What's the big deal about carbs?!
e_v_v
Posts: 131 Member
So many people seem to go "low-carb" when they diet and rave about its results. I thought it came down to calories in vs. out. So why go low-carb if you're tracking calories on MFP? I don't see the point of cutting out all carbs if they're something your body craves for energy. Is there proof that a low-carb diet makes you lose more weight than a carb-included diet if the daily calorie intakes are the same?
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Because it is the latest fashion. At least it is not a dangerous one for most people. And there might be even some health benefits for some people.0
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If I recall correctly, over time studies suggest that it all evens out. Having said that, if folks find a way that works for them, I'm all for it. Low-carb sounds like a recipe for indigestion and constipation for me personally0
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I think you see a good amount of success with it because you're pulling out a potentially calorie heavy source and replacing it with a less calorie heavy source IE 2 slices of white bread for a cup of broccoli. I was low carb for awhile and when I finally turned the corner into being a diabetic, the nutritionist actually upped my carbs and I had a heck of a time meeting that goal. I never truly felt better or worse being low carb/GF/kinda paleo (not giving up my cheese), and found it more difficult trying to find a replacement for bread (Whole Food's has a bread that isn't bad, but still needs to be toasted or it's garbage).0
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I love carbs and eat with every meal, i chose the better ones like wholemeal bread over white etc I've lost 4 stone eating them x0
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I have a hard time understanding it too. I live in Italy where people eat pasta, pizza and risotto and are thin. However, low-carbers are really convinced and it's no skin off my nose. If they can do it and afford it, more power to them.0
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I need to go lowish carb to get into a deficit and keep my protein high. I also prefer to eat high volume, so most of my carbs come from fruits and vegetables.0
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So many people seem to go "low-carb" when they diet and rave about its results. I thought it came down to calories in vs. out. So why go low-carb if you're tracking calories on MFP? I don't see the point of cutting out all carbs if they're something your body craves for energy. Is there proof that a low-carb diet makes you lose more weight than a carb-included diet if the daily calorie intakes are the same?
Because carbs are the most recent of dietary demons as per what the industry at large is pushing at the moment.
A low carb diet will actually result in faster weight loss initially...but you lose a ton of water. Study after study indicates that over time, it's exactly the same as any other diet.0 -
I think there are many reasons.
You will likely see quicker results from water loss.
It's easy to achieve a deficit if you cut out a large group of foods.
It can help control blood glucose levels for diabetics
It's popular
Some celebrity said it was good
It worked for a friend
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Misinformation - I know people who swear by it. One gal (she has 5 pounds to lose, every so often). "It's the only thing that works for me." She doesn't consider the water weight loss factor.......so losing water weight plus 1/2 pound of fat the first week looks like more progress, than just losing 1/2 pound of fat.
Ease of counting - you have 3 macros - if you cut out one - you can lose weight. I could see the popularity of this when counting calories was a major pain. Old school.....you had a book with calorie counts (before food labels required anything you looked up every single thing)......then you measured out your portion.....and wrote it down in a note book. Then you had to add up these numbers. AND people complain about counting calories now?
Extremes - more of something (or less of it in this case) is always better. If someone eats too many carbs.....would a moderate carb approach work for weight loss? Very likely it would. But, would very low carb work better? Okay, let's say it may work better, but they don't always consider that weight loss is just step one.
Then you have those who genuinely benefit (medically) from reducing carbs. For them, lower (or moderate) carbs should be a lifestyle change.0 -
In about 28 studies (from memory) low carb gave either better or the same result in terms of weight loss. Google will find a list.
People that "crave carbs for energy" wouldn't go low carb but someone who likes rich foods with plenty of fat might prefer it. MFP can of course be used to track carbs as well as calories.0 -
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Carbs are amazing, love them. Fit them into your macro's and eat the healthier type! Carbs is better to cut out of your diet gradually if you want that shredded look, but you cant get that last look if you deprive your body instantly, where as if you cut it out whilst cutting, it will take you over the finishing line cutting them out later.0
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i love carbs... potatoes, rice, pasta, bread i eat them all one usually with every meal0
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No real deal there if you're healthy. They're just trendy, like low fat was at some point. Low fat had the studies, the "clear skin" anecdotes, the "best thing to combat hunger" claims, the whole package. If low carb becomes mainstream in the medical community and governments start basing their recommendations on it, it will automatically become uncool and people will start looking for the next big thing that makes them feel good they aren't mainstream, or follow a rehashed diet from the 80s because a shiny book cover touts it as revolutionary.
Some people follow low car because it agrees with their preferences, some because it helps them manage diabetes or somesuch, but the vast majority follow it because internet said so, so it must be true.0 -
Oprah said eat bread.Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Some celebrity said it was good
Oprah is overweight. Just sayin'0 -
The benefit of going low carb is that it takes longer for your body to break down proteins for energy and you fill fuller longer than you would eating the carbs that the protein replaces. It's not really sustainable as a dietary regimen as it will generally leave you tired and cranky a lot and makes it harder to get all of the vitamins and nutrients you need. Another benefit of it is that with a high protein/low card diet, you body will break down less muscle during your weight loss as you already have a high level of protein in your blood to utilize. You can't really sustain a decent exercise routine on this kind of eating regimen (dependent upon how intense your workouts are) because carbs are your go to supply for your bodies energy needs.0
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Cause it works for some and they prefer it. Nothing wrong with that. Yes, it comes down to calories in and calories out but now you get to a deficit is highly preference. Then there are folks with medical issues that need to go low carb.0
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I do a low carb Diet because of my diabetes and trying to keep sugars down. Eating carbs for me is like eating candy, my sugars go up for both.. I would like to lose 40 pounds and it is so difficult with my diabetes, thyroid and Rituxan for follicular non hogkin lymphoma..0
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Cause it works for some and they prefer it. Nothing wrong with that. Yes, it comes down to calories in and calories out but now you get to a deficit is highly preference. Then there are folks with medical issues that need to go low carb.
Need is a strong word. Prefer is a better word. Most medical issues where low carb is used can be managed with a balanced diet and careful planning, but some prefer low carb because it takes the planning part out of the equation.0 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »Cause it works for some and they prefer it. Nothing wrong with that. Yes, it comes down to calories in and calories out but now you get to a deficit is highly preference. Then there are folks with medical issues that need to go low carb.
Need is a strong word. Prefer is a better word. Most medical issues where low carb is used can be managed with a balanced diet and careful planning, but some prefer low carb because it takes the planning part out of the equation.
Fair enough. I don't know enough about it to disagree. I withdraw the word "need"
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Some of us get some pretty significant health benefits from cutting out grains / carbs. For those of us who are overweight and insulin resistant, for example, removing the carbs can really improve things. I went from a pre-diabetic A1C to a normal A1C in under 3 months!
That's not to say it's for everyone. Or that all of us will be low carb forever. But, low carb is moreso a way to get healthier than to lose weight faster. Most of the fast weight is water weight. The rest is slow and steady, just like everyone else.0 -
The reason **I** Do it- is because typical carbs are calorie heavy- "expensive"- so when I'm cutting the plan is to optimize volume- and minimize calorie.
Bulking- optmize calories- minimize volume.
Carbs are high in calories and not particularly voluminous without eating a ton of it. I.E. I can eat almost a whole box of pasta and still feel hungry- but I've eaten my whole days worth of calories- and into the next days.
Vs a salad for example- low calorie- high volume- feel fuller (with the appropriate additions) without the pesky high calorie content.
it's about finding a balance- I find 30% carbs works reasonably well for me. I can definitely eat more- but- 30 or less is good for me when I'm losing weigh.0 -
Diet is a personal preference and it all depends on what works for YOU.
I eat a low carb diet and I've experienced positives from it. Weight loss is not what I did it for as I lost the weight I wanted to eating a normal, health conscious diet.
Since moving to a low carb diet (under 60g on average a day), I've had better sleep, constant energy through the day, less aches and pains in the morning, no headaches, and no hunger pains. I just eat whenever.
No, it doesn't work for everyone. And it's not an easy diet. And not everyone will experience the positives.
This is my experience, anyway.0 -
I chose to lower my carbs because it eliminated my cravings and I stopped counting down the minutes to every meal. I'm not perfect, and I still have a high carb day every now and then which doesn't affect me one way or the other, but I get back on the horse the next day.
Some people find staying in a calorie deficit while eating plenty of carbs easy, others do not. It's a very individual thing.
For me, choosing the right calories/macros helps me eat less calories. And lowering my carbs has made dieting easier and less stressful.0 -
Probably mostly because they get excited about the initial water weight drop.
I've eaten so much bread today... Lol.0 -
This. Since carbs usually contribute most of the macronutrient content of one's diet (on a general basis), it would make sense for people who are trying to lose weight to reduce consumption of them.Sleeper1968 wrote: »Probably because carbs are what people overdo the most, so cutting back on them has a considerable impact for a lot of people.
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I'm currently trying low carb, having said that my macros were 50c, 30p and 20f but I was finding it hard to control the odd sugar craving in the evening and Easter killed me diet wise so I've knocked my carbs back a bit and upped my protein and fats a touch. Currently my macros are 35c, 40p and 25f and at least for now I'm feeling fuller for longer with more manageable craving. I've no interest in going below 35% carbs.0
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Your body needs carbs for energy.0
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whatatime2befit wrote: »Your body needs carbs for energy.
You don't necessarily have to eat them though.0 -
whatatime2befit wrote: »Your body needs carbs for energy.
@whatatime2befit No, it doesn't. The body can burn fat for energy while in ketosis.
I eat less than 60g of carbs a day. I work ten hour shifts then lift for an hour to two hours a day after that.
No, it doesn't work for everyone, but your body can creat energy without carbs.0
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