should I focus more on carbs I eat or the calorie count of foods?

[bkb]

Should I  be more aware of the  carb numbers of the  food I eat or the calories/?

[deepfritz]

I have managed to lose 70 pounds by focusing on calories and macros.  I currently do a low carb diet, which is usually around 100 grams or less of carbs, the rest in protein and fats. It took me a long time to get over the fact that "fats" arent bad for you. I guess I always associated it with body fat. I set my macro calorie goals at about 35-40% protein  40-45% fats  (poly and mono fats and avoid saturated and trans fat foods.) and the rest in carbs which is typically 10-15% or so. If you eat high protein foods such as chicken breast, tuna etc... and good fats like almonds, nuts etc... It will make you feel full longer, I usually fill in the carbs with vegetables, like lettuce and green beans which are low in carbs. I personally use a digital scale so I can measure out portion sizes, I never realized how much I was really over eating because I was ignorant of the portion amounts I was really eating.  A good free app I use is called "my plate" I use it to help monitor my macros and I use the fitbit app as well. I have found that as long as you keep your calories under control you can eat more carbs if you want as long as you stick to your budget of calories. If you can get away with eating alot more carbs and not get hungry shortly after then have at it, change the macros to suit you but stay within your budget of calories. Use a BMR calculator which you can find online to get a ball park of your calorie needs. I aim for a 1000 calorie deficit everyday and usually end up at a 500 deficit or so.  I personally eat less carbs because I tend to get hungry again sooner if i eat high carb foods. You have to remember everyones body is different so find what works for yours and just stick to it. I hope this helps you! Good luck.

[Heybales]

Do you have a diabetic or pre-diabetic issue with carbs?

If you eat a bagel for breakfast are you sleepy in 30-45 min and hungrier than you should be in 60-90 min?

If not - then personal preference.

People can do low carb and still eat too many calories and gain fat.

Personal preference really. You may do better with eating fat and protein with any carbs, and first too.