they'll be telling everyone they've ruined their kidneys, filled their arteries with plaque and given themselves bowel cancer etc. I think we need carbs in our diet in good proportions, but we dont need loads of poisonous white sugary ones.

There's a lot of very promising reserch on the glycaemic index and what it can do to aid weight loss, diabetes and PCOS in the very same way that research into high Protein suggests, I just think its a healthier more moderate way to do so.

So I wouldnt restrict good carbs at all. But that's just me, I know not everyone is going to agree with what I've just said.

[BreadLady 0]

I agree Jachut. I will be banded tomorrow. When I originally spoke with my nutritionist I asked her if someone who won't use artificial sweeteners and likes bread (homemade or 100% whole wheat) could succeed with the LapBand and she said absolutely. Her biggest concern is the bad carbs, refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, etc. As long as you stay away from refined foods and foods with preservatives you are good.

I also won't do artificial sweetener.

I may be overweight but it's because I eat too much not JUNK.

100% whole wheat, fruit, etc. all good. The closer it is to it's natural form the better.

[Chickie 15]

It's all been said (and well put) by the 2 previous posters. I have to agree with low GI eating rather than super high Protein eating. There is some of good research proving that low GI is as effective, if not more so (particularly long term) as low carb / high protein.

[leedorr 0]

I think there is a lot of info about low carbs or not. My Dr. has a protocol that limits carbs to 30 gms a day, however, that does not includde veggies. So that means Protein first, need protein for good tissue and healing. Then, veggies and then if there is room fruit. I do not eat any Cereal, or breads, or noddles, rice or potatoes. I find that I have lost many inches around my middle since I stopped eating all those carbs. Yes, veggies and fruits are high in carbs but they are good carbs and according yo my Dr. are not to be counted in the 30 grms. Just a different point of view.

[Sunta 4]

I just started South Beach due to having been on a plateau for about 2.5 months! During that time I had to have a complete unfill, and now only have 1cc in my band, which is rather loose, so I've been having a hard time losing.

I started South Beach a week ago and so far I am down 2.2 pounds. so maybe there's something to the "good" carbs theory. Previously I've always been a big proponent of calories in calories out, and I'm not 100% convinced that eating "good" carbs is giving me any specific advantage but I'm open to the possibility.

I also have been strictly counting calories while on South Beach, which I had not done before, so I don't know if it's the type of carbs I'm eating or the lower calories that is contributing to my weight loss.

[derbygirl 0]

I lose a lot of weight when I stay under 50 carbs per day, but after a couple of weeks, I just LOSE IT and go on carb overload. You start to feel really deprived really fast. And the weight comes back on FAST...like overnight. So even though I have had success by limiting carbs, I'm rethinking my strategy.