I didn't even really know how to word the title - but in essence, I'm asking when looking at a food you're considering (or several foods for a recipe), do you search for certain amounts of items (proteins/fats/carbs/sugars/etc)? What balance seems to work for you? It's really overwhelming and eventually I'd like to be able to make the best decisions I can down the road. I have a little folder of the suggested recipes for each phase that I found on here, Eggface is a huge help, but you guys aren't coming food shopping with me. Well, you can, but NY may be a bit far for some of you.

So what amounts/percentages/balances do you look for?

I went shopping with my husband this afternoon. I never do the shopping (thankfully) but wanted to look around and see what food options are out there for me. There's plenty. Thank you all for your insight!!

I have daily nutrition goals. I try to stick to them as religiously as I can. That is what helped me lose 145 pounds & keep them off! I aim for 70g protein, 30 or fewer g carbs, 30 or fewer g sugar & at least 100 oz of water.

My NUTs advice is pretty simple: hit you Fluid and Protein goals and then do not eat anything with more then 5 grams of sugar per serving EVER. And if you are making a meal with multiple ingredients that should be 5 grams total sugar. If you are really getting in your protein and fluids you won't have room for much more.

Also I would definitely limit carbs to no more than 100 a day max, even in maintenance. Lots of fold here stick to 30-40 grams a day to keep losing. That is too restrictive for me but if my weight loss slows down to much I will drop it like its hot and get those carbs down to where they need to be.

Does this make sense?