Protein calories vs. carb calories ?

Question

Aren't calories all the same in the end ? Why do I need to focus on lowering my carbs to lose weight if my daily calorie intake is around 1200-1400. Does the ratio of carbs to protein really matter ? I eat a balanced diet that included carbs and proteins . Will I lose more weight if I start cutting out more carbs but keep my calorie intake the same ?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates come in two basic forms: complex and simple. This is based on their structure.
Simple carbs include things like: sugar (candy, sweets, donuts) white flour/bread, pasta, potatoes, white rice, alcohol, fruit sugars (fructose) milk sugars (lactose), corn syrup, etc.
Complex carbs are things like: brown rice, beans, whole grains, bran, etc.
Complex carbs have more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Simple carbs tend to be more highly processed.
The Atkins diet cuts SIMPLE carbs and replaces them with complex carbs- most people don't understand that about Atkins.

I personal don't try to measure any ratios, I just eat a serving of protein with each meal (eggs,cottage cheese, lean meats, nuts) plus a large serving or two of vegetables and 1 serving of complex carbs and a little bit of healthy fat (olive oil)
And since cutting simple carbs, I've lost 15 pounds-- but I still eat complex carbs: brown rice, beans, whole grains, etc.

Answer 2

Though most foods can be utilized as energy, the body assimilates proteins and carbs differently. This is why you see people in developing countries malnourished - the body needs balance in order to function.

People who are on Atkins would disagree, but some carbs are needed - this is the body's primary energy source among other things. However, the kinds and amounts of carbs comes into question when considering a diet.

Where most people go wrong is a couple of things: portion sizes, and they types of foods they consume. Obviously, the carbs in brown rice are far different than the carbs in strawberry ice cream. The fat content in salmon is different than the fat content in a big mac. If you get most of your carbs from processed sugar, then that's going to be a problem.

I think if you reduce portion sizes but increase the number of meals per day, eat less at night, and keep the caloric intake about the same as you're getting now, as well as eat healthy foods, then you will see benifits. It's all about eating smart, healthy and strategically.

Answer 3

All calories are not the same. A gram of fat takes about 9 kcal to burn, while carbohydrate and protein both take 4. The body tends to hold fat because not only is it energy-dense, it's also easy to digest - 100 calories of fat usually takes about 2 calories to burn. So your body prefers to burn carbohydrate and protein in the short-term and rely on that fat when you need to for your own survival.

Diet programs focus on carbohydrate because it's so common - and often just unhealthy refined sugars or difficult starches. If you need to lose weight, just lay off the rice, bread, and pasta.

But your calorie intake is already low, so you may be in a survival mode already. I would actually increase your calorie intake to about 2000, but maintain a healthy diet. Grilled chicken or salmon with no sugar added fruit or yogurt and some vegetables (no potatoes), that type of thing. Eat small healthy snacks to keep your metabolism up around the clock. Because the irony of calories is, eat more, burn more; eat less, burn less. Be physically active for about 30 minutes each day and you should develop the slight calorie deficit you need for fat loss.

Regarding ratios, it's simply hard to determine every day what you're getting. So focus on fresh protein sources, unsaturated fats, and simple carbohydrate like fresh fruit. No fruit juices or other sugary drinks. Just water.

Most importantly in any of this...give yourself one cheat meal every week. That way you can satisfy a craving before it gets out of hand. And if you drink alcohol, just one or two glasses a week. Any more and you risk adding a meal or two worth of calories to your diet.

Answer 4

all calories are definetly not created equal. the sources of nutrients has a direct effect on the endocrine system and the endocrine system governs human biology.

Answer 5

protein are protein carbs are carbs

calories is the bi-product of unused energy.. i hope u understand.

as for the question stick to 60-30-10 diet you'll be fine. thats protein-carb-fat

fat actually helps u burn fat believe it or not.. but u need healthy fat, from nutz, virgin olive oil, fish, etc :) good luck...

bad fats = trans - hydrogenated fat etc... monosaturated is ok.. i think ;)