Carbs and Cals

[AnnieC]

Been browsing through the Carbs and Cals book at the values of foods I love but I am still not sure how it works. Take for instance the reduced fat cheddar cheese that I would usually eat for my low fat diet in 25g it has 0g carbs and 68g in cals and a chicken breast grilled is 0 carbs and 296 cals so presumably they would be good for a low carb diet. A lot of foods I have looked at are low in carbs but really high in calories so should the aim be to eat foods that are not to high in calories as well as low carbs
I am prediabetic so I am looking to reduce my carb intake but not go really low at this time but still can't work out when carb values in each food are regarded as to high and is there a level you would not go above even if your diet is not very low carb one Do some of you have normal carbs but have low calories it is all so confusing

 

[mo1905]

It's a bit of a balancing act I'm afraid. We to tend to concentrate on the carb content as this has direct impact on our BG levels but you're right, we do tend to dismiss calories. The answer is, there is no answer unfortunately. Diet is individual. It really does depend on your likes/dislikes, current weight, exercise ( if any ) regime etc. If you find yourself gaining weight then I would look for alternative low carb healthier options. Good luck.
Mo

 

[noblehead]

I would concentrate on the carbs and not worry too much about the calories in the food items (unless you are already overweight), however if you find your weight does increase then you will have to count your daily calories with a view to cutting back slightly.

In answer to your question, yes I do but I'm type 1 and inject insulin so it isn't too much of a problem.

 

[douglas99]

I count the calories, but also watch which carbs I eat.
I reckon, for me, to achieve a steady weight loss, I can eat between 800 to 1200 calories a day.

But I don't eat any bad carbs for me, that incudes pasta, most rice, bread etc.
I'm also avoiding fat, even normal fat again, as I'm back on the diet today after xmas

I do read all the labels, I avoid high numbers of the sugar, and very high numbers on carbs.

Lots of veg, but again, ones that suit me, mostly ones that grow above the ground.

Maintenance diet when I want my weight to stay stable will be a mixture of good (for me) carbs, I'll still be low fat, probably the unsaturated type, such as olive oil, and avoid saturated and trans fat. Protein, lean meat, fish. And of course, veg and salads.
Just a bit more of the same really.

I also go to the gym, and dive, and do tend to have a snack before doing that as well.

If you want to go low carb, it's trial and error, you need to choose a number, 235, 50g, 100g, 150g and stick to that a day.
If you don't have a meter, you need to make an educated guess as to carbs that suit you, and don't forget all the hidden carbs in fruit, veg, even milk etc.