Confused about Carbs

poconnor16

As the title mentions, I'm a little confused about Carbs. Reactions seem to be mixed on this one. I've read the stickies etc but also some of the posts here and everyone has a different opinion.
Ok my stats and goals (in short):
Female, 5' 7'' and weight is 154 pounds.
2 hours Taekwondo a week, 1 hour soccer, 1 hour yoga.

I'd like to lose weight, and tone - not bulk as this would slow me down in training.

Typical food in a day:
Brekkie - Porridge, whole wheat bagel
Lunch - small portion of whole wheat pasta, with some tuna. Apple
or Veggie stir fry with chicken, brown rice
Snack - coffee and 2 oat biscuit or yoghurt
Evening meal - Whole wheat sandwich, turkey, low fat cheese
After training - post training supplement drink

Water - 3 litres

Am I eating too much carbs? Should I cut them out after a certain time? I carry most of my weight around my middle - is it a myth that carb cutting will combat this? (Like the Abs diet)

Any advice is appreciated, and I'm sure a lot of females out there are interested in this. :rolleyes:

corkcomp

poconnor16 wrote: »

As the title mentions, I'm a little confused about Carbs. Reactions seem to be mixed on this one. I've read the stickies etc but also some of the posts here and everyone has a different opinion.
Ok my stats and goals (in short):
Female, 5' 7'' and weight is 154 pounds.
2 hours Taekwondo a week, 1 hour soccer, 1 hour yoga.

I'd like to lose weight, and tone - not bulk as this would slow me down in training.

Typical food in a day:
Brekkie - Porridge, whole wheat bagel
Lunch - small portion of whole wheat pasta, with some tuna. Apple
or Veggie stir fry with chicken, brown rice
Snack - coffee and 2 oat biscuit or yoghurt
Evening meal - Whole wheat sandwich, turkey, low fat cheese
After training - post training supplement drink

Water - 3 litres

Am I eating too much carbs? Should I cut them out after a certain time? I carry most of my weight around my middle - is it a myth that carb cutting will combat this? (Like the Abs diet)

Any advice is appreciated, and I'm sure a lot of females out there are interested in this. :rolleyes:

carbs are not as bad as people would have you believe. however, your diet is defo a bit carb heavy and you could prob do with more protein and good fats. I would change the evening meal to meat / fish and lots of veg and I would change the snack to fruit (berries, or apples) and some nuts. ifyou are physically active you should see some decent changes there ..

poconnor16

Thanks Corkcomp - I kinda suspected as much but was in denial. I do love my carbs

InKonspikuou2

I don't think it's too carb heavy. Especially given that you do 6 hours worth of physical activity a week. The breakfast is fine. And then 2 meals with small portions of carbs should be no problem carb wise. Your 2 lunch options have a nice balance of protein/carbs. So either looks okay. The snack could probably drop the carbs and eat fruit instead with the yoghurt. Your evening meal could probably include a lean meat and veg to keep you full and stop from snacking as suggested by Corkcomp. I wouldn't worry too much about the carbs or your diet overall. Just try keep the carbs limited to a few hours before bedtime and up the protein a little and it's a good diet.

poconnor16

InKonspikuou2 wrote: »

I don't think it's too carb heavy. Especially given that you do 6 hours worth of physical activity a week. The breakfast is fine. And then 2 meals with small portions of carbs should be no problem carb wise. Your 2 lunch options have a nice balance of protein/carbs. So either looks okay. The snack could probably drop the carbs and eat fruit instead with the yoghurt. Your evening meal could probably include a lean meat and veg to keep you full and stop from snacking as suggested by Corkcomp. I wouldn't worry too much about the carbs or your diet overall. Just try keep the carbs limited to a few hours before bedtime and up the protein a little and it's a good diet.

Thanks for your input - its so interesting to hear the different takes on this. I dont think I eat enough veg so I might substitute veg for carb in the evening meal. And you both have suggested to change the snack.

Sometimes I do get a craving after training (about 9.30pm) for, well crappy food. I find if I give in to this, my tummy feels bloated in the morning. Any tips on this?

mindaugelis

How Many Carbohydrates Do You Need? by Lyle McDonald http://www.mynutrition.us.lt/viewtopic.php?id=27