Counting

Which is more important the amount of calories you consume or the amount of carbs you eat?

Neither... it's the combination of food types and calories that matter. If you eat the right foods together you won't go hungry and you'll get all of the nutrients you need to keep you healthy.

Generally net calories (calories eaten - calories burned). Make sure they're healthy calories, though-- eat real food, not processed crap.

I think we all have a different opinion here lol! I think amount of carbs is more important to control than calories. It all depends on what science you believe. I'm of the Paleo//Primal persuasion. It's all about keeping insulin (fat storing hormone) low low low. To do so eat animal protein, saturated fats, and veggies that grow above ground. No grains. No sugar. Good luck!!

40/30/30 The Balanced Slim Down is a 40/30/30 option (40 percent of calories from carbs, 30 percent from protein, and 30 percent from fats) for those who have some weight to lose or just want to streamline their diet for increased energy. This is a sound, healthy eating plan that will suit many people's lifestyles. You'll get plenty of protein, veggies, and essential fatty acids, plus healthful fruit and whole grains. If you're moderately overweight or not too active, this could be your long-term plan. And if you're already fit, this could be the right diet during times when you're not getting much exercise.

The book, The Formula, really explains this balanced way of eating.

As a recovering scientist, I'll opt to stay in the loft here.

Most recent nutritional science points to calories being calories....Excess calories equals excess weight. You can do that the hard way--by eating lots of carbs and sugar and being hungry and exhausted all day--or the easy way--by eating fewer and higher quality carbs, more vegetables, high-quality protein, good fats and fewer sugars, which will make you less hungry and more energetic over the course of the day. It's up to you.

Whichever method works best for you, as long as you can see yourself sustain this way of life for the long term.

If you eat the right food.you not need to count the calories

I'm counting calories - calories in, calories out. It is what works for me. I make my choices for calories with veggies, fruit, grains, dairy, protein, beans, nuts and of course DARK CHOCOLATE! Calories out by walking and swimming. I am ALWAYS trying to learn what works best for me. There are so many theories out there. I like ANDI and Dr. Fuhrman (you can read about him at Whole Foods site). I also love recipes by Ellie Kreiger (sp). Best to you and your goals!