How do you calculate how many carbohydrates you should have per day?

Answer 1

* That rather depends on whose book you buy and whether you are trying to lose weight or not. If you are NOT trying to lose weight, it depends on your activity level. It also depends on the quality of the carbohydrates. I think the USDA has finally produced a food pyramid that makes pretty good sense, and a website that will help you with that calculation. * If you ARE trying to lose weight, 20 - 50 grams are recommended depending on your level of activity. Certain types of carbohydrate have many beneficial phytochemicals and fiber so eating some (within the allowance) is fine as long as they are not refined (processed) carbohydrates. For weight loss and health, get your carbohydrates from natural sources such as (preferably organic) fresh non-starchy vegetables and low-carb fruits such as berries. For more information, see the related question and answer, further down this page, listed under "Related Questions."

Answer 2

Answer
Carbohydrate need is determined by your height, weight, physical activity level and the rate at which you burn energy. A loose guideline is that 50 - 70% of your calories should come from carbohydrates. So let's say you eat 2,000 calories a day. If 25% of your calories come from fat (500 calories) and 20% of your calories came from protein (400 calories); then 55% or the rest of the calories would come from carbohydrates (1,100 calories). The bulk of your calories should come from carbohydrates, which includes vegetables and whole grains. Carbohydrates deliver a lot of our plant chemicals, vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are also the fuel for energy. They are important to our health and generally speaking, we should get half or more of our calories from carbohydrates.


EDIT:

Please be aware this advice comes from a bunch of politicians, and as people have started to follow their advice, has led to soaring rates of obesity, Diabetes, Heart disease etc. and has no real base in science.