I need to go low carb, and I want to cry.
Emily3907
Posts: 1,461 Member
No exaggeration. I am near tears over this, but I really need to go low carb for medical reasons (PCOS). I tried low carb a few years ago and had great success, but hated every minute of it and then gained the weight back. I love carbs and sugar and this is going to be a HUGE transition for me. HUGE. I am really going to have to change my whole way of thinking. It feels impossible.
I don't think I am ever going to be one of those people that goes extremely low carb, I am thinking more like 60-80 g a day as a goal. But, considering I am currently close to double or more than that in a day, it's a big change.
I know the first 2 weeks will be absolute hell. I am prepared for that (I think). I just am trying to come to terms with the fact that this is really going to have to be my life. I always hoped I would be able to lose this weight while still enjoying my treats. I want to be able to be a CICO or IIFYM type person. I could handle that. But low carb just makes me sad.
I know this sounds crazy to most, but for a person that has enjoyed carbs and sugar basically their entire life and looks forward to them, this is a really tough pill to swallow.
I just had to vent/mope. I know what I have to do, I just need to move towards acceptance.
0
Replies
-
I too am doing a low carb diet. I have found recipes for almond flour for both cookies and cakes, and believe it our not they are actually quite good and keep me on track for carbs. Good luck with your journey.0
-
With some work, LC can be a lot of fun and still yummy. If you're looking for support, try http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group Stellar group of people.
Also, LC doesn't negate CICO, if you need to lose. Hey, I just had LC pumpkin spice pancakes last night for dinner. So awesome. The recipes are out there.0 -
I totally get it. It will be tough and it will suck for a while. But you can do it! If it's for your health, you've got to figure out a way.
A lot of people will jump all over my next comment but anytime you have to give up something that has been a major part of every day for you in like forever, it is tough.
People every day have to figure out how to continue on without alcohol or cigarettes or whatever is sacrificing their health. And they figure it out. Sometimes it takes several tries but you will figure it out!! Just grumble and be mad like you should be today, then wake up tomorrow and formulate a plan. You GOT THIS!!0 -
I've tried low carb many times before and gave up after about two days. After quitting I ate carbs as if I'd been deprived of it for years.
This time around I'm having a much easier time and I'm not sure why. The key is to find low-carb foods you like. Use Pinterest to get meal ideas. There are so many meals that don't involve carbs, you'd be suprised. I've given up sugar, dairy and starches and still find a way to enjoy my meals.
Low carb will encourage you to be creative, especially at breakfast. A lot of people fall off the wagon because they get bored with eggs, bacon, etc. You don't have to eat "breakfast food" for breakfast, sometimes I eat a salad.
60-80 carbs a day gives you a bit of flexibility so you can still have a serving of pasta or so during a meal. But to stay in that range you have to love water due to all the carbs in sweetened drinks.0 -
Did your dr give you a sample diet, or were youjust told to limit carbs? And if it was as generic as limit carbs, is it supposed to be low carb, or counting carbs as a diabetic would?0
-
I don't have to do LC, but I totally get where you are coming from, and I feel for you. You have some good advice here. I think you have to allow yourself to get good and mad, pouty, pissy, whatever. For me, it helps me move on to the next place. You'll get there. You will have to replace some things that you'll miss. Over time (probably a loooong time), you'll miss them less. Or you'll treat yourself and feel like crap, so it will be longer between "treats."
Hang in there. You can do this. One day at a time. One meat at a time. Whatever it takes. Just keep going.
Big hugs to you.
0 -
With some work, LC can be a lot of fun and still yummy. If you're looking for support, try http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group Stellar group of people.
Also, LC doesn't negate CICO, if you need to lose. Hey, I just had LC pumpkin spice pancakes last night for dinner. So awesome. The recipes are out there.
Join this group. AWESOME folks of all carb levels there. You can do this.
ps: I just made keto brownies (I'm not keto) and they were AWESOME.0 -
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I know it is doable, I just need to start planning.
Basically, my doctor is concerned with more Low GI, which pretty much translates to low carb. For now, he told me to just start making swaps like whole wheat pasta for the white pasta, not to eat as many potatoes, etc. Nothing extreme, he just wants me to ease into it and try to stay under 80 g a day. His concern was mainly added sugars and simple carbs. He told me at this point there is no reason to cut out fruit, since I struggle to eat fruits/veggies anyways.
So basically, I am supposed to cut out the overly processed stuff, added sugars and simple carbs. He wants to see what kind of progress I can make with that and then in February we are going to re group and he then may refer me to a reproductive endo.
This has all stemmed from me previously being diagnosed as insulin resistant, having 2 miscarriages and having trouble conceiving. My A1C has been in the healthy range for the past 6 years so he does not think I have a major problem....yet. But, we are trying to avoid going back into the hyperinsulinemia ranges.0 -
You don't need to give up all of your carb foods, you just need to learn how to cook and bake differently. Yes, convenience sugar and carb foods that your you buy in a package are probably out now. Store bought breads, muffins, candies, and desserts won't fit your macros well but you can make substitutes. It's just a bit of work.
Instead of sugar, use stevia or a sugar alcohol like xylitol in all recipes. You'll get used to them even if you don't love them now. Most powdered sugars have sugar or simple carbs added as fillers and are not good options. This weekend I had about 6 piceces of sugar free pumpkin and chocolate cheesecakes that I baked and I don't think it exceeded 18 g of carbs.
Look up recipes for fat bombs which are some of the tastiest LCHF treats out there.
It's a medical need, like taking medicine. You'll need to put in the time to make this WOE work for you since failure is not an option if you want to be well. No, it definitely isn't fair. I wouldn't have switched to very LCHF if I didn't have to, but keep an open mind. Within a few weeks I was feeling so much better I couldn't understand why I hadn't done it sooner. And cheating? Make myself feel bad for a 10 minutes with a cinnabon? Ha! No way! It's not worth it anymore.
Last night I craved a crunchy snack so I ate porkrinds with a really good cheese dip instead of nachos and cheese. Yum.
The first week will be hard because your glycogen will get low. You may be tired and weak. Just remember that it will pass.
To make it easier on yourself make sure you increas sodium to at least 3000mg, preferably closer to 5000mg. LCHF causes water weight loss which will deplete your electrolytes. Add salt to your food, maybe your water, and have a cup of broth on most days as you start out. If you feel poorly (headaches, tired, achey and sick feeling) you may need more salt, potassium and magnesium.
Your carb levels might be in a tough spot too. With carbs of 60-80g per day you will be slipping in, and possibly out of ketosis. That 50-100g carb level can keep some people in the keto flu for weeks. Some find they feel better if carbs are below 50g (carb cravings seem to usually disappear at that level too) or above 100g. It may not happen to you, but stay aware of that just in case.
I second checking out the LCD group. They are fantastic.
Good luck.0 -
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I know it is doable, I just need to start planning.
Basically, my doctor is concerned with more Low GI, which pretty much translates to low carb. For now, he told me to just start making swaps like whole wheat pasta for the white pasta, not to eat as many potatoes, etc. Nothing extreme, he just wants me to ease into it and try to stay under 80 g a day. His concern was mainly added sugars and simple carbs. He told me at this point there is no reason to cut out fruit, since I struggle to eat fruits/veggies anyways.
So basically, I am supposed to cut out the overly processed stuff, added sugars and simple carbs. He wants to see what kind of progress I can make with that and then in February we are going to re group and he then may refer me to a reproductive endo.
This has all stemmed from me previously being diagnosed as insulin resistant, having 2 miscarriages and having trouble conceiving. My A1C has been in the healthy range for the past 6 years so he does not think I have a major problem....yet. But, we are trying to avoid going back into the hyperinsulinemia ranges.
Low GI doesn't necessarily mean low carb. But yes, 80 grams a day is low carb. Cutting back on the refined carbs while still eating fruits is pretty doable!0 -
No exaggeration. I am near tears over this, but I really need to go low carb for medical reasons (PCOS). I tried low carb a few years ago and had great success, but hated every minute of it and then gained the weight back. I love carbs and sugar and this is going to be a HUGE transition for me. HUGE. I am really going to have to change my whole way of thinking. It feels impossible.
I don't think I am ever going to be one of those people that goes extremely low carb, I am thinking more like 60-80 g a day as a goal. But, considering I am currently close to double or more than that in a day, it's a big change.
I know the first 2 weeks will be absolute hell. I am prepared for that (I think). I just am trying to come to terms with the fact that this is really going to have to be my life. I always hoped I would be able to lose this weight while still enjoying my treats. I want to be able to be a CICO or IIFYM type person. I could handle that. But low carb just makes me sad.
I know this sounds crazy to most, but for a person that has enjoyed carbs and sugar basically their entire life and looks forward to them, this is a really tough pill to swallow.
I just had to vent/mope. I know what I have to do, I just need to move towards acceptance.
The issue with all this is your mindset to the challenge at hand. You need to be more positive and have a better outlook on your situation and it will be better!! Stop dreading the next 2 weeks and look forward to all the positive changes that will come with this.
If you set yourself up for success you will succeed! if you sit there and worry and dread everything you wont succeed and if you do then you wont enjoy your success.0 -
Actually, contrary to what some (including many clinicians) say, lo-carb is not necessarily a panacea in all or in part for PCOS issues - even, overweight. Studies have show that, for some, it might be the answer to their problem but, for others, it might do nothing.
And... as with all things, however, when you make any drastic lifestyle changes moderation is the key. Start slowly. Don't jump in headfirst. Take your time and reduce your consumption of carbs and anything else gradually. In fact, cutting the sugars and carbs out of your diet a bit at a time, might show you just how truly easy it can be and far less of a challenge --- or punishment --- than you think.
Bottom line, though, you've got a lot of friends and support both here and in your 'other' life. So don't be afraid ot lean on your friends when you need to.
Good luck.0 -
can you get referred to a dietician? when my dad was diagnosed with Type II, everyone and their mother was telling him he had to low carb...tried it...he was miserable...finally went in to see a dietician and they basically gave him a plan that moderated his carb intake and balanced out his diet and they showed him how to make better nutritional choices as to what carbs he was eating. he was able to quite easily manage his type II while eating a healthy, well balanced diet with moderate carbohydrate intake.0
-
ReeseG4350 wrote: »Actually, contrary to what some (including many clinicians) say, lo-carb is not necessarily a panacea in all or in part for PCOS issues - even, overweight. Studies have show that, for some, it might be the answer to their problem but, for others, it might do nothing.
And... as with all things, however, when you make any drastic lifestyle changes moderation is the key. Start slowly. Don't jump in headfirst. Take your time and reduce your consumption of carbs and anything else gradually. In fact, cutting the sugars and carbs out of your diet a bit at a time, might show you just how truly easy it can be and far less of a challenge --- or punishment --- than you think.
Bottom line, though, you've got a lot of friends and support both here and in your 'other' life. So don't be afraid ot lean on your friends when you need to.
Good luck.
This was my doctor's suggestion. He said to try and ease into it and not go completely cold turkey. For example, I am currently around 120-160 carbs a day (some days are higher), so his suggestion was to try and eliminate about 20 -30 g a day for a week, and then eliminate another 20-30 g a day until I get closer to the range we agreed on. He thinks that will help my mindset about it as well, so I think I am going to try this approach.0 -
Low GI isn't necessarily low carb, I think you need to perhaps research some more, here for an example is a comparison of low, moderate and high GI foods you will find high carb foods across all three ranges:
http://www.lowgihealth.com.au/glycemic-index-list-of-foods/0 -
I'm sorry you have this diagnosis. Consider what you can accomplish with portion control. Have your treats, but a smaller portion and less frequently than you are used to.0
-
I don't eat low-carb, but do eat low-fat and my best advice is to focus on what you can have and making that as good as it can be. Look at the positives, not he negatives. It makes everything easier.
Good luck on your new diet.
0 -
Have you been struggling to lose weight with just calorie restriction or is the low carb for something other than weight loss?
0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »can you get referred to a dietician? when my dad was diagnosed with Type II, everyone and their mother was telling him he had to low carb...tried it...he was miserable...finally went in to see a dietician and they basically gave him a plan that moderated his carb intake and balanced out his diet and they showed him how to make better nutritional choices as to what carbs he was eating. he was able to quite easily manage his type II while eating a healthy, well balanced diet with moderate carbohydrate intake.
This. Many people do moderate carb when they have insulin issues; I've never heard that low carb is mandated. And you can definitely do low GI without going as low as 80g of carbs a day. I would also recommend a registered dietitian with experience working with PCOS individuals.0 -
My doctor recommended the book "Sugar Busters" as a guide for eating. I am going to get that. We did talk about a dietician, but due to insurance issues (husband changing job and our benefits are kinda goofy until the new year) we are going to hold off on that for now. Plus, I may be referred to a reproductive endo in February and the one we discussed has a dietician on staff.0
-
It's so good that you are tackling it before the glucose levels get worse!! That's really important for health.
I'm so sorry about the food. I have it, too, and my BG levels got bad, so I can't have my favorite foods at all like I used to
I can still have them in small quantities and spread out over time, though! They are still there
You might want to get a glucose monitor so that you can check out your levels yourself and how specific food and exercise affect them. I found out that the cobbler I make doesn't raise my BG, for instance (it's mostly fruit and butter). Woooot! Cobbler works for a normal-sized desert here and there Then, other foods raise it more than expected, so that's good to know.
But if you're talking fertility, controlling BG might not be enough. Generally speaking, PCOS women need more progesterone. I'm on Metformin (which helps with other hormones than just insulin in PCOS) and Prometrium to try to balance out all my whacky hormones. It's helped a lot with symptoms, too, which is a big thing if you get other symptoms as well.0 -
Basically, my doctor is concerned with more Low GI, which pretty much translates to low carb. For now, he told me to just start making swaps like whole wheat pasta for the white pasta, not to eat as many potatoes, etc. Nothing extreme, he just wants me to ease into it and try to stay under 80 g a day. His concern was mainly added sugars and simple carbs. He told me at this point there is no reason to cut out fruit, since I struggle to eat fruits/veggies anyways.
So basically, I am supposed to cut out the overly processed stuff, added sugars and simple carbs. He wants to see what kind of progress I can make with that and then in February we are going to re group and he then may refer me to a reproductive endo.
This has all stemmed from me previously being diagnosed as insulin resistant, having 2 miscarriages and having trouble conceiving. My A1C has been in the healthy range for the past 6 years so he does not think I have a major problem....yet. But, we are trying to avoid going back into the hyperinsulinemia ranges.
1. Low carb and low GI are not at all the same thing
2. The kind of diet that your doctor is describing will add up to more than 80G carbs/day
3. Consider a moderate-carb diet rather than low carb for the issues that you are dealing with
4. Letting a generalist deal with your endocrine issues is a MAJOR mistake...please see an actual endocrinologist sooner rather than later
5. Ask an RE or your OB-GYN about a drug called Clomid0 -
-
Another vote for fat bombs as treats. Here are a few links.
http://screwedonstraight.net/keto-diet-peanut-butter-cup-fat-bombs/
http://lowcarbediem.com/fat-bombs-recipes-atkins-ketosis/0 -
The biggest thing for managing PCOS, by my understanding, is weight loss. So... do something sustainable, girl! I suspect you can make big improvements with moderate carb control. Limiting the starchy sugary stuff to 30g per eating occasion and always pairing with protein and/or fat. It sounds like a moderate approach is more doable long term for you. I am also working on my PCOS and do GREAT with this plan. I haven't yet tried full on low carb because I'm not yet willing to cut out pasta, ice cream, etc. I would like to try lower carb just to see how I feel on it, but seriously, I do quite well with just moderating carbs.0
-
girlviernes wrote: »The biggest thing for managing PCOS, by my understanding, is weight loss. So... do something sustainable, girl! I suspect you can make big improvements with moderate carb control. Limiting the starchy sugary stuff to 30g per eating occasion and always pairing with protein and/or fat. It sounds like a moderate approach is more doable long term for you. I am also working on my PCOS and do GREAT with this plan. I haven't yet tried full on low carb because I'm not yet willing to cut out pasta, ice cream, etc. I would like to try lower carb just to see how I feel on it, but seriously, I do quite well with just moderating carbs.
It is interesting you mentioned this. I just ordered two books about insulin resistance dieting (The Insulin-Resistance Diet--Revised and Updated: How to Turn Off Your Body's Fat-Making Machine) and low gi dieting (The Glycemic-Load Diet: A powerful new program for losing weight and reversing insulin resistance) and the books seem to lean towards your way of thinking. They lean towards the "linking" of protein and carbs and the ratios between the two when meal planning. Based on what I understand about these approaches, I can manage eating that way without feeling like I am completely deprived and miserable. I am going to study these books and start there I think. It makes me feel a little less panicked and like this new way of eating is actually possible.0 -
I agree with girlviernes. It sounds like your preferences combined with your medical issues will do best on a dietary plan that's moderate carb. I ate that way for a while, and trust me, it's really doable. I ate bean pasta instead of rice pasta (I have celiac disease, so that's my white pasta) and just cut back on starches. I also enjoyed my ice cream and chocolate while eating this way.
Did your doctor say net carbs? Remember fiber gets subtracted from your carb count, so if you're eating a lot of veggies, you could be eating 100-110 grams or so of carbs and 20 or 30 grams of that could be fiber.0 -
Your doc's suggested approach of going gradually makes sense. 100 grams of carbs is moderate & worth shooting for imo, might get results with that… would let you have more leeway, too, with planning.
People have different tastes, but a low GI diet doesn't have to be awful. Limiting amounts of higher GI foods and having them with lower GI ones could work - like it's feasible on 100 g/day to have e.g. 1/2 cup of a starch with your lunch and dinner.
(1/2 cup of baby potatoes with skin - boiled and then sautéed in a bit of butter with garlic, topped with paprika & parsley, not terrible - or 1/2 a cup of rice, coupled with ~200 grams of BBQ'd or roasted meat - can be really filling and delicious. Or you could go for a bean/lentil/chickpea type side like chana masala (which is delicious!!!! to me. good as a main, too.)
Thing too is once you've limited sugars for a while, very sweet things stop tasting as good for a lot of people. You might have a bit of a brownie with icing and find yourself going "ugh, that's a gross sugar-shot". (in which case scrape the icing off and have fewer carbs elsewhere in the day.)0 -
I feel for you! Two years ago I was diagnosed with celiac disease. I thought I'd never be able to handle not having sandwiches, pastries at moms, my family weekly spaghetti meals, lasagna, fried chicken etc...The thing is it's a head game. Once you wrap your head around the fact that you're helping yourself NOT to suffer, instead of feeling like you are being DENIED something you want, it becomes easier to live without those things. Every now and then, I become frustrated with the restrictions. Those days, I allow myself to say "screw it!" and I eat something I shouldn't, but rest assured, my thinking gets back into proper perspective as soon as my symptoms occur, and for the following three days after. Those days are literally hell. I call this my own personal game of "Belly Russian Roulette". It's SOO not worth the risk. Take care of yourself, listen to your doctor...after a short amount of internal struggle, you'll look back at this time and laugh (or cry!.lol...we all do!). Good luck, and much love xo0
-
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I know it is doable, I just need to start planning.
Basically, my doctor is concerned with more Low GI, which pretty much translates to low carb. For now, he told me to just start making swaps like whole wheat pasta for the white pasta, not to eat as many potatoes, etc. Nothing extreme, he just wants me to ease into it and try to stay under 80 g a day. His concern was mainly added sugars and simple carbs. He told me at this point there is no reason to cut out fruit, since I struggle to eat fruits/veggies anyways.
So basically, I am supposed to cut out the overly processed stuff, added sugars and simple carbs. He wants to see what kind of progress I can make with that and then in February we are going to re group and he then may refer me to a reproductive endo.
This has all stemmed from me previously being diagnosed as insulin resistant, having 2 miscarriages and having trouble conceiving. My A1C has been in the healthy range for the past 6 years so he does not think I have a major problem....yet. But, we are trying to avoid going back into the hyperinsulinemia ranges.
what kind of doctor is recommending this? not doubting him; however, just from personal experience, i wouldn't trust anyone but a dietitian for this kind of advice. my (now former) endocrinologist told me i should go on a 1,000 calorie diet or try appetite suppressants; meanwhile, i am 26 years old, no where near obese.. maybe overweight according to the scale but i'm 5'10" and 1,000 calories is not adequate for the exercise i do.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions