I am currently trying to lose weight. I am 5 feet tall and I weight 205 pounds. I am determined to reach my goal this time. I have tried the Atkins diet, but I feel it is too extreme. What I need to know is how many carbohydrates per day should I allow myself? I am drinking lots of water and I have quit drinking soft drinks. I don’t want to deprive myself so much that I give up and go back to my old bad habits. I just need to know how many carbs I can eat in a day and still lose weight and keep it off. Can you please help me out with this one?

You ask a good question especially in light of all the hype surrounding “low carb” lifestyles. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian. He/she can develop an individualized mealplan to assist you with slow and gradual weight loss that is not based on fad diets or the latest nutrition “craze of the week.” The mealplan should consist of all three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Certainly, cutting out the sodas is a great start in reducing your caloric intake during the day. Ask your physician for a referral to an registered dietitian if needed. Good luck with the weight loss.

JMS