Carbs/Fat/Protein

What's the correct distribution of calories? I've been tracking my calories for the last few days and it seems I'm averaging about...

50% from carbs
30% from Fat
20% from protein

Does this seem right? I know I should probably try to at least lower the fat % and increase protein. Any suggestions for low fat - high protein snacks?

Thanks Peertrainer community....

Wed. Aug 2, 8:16pm

I'd say lower your carbs and up the protein. Fat is good for you, fat is NECESSARY. The issue is what *kind* of fat- trans fat isn't really healthy in any amount, and saturated fat should be avoided or at least limited.

So eat meat, but try to get free range, and trim the fat. Eat poultry, eat fish, eat tofu if you want. Cheese is actually really high in sat fat- might want to re evalutate use of it.

I'd worry less about the fat in protein than the fat in any kind of food that comes with a nutrition label.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006, 9:04 PM

i think it sounds like you are doing pretty good-if 50 carb/20 protein/30 fat is your average, you must be doing just a little more or less of each on most days, and that is pretty natural.

yes fat is important in a diet, but just make sure it's healthy fat you are ingesting (olive oil, avocados, almonds, salmon, etc).

it is fine to get half of your diet from carbohydrates as long as you limit sugar (check the label for how many grams of carbs are sugar) and as long as you focus on whole grain breads, pastas (like whole wheat), and other grains like brown rice and quinoa, as well as protein sources like beans. and for those who will tell you that carbs turn to fat in your body, that's only if you don't use them. if you are active, and exercise along with dietary changes to lose weight, you will actually need those carbs to give you long term energy (again stay away from sugar though!)

Wednesday, August 02, 2006, 9:35 PM

Read Dr. Weil's Eating Well for Optimum Health. It's not a thrilling read, but it will help you make informed decisions about nutrition.

Thursday, August 03, 2006, 9:24 AM

carbs/fat/protein

As far as snacking goes, the highest protein lowest fat snack I know of is yogurt. Dannon light n' fit has5- 9 grams of protein and is only 60 calories. If that bores you, you could mix fresh fruit with it, or mix in some cereal like Grape Nuts.
Nuts are really good for you too, but they are one of those red light foods for me, I can't stop once I start. I'm addicted to salty crunchy stuff, so right now I don't go near it.

Thursday, August 03, 2006, 10:01 AM

I don't know what your goals are, but some of the lower carb diets like The Zone and Protein Power use percentages more like 40/30/30 ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. So there's some leeway in what is considered optimal.

Thursday, August 03, 2006, 12:01 PM

For the 10:01 poster - have you tried raw, unsalted nuts? All the benefits with no salt, and slightly less of that addictive crunchy texture.

Thursday, August 03, 2006, 12:12 PM

OP Here

Thanks for all the comments! Very helpful.

Thursday, August 03, 2006, 12:59 PM

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