keeping track of carbs

**tepehuanes75** · June 14th, 2009, 03:06 AM

Ok so how do I keep track of how many carbs I have had in a day? I really don't know how to read the labels can anybody explain and how many carbs should a person trying to lose weight have in one day>>

**jinglejangle** · June 14th, 2009, 08:48 AM

Tepe-
Try sparkpeople.com

It is free, and tailored to your goals. You enter your height, weight and weight loss goals. It will tell you a range of how many calories, carbs and fat you should have. I have found it to be really helpful!

Also, here is a site that can explain how to read nutritional labels. Make sure you take a look at the serving size too. Many times what you think is a serving, may actually be 2 or 3 servings...
http://nutrition.about.com/od/recipe...earnlabels.htm

Good luck!

**californiakelly** · June 14th, 2009, 11:50 AM

My Dr. advised me to stay under 50 grams of carbs a day. I read my labels. I allow myself only 2 slices of bread a day. The bread I eat is the Sara Lee 100% whole wheat. It has 45 calories per slice and only 9 grams of carbs.
I'm almost obsessed with Carbs - everything I buy I check the Nutrition label first.
I keep a food journal and write everything I eat down - including the carbs and calories. I stay away from pasta's, cereals, and sodas, and other high carb food. At first I was very strict with myself about the carbs, but now I do allow myself a cookie or piece of cake now and then. Sweet are carbs. but I do eat alot of fruit - fresh and dried. Thats good carbs. Also, I was surprised when I checked the nutrition label on my microwavable popcorn - again loaded with carbs.(for me) I air pop mine now.
You gotta find what foods works for you. I was so surprised how many carbs I was actually eating and not realizing it. Now, I read the labels everywhere. Even Starbucks - I love Frappiccunios (sp) so thats my treat to myself and I order a lite one.
This is a lifestyle for me not just till I lose my weight becaseu i know for me, I eat go back to the way I was eating then I will gain my weight back.
Find what works for you and go for it !! OH also, someone told me that I need some carbs with my protein so that way the protein stays with me longer. So for instance for breakfast, I eat 2 scrambled eggs with shredded cheeze, 1 slice toast with 1 tablespoon peanut butter and tad of honey on the top. Theres my protein and carbs and that stays with me most of the morning. That works great for me.
I hope i was able to help you

Kelly