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Calories Carbohydrates

Explain advantages of Calories Carbohydrates?
(September 20, 2011)

How many of the calories in a healthy diet should come from carbohydrates?


Because of the fact obesity is such a common problem all over the world added to the fact that it is also the root cause of a number of very serious medical complications, it is easy to understand why so many people take note of the kind of foods they eat and the kind of exercise their body gets. Healthy snacks and calories counting is the new order in terms of eating patterns and healthy meals and calories counting will go a long way into ensuring that you have a healthy – relatively medically fit lifestyle. The benefits of turning to a healthy diet and calories reduction can never be understated as they include a whole transformation in not only the way you look, but also in the way you feel.

The right carbohydrate intake a day will depend largely on the kind of lifestyle you lead and the amount of energy your body needs to produce in order to allow it to carry out whatever physical tasks are handed to it over the course of the day. As a result, there is no fixed amount, but it is highly recommended that, when turning to a healthy diet and calories intake reduction, you consult a dietician who will analyze your lifestyle and provide you with the most effective calorie consumption per day diet plan.
Submitted by N on September 20, 2011 at 12:28

 

What is the difference between calories and carbohydrates?


Carbohydrates and calories are two very frequently used terms when we talk about the energy usage of the human body. However they are two separate entities and it is therefore very important to understand the difference between calories and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are basically a source of nutrients that our body requires to function properly. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are categories of energy foods that our body requires to perform day to day functions.

These categories of foods all provide a different number of calories to the body. Carbohydrates are easy to break down even though they provide lesser energy as compared to fats. However they are still a great source of instant energy for the body. Calories on the other hand are just a measuring unit similar to other units like pounds, pints or feet. Calories help in counting how much energy is contained in a particular food.

It is therefore important to understand that the main calories and carbs difference is that carbohydrates are gained by eating foods while calories are just used to calculate how much energy the body derives from eating these foods. Although the body can burn calories through exercises carbohydrates cannot be burned and hence their intake should be controlled.
Submitted by N on July 29, 2011 at 12:56

 

Are fat calories more fattening than carbs?


A healthy diet is one that is well balanced. This means that the body should have access to various different nutrients including all food groups that are needed by the human body. Many people use the calorie method to calculate their food intake and adjust it accordingly. It is important to differentiate between fat calories and carbohydrate calories. It is also important to understand that the body does need fat in the nutrition.

Studies have shown that there is not much difference to the body if one adds calories in the form of fat or if one adds calories in the form of carbohydrates. Therefore an individual will experience the same amount of weight gain if he or she consumes the same amount of calories, regardless of the source. The real question in such a situation is which calorie source leads to more food consumption. However, if one sticks to a particular quantity of calories, it will be possible to control the rate at which weight is gained. Weight gain is also controlled by exercise and by generally leading a healthy lifestyle and following a healthy diet. One must make sure that food from all the important food groups is consumed.
Submitted by N on July 19, 2011 at 12:55

 

What percentage of dietary calories should come from carbohydrates?


Given the fact that obesity is a very common condition all over the world as well as the fact that it is known to be the root cause of a number of medical complications, it is easy to see why a number of people are worried about the kind of food they eat as well as the amount of exercise they get. One of the most common misconceptions about calorie and carbs intake is that a lot of people are of the opinion that all one really needs to do is cut the carbohydrate quantity in their diet until they have lost the excess weight. However, it is not so much carbs impact as it is calorie impact.

The adequate intake of calories from carbohydrates a day boils down to the calculation of every carbohydrate contains 4 calories per gram. Once you have understood this calculation, counting calories becomes a much simpler task. Calories from carb fat protein are measured at 4 per gram as well and will come in handy on a number of meat containing meals. Calorie counting is one of the best ways of monitoring the amount of food that you eat as well as understanding the impact that it is going to have on your body.

Carbohydrates diet

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy which enables the body to function properly. Carbohydrates in the diet can be of two types, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars which can be digested easily by the body. These include cake, jelly and candy. Complex carbohydrates are starches which require a long period of time for digestion. These include pasta, grains, breads, vegetables and fruits. Once the carbohydrates are broken down in the body, they are turned into fuel and utilized by the muscles and cells for their daily functioning.

Many foods that are rich in carbohydrates are also packed with other nutrients. For example, fruits and vegetables not only contain carbohydrates, but are also loaded with several vitamins and minerals. Some carbohydrate-rich foods also contain a lesser amount of nutrients. Sugary foods, molasses and corn syrup are examples of simple carbohydrates that add calories to the diet. An excessive intake of calories can lead to weight gain. For this reason the consumption of sugary foods must be limited.

It is possible to ensure proper carbohydrates nutrition by making some important food choices. Switch to whole grain bread for sandwiches and toast instead of white bread. Many people like to snack on crackers. However these are usually loaded with salt and fats. Switching to whole wheat crackers supplies the body with healthy carbohydrates as well as cuts down on unhealthy calorie intake.

Dairy products are good sources of carbohydrates. However whole milk tends to be high in fat. Opt for skim milk instead and use it with cereal or for baking. Medical experts maintain that the calories from carbohydrates should be about 60 percent of total calories consumed on a daily basis. It is advisable to be aware of your recommended daily intake of calories. This will depend upon your gender, age, height, weight and activity level. Once you have this, you can determine the amount of carbohydrates you require every day. It is also a good habit to start reading the food labels as they list the number of carbohydrates, calories and other nutrients contained in the food.

In order to lose weight and maintain healthy body weight, you need to know the types and amount of carbohydrates to eat. Carbohydrates triggers serotonin production in the brain and this leads to a sense of well being. The appetite is also suppressed and one does not feel hungry any more. However, regular consumption of such carbohydrates can lead to excessive weight gain. To continue to derive nutrition from carbohydrates and lose weight, you need to include only those carbs which are healthy for you. 

Dieters and those who wish to stay healthy must ensure the presence of complex carbohydrates in the diet. These are more satisfying, add fewer calories and keep you feeling full for a longer time. However some individuals are advised to follow a simple carbohydrates diet. This is due to certain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. However it is important to consult a doctor or a dietician before making any alterations to the diet. 

Submitted by N on July 8, 2011 at 12:45

 
Carbohydrates for Healthy Diet

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (other two are fats and proteins) which provide energy and other vital micronutrients to the body. Each gram of carbohydrate like each gram of protein provides 4 calories. There are two types of carbohydrates that is simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates, both of them provides equal amount of calories that is 4 calories per gram but they vary in their digestive processes. Simple carbohydrates are mainly refined and processed foods like sugar, white breads and white rice and they lack in many vital nutrients and more importantly fiber. These can be easily digested in the body and can disrupt appetite mechanism and cause food cravings. Complex carbohydrates do not provide lower calories but they also provide fiber and other vitamins and minerals and these carbohydrates take longer to digest. To get right amount of calories from the carbohydrates is by following a well balanced diet according to the food pyramid which suggest whole grains and cereals to form the foundation of the diet. Sugar, honey and other refined foods are on the top end which signifies that these can be taken in least amount in any balanced diet. This rule will be of great help if you are trying to lose weight or if you have any other disease condition like diabetes or heart diseases.
Submitted by S M on April 13, 2008 at 11:48

 
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