low carb macro

red12311
red12311 Posts: 42 Member
edited November 23 in Health and Weight Loss
Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

Replies

  • PinkPixiexox
    PinkPixiexox Posts: 4,142 Member
    I really wouldn't put too much emphasis on macro's at this point. In my opinion, sure - be aware of them but I've lost 30lbs (and still losing) not knowing anything about my macro's. For me, counting macro's as well as calories overcomplicates things and makes it all a bit on the unsustainable side. I'm not saying that people SHOULDN'T count macro's - I'm just saying it doesn't work for me and at this point, I don't see the benefit. Maybe further down the line - who knows.

    Do what feels comfortable for you but as long as you are eating at a deficit, you'll lose weight. :)

    (Please don't yell at me Macro followers!!)
  • KateTii
    KateTii Posts: 886 Member
    edited September 2015
    For me, macros are about what finding what works for you. Now you should always make sure you get some protein and fat (for essential bodily functions & muscle preservation) but apart from that, you need to figure out what keeps you full and energised.

    Some people swear by high fat/protein low carb but for me high carb is what keeps me full and happy. If I don't have I still hit my protein macro (I do sometimes struggle with fat macro as I have always eaten lean meat and tend towards high sugar foods over high fat) and it is what keeps me going. If my carbs aren't 1/3 to 1/2 my calories, I get hungry and start binging. I forgot to bring my sweet potato mash to work and had just protein and vegetables (added extra protein to make up for the lost calories from the mash) and within 45 minutes I was starving again.

    Maybe try raising your protein and fats, stay there for a couple of weeks and then reevaluate. You might not even have to go low carb, you might find just that little bit extra protein/fat does the trick. Or, you could find that a high fat low carb diet works well for you.

    Weightloss is simply CICO. How you get there is up to you.
  • bnnorris180
    bnnorris180 Posts: 1 Member
    I had to find my balance, for my Marco goes 50% protein, 20% carb and 30% fats. On this balance I've lost almost 50 pounds and only had to do one round of carb cycling when I pleatau a few weeks back
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    If you're exceeding MFPs goals the first step surely is to try and hit them. If you want to restrict carbs drop your macros to say 30% carbohydrate initially, increase protein to 30 and fats to 40. To go further up the fat and drop the carbs. The steps are 5% in Custom Goals.

    Avoid diet and lean things if you want to fit into a lower carb profile.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    If you have trouble hitting your protein and fat macros following MFP default (50C, 20P, 30F), low carb will be very difficult! It's all about balance, and one extreme isn't necessarily better than another. Look at what you eat and find out what has lots of carbs, and try to replace some of that with foods you eat that has more fat and protein. A a general advice: Try to get as much variety as possible, including at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables every day.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Some people do well on a low or low-ish carb plan. To do that, they need to increase protein and fat.
  • dhimaan
    dhimaan Posts: 774 Member
    If you cant eat enough protein now how will you manage an even higher protein intake in a low carb diet.
  • MarziPanda95
    MarziPanda95 Posts: 1,326 Member
    If your problem is going over on your carbs... the solution probably isn't low carb. Just get more protein and fat and you'll automatically be eating less carbs, unless you're over on calories.
  • melodicraven
    melodicraven Posts: 83 Member
    Because of some health issues I have, I try to keep mine within keto ratios. For me that's 65% fat, 30% protein, 5% carbs. It was really difficult for me at first, because starchy, carb-heavy CHEAP foods were a big part of what we ate all the time. But honestly we eat better and I feel more satisfied eating this way. Instead of stuff like ramen or boxed mac n cheese, we're having plenty of meats and veggies and I've found I'm just more mindful about the whole process.

    For me, one thing that helped was changing the way I fixed our plates. Before, the plate would have been half or more carbs/starch, 1/4 veggies, and 1/4 meat. Now I just don't even put the carbs on there at all - plan on getting your carbs from your vegetables - and they're about half the plate and the protein/fat is the other half.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    First of all, it is not an either/or proposition. You don't only have a choice between high carb or low carb, there is a wide range in between. I am eating moderate carb which is 35% of my calories (protein is also 35% and fat is 30%). Try lowering your carb macro by 5% and see what that does. If it helps you some, try lowering it again until you find the right % for you.
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    edited September 2015
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    I was spending hours a day fighting my way through the 'food slumps' (later identified as carb caused) and eliminated them by going to 5-10% carb intake. For me eating much in carbs just insured more hunger and continually looking for something else to eat. If you are crashing post meal with mod-high carb content, do an experiment! Try a meal that has 0 carbs, like eggs and see if it eliminates the slump.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    Low carb eating does help with the sugar slumps.

    Low carb is usually considered to be less than 150g of carbs per day. Some go lower to get into nutritional ketosis (usually under 50g of carbs per day but it can be higher if you are very active). Protein is usually moderate and between 20 and 35% of macros, although some go higher and lower. Fill the rest in with fat. Fat macros tend to be 50 to 80% of a diet.

    Try the Low Carber Daily group to find more people eating LCHF. Best wishes.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    edited September 2015
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    I don't think it is all or nothing when it comes to carbs. Those on a low carb diet choose to eat fewer carbs than most because it makes them feel better - healthier. Almost all still eat some carbs - it is called low carb because it IS lw carb.

    For those whom a low carb diet doesn't offer health improvements, I doubt they stay on it. Just like if moderation works, people stick with it, and if it doesn't then people move on.

    Food choices are not a one size fits all deal. Sometimes people try on a few ways of eating before finding the best fit.

    ...and low carb really isn't a fad. It has been around forever, it just lost some popularity over the last 50-100 years. Higher carb is the popular diet nowadays.
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    edited September 2015
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    Well, moderating doesn't work well once someone is to the point that carbs affect them badly, it just slightly decreases the level of feeling bad, but doesn't allow one to feel good. I spent many years trying to figure it out & after I knew what the issue was I ate less carbohydrates. I felt less bad, but still felt bad. I discovered food did not have to make me feel bad only after limiting carbs to less than 10% of my diet.

    Carb loaded foods contain NOTHING that you cannot get from other low/no carb foods - but don't forget, even the most strict ketogenic dieter still likely eats 5-10% of their calories in carbohydrates. So no harm whatsoever in doing a test on eating extremely low carb! No one doing low carb is risking any nutritional issues because of low carb - it is a completely nutritionally healthy way of eating.

    Eating very low carb requires a huge commitment - our food offerings, society and press make that transition extremely hard. With all these difficulties, it only sticks (for most people) if there is a huge payback. So as you are a 'moderation' person, no worries as most people who don't actually benefit from low carb (and even some who do benefit) will return to moderate macros. And they learned something!

    Those of us who switched to very low carb and got the huge payback will probably continue to listen on the forums for those who indicate they might have similar issues and might also benefit from this way of eating.

    One more thing, most of us eating very low carb know that it is useless to suggest this way of eating to people who are totally fine eating a moderate set of macros - it requires a level of commitment that only appears in those who have the issues - medical, weight or other - that get quickly (or even slowly), but completely resolved by eating this way.

    It is both a 'fad' and a trend. For some who have eliminated the diabetic meds, statins, blood pressure meds, big poundage loss and feel better every day, hearing the 'fad' label is just such a wicked joke. There are other groups of illnesses that benefit from very low carb.

    I don't deny that lots of folks showing up mentioning limiting carbs arrive here with very limited nutritional knowlege and understanding of the changes required, but SOME of those people MIGHT be on the right track for fixing their eating/weight/health issues and their venture into understanding nutrition and addressing their issues should be supported always - even if they are slightly on the wrong track if the track isn't dangerous.

    Very low carb has changed my life and understanding of food profoundly. I'm not alone and the trend will continue towards very low carb for those folks who it provides significant advantages over a more carbohydrate heavy diet.

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    edited September 2015
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    I don't think it is all or nothing when it comes to carbs. Those on a low carb diet choose to eat fewer carbs than most because it makes them feel better - healthier. Almost all still eat some carbs - it is called low carb because it IS lw carb.

    For those whom a low carb diet doesn't offer health improvements, I doubt they stay on it. Just like if moderation works, people stick with it, and if it doesn't then people move on.

    Food choices are not a one size fits all deal. Sometimes people try on a few ways of eating before finding the best fit.

    ...and low carb really isn't a fad. It has been around forever, it just lost some popularity over the last 50-100 years. Higher carb is the popular diet nowadays.

    being around forever doesn't mean it's not a fad...fads come and go and come again in cycles...the current low carb fad (go pick look at any health and fitness magazine and most magazines sitting near the register at your local super market) fits that bill perfectly.

    according to pretty much every diet and fitness magazine out there, by no means is high carb popular...you're smokin' the pipe as per usual.

    all of that Banana Girl crap is far from mainstream diet and fitness.
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    edited September 2015
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    I don't think it is all or nothing when it comes to carbs. Those on a low carb diet choose to eat fewer carbs than most because it makes them feel better - healthier. Almost all still eat some carbs - it is called low carb because it IS lw carb.

    For those whom a low carb diet doesn't offer health improvements, I doubt they stay on it. Just like if moderation works, people stick with it, and if it doesn't then people move on.

    Food choices are not a one size fits all deal. Sometimes people try on a few ways of eating before finding the best fit.

    ...and low carb really isn't a fad. It has been around forever, it just lost some popularity over the last 50-100 years. Higher carb is the popular diet nowadays.

    I swear I didn't read yours before posting, so ... great minds?! :D
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    Well, moderating doesn't work well once someone is to the point that carbs affect them badly, it just slightly decreases the level of feeling bad, but doesn't allow one to feel good. I spent many years trying to figure it out & after I knew what the issue was I ate less carbohydrates. I felt less bad, but still felt bad. I discovered food did not have to make me feel bad only after limiting carbs to less than 10% of my diet.

    Carb loaded foods contain NOTHING that you cannot get from other low/no carb foods - but don't forget, even the most strict ketogenic dieter still likely eats 5-10% of their calories in carbohydrates. So no harm whatsoever in doing a test on eating extremely low carb! No one doing low carb is risking any nutritional issues because of low carb - it is a completely nutritionally healthy way of eating.

    Eating very low carb requires a huge commitment - our food offerings, society and press make that transition extremely hard. With all these difficulties, it only sticks (for most people) if there is a huge payback. So as you are a 'moderation' person, no worries as most people who don't actually benefit from low carb (and even some who do benefit) will return to moderate macros. And they learned something!

    Those of us who switched to very low carb and got the huge payback will probably continue to listen on the forums for those who indicate they might have similar issues and might also benefit from this way of eating.

    One more thing, most of us eating very low carb know that it is useless to suggest this way of eating to people who are totally fine eating a moderate set of macros - it requires a level of commitment that only appears in those who have the issues - medical, weight or other - that get quickly (or even slowly), but completely resolved by eating this way.

    It is both a 'fad' and a trend. For some who have eliminated the diabetic meds, statins, blood pressure meds, big poundage loss and feel better every day, hearing the 'fad' label is just such a wicked joke. There are other groups of illnesses that benefit from very low carb.

    I don't deny that lots of folks showing up mentioning limiting carbs arrive here with very limited nutritional knowlege and understanding of the changes required, but SOME of those people MIGHT be on the right track for fixing their eating/weight/health issues and their venture into understanding nutrition and addressing their issues should be supported always - even if they are slightly on the wrong track if the track isn't dangerous.

    Very low carb has changed my life and understanding of food profoundly. I'm not alone and the trend will continue towards very low carb for those folks who it provides significant advantages over a more carbohydrate heavy diet.

    I would say the vast majority just read something in some magazine and think it's a miracle cure for everything under the son and has magical properties for weight loss...because whatever fit magazine they're reading says so....
  • Yi5hedr3
    Yi5hedr3 Posts: 2,696 Member
    Obtain and read the book, :"The Rosedale Diet". Well worth it! :)
  • AlabasterVerve
    AlabasterVerve Posts: 3,171 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    Well, moderating doesn't work well once someone is to the point that carbs affect them badly, it just slightly decreases the level of feeling bad, but doesn't allow one to feel good. I spent many years trying to figure it out & after I knew what the issue was I ate less carbohydrates. I felt less bad, but still felt bad. I discovered food did not have to make me feel bad only after limiting carbs to less than 10% of my diet.

    Carb loaded foods contain NOTHING that you cannot get from other low/no carb foods - but don't forget, even the most strict ketogenic dieter still likely eats 5-10% of their calories in carbohydrates. So no harm whatsoever in doing a test on eating extremely low carb! No one doing low carb is risking any nutritional issues because of low carb - it is a completely nutritionally healthy way of eating.

    Eating very low carb requires a huge commitment - our food offerings, society and press make that transition extremely hard. With all these difficulties, it only sticks (for most people) if there is a huge payback. So as you are a 'moderation' person, no worries as most people who don't actually benefit from low carb (and even some who do benefit) will return to moderate macros. And they learned something!

    Those of us who switched to very low carb and got the huge payback will probably continue to listen on the forums for those who indicate they might have similar issues and might also benefit from this way of eating.

    One more thing, most of us eating very low carb know that it is useless to suggest this way of eating to people who are totally fine eating a moderate set of macros - it requires a level of commitment that only appears in those who have the issues - medical, weight or other - that get quickly (or even slowly), but completely resolved by eating this way.

    It is both a 'fad' and a trend. For some who have eliminated the diabetic meds, statins, blood pressure meds, big poundage loss and feel better every day, hearing the 'fad' label is just such a wicked joke. There are other groups of illnesses that benefit from very low carb.

    I don't deny that lots of folks showing up mentioning limiting carbs arrive here with very limited nutritional knowlege and understanding of the changes required, but SOME of those people MIGHT be on the right track for fixing their eating/weight/health issues and their venture into understanding nutrition and addressing their issues should be supported always - even if they are slightly on the wrong track if the track isn't dangerous.

    Very low carb has changed my life and understanding of food profoundly. I'm not alone and the trend will continue towards very low carb for those folks who it provides significant advantages over a more carbohydrate heavy diet.

    I would say the vast majority just read something in some magazine and think it's a miracle cure for everything under the son and has magical properties for weight loss...because whatever fit magazine they're reading says so....

    So what.

  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    Well, moderating doesn't work well once someone is to the point that carbs affect them badly, it just slightly decreases the level of feeling bad, but doesn't allow one to feel good. I spent many years trying to figure it out & after I knew what the issue was I ate less carbohydrates. I felt less bad, but still felt bad. I discovered food did not have to make me feel bad only after limiting carbs to less than 10% of my diet.

    Carb loaded foods contain NOTHING that you cannot get from other low/no carb foods - but don't forget, even the most strict ketogenic dieter still likely eats 5-10% of their calories in carbohydrates. So no harm whatsoever in doing a test on eating extremely low carb! No one doing low carb is risking any nutritional issues because of low carb - it is a completely nutritionally healthy way of eating.

    Eating very low carb requires a huge commitment - our food offerings, society and press make that transition extremely hard. With all these difficulties, it only sticks (for most people) if there is a huge payback. So as you are a 'moderation' person, no worries as most people who don't actually benefit from low carb (and even some who do benefit) will return to moderate macros. And they learned something!

    Those of us who switched to very low carb and got the huge payback will probably continue to listen on the forums for those who indicate they might have similar issues and might also benefit from this way of eating.

    One more thing, most of us eating very low carb know that it is useless to suggest this way of eating to people who are totally fine eating a moderate set of macros - it requires a level of commitment that only appears in those who have the issues - medical, weight or other - that get quickly (or even slowly), but completely resolved by eating this way.

    It is both a 'fad' and a trend. For some who have eliminated the diabetic meds, statins, blood pressure meds, big poundage loss and feel better every day, hearing the 'fad' label is just such a wicked joke. There are other groups of illnesses that benefit from very low carb.

    I don't deny that lots of folks showing up mentioning limiting carbs arrive here with very limited nutritional knowlege and understanding of the changes required, but SOME of those people MIGHT be on the right track for fixing their eating/weight/health issues and their venture into understanding nutrition and addressing their issues should be supported always - even if they are slightly on the wrong track if the track isn't dangerous.

    Very low carb has changed my life and understanding of food profoundly. I'm not alone and the trend will continue towards very low carb for those folks who it provides significant advantages over a more carbohydrate heavy diet.

    I would say the vast majority just read something in some magazine and think it's a miracle cure for everything under the son and has magical properties for weight loss...because whatever fit magazine they're reading says so....

    A couple decades ago I might have been that person after reading an article about Atkins - that was towards the beginning of my search to understand my nutritional 'quirks'.

  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    I don't think it is all or nothing when it comes to carbs. Those on a low carb diet choose to eat fewer carbs than most because it makes them feel better - healthier. Almost all still eat some carbs - it is called low carb because it IS lw carb.

    For those whom a low carb diet doesn't offer health improvements, I doubt they stay on it. Just like if moderation works, people stick with it, and if it doesn't then people move on.

    Food choices are not a one size fits all deal. Sometimes people try on a few ways of eating before finding the best fit.

    ...and low carb really isn't a fad. It has been around forever, it just lost some popularity over the last 50-100 years. Higher carb is the popular diet nowadays.

    being around forever doesn't mean it's not a fad...fads come and go and come again in cycles...the current low carb fad (go pick look at any health and fitness magazine and most magazines sitting near the register at your local super market) fits that bill perfectly.

    according to pretty much every diet and fitness magazine out there, by no means is high carb popular.

    Being around forever would make it not a fad.

    fad
    noun
    an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze.
    synonyms: craze, vogue, trend, fashion, mode, enthusiasm, passion, obsession, mania, rage, compulsion, fixation, fetish, fancy, whim, fascination;


    It didn't go anywhere. I just think it is being recognized for its usefulness once again. I would say the amount of people who understand how LCHF can benefit some people is the the thing that goes in cycles over the last century.

    I meant that high carb is popular by the fact that most people eat that way. It is the most common way of eating, in spite of what diet and fitness magazines say.
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    I don't think it is all or nothing when it comes to carbs. Those on a low carb diet choose to eat fewer carbs than most because it makes them feel better - healthier. Almost all still eat some carbs - it is called low carb because it IS lw carb.

    For those whom a low carb diet doesn't offer health improvements, I doubt they stay on it. Just like if moderation works, people stick with it, and if it doesn't then people move on.

    Food choices are not a one size fits all deal. Sometimes people try on a few ways of eating before finding the best fit.

    ...and low carb really isn't a fad. It has been around forever, it just lost some popularity over the last 50-100 years. Higher carb is the popular diet nowadays.

    ..you're smokin' the pipe as per usual.

    all of that Banana Girl crap is far from mainstream diet and fitness.

    I'm "smokin' the pipe as per usual"? Is that supposed to mean it sounds like I'm high? :| It appears that you really find it difficult to respond to posts on the topic of LCHF without resorting to being offensive. Perhaps avoid LCHF threads if they bother you?

    I had no idea what that "Banana Girl crap" was. I googled. Do you mean the raw vegan diet, that is high carb and low fat? I'd never heard of the Banana Girl before you mentioned it - I guess I'm not "with it" when it comes to trendy, fad diets.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    edited September 2015
    umayster wrote: »
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    I don't think it is all or nothing when it comes to carbs. Those on a low carb diet choose to eat fewer carbs than most because it makes them feel better - healthier. Almost all still eat some carbs - it is called low carb because it IS lw carb.

    For those whom a low carb diet doesn't offer health improvements, I doubt they stay on it. Just like if moderation works, people stick with it, and if it doesn't then people move on.

    Food choices are not a one size fits all deal. Sometimes people try on a few ways of eating before finding the best fit.

    ...and low carb really isn't a fad. It has been around forever, it just lost some popularity over the last 50-100 years. Higher carb is the popular diet nowadays.

    I swear I didn't read yours before posting, so ... great minds?! :D

    LOL
  • stevencloser
    stevencloser Posts: 8,911 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    Well, moderating doesn't work well once someone is to the point that carbs affect them badly, it just slightly decreases the level of feeling bad, but doesn't allow one to feel good. I spent many years trying to figure it out & after I knew what the issue was I ate less carbohydrates. I felt less bad, but still felt bad. I discovered food did not have to make me feel bad only after limiting carbs to less than 10% of my diet.

    Carb loaded foods contain NOTHING that you cannot get from other low/no carb foods - but don't forget, even the most strict ketogenic dieter still likely eats 5-10% of their calories in carbohydrates. So no harm whatsoever in doing a test on eating extremely low carb! No one doing low carb is risking any nutritional issues because of low carb - it is a completely nutritionally healthy way of eating.

    Eating very low carb requires a huge commitment - our food offerings, society and press make that transition extremely hard. With all these difficulties, it only sticks (for most people) if there is a huge payback. So as you are a 'moderation' person, no worries as most people who don't actually benefit from low carb (and even some who do benefit) will return to moderate macros. And they learned something!

    Those of us who switched to very low carb and got the huge payback will probably continue to listen on the forums for those who indicate they might have similar issues and might also benefit from this way of eating.

    One more thing, most of us eating very low carb know that it is useless to suggest this way of eating to people who are totally fine eating a moderate set of macros - it requires a level of commitment that only appears in those who have the issues - medical, weight or other - that get quickly (or even slowly), but completely resolved by eating this way.

    It is both a 'fad' and a trend. For some who have eliminated the diabetic meds, statins, blood pressure meds, big poundage loss and feel better every day, hearing the 'fad' label is just such a wicked joke. There are other groups of illnesses that benefit from very low carb.

    I don't deny that lots of folks showing up mentioning limiting carbs arrive here with very limited nutritional knowlege and understanding of the changes required, but SOME of those people MIGHT be on the right track for fixing their eating/weight/health issues and their venture into understanding nutrition and addressing their issues should be supported always - even if they are slightly on the wrong track if the track isn't dangerous.

    Very low carb has changed my life and understanding of food profoundly. I'm not alone and the trend will continue towards very low carb for those folks who it provides significant advantages over a more carbohydrate heavy diet.

    I would say the vast majority just read something in some magazine and think it's a miracle cure for everything under the son and has magical properties for weight loss...because whatever fit magazine they're reading says so....

    So what.

    Are you serious?
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    umayster wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    so instead of just trying to balance out your diet, you jump straight to the conclusion that you must low carb?

    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    'Food slumps' are a huge clue that OP may not be tolerating carbs well. Given that, it is completely rational to test carb levels.


    sure...i just don't understand the all or nothing (has to be all the carbs or no carbs) mentality vs just moderating carbs (which most people eating the SAD could stand to do) and making better decisions as to what makes up that macro as a viable solution...i mean other than the fact that low carb seems to be the go to cure all on MFP and in the diet and fitness industry at large...at least until the next fad rolls around.

    Well, moderating doesn't work well once someone is to the point that carbs affect them badly, it just slightly decreases the level of feeling bad, but doesn't allow one to feel good. I spent many years trying to figure it out & after I knew what the issue was I ate less carbohydrates. I felt less bad, but still felt bad. I discovered food did not have to make me feel bad only after limiting carbs to less than 10% of my diet.

    Carb loaded foods contain NOTHING that you cannot get from other low/no carb foods - but don't forget, even the most strict ketogenic dieter still likely eats 5-10% of their calories in carbohydrates. So no harm whatsoever in doing a test on eating extremely low carb! No one doing low carb is risking any nutritional issues because of low carb - it is a completely nutritionally healthy way of eating.

    Eating very low carb requires a huge commitment - our food offerings, society and press make that transition extremely hard. With all these difficulties, it only sticks (for most people) if there is a huge payback. So as you are a 'moderation' person, no worries as most people who don't actually benefit from low carb (and even some who do benefit) will return to moderate macros. And they learned something!

    Those of us who switched to very low carb and got the huge payback will probably continue to listen on the forums for those who indicate they might have similar issues and might also benefit from this way of eating.

    One more thing, most of us eating very low carb know that it is useless to suggest this way of eating to people who are totally fine eating a moderate set of macros - it requires a level of commitment that only appears in those who have the issues - medical, weight or other - that get quickly (or even slowly), but completely resolved by eating this way.

    It is both a 'fad' and a trend. For some who have eliminated the diabetic meds, statins, blood pressure meds, big poundage loss and feel better every day, hearing the 'fad' label is just such a wicked joke. There are other groups of illnesses that benefit from very low carb.

    I don't deny that lots of folks showing up mentioning limiting carbs arrive here with very limited nutritional knowlege and understanding of the changes required, but SOME of those people MIGHT be on the right track for fixing their eating/weight/health issues and their venture into understanding nutrition and addressing their issues should be supported always - even if they are slightly on the wrong track if the track isn't dangerous.

    Very low carb has changed my life and understanding of food profoundly. I'm not alone and the trend will continue towards very low carb for those folks who it provides significant advantages over a more carbohydrate heavy diet.

    I would say the vast majority just read something in some magazine and think it's a miracle cure for everything under the son and has magical properties for weight loss...because whatever fit magazine they're reading says so....

    So what.

    Are you serious?

    I agree, so what? People show up here asking about it because something in the article clicked with them. It's not like they are asking about LSD as a weight loss tool, its just low carb, so.. so what?
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    low carb if you want, but I just don't understand this mentality...there's a lot of room for balance between high carb and low carb.

    I guess it depends on the shape of the curve - do you get worse outcomes dropping carbs to 30% and increasing fats to compensate than (say) dropping carbs to 10-15%. I don't know the answer but I can see it may be there's a zone in the middle where you don't want to be.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    red12311 wrote: »
    Struggling with macros that mfp gave me. Looking back over the weeks I always eat to many carbs and to llittle protien and fats. So after having a search on the web I was thinking of a low carb diet. I think it would be healthier for me and maybe stop the tierdness slumps that I seem to get. Any advice would be great thanks.

    Some specific suggestions: Build your meals around meat with some fat and veggies.
    For example, for dinner make baked chicken thighs with one plate of roasted yellow squash. For breakfast, have bacon and eggs with two sliced cucumbers.

    Add lots more vegetables to your days: romaine, spinach, swiss chard, collards, kale, cabbage, mushrooms, avocados, okra, cucumbers, green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, snow peas, egg plant, spaghetti squash.
    Eat nuts like almonds and macadamia nuts and peanuts. Also consider seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds.
  • Sunny_Bunny_
    Sunny_Bunny_ Posts: 7,140 Member
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    Low carb eating does help with the sugar slumps.

    Low carb is usually considered to be less than 150g of carbs per day. Some go lower to get into nutritional ketosis (usually under 50g of carbs per day but it can be higher if you are very active). Protein is usually moderate and between 20 and 35% of macros, although some go higher and lower. Fill the rest in with fat. Fat macros tend to be 50 to 80% of a diet.

    Try the Low Carber Daily group to find more people eating LCHF. Best wishes.

    This. This. This and this.

    Find the right low carb amount for you. Just experiment with it for a while. If you feel like you have strong carb cravings, you might benefit from cutting to the much lower side at first because it's typical after a couple of weeks, with the right amount of fat in the diet, to feel the cravings are under control. You also get great hunger control at moderate and lower end levels.
    There is a lot to learn about eating low carb. I encourage you to look at reliable resources for information and not go off of popular opinion.
    If you're interested in it, give it a try. Only you will be able to determine if it was a good idea or not after giving it a try. But you need to know the right ways to do it. Many fail by simply reducing carbs while still trying to keep fat low or using unhealthy fats.
    Definitely take @nvmomketo advice.
This discussion has been closed.