Weight-Loss Eating lots of carbs? Non carb foods?

[theoceanandsea]

I've been trying to loose weight for the past several months, I eat about 1200 to 1900 calories a day, usually all healthy all natural foods like pears, kiwis, apples, naan bread, french bread, hot tea, grilled chicken, lots of squash, lots of crackers, lots of noodles and soups. But my friend recently made me look back and pointed out that I eat tons of carbs daily, even though I exercise a lot daily I'm very active, but I usually do eat several pieces of bread a day, and a bowl of noodles or pasta everyday. I've decided to take them all out of my diet completely, but what should I replace them with? What are foods with zero carbs? And could cutting out carbs help with my acne? (I'm 16)

 

[BugDude]

You need a balance of carbs in your diet in order for your body to be able to process proteins effectively. I try to get 35-40% of my calories from protein, 10 - 15% from fat, and about 50% from carbs. I try to get about 70% of my carbs as complex carbs.

Complex carbs come from whole grain foods and vegetables. Simple carbs are the ones you need to really limit (starches in rice, pastas, potatoes, white breads, fruits, dairy products, etc.). Proteins are meats, beans, cheese, dairy. Many meats and dairy products are also high in fat. It's a difficult balancing act to get used to, but a good balance in healthier than trying to eliminate any aspect completely.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jeanette401]

Things to eat instead - note, some of this will be difficult -

Instead of crackers, have some pecans or almonds - they can replace the salty, crunchy aspect.

Instead of noodles or rice I use quinoa, sweet potato or sometimes even thing cut onions. When they're nice and soft they have a similar feel and can soak up sauces.

I'm trying to only eat bread that I make myself - and not with a bread maker I have to be standing and get my hands dirty! So far I've been reminded that you need to cook baked goods longer at altitude if you want to avoid doughyness...

I'll also occassionally eat noodles or (my weakness) a waffle...but I try to get higher protein, higher fiber versions when I do go processed.

Quinoa is also pretty good - it's a seed but it cooks up similarly to rice.

Beans and lentils are also good to add more to your food if you're not getting enough.

You don't have to cut to zero carbs - fruit and vegetables have carbs and are still good for you! But cutting out empty refined carbs that are mostly calories with little nutrients - like the bread and pasta - is generally a good step.

Anyway, hope this helped!