Carb confusion

In the September issue, I read that "adults need at least 130 grams of carbs daily" (Eat Right News). But in "Supermarket Slimdown" (Nutrition), the amount of carbs in the daily meal plans ranges from 212-318 grams. Isn't this too much? How many carbs should an average person eat daily?

--Matilda Meze, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Shape Advisory Board member Nancy Clark, M.S., R.D., responds: Carbohydrates are a source of fuel, and how many your body needs depends on how active you are. Just to function reasonably well, you should eat about 130 grams of carbs (520 calories, or about 25 percent of a 2,000-calorie diet). But active people will feel much better if they get 50-65 percent of their calories from carbs: That's 250-325 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Your fear of "too many carbs" is likely based on the flawed notion that carbs make you gain weight. Excess calories, not excess carbs, are fattening. Enjoy wholesome grains, fruits and vegetables, because these carbohydrates are the best source of fuel to energize your workouts and are part of any healthy weight-loss plan.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group