Call for FAQs!

Dragonwolf
Posts: 5,600 Member
Hey everyone!
As part of the planning stages for redoing the stickies, I could use some help for content for the new ones!
So, post here the questions you see/hear most often from newcomers! Feel free to include links to in-depth answers (both here and elsewhere) that we can include.
As part of the planning stages for redoing the stickies, I could use some help for content for the new ones!
So, post here the questions you see/hear most often from newcomers! Feel free to include links to in-depth answers (both here and elsewhere) that we can include.
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Replies
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The most common things I have seen are where to start (I always give Atkins.com because it has everything succinctly for free), and Why has the weight loss stopped?0
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Personally speaking, I'd like to see something basic and straightforward on the nuts and bolts of weightloss and how low-carb fits in under that umbrella. I see many overcomplicate things when all they want to do is cut the carbs to lose weight. I know many low-carb for reasons other than weight loss, but a nice sticky/ faq on low-carb and weight loss would save a lot of the re-asking of similar questions I feel.
A sticky with recipe links, ideas and sources would be good also.
Lastly, perhaps a good sticky with a typical blueprint of the stages one can expect to experience in the beginning, when starting on low-carb. Kinda like a practical low-carb 101 for those just fresh to low-carb.
Sorry I just have all questions/ suggestions, and no handy/ ready-made links that answer those questions..0 -
Sounds like good ideas so far.
Why the Scale is a Lying-LiarPants.
Something about electrolytes. (Dehydration and feeling run-down.)
Isn't fat bad? Some people have reservations about it.
Macros for different plans maybe or links to general info
Net Carbs vs Gross
Glycemic index/load info
I'll think of more suggestions and be back.0 -
baconslave wrote: »Sounds like good ideas so far.
Why the Scale is a Lying-LiarPants.
Something about electrolytes. (Dehydration and feeling run-down.)
Isn't fat bad? Some people have reservations about it.
Macros for different plans maybe or links to general info
Net Carbs vs Gross
Glycemic index/load info
I'll think of more suggestions and be back.
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »baconslave wrote: »Sounds like good ideas so far.
Why the Scale is a Lying-LiarPants.
Something about electrolytes. (Dehydration and feeling run-down.)
Isn't fat bad? Some people have reservations about it.
Macros for different plans maybe or links to general info
Net Carbs vs Gross
Glycemic index/load info
I'll think of more suggestions and be back.
Egads, there is?0 -
In regards to a basic FAQ and keto, there's the FAQ from the reddit keto group. It may not apply to general low carb though.
I am working on developing a list of various resources broken down by category (groups/social, books, movies, research, general information, etc.) over on the challenge board. I have a bunch of things I will be linking to eventually in it, but I have been slacking lately.
Personally, I always appreciate when people post interesting books, videos, podcasts, etc. I like to expand the little bit of knowledge I have and often someone finds something I haven't seen before. So, a list like that would be cool. It could probably fit on the same post as the FAQ and other general resources... just below those. Obviously, we'd want the most clear, concise, and important information top, front, and center.0 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »baconslave wrote: »Sounds like good ideas so far.
Why the Scale is a Lying-LiarPants.
Something about electrolytes. (Dehydration and feeling run-down.)
Isn't fat bad? Some people have reservations about it.
Macros for different plans maybe or links to general info
Net Carbs vs Gross
Glycemic index/load info
I'll think of more suggestions and be back.
Egads, there is?
Yup0 -
I haven't been lurking in the general forums, do I even want to go looking for that thread? I kind of do. I have this sick fetish when it comes to reading the opinions of stupid people.0
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Dragonwolf wrote: »Hey everyone!
As part of the planning stages for redoing the stickies, I could use some help for content for the new ones!
So, post here the questions you see/hear most often from newcomers! Feel free to include links to in-depth answers (both here and elsewhere) that we can include.
I wonder if we're not putting the proverbial "cart" before the "horse".
Unless (and until) we define the mission of this group, I think we're embarking on a fool's mission to attempt to provide a long list of "stickies" or "faq's" answering "typical" questions with specific "answers" where any number of "answers" might be appropriate, depending on one's particular point of view.
As I see this group, we're not Atkins, not OKL, not Primal, not Paleo.
We're none of those (and they EACH have their "own" groups) - and we're ALL of those. (some more than others).
Do we answer questions (or post FAQ'S) that suggest meat or dairy be avoided?
Or that meat, if included, should be "lean"?
Or protein should be x grams/day or more to prevent muscle loss?
Or, or, or.....?
If we are going to post specific "recommendations" (guidelines, whatever), then we're going to have to reach a consensus on what they should be. Atkins, OKL, P&P can do that - they believe and advocate what they believe and it lives in a list that can be posted or photocopied.
LCHF, at least as I understand is, is NOT a "weight loss diet" but rather a nutrition life style that just so happens to produce some pretty impressive weight loss results in addition to the overall health and wellness benefits.
There isn't (again, IMO) a specific "list" of faq's, macros, or a simple "getting started guide".
If that's what folks come here seeking, I'd suggest they might be looking in the wrong place.
There are plenty of "quickie" lo-carb diet groups ready, willing, and able to meet those needs. One need only take a look at most of them to see the degree of success they attain, both for the newbies seeking assistance and the participation over the long term of satisfied "customers".
My suggestion would be;- Scrap the existing (way too long) list of "announcements" - ALTOGETHER,
- Replace it with 2 (3-4 at the MOST), one sentence "lead-ins" linked to a "read only" topics.
1) - The existing list is simply WAY too long, a major distraction that even if just from a webpage navigation standpoint - probably turns away a significant number of first time visitors who never even get through the list to the current topics.
In addition, I'd be willing to be that VERY few of us (myself included), have ever read most (let alone, all) of them and for those that have, I'm guessing many came away scratching their heads as to what the group is all about.
2) Two (four at most) "Topics" sticky'ed, with a heading and short sentence description will allow for the list of current topics to remain in full view of the newbies (at least on the desktop version) but still provide the opportunity to put a "mission statement" out there for those interested.
3) The "mission statement" is, IMO, the most important (and maybe, all that's necessary).
It can and should go into detail about LCHF (in its various forms) without advocating for any one specific form but rather our advocacy (as a group) of finding what is "right" for any given individual.
Explaining to the newbie what it is that makes us "different" - not judging or preaching one particular, "you MUST do it this way..." dogma.
That is, to me, why we're not just "different", but unique and stand out among the others.
4) The "Welcome & Mission Statement" ought be a living document, general in nature but updated as necessary to reflect current thinking in the LCHF community (and this group), as a whole. Member input should be encouraged but editorial control and final decision should rest in the hands of the GG (Group Goddess).
5) Past that, I'd see true "stickies" being a page each of actual links grouped under specific topics that remain basically "timeless" and/or refer to "basic" science unlikely to become obsolete in the short term.
For example a "recipes" sticky with a simple list of links (perhaps organized by meals/total carbs/LC diet type/or individual recipes vs recipe sites).
Perhaps a second "general" sticky entitled "Science" with subgroups like "videos", "clinical studies", "books and publications", etc
Finally, if a "quick start guide" sticky is to be included, I'd suggest a point by point list of items that newbies looking for simple answers should assemble and post when requesting "advice".
Items like;- Go here and get current BMR, TDEE, etc
- Here for Body Fat %
- What is your current daily cal intake
- Current average carb intake
- Goals (weight, carb in, etc)
- etc
With this info, those interested in providing specific suggestions can do so without having to ask the same questions over and over and they will have the info needed to make an intelligent recommendation.
Perhaps equally (if not more) important, the newbie becomes an active participant in formulating THEIR plan.
In each case (each of the 1, 2, 3 "sticky" pages), the page should pass itself to a "New Member Welcome" post in the current posts thread with strong encouragement to click the "Join this Group" link.
Increasing the member count will help keep us near the top of the list visible to those not familiar with navigating the groups and as current members "welcome" newbies aboard, that thread will naturally stay near the top while at the same time directing the newbie to the current topic threads.
Offered as food for though - TIFWIW
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I think Deansdad makes a good point when it comes to paleo/ atkins/ et al. Although low-carb is not those things, it is often an umbrella that those other plans often fall under at differing times. As such, a sticky on how all these similar approaches co-exist would be helpful to those who wander over here, as there is a lot of correlation, and just as a general low-carber from time to time, I find a lot of the paleo stuff helpful when it comes to recipes/ etc, and vice-versa with folks on other plans finding a lot of the general low-carb stuff helpful to them on their plan.
Re: whether low-carb is a lifestyle or a weightloss tool is dependent on each person themselves though I think. For me low-carb is firmly a tool for weight loss, whereas for others I know it is a lifestyle change for health reasons that may or may not have anything to to do with weight loss. As such, keeping the group open to all I think would be a good idea, although I am just a blow-in here0 -
I haven't been lurking in the general forums, do I even want to go looking for that thread? I kind of do. I have this sick fetish when it comes to reading the opinions of stupid people.
I know, right?! It's like a train wreck. Just....can't....look....away.... Someone is wrong on the Internet!deansdad101 wrote: »Dragonwolf wrote: »Hey everyone!
As part of the planning stages for redoing the stickies, I could use some help for content for the new ones!
So, post here the questions you see/hear most often from newcomers! Feel free to include links to in-depth answers (both here and elsewhere) that we can include.
I wonder if we're not putting the proverbial "cart" before the "horse".
Unless (and until) we define the mission of this group, I think we're embarking on a fool's mission to attempt to provide a long list of "stickies" or "faq's" answering "typical" questions with specific "answers" where any number of "answers" might be appropriate, depending on one's particular point of view.
As I see this group, we're not Atkins, not OKL, not Primal, not Paleo.
We're none of those (and they EACH have their "own" groups) - and we're ALL of those. (some more than others).
I agree that this is very much a general forum and not beholden to any one particular way of executing low carb. I also agree about doing away with the existing stickies entirely and replacing them.
This thread is simply a brainstorming session for the most frequently asked things, and I have little doubt that all of the information will cross over to other ways of eating (I often link to the Whole 30 timeline for info on induction flu, for example). Not everything that comes up here will necessarily be included in the final sticky. The idea here is to keep the conversation going and keep the momentum up, and gathering this information while I'm busy with holiday stuff, so that I/we can work on writing things after our schedules calm down from the holidays.0 -
I agree it needs to be as general as possible with as much flexibility as possible.
Low carb was something I really did not talk/think about when I started on the coconut oil for pain relief the first of Aug. Yes I had been told by many I needed to cut out sugar.
By reading none stop by the first of October and not dropping a pound for two months with pain levels shooting up after every milkshake while I was trying to cut out sugar and grains I started to have a grasp of what Low Carb meant at least in my case. With that knowledge/understand although quite limited starting the first of October I was able to totally cut sugar and grains and got the 'accidental carbs' <50 grams a day.
While just the coconut oil helped with the pain now the pain level was like almost pain free at a 2-3 vs 7-8+ the first of August plus during October I dropped 10 pounds. I would guess 5 pounds was from water loss cutting out the carbs which in my case I had to get off of fruit to get below 50 grams.
After I finally got to MFP and was told all I had learned was a waste because CICO was the only factor in the world that was of any value concerning weight lose I had to really dig into the research to support that CICO was not the only factor in dieting. At first I was foolish enough to think the CICO only folks could see the broader picture but I fell on my face trying to paint that picture for them.
While I do not have a plan I hope as this group evolves in can be very inclusive.
Thanks to each one for great input and hard work.0 -
iloseityes wrote: »I think Deansdad makes a good point when it comes to paleo/ atkins/ et al. Although low-carb is not those things, it is often an umbrella that those other plans often fall under at differing times. As such, a sticky on how all these similar approaches co-exist would be helpful to those who wander over here, as there is a lot of correlation, and just as a general low-carber from time to time, I find a lot of the paleo stuff helpful when it comes to recipes/ etc, and vice-versa with folks on other plans finding a lot of the general low-carb stuff helpful to them on their plan.
Re: whether low-carb is a lifestyle or a weightloss tool is dependent on each person themselves though I think. For me low-carb is firmly a tool for weight loss, whereas for others I know it is a lifestyle change for health reasons that may or may not have anything to to do with weight loss. As such, keeping the group open to all I think would be a good idea, although I am just a blow-in here
Agreed.0 -
I haven't been lurking in the general forums, do I even want to go looking for that thread? I kind of do. I have this sick fetish when it comes to reading the opinions of stupid people.
Speaking from the experience of an idiot that apparently likes to hurt herself and go there, I'd stay away. There's a reason why I call it the Litterbox.0 -
How to change your macros?
What macros should you track for LCHF?
How much Fat is too much fat?
What can I eat besides salad and meat?
What do I add back when maintaining weight?
Those are questions I had.. not sure if that was what you were asking for
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GaleHawkins wrote: »
After I finally got to MFP and was told all I had learned was a waste because CICO was the only factor in the world that was of any value concerning weight lose I had to really dig into the research to support that CICO was not the only factor in dieting. At first I was foolish enough to think the CICO only folks could see the broader picture but I fell on my face trying to paint that picture for them.
Haha, that's good old MFP alright, lol. I liken the folks that harp on only about CICO in relation to weight loss, as similar to someone asking about racing, and be told 'just go really fast'! lol. I find it similarly sad and amusing in equal measure that so many can understand the importance of macronutrients, yet remain completely ignorant of micronutrients..
I should probably hark down now.. lol
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iloseityes wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »
After I finally got to MFP and was told all I had learned was a waste because CICO was the only factor in the world that was of any value concerning weight lose I had to really dig into the research to support that CICO was not the only factor in dieting. At first I was foolish enough to think the CICO only folks could see the broader picture but I fell on my face trying to paint that picture for them.
Haha, that's good old MFP alright, lol. I liken the folks that harp on only about CICO in relation to weight loss, as similar to someone asking about racing, and be told 'just go really fast'! lol. I find it similarly sad and amusing in equal measure that so many can understand the importance of macronutrients, yet remain completely ignorant of micronutrients..
I should probably hark down now.. lol
iloseityes that is why I think this group is so critical to those of us basically new to LCHF life style. I think it may have been Sabine that directed me over here. The abuse over there just blows my mind and I am not sure the few doing it are even aware of the harm they bring to the cause of MFP.0 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »iloseityes wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »
After I finally got to MFP and was told all I had learned was a waste because CICO was the only factor in the world that was of any value concerning weight lose I had to really dig into the research to support that CICO was not the only factor in dieting. At first I was foolish enough to think the CICO only folks could see the broader picture but I fell on my face trying to paint that picture for them.
Haha, that's good old MFP alright, lol. I liken the folks that harp on only about CICO in relation to weight loss, as similar to someone asking about racing, and be told 'just go really fast'! lol. I find it similarly sad and amusing in equal measure that so many can understand the importance of macronutrients, yet remain completely ignorant of micronutrients..
I should probably hark down now.. lol
iloseityes that is why I think this group is so critical to those of us basically new to LCHF life style. I think it may have been Sabine that directed me over here. The abuse over there just blows my mind and I am not sure the few doing it are even aware of the harm they bring to the cause of MFP.
Oh no, I assure you, they're very aware. They don't see it as "harm," though, to drive out the people that feel there's more to it than CICO. They don't see it as harm, because they see us as threats to the CICO-is-everything gospel. We are the enemy, basically.0 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »iloseityes wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »
After I finally got to MFP and was told all I had learned was a waste because CICO was the only factor in the world that was of any value concerning weight lose I had to really dig into the research to support that CICO was not the only factor in dieting. At first I was foolish enough to think the CICO only folks could see the broader picture but I fell on my face trying to paint that picture for them.
Haha, that's good old MFP alright, lol. I liken the folks that harp on only about CICO in relation to weight loss, as similar to someone asking about racing, and be told 'just go really fast'! lol. I find it similarly sad and amusing in equal measure that so many can understand the importance of macronutrients, yet remain completely ignorant of micronutrients..
I should probably hark down now.. lol
iloseityes that is why I think this group is so critical to those of us basically new to LCHF life style. I think it may have been Sabine that directed me over here. The abuse over there just blows my mind and I am not sure the few doing it are even aware of the harm they bring to the cause of MFP.
Oh no, I assure you, they're very aware. They don't see it as "harm," though, to drive out the people that feel there's more to it than CICO. They don't see it as harm, because they see us as threats to the CICO-is-everything gospel. We are the enemy, basically.
And ironically, we are the ones called "zealots."0 -
CICO I have decided are like brakes on a car. If all one knows about driving is how to stomp the brakes they are going to have a lot sad results in their travels down the highways.0
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Ran across this today. Net carb counts of spices.
http://thelowcarbmecondiments.blogspot.com/p/net-carb-count-herb-spices-and-more.html?m=1
Interesting.0 -
I'd love a beyond noob phase faq as well. I see reiterated the basic info over and over everywhere. But I want more
I'm very curious about a collection of "insider's tips and tricks". I understand that since the implementation of LCHF varies widely, the tips are also highly personal to the source and their lifestyle. I still find it very interesting to hear about other people's little anecdotes
For example the sentence "Never trust a keto fart"...has stuck in my mind. This is the kind of knowledge that don't make it into a book by Phinney and Volek, I'd guess. The devil is sometimes in the details.
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One thing I am learning is how misunderstood LCHF is by most. Even the press often equates it the same as the Atkins Diet I find in my readings. Perhaps when it comes to human diets there are not a lot of open minds.
In my case I think my learning started when I decided I knew nothing.0 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »One thing I am learning is how misunderstood LCHF is by most. Even the press often equates it the same as the Atkins Diet I find in my readings. Perhaps when it comes to human diets there are not a lot of open minds.
In my case I think my learning started when I decided I knew nothing.
What I find even more frustrating is that if it's not equated to Atkins (and often, even if it is), it's generally considered "high protein," as though if you're not eating carbs, you must be eating just protein.
Sometimes, I just want to scream at them that there's an entire other macronutrient available to use as fuel (there are whole tirades in past entries in this group and others, where I have detailed the reasons why a properly executed and sustainable low-carb diet of any sort has increased fat and protein that falls somewhere in the "adequate" range, and why low-fat + low-carb is bad, and potentially deadly; I'm worse than deansdad with the walls of text, sometimes).
That said, to be fair, the Atkins diet is a fair one to use for trying to wrap it into an easily recognizable name, at least. It may not be perfect, but most ketogenic/LCHF studies generally use the "modified Atkins protocol," because it's sustainable and is generally LCHF. Not perfect, but there are worse options out there.
There are a ton of politics around human diet. To get an idea of just how much, check out Dr. Peter Attia's talk on the matter. It's astounding. (The real sad part? Human diet isn't even the worst about it. Tell your vet that you're going to feed your carnivorous pet a prey-model raw diet, and see how they react...)0 -
Must address P.I.S.S. as it is lovingly called...post induction stall syndrome. It's a thang and anecdotally, it seems everyone that starts low carb/keto hits this stage at 3-4 weeks. Who knows if that is scientific or not.
Must address electrolytes and LCHF flu, and what to do.
Must address what to do if you get LCHF related constipation or diarrhea.
Must address ketostix, breath readers, and blood ketone meters and what they do/do not do for you.
Water!
Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols..their benefits and drawbacks (for some).
Rate of weight loss.
Counting calories vs. not counting them.0 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »One thing I am learning is how misunderstood LCHF is by most. Even the press often equates it the same as the Atkins Diet I find in my readings. Perhaps when it comes to human diets there are not a lot of open minds.
In my case I think my learning started when I decided I knew nothing.
What I find even more frustrating is that if it's not equated to Atkins (and often, even if it is), it's generally considered "high protein," as though if you're not eating carbs, you must be eating just protein.
<snipped>
That said, to be fair, the Atkins diet is a fair one to use for trying to wrap it into an easily recognizable name, at least. It may not be perfect, but most ketogenic/LCHF studies generally use the "modified Atkins protocol," because it's sustainable and is generally LCHF. Not perfect, but there are worse options out there.
<snip>
Mind of the beholder (or "reader" in this case).
Early on in my excursions into the LCHF "world" I came to believe that the mere mention of the "A" word elicited a response that was not just negative (based on the individual's "conventional wisdom") but almost 100% of the time TOTALLY inaccurate and flat out wrong on "most" of what it actually stood for.
I am NOT "anti-A" - nor am I an "advocate" of the plan as the "best" solution, FOR ME.
For those that it "works", I'm all for it, but, as the "best" solution for "most" folks, I'm not convinced. Since the good doc's demise, and the subsequent purchase of the marketing division (and sales of "A-endorsed" everything under the sun), the critics have some very valid arguments, IMO.
That does not, however, change the "science" or the fact that Dr A was most definitely a pioneer, well ahead of his time, and subsequently proven "right" - in spite of the politics of the day and his critics, many of whom have since been shown to be the "best experts money could buy".
For me at least, avoiding mention of all things "A" and focusing instead on LCHF (and its subsets) allows the discussion to begin (at least) on a level playing field - without having to "defend" some of the questionable practices of the A empire or explain the recommendations that have changed over the years.
By focusing the discussion on LCHF, and addressing A when it must be, as "one version" of LC, rather than THE heart and soul of "all" things LC it just seems to eliminate complications.
Perhaps it's the Scarlet O'Hara in me coming out or the "la, la, la, la - fingers in the ear" syndrome, who knows?
But it "works" for me.
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Foamroller wrote: »I'd love a beyond noob phase faq as well. I see reiterated the basic info over and over everywhere. But I want more
I'm very curious about a collection of "insider's tips and tricks". I understand that since the implementation of LCHF varies widely, the tips are also highly personal to the source and their lifestyle. I still find it very interesting to hear about other people's little anecdotes
For example the sentence "Never trust a keto fart"...has stuck in my mind. This is the kind of knowledge that don't make it into a book by Phinney and Volek, I'd guess. The devil is sometimes in the details.
Yeah, I was thinking we should do a Low-Carb Hacks thread. I've been doing LC from over 6m and I sometimes still find the info helpful and/or worth a re-read.0 -
baconslave wrote: »Foamroller wrote: »I'd love a beyond noob phase faq as well. I see reiterated the basic info over and over everywhere. But I want more
I'm very curious about a collection of "insider's tips and tricks". I understand that since the implementation of LCHF varies widely, the tips are also highly personal to the source and their lifestyle. I still find it very interesting to hear about other people's little anecdotes
For example the sentence "Never trust a keto fart"...has stuck in my mind. This is the kind of knowledge that don't make it into a book by Phinney and Volek, I'd guess. The devil is sometimes in the details.
Yeah, I was thinking we should do a Low-Carb Hacks thread. I've been doing LC from over 6m and I sometimes still find the info helpful and/or worth a re-read.
Agree in principle with Foam's premise, just not the "FAQ" part.
As most probably have gleaned, I'm a "minimalist" when it comes to the FAQ question.
A "kitchen sink" approach leads to exactly the problem we are attempting to fix.
A compromise "solution" that might work would be the LC Hacks THREAD that BS suggests (or any number of similar threads) ALL of which (if deemed worthy of inclusion), would then be included with a LINK in one "general" FAQ (maybe entitled something along the lines of "Golden Oldies" or "Oscar Threads").
Links for threads to be included in that FAQ might be "nominated" by group members and would need to be kept current but since they would be actual threads, anyone that cared to could post directly to the thread itself after hitting the link.
On a sidenote, regarding the existing FAQ's/Announcements whatever they are - I'd just dump them all and start over. If unchecking the announcements tick does it and retains the content, anyone that cares to could go back later and resurrect any content they deem worthy but from what I've seen, there isn't much.
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I agree with the idea to keep the FAQ's moe simple and streamlined.
I agree that there are a lot of topics people ask initially. SO what if we had like 3 Topics and streamlined after that...like a Newbie FAQ, An Intermediate FAQ, and an Advanced FAQ. We could then give links in each category.0 -
I agree with the idea to keep the FAQ's moe simple and streamlined.
I agree that there are a lot of topics people ask initially. SO what if we had like 3 Topics and streamlined after that...like a Newbie FAQ, An Intermediate FAQ, and an Advanced FAQ. We could then give links in each category.
I like this idea. :thumbsup:
I've been thinking that the stickies for such things could be more of a "table of contents" with links to more detailed information, since otherwise, they'd get really long.0
This discussion has been closed.