Proper Carb Intake For Weight Loss

Scale- iStock

When you are on a weight loss journey, what is the proper amount of carbohydrates to be eaten in order to drop the pounds? Obviously, it is different for every person based on their body type and goals. Yet, what is the general idea for those on a journey? Keep reading for more details.

Proper Carb Intake For Weight Loss

Carbs are delicious and great for energy. Athletes have long downed plates of pasta to get them ready for big tournaments or games. Yet, it has also been stated that eating carbs can add to weight gain. People cut out bread, flour, and more just to obtain their goals. So, what is the proper amount of carbs that can be eaten to help drop the pounds? It seems that carbs should make up 45-65% of total calories per day. However, that means this should be broken down to 10-35% as protein and the rest as fat.

Carbs- iStock
Carbs- iStock

To make the math easier, if you are on a 2K calorie a day diet,  225-325 grams of carbohydrates will be beneficial. Now, someone who is immensely physical needs far more so that they can keep fuel in their body. Yet, every day, average people can go much lower and still be happy. This also begs the question of yummy breakfast options like bagels. They are quick and easy, but how many carbs are in them? In just one bagel, there are 48 grams, so that is reasonable. There is no need to cut out everything you love because then you will crave and binge.

Weight loss- iStock
Weight loss- iStock

Someone who is on a low-carb diet needs around 150 grams, but that still allows for a bagel. A bowl of pasta has around 85 grams, so nothing delicious needs to be cut out. Now, some go on keto, which only allows around 20 to 50 grams per day. To lose weight on this is high fat and high protein, which does not work for everyone. There are a handful of healthy carbs that help drop pounds:

  • Legumes
  • Fruits
  • Whole grains: whole wheat pasta, quinoa, and brown rice
  • sweet potatoes and/or corn

What To Stay Away From

Those on a weight loss journey have many options to choose from, but what carbs should be avoided? Here is a complete list:

  • Candy
  • Table sugar
  • Sugary beverages like soda
  • Cakes
  • White pasta and bread
  • Sugary cereals
  • Chips
  • Cookies
  • Pastries

There is also a lot of sugar in these delights, so it makes a lot of sense. How do you keep carbs in your life while losing weight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Amanda Nowitz

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