What have you done to reduce carbs? What has worked for you?

lauraesh0384

I used to be one of those people that thought I couldn't lose weight unless I drastically reduced my carbs. For so long I was eating under 20g of carbs a day. I reached a point where I couldn't get under 165 by eating low carb even when I was within my calories. I decided to try adding in carbs (fruits, whole grains, etc) and found that I could still lose weight. In fact, when I first started adding in carbs, I lost 1.5 lbs each day of consuming 150g. I was expecting to actually gain weight initially and I was pleasantly surprised when I didn't. I'm currently eating my own words that CICO was a bunch of crap and that the only way I could lose weight was to restrict bread, rice, pasta, etc. I'm finding that to be further from the truth. I actually seem to lose weight better when eating carbs for some reason. Maybe it was stressing me out knowing I couldn't have my favorite carb foods lol. Not to mention I'm a happier girl knowing I don't have to live without this and that. I am now at my lowest weight since high school (162).

Cortneyrenee04

Lots of lettuce wraps instead of sandwiches! That's been my biggest switch. I ditched bread for the most part because it just isn't worth the calories. And when I eat it, I tend to crave even more, so I just stay away for the most part.

There are tons of pasta substitutes. One of my faves is made from black beans.

Just make meals you're making now, and leave out the carb heavy stuff!

ercarroll311

I echo what many have said. Carbs are what I love, so part of the way I avoid eating more than my calorie goal is by limiting what I buy and making sure better choices are available and convenient. Instead of a bag of chips I can grab easily, I'll make sure I have protein bars, cut up veggies, whatever it may be. I also have switched to carbs that give me more bang for my buck--whole grains, etc. These may not taste the same, but if that's all that's there, you'll be satisfied.

One thing I have done regularly to reduce calories (and carbs, but that wasn't my goal) is to use different ways of dressing up foods. I love Latin American food. I ditched the tortillas and chips and make taco salads instead--I just throw my meat over lettuce and toss in some salsa. Instead of a tuna sandwich, I cut up slices of cucumber and put tuna on that. It takes longer to eat (something I need because of my tendency to eat super fast) and cuts out a bunch of calories.

Healthy Life (and other similar brands) make bread that's lower calorie and lower carb. They have hamburger buns, hot dog buns, regular white bread, wheat bread... I use these, though I'm not claiming they're nutrient-dense. I just wanted a lower calorie alternative to something I didn't want to get rid of entirely. When I have gotten rid of things entirely that I enjoy, it leads to falling off the wagon.

Lastly, to address the plateau, something I've had happen many times, you have to give it time, if you're sure you're logging completely accurately. You won't lose weight steadily, but if you're eating a deficit, you will lose weight. Make sure you're using food scales and measuring your intake accurately. It's an easy downfall when you trust yourself to eye one serving or judge what a "small" apple is, or believe the calorie burn MFP (or machines, or almost anything) tells you.

Congratulations on your achievements so far, and best of luck in the future!

snowflakesav

You may have plateaued because you are already too low in carbs. Each of us has different nutritional needs and for some lack of carbs just results in more stress, increased cortisol and muscle wasting.

Justthisgirl1994

I stopped eating bread since I didn't like it that much anyway. I also swapped cereal for eggs, although I do have oatmeal sometimes. For the past couple of months I stopped eating rice, potatoes, pasta etc and I have fresh veggies as my side instead.

I eat a lot of fruit, so my carbs aren't actually low, but my carbs (& calories) would deffs be higher if I was still eating even healthy quinoa and whole grains. They're just things I used to eat that I didn't really like as much as other food and that I'm honestly too lazy to cook.

lessismoreohio

Thank you all for your wonder and detailed feedback; it is appreciated.

Serah87

If you are not losing you are not in a deficit, it doesn't matter whether eat low carb, high carbs, low sugar, etc. Get a food digital scale and weigh all foods and measure liquids only!!