How important are carbs for me

[tvibabo]

Hey BB

I am 17 years old and i've been lifting for 8 months and been serious about my diet all the time, counting macros, getting enough protein, sleep etc etc. I understand carbs can play a key role in order to loose weight but what about bulking? I've just recently tried to hit 40/40/20 it is a little bit rough to make it work. Never thought about anything else than protein and calories, but now i am currious. Are carbs important to me? Should i worry about hitting 40/40/20, or should i just not give a **** and just get my calories and protein, and be aware i dont consume too much fat.

Thanks

[SuffolkPunch]

There is no need to hit exact ratios. They are just abstract numbers.

- set a calorie target
- choose foods which meet your minimum requirements for protein and fat (as per macro sticky thread)
- use the calories left over however you want - more pro/fat or carbs - it's your choice. You should experiment to see what works best.

[rhadam]

Hey BB

I am 17 years old and i've been lifting for 8 months and been serious about my diet all the time, counting macros, getting enough protein, sleep etc etc. I understand carbs can play a key role in order to loose weight but what about bulking? I've just recently tried to hit 40/40/20 it is a little bit rough to make it work. Never thought about anything else than protein and calories, but now i am currious. Are carbs important to me? Should i worry about hitting 40/40/20, or should i just not give a **** and just get my calories and protein, and be aware i dont consume too much fat.

Thanks

Where did you hear that carbs play a key role in losing weight? The key role is that you maintain a caloric deficit if you want to lose weight. The key to a bulk it maintaining a caloric surplus. Carbs are the only non-essential macronutrient. Personally, i don't promote low carb or no carb diets for any stage of dieting, but again, they're not essential. Also, don't be afraid of fat, the body needs it. Fat doesn't make you fat.

[tvibabo]

Where did you hear that carbs play a key role in losing weight? The key role is that you maintain a caloric deficit if you want to lose weight. The key to a bulk it maintaining a caloric surplus. Carbs are the only non-essential macronutrient. Personally, i don't promote low carb or no carb diets for any stage of dieting, but again, they're not essential. Also, don't be afraid of fat, the body needs it. Fat doesn't make you fat.

Yes i know you should be in a deficit. I meant in low carb diets, or keto etc. I should be more accurate.

[dylanrpxxx]

Carbs are the bodies primary source of energy so they are extremely important, especially when you are bulking, because adequate carbs will give you the energy you need to make strength gains and beat PRs. they are also very important for gaining weight. if your body has no carbs, it's going to have to convert that protein into energy instead of using it for muscle. fats are extremely important too man.

[rhadam]

Yes i know you should be in a deficit. I meant in low carb diets, or keto etc. I should be more accurate.

Well i basically answered that: carbs are a non-essential macronutrient. Build your diet around what works best for YOU. Disregard percentages for macros like 40/40/20 or 30/40/30 or any of those oblique ratios.

[rhadam]

Carbs are the bodies primary source of energy so they are extremely important, especially when you are bulking, because adequate carbs will give you the energy you need to make strength gains and beat PRs. they are also very important for gaining weight. if your body has no carbs, it's going to have to convert that protein into energy instead of using it for muscle. fats are extremely important too man.

You should probably study up on some current nutrition info before posting/giving advice.