Low Carb Success?

tina4kids

Has anyone had success with losing a lot of weight and keeping it off with Low Carb Dieting? I started a low carb lifestyle 7 weeks ago and so far, have lost 22 lbs. Just wondering if I will continue to lose, and how much weight I can lose, if I continue. My goal was to lose around 100 lbs. Thank you in advance!

JPW1990

Down 60 since November. Prior to that, maintained for 13 years, only gained after I got sick. There are a few threads of success stories in the LCD group (which I saw you found), and you'll find plenty more here.

Sabine_Stroehm

MANY MANY folks! (I'm not one who's tried). See JPW's link above.

CoffeeNBooze

Yep. You just have to make sure it's something you enjoy and can stick with long term. I still really enjoy it but I'm not as strict. Since I like to eat a lot of carbs, the pounds crept back on from the calories. Working on finding a happy medium.

mandapanda8313

I have two friends who stuck with the low carb diet, and both lost 100 Ibs each! If you can stick with it, give it a shot

KellyLouiseGibson

YES LOW CARBS WORKS FOR ME.
I started my weight loss 5 months ago and I have lost a total of 3 stone 1 pound.
I have never gained weight in the whole of the 5 months only lost weight. Usually i struggle to lose weight as well cause I put on weight so easily.
I eat lots of protein and veg etc very minor carbs.
I still have another stone and a half to burn to get the flat stomach I have always wanted but I am so determined I know I can do it.
Good Luck x

PowerKickChic

I'm not low carb. I believe in a balanced diet but if it works for you, then that's great! I do eat meals without them every once in a while. If your going out to eat, my go-to meal is chili's shrimp fajitas. I don't eat the the tortillas at all and just the veggies, meat and some toppings. It will fill you up and you save like 260 calories.

leggup

tina4kids wrote: »

Has anyone had success with losing a lot of weight and keeping it off with Low Carb Dieting? I started a low carb lifestyle 7 weeks ago and so far, have lost 22 lbs. Just wondering if I will continue to lose, and how much weight I can lose, if I continue. My goal was to lose around 100 lbs. Thank you in advance!

You will continue to lose as long as you're in a calorie deficit. You will stop losing when you are no longer in a calorie deficit. This is regardless of your carbohydrate consumption.

Remember also that the dramatic initial weight loss is usually due to water weight loss. It is unlikely that you will continue to lose at your previous rate of ~3 lbs/week. Do not become discouraged when this happens.

If eating low carbohydrate foods help keep you within your calorie limits to lose weight, that's great, you do you. Just know that you don't HAVE to eat low carb to see this kind of success.

tina4kids

Thank you all for the input! This is the first time in YEARS that I have been able to lose weight. I honestly did not think I could do low carb, because that's my weakness and my favorite type of food! But since I started, it has been so easy and I have not craved carbs at all! I know I can live this way for awhile, but didn't know if I would continue to lose weight or how long it would take to lose about 100 lbs.

And another thing.... I have been tired alot lately. I don't know if it is due to a low carb diet or my new job!

l3eware0f4ire

How low carb are you? Could you be low enough to be getting the keto flu? If low enough that could be the cause.

tina4kids

l3eware0f4ire wrote: »

How low carb are you? Could you be low enough to be getting the keto flu? If low enough that could be the cause.

I usually have between 20-50 carbs a day. What is keto flu and what are the symptoms?
Sorry for so many questions.... Can you tell I'm new?!?

fatblatta

check out dietdoctor.com

ladymiseryali

tina4kids wrote: »

I have been tired alot lately. I don't know if it is due to a low carb diet or my new job!

Sounds like keto-flu to me. Up your electrolytes and mayhaps take some magnesium supplements and you'll start feeling better. Also make sure you're getting plenty of water.

kristenlarkin

I stay under 20g of carbs a day and it is so easy.

SW July 21, 2014: 267
CW: 148
GW: 120s

I'm 5'3

sheen08

What do you all eat on the low carb diet?? I tried it a few times, but every time I just get sick of eating eggs and meat.. There's not a lot of variety available.
I would love to be able to follow it longer and im convinced this is what my body needs, as it doesn't react well to carbs at all.
I've also had blood sugar issues when I was pregnant, so I know that carbs are not good for me at all... But I don't know where and how to start.. I think I might be addicted to carbs

ladymiseryali

I eat loads of veggies like spinach and broccoli, almonds, chicken, tofu, deli meats, ground beef. Go on pinterest if you're on there and look up "low carb recipes". So many to choose from!

tina4kids

kristenlarkin wrote: »

I stay under 20g of carbs a day and it is so easy.

SW July 21, 2014: 267
CW: 148
GW: 120s

I'm 5'3

Wow! You have lost a lot of weight in less than a year! I bet you feel great! What kind of foods do you eat to stay under 20 carbs? Do you also exercise? I haven't started exercise yet.

charlene77

Following

JPW1990

sheen08 wrote: »

What do you all eat on the low carb diet?? I tried it a few times, but every time I just get sick of eating eggs and meat.. There's not a lot of variety available.
I would love to be able to follow it longer and im convinced this is what my body needs, as it doesn't react well to carbs at all.
I've also had blood sugar issues when I was pregnant, so I know that carbs are not good for me at all... But I don't know where and how to start.. I think I might be addicted to carbs

Everything on this list from the top down to plums can be easily fit into even the most restrictive LC (keto) on a daily basis:

Everything from plums to garlic can be easily fit in in very small amounts (garlic, ginger, etc) or with careful planning on a weekly or monthly basis.

Dates are a tough fit even if you have a high carb limit, and mushrooms are supposed to be on the top half of the list above the plums. All measurements are 100g, so weigh accordingly, and in most cases you'll probably only have 50g or less of any given item, especially on the top half of the list. If you're outside the US, the "net carb" columns at the end correspond to how carbs are already labelled in your country.

Use those for your carb sources, allowing the odd 3-5 to account for eggs, cheese, mayo, etc.

kristenlarkin

tina4kids wrote: »

kristenlarkin wrote: »

I stay under 20g of carbs a day and it is so easy.

SW July 21, 2014: 267
CW: 148
GW: 120s

I'm 5'3

Wow! You have lost a lot of weight in less than a year! I bet you feel great! What kind of foods do you eat to stay under 20 carbs? Do you also exercise? I haven't started exercise yet.

Yes! It feels wonderful. I can't wait to get the last 20 pounds or so off, which I'm expecting to go much slower.

You'd be surprised at how much there is to eat. To get Net carbs you can subtract the fiber and sugar alcohol from the total carbs. I didn't start out counting net carbs and stuck to total, but the last few months I will count net carbs every once in a while.

Personally, I don't watch my calories at all, some people do. I have days where I'm not hungry and I eat barely anything and I have days where all I do is eat all day.

I don't eat many fruits, but once in awhile I'll eat a couple strawberries or blue berries.

Veggies, I pretty much eat green stuff such as salad, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, cauliflower, green pepper, little onion.

I eat all meats

Eggs, cheese and meats are big with low carbers

I use a ton of butter, spices and cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream and mayo

I drink mostly chrystal light or water, I'll drink diet pop on rare occassion, but only because I'm not a huge fan of diet pop. It doesn't seem to hurt my weight loss.

My favorite snack lately is guacamole and pork rinds (I hate pork rinds but dipped in guac is wonderful) If I'm desperate I'll eat a couple squirts of chocolate whip cream. If I am really really desperate I'll eat sugar free candy, but I limit that because it upsets my stomach if I eat too much. Once or twice a week lately I have eaten carb smart ice cream with Walden Farm's pancake syrup (sounds gross, but it is amazing) I used to look up recipes for fat bombs and make them, but I haven't needed to lately.

There are a ton of recipes on the "I love low carb" page on facebook. Atkins.com also has a lot of information and a list of what you can eat. There is also a group of low carbers on this site that has a ton of info too.

LoreA1960

I have to be on a low carb plan because I'm a diabetic. I count both carbs and calories. Since December 16, 2014 I've lost at least 48 pounds. I only weigh once a month when I see my Diabetic Educator. I started off at a high weight (418 lbs.) , so I don't know when I'll hit a plateau. Good luck with your journey!!

tina4kids

jasonschick01 wrote: »

I have to be on a low carb plan because I'm a diabetic. I count both carbs and calories. Since December 16, 2014 I've lost at least 48 pounds. I only weigh once a month when I see my Diabetic Educator. I started off at a high weight (418 lbs.) , so I don't know when I'll hit a plateau. Good luck with your journey!!

You're doing great! That's alot of weight in a short time. Thank you for the encouragement and good luck on your journey also!

tina4kids

kristenlarkin wrote: »

tina4kids wrote: »

kristenlarkin wrote: »

I stay under 20g of carbs a day and it is so easy.

SW July 21, 2014: 267
CW: 148
GW: 120s

I'm 5'3

Wow! You have lost a lot of weight in less than a year! I bet you feel great! What kind of foods do you eat to stay under 20 carbs? Do you also exercise? I haven't started exercise yet.

Yes! It feels wonderful. I can't wait to get the last 20 pounds or so off, which I'm expecting to go much slower.

You'd be surprised at how much there is to eat. To get Net carbs you can subtract the fiber and sugar alcohol from the total carbs. I didn't start out counting net carbs and stuck to total, but the last few months I will count net carbs every once in a while.

Personally, I don't watch my calories at all, some people do. I have days where I'm not hungry and I eat barely anything and I have days where all I do is eat all day.

I don't eat many fruits, but once in awhile I'll eat a couple strawberries or blue berries.

Veggies, I pretty much eat green stuff such as salad, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, cauliflower, green pepper, little onion.

I eat all meats

Eggs, cheese and meats are big with low carbers

I use a ton of butter, spices and cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream and mayo

I drink mostly chrystal light or water, I'll drink diet pop on rare occassion, but only because I'm not a huge fan of diet pop. It doesn't seem to hurt my weight loss.

My favorite snack lately is guacamole and pork rinds (I hate pork rinds but dipped in guac is wonderful) If I'm desperate I'll eat a couple squirts of chocolate whip cream. If I am really really desperate I'll eat sugar free candy, but I limit that because it upsets my stomach if I eat too much. Once or twice a week lately I have eaten carb smart ice cream with Walden Farm's pancake syrup (sounds gross, but it is amazing) I used to look up recipes for fat bombs and make them, but I haven't needed to lately.

There are a ton of recipes on the "I love low carb" page on facebook. Atkins.com also has a lot of information and a list of what you can eat. There is also a group of low carbers on this site that has a ton of info too.

Thank you for sharing! I hope I can stick with this low carb lifestyle and lose all my excess weight! I love reading about other's weight lose success... it's so encouraging!

kristenlarkin

You'll do great! The first two weeks are the hardest, then it gets super easy.

fr3smyl

KellyLouiseGibson wrote: »

YES LOW CARBS WORKS FOR ME.
I started my weight loss 5 months ago and I have lost a total of 3 stone 1 pound.
I have never gained weight in the whole of the 5 months only lost weight. Usually i struggle to lose weight as well cause I put on weight so easily.
I eat lots of protein and veg etc very minor carbs.
I still have another stone and a half to burn to get the flat stomach I have always wanted but I am so determined I know I can do it.
Good Luck x

Wonderful work!

LaurenRosePR

I do carb-cycling and it works quite well! I got my mom to try it and she lost 5 lbs her first week. Cycling high carbs and low carbs (and also high calories, low calories) gets that metabolism working for you!

GaleHawkins

Over the past 8 months eating under 50 grams of carbs daily I have lost another 25 pounds but that is not the best part. I have lost pain levels from 7-8 down to 2-3 on a 1-10 scale. I have lost IBS after having it as part of my daily life for 40 years. I have lost the afternoon sugar crashes. I have lost my carb cravings. I have lost mental fog. I have lost falling all of the time.

tomatoey

GaleHawkins wrote: »

Over the past 8 months eating under 50 grams of carbs daily I have lost another 25 pounds but that is not the best part. I have lost pain levels from 7-8 down to 2-3 on a 1-10 scale. I have lost IBS after having it as part of my daily life for 40 years. I have lost the afternoon sugar crashes. I have lost my carb cravings. I have lost mental fog. I have lost falling all of the time.

That's tremendous. Pleased for you

elle_321

I want to give this a go but have struggled to even get started! I never realized how many carbs I ate until I tried to cut down!

mich19025

Working for me. I've seen me calorie counting just like i am doing now and not seen the scale budge. Used to spend ages meal prepping and weighing my chicken, brown rice and broccoli! Also was at the gym exercising and just never even saw any changes in inches or body fat either. I only have 10 pounds to my goal so its no major biggy but so far have lost 6 pounds in the 5 weeks I started which is a healthy amount and my inches and body fat are dropping. I've also had a few blips here and there and went over my calorie allowance but it hasn't seemed to hinder my progress. The key is to get back on it and keep as consistent as you can. As a side not I have tried this before and failed miserably but it is true that if you can get over the first week or so it is actually pretty enjoyable. I don't miss things like bread, rice or pasta. My only vice is sugar from chocolate and cakes. I started making stuff with unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate whey protein. I enjoy a 2 egg omelette with bacon and half a slice of cheese and spinach for brekkie. Ive been making mug cakes with the whey protein and topping with peanut butter and whipped cream for that mid morning craving. Yum. Snacking on nuts and seeds as well. Having chicken and salad with avocado at lunch. Dinner can be burgers topped with bacon and cheese. You can obviously add and swap veg where you want it to fit. As long as it fits my calorie allowance and macros then i'll eat it

Sabine_Stroehm

ladymiseryali wrote: »

I eat loads of veggies like spinach and broccoli, almonds, chicken, tofu, deli meats, ground beef. Go on pinterest if you're on there and look up "low carb recipes". So many to choose from!

^^^ This. Low carb doesn't have to be just meat and cheese.
Green vegetables are a staple. In fact, plans like Atkins essentially REQUIRE what they call "foundation vegetables".

Artichoke, asparagus, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, beet greens, bell peppers, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cardoon, cauliflower, celery, celery root, chard, collard greens, cucumber, dandelion greens, eggplant, escarole, fennel, hearts of palm, jicama, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, mushrooms, mustard greens, nopales, okra, onion, bell peppers, pumpkin, radishes, rhubarb, sauerkraut, scallions, shallots, sorrel, snow peas, snap peas in pod, spinach, spaghetti squash, string beans, tomato, tomatillo, white turnips, water chestnuts, zucchini and other summer squash.