Calorie vs. Carb Counting

October 2, 2021October 2, 20210 0 257
in Advice, Exercise, Fresh Food, Healthy Eating

What are calorie counting and carb counting?

When you’re trying to lose weight, calorie counting and carbohydrate counting are two approaches you can try to do.

Carbohydrates are also listed on a food label.

  • Total carbohydrates means the total number of carbohydrates present in the food.
  • Dietary fiber is the amount of the food that contains dietary fiber and therefore isn’t digested. Fiber can add bulk to your stool and make you feel fuller, longer. Healthier foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, tend to be higher in fiber.
  • Sugars are monosaccharides and disaccharides (the smallest and simplest types of carbohydrates) that are found naturally or added to foods and beverages. While some foods like fruits naturally have sugars, others have sugars added to them. Because excess sugar can mean extra calories, a spike in blood sugar, and “empty” calories that don’t help you feel full, you usually want to avoid these foods.

ADVANTAGES :

  • You can easily read a nutritional label and get a number to count toward your daily intake.
  • A low-calorie diet can benefit health conditions associated with obesity like high blood pressure and heart disease.
DISADVANTAGES :
  • Calorie counting doesn’t take into account your nutritional needs, only your intake of calories.
  • Cutting calories to an unhealthy level (usually less than 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day) can be a harmful way to lose weight.

Portion control

he following foods typically have about 15 grams of carbohydrates:

  • one slice of bread
  • one small piece of fruit, such as an apple or orange
  • 1/2 cup canned or fresh fruit
  • 1/2 cup starchy vegetables, such as cooked corn, peas, lima beans, or mashed potatoes
  • 1/3 cup pasta
  • 1/3 cup rice
  • 3/4 cup dry cereal

Pros of carbohydrate counting:

  • This approach can be beneficial for those who must watch their carbohydrate intake, like people with diabetes.
  • You can easily read a nutritional label and get a number to count toward your daily intake.

Cons of carbohydrate counting:

  • Not all foods contain carbohydrates. For example, a porterhouse steak doesn’t have carbohydrates, but is very high in fat and calories.
  • Watching carbohydrates alone doesn’t guarantee a healthy diet.
  • If you choose low-calorie, don’t let your calories go too low in an attempt to lose weight faster. This will make you feel weak. Additionally, your body has protective mechanisms that may actually keep you from losing weight if you eat too little.
  • If you choose carbohydrate counting, you’ll still need to establish an average daily calorie count and percentage of calories from carbohydrates.

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