Is it more important to watch carb intake or fat intake?

Question

I'm just trying to eat healthy, I'm not going on a "diet" but I'm just trying to watch what I eat and eat healthier. On average it seems like I consume around 1600 caleries, 220 g carbs and 56 g of fat. I want to know if it's more important to watch my carb intake or my fat intake. I excersise about 30 minutes a day.

Answer 1

I'd say it's better to watch your fat intake. Although if you notice that something has an outrageous amount of carbs, avoid it. I used to always look at the Nutrition Facts on things, but it drove me crazy after awhile! "That's not too much, wait, a pack of Ramen is TWO servings?!" Yea, so i stopped, and i haven't gained any weight. Just don't eat when you're not hungry.

Answer 2

224 carbs is not high for a daily intake if you are not diabetic, but the rule of thumb is to keep the carb count at what your goal weight should be. For me that is 165. Len Cusines, despite the advertising hype are loaded with calories, sal, preservatives, corn syrup, and a host of things not healthy. The proper diet should have a minimum of processed foods. That means if it comes in a box or wrapping it is not good for you no matter what the advertising says. Eat as many natural foods as you can, use fruit and raw vegetables for snacks, and read every label before putting the contents in your mouth. Avoid high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, white flour, corn flour, corn oil, and exess amounts of salt and sugar. You need some fats, just keep them in check and make sure they come from a good source like a minimum of butter is better for you that the hydrogenated oils in margerine. The words "fat free", and "Lite" should be approached with scepticism. Read the labels, you will see that the public is being duped about proper nutrition.

Answer 3

neither is more important than the other. the fat intake should never be less than 20% of the daily calories or metabolic function will decrease among other things. and the carbohydrate intake really depends on the body composition of the person and their daily level of activity.

your carb intake @ 220 grams is way too high for a person that only gets 30 minutes of exercise daily. you should be decreasing your carb intake and increasing your protein intake.

Answer 4

I'd say quality is more important than either. Simple carbs seem to be the worst (as in sugar, and white bread) and I personally find them addictive. This is because fat is more calorie dense, but once you eat it, your not likely to be hungry again since it is slow to digest. Carbs are digested fast. They tend to create a cycle. Quick digestion leads to high blood sugar, which causes the body to release insulin. But since by then the carbs are already digested, this insulin soon becomes too much creating low blood sugar which makes you hungry, perhaps more so than if you hadn't eaten anything. That is why simple carbs like cakes and cookies go down so easy.

Answer 5

I think its important to watch for fat intake because some fats are bad of your health. Always check the Trans fats in whatever you are eating. The lower it is the better of you are. Eat 5 meals a day and drink 8 glass of water. You will loose weight quickly.

Answer 6

I'd look more carefully at the QUALITY of the food you are eating.
Here are some good ideas:
1. Do something that gets your heart rate up a bit like, walking, running, biking, and swimming.
2. Eat Whole, Organic foods like: Broccoli, Cabbage, Organic Brown Rice, Beans, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Apples, and other fruits and vegetables in their Natural State.
3. Avoid eating corn, white bread, white rice, candy, sodas, chips, and anything else that you already know you shouldn’t be eating.
4. Drink clean water as your beverage of choice. Avoid Fruit drinks and fruit juices (unless YOU juice them yourself)
5. Stop smoking, drinking beer & wine, and drinking coffee.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Hang out with people who want to be healthy.
8. Avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Tone up the muscles:

1. Join a gym and get a trainer.
2. If you’re short on cash, start a light stretching & yoga regimen.
3. Do push-ups, and light dumbbell curls for the upper body.
4. As I said above, walk, run, swim, and or bike
5. Take an aerobics class, a yoga class, or some other fitness class.
6. Join the local YMCA..
7. Buy or borrow this book by Bill Pearl called GETTING STRONGER.
In the book, he describes everything you need for a great fitness plan.

Mental Health:

1. Get a friend to talk to each day about your feelings.
2. If you have some money or insurance, get a counselor to talk to.
3. Learn how to meditate.
4. Join a support group for the issue you’re dealing with.
5. Ask your Higher Self (or God) for guidance.
6. Start keeping a diary or journal about your feelings & thoughts.
7. Write a ‘gratitude’ list every night.
8. Do something that makes you happy each day like: listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, write, or anything creative.
9. Do something for someone else who needs help.
10. If the above suggestions don't improve your mental health, talk with your therapist about the possibility of taking some medication.

Take care of yourself

Yam King

Answer 7

Fat intake; However, watching carbs will affect the stomach region more.

Answer 8

There are good fats, but for the most part try avoiding it..
Carbs are not bad as long as you have protein with them, not just carbs alone (
Example: breakfast - bagel (just carbs alone)
vs. omlet with feta cheese (excellent source of protein) and whole wheat toast (some carbs here)

Answer 9

one soda can blow your carb intake for the day-

sugar free sodas can give you severe sugar cravings-

many fats are not all that bad for you- i prefer "plant fats" like nuts- also usually low in carbs if not sweetened

healthy fats satisfy you more (Omega 3 fats ROCK! get more!)

- so cut sugar - cut wheat (breads) and junk fats (greasy chips- etc..)

have a salad and go easy on the dressing - if your salad turns white with creamy dressing you got WAY too much -

take lots of walks- also helps you sleep better

best,
omni

Answer 10

Watch them both, its more important that you eat them both in healthy forms : whole grains instead of white bread, healthy fats like fish and olive oil instead of processed fats. beyond that just eat regularily, and from all the food groups, don't snack, and you'll get lots of health benefits. Its true what they say: all things in moderation. I lost forty pounds with this basic attitude, I didn't count calories or watch my fats or carbs, I just ate well in moderation.