How do you know your lean body mass weight in order to calculate how many carbs to consume? Diane. [via Ask Questions]

How many carbs do I need? How many carbs do you need? That is the thing about carbs, when it comes to questions such as “How many carbs do I need?” it is almost easier to ignore them than to answer them definitively.

Carbs are tricky; they are not easy to figure out because it is a nutritional variable which is highly depended on an individual ability to process carbs. Different people tolerate carbohydrates differently and with mixed results.

Thus, to answer the “How many carbs do I need?” question, I think the best way to go about it is to experiment. But where do you start? Assuming we are talking about complex carbohydrates (or net carbs), start with eating anywhere from 100 grams (g) to no more than 200 g carbs a day for about a week. Assess how you feel and go from there.

Having said that, personally, I do not get cut up in the “How many carbs do I need?” question, and I do not think you should either. Why not? Because while it is important to be aware of how many carbs you consume, if your main sources of carbohydrates are vegetables and high-fiber fruits such as berries, for example, I do not think you have anything to worry about.

Simple carbohydrates cause problems when they are consumed in excess. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are not only well tolerated, they are nearly impossible to over-consume. Okay, maybe some people can eat too much wholegrain bread or raspberries, but it does not happen often. Sugar, white bread, sweets, pastries, sodas, fast food, etc is what we need to watch out for.

As for your question about lean body mass, I am not sure how it relates to the “How many carbs do I need?” question. It does not matter what your bodyfat percentage is. Focus on eating complex carbohydrates and a balanced diet, and you will do just fine.