Health question: How many grams of carbs should one consume and still be healthy?

[acesn8s]

I want to know how many grams of carbs a normal person should consume to be healthy. I don't workout too much nor am I just lying around the house doing nothing. I just want to maintain a healthy weight(after I lose some, of course).

[Bowser]

Find out how many Jake Long consumes in one day, and do that.

[acesn8s]

Originally Posted by findthedr

your thinking of it incorrectly. There isnt a "golden number"...carbs get processed to simple sugars, and than get stored as fat (just like anything else) if it isnt used.

Thus its really about your total caloric intake.
= output.....no weight gain
>output....weight gain



Thus, you could be having a "high carb" or "low carb" diet, but if you input is > output than you will gain weight.

There isnt a magic pill for health, just takes healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, exercise, sleep, low stress, stay away from bad drugs)....and luck.

What is considered "high carb"?

[acesn8s]

Originally Posted by Bowser

Find out how many Jake Long consumes in one day, and do that.

I don't think I can burn that many carbs or calories.

[ILikeBigTiddys]

Take in atleast 350.

[acesn8s]

Originally Posted by ILikeBigTiddys

Take in atleast 350.

seems a little much

[Rausch]

The lower the better.

For a summer (4 months) I took in around 10 a day. No bread, taters, or beans. All meats and very few sugars. I went from 230 to 175. Best I've felt in my whole life.
I also noticed my heartburn was completely gone. This from a guy who's had ulcers since 96 and ate about 4-6 Tums a day.

Since I went from no-carb to low carb my metabolism has slowed and I've added 15 lbs back. Not in muscle either. Plus my famly has been known to get the big D and I'd like to keep my blood sugar low.

Nothing bad happened to me but I was under 30 and checked in with my doc every 2 months (blood tests for sugar, cholesterol, etc.) As long as you have a good family physician I'd recomend trying it.

[mcan]

Originally Posted by acesn8s

I want to know how many grams of carbs a normal person should consume to be healthy. I don't workout too much nor am I just lying around the house doing nothing. I just want to maintain a healthy weight(after I lose some, of course).

First you have to determine your BMR (basal metabolic rate). There are formulas for this all over the place. But pretty much most average guys will fall around 2200 to 2800, unless they have something wrong with them (lower number) or their body is mostly muscle (higher number). Let's assume 2400.

Each gram of carbs = 4 calories
Each gram of protein = 4 calories
Each gram of fat = 9 calories

So if you want to LOSE weight
4c+4p+9f < 2400

If you want to maintain weight
4c+4p+9f = 2400

If you want to gain weight
4c+4p+9f > 2400

Now, determine what kind of macronutrient ratio fits your lifestyle and goals.
Fat intake between 15% and 30%.
Protein intake between 15% and 50%
Carb intake between 10% and 60%
*carbs can be taken completely out for weeks at a time, at such point you have to add in more protein and fat.

Keep in mind that not all carbs are created equal. Obviously, you should avoid empty calories like soda and ice cream and candy, and rely more on starches, vegatables and fruits.

[Ultra Peanut]

During the season, I try to limit my cart intake to two, sometimes three per day for hot dogs and no more than five carts of sandwiches. I am, however, a professional athlete.

[Oh Snap]

Here is an easy way to help you out.

http://mypyramid.gov/

[irishjayhawk]

Originally Posted by Oh Snap

Here is an easy way to help you out.

http://mypyramid.gov/

The USDA's pyramid is not healthy.

[acesn8s]

Originally Posted by mcan

First you have to determine your BMR (basal metabolic rate). There are formulas for this all over the place. But pretty much most average guys will fall around 2200 to 2800, unless they have something wrong with them (lower number) or their body is mostly muscle (higher number). Let's assume 2400.

Each gram of carbs = 4 calories
Each gram of protein = 4 calories
Each gram of fat = 9 calories

So if you want to LOSE weight
4c+4p+9f < 2400

If you want to maintain weight
4c+4p+9f = 2400

If you want to gain weight
4c+4p+9f > 2400

Now, determine what kind of macronutrient ratio fits your lifestyle and goals.
Fat intake between 15% and 30%.
Protein intake between 15% and 50%
Carb intake between 10% and 60%
*carbs can be taken completely out for weeks at a time, at such point you have to add in more protein and fat.

Keep in mind that not all carbs are created equal. Obviously, you should avoid empty calories like soda and ice cream and candy, and rely more on starches, vegatables and fruits.

If I am reading this correctly, my carbs/gram should equal my protein/gram. Yes?