Just how many carbs in a day?

[Sidney]

I get confused sometimes... No carbs until my reward meal, but then I notice how many carbs are in my comp. meal cottage cheese, and think OH NO! Same thing for spinach and probably a lot of other things I haven't noticed yet. I'm assuming that less is best, but is there any cut and dried formula that says, OK, no more than X amount of carbs in your comp. meal? :wave:

[merrymutts]

I've just read to be reasonable and keep the reward meal to the salad, 1/3 protein, 1/3 crave reducing vegetables, 1/3 other foods plus a reasonable dessert and the beverage of choice.. Not to count the carbs at the reward meal but the be realistic and reasonable...obviously this is NOT the pig out meal.

[tigerww]

The non-reward meals and snacks should be roughly 1/2 protein and 1/2 low-carb vegetables. Though the proportions can vary as you need them to, be sure to include some protein and some veggies every time you eat.

As far as amounts, I limit things like cottage cheese to a single standard serving. This would keep you to no more than 4 grams carbs typically in a 1/2 cup serving. If I'm still hungry, I add other food that is lower in carbs.

Remember, on the other hand, that one of the great things about CAD/CALP is that you don't have to count calories, carbs, or anything else.

Hope this helps,

Tiger ;)

[Wolfiesask]

You might want to invest in the small booklets the Heller's published, especially the carb counter one. It gives a nice listing of hundreds of foods and their carb counts, as well as indicating what many trigger foods, like cottage cheese, may be. From there you can create a quick reference list of low carb veggies that you can mix and match for your complementary meals. I avoid cottage cheese except for at a reward meal as it is a trigger for me. It takes a bit of practice but don't get too hung up on things being perfect.

As far as how many carbs in a day, don't worry about totals as long as you stick to the low carb veggies and lean protein for the 2 comp. meals then remember t balance supper with 1/3 high carb, 1/3 low carb and 1/3 protein, that is, after starting with your salad. Another thing to remember is amounts, as it's not intended to be a binge. Best wishes and keep working at it!!

Wolfie :wave: