Cutting carbs from diet?

Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?
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Replies

  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    That'll be tough. A meat only diet doesn't sound that appealing to me.
  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    So... no vegetables? No fruit? Sounds sensible... NOT.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    @noelani716 Do you mean nothing with carbs or sugars (which would take things like fruuts, veggies, and dairy products out of your diet) or are you using it more colloquially to mean no sweets, bread, pasta, and starches?

    If you truly mean 0 carbs & sugars, then you need to do some research on the keto lifestyle. It's not something I would suggest jumping into without reading up on it.
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member

    If you truly mean 0 carbs & sugars, then you need to do some research on the keto lifestyle. It's not something I would suggest jumping into without reading up on it.

    I think most people mean cutting the added sugars, but there are some who do go extreme and try to avoid all natural sugars too. That isn't nutritional Ketosis though, that is just extreme. (The exception being some chronic medical conditions which do require ALL sugars be eliminated.)

    Being in nutritional Keto doesn't mean no fruits and veggies, I eat veggies at most meals and have a large colorful salad nearly every day. I have Greek yogurt with fruit nearly every day too. I think people have a lot of misconceptions as to what cutting back on carbs really looks like. Some will do it while still eating unhealthy choices, but that is the case with every way of eating.
  • lthur714
    lthur714 Posts: 105 Member
    noelani716 wrote: »
    Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?

    If you're just thinking about it, that's great. In reality, that's going to be unrealistic. How about just cutting 50% of your carbs and sugar? That will make a huge difference and should be easier for you. Don't deny yourself, just be reasonable about it.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Why? It's just another way of cutting calories.......I agree that it's useful to watch for all the added sugars (if an ingredient name ends in OSE it's a sugar) in processed foods as a way of controlling caloric intake. The only advantage a higher fat / higher protein diet may have is that you tend to have better satiety.

    If you do decide to reduce your carbs do it gradually, some people report headaches and irritability when cutting them too quickly.

  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »

    If you truly mean 0 carbs & sugars, then you need to do some research on the keto lifestyle. It's not something I would suggest jumping into without reading up on it.

    I think most people mean cutting the added sugars, but there are some who do go extreme and try to avoid all natural sugars too. That isn't nutritional Ketosis though, that is just extreme. (The exception being some chronic medical conditions which do require ALL sugars be eliminated.)

    Being in nutritional Keto doesn't mean no fruits and veggies, I eat veggies at most meals and have a large colorful salad nearly every day. I have Greek yogurt with fruit nearly every day too. I think people have a lot of misconceptions as to what cutting back on carbs really looks like. Some will do it while still eating unhealthy choices, but that is the case with every way of eating.

    Ketosis, of course,.doesn't mean zero veggies. But since the OP asked about cutting ALL carbs and sugars, it seemed like we should get some clarification before going forward with advice.

    Given her post history, do you have any advice for the OP to go keto while pescetarian?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    edited April 2016
    my thoughts -completely uncessaryfor weight loss, health, or anything nutrition related....
  • IGbnat24
    IGbnat24 Posts: 520 Member
    What's your reasoning for doing so? And is it something you think you can sustain for life?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    so things like pasta, rice, etc make us sick, because processed?

    do you have a source for that?

    there is no reason to cut out carbs unless one has a medical reason to do so.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    What do you want to achieve?
    For weight loss, you need a calorie deficit.
    To eat healthily, you need enough of a whole lot of different nutrients every day. This is quite easy to get through a vaaried and balanced diet. No need to cut out anything. Try to add instead.
    To stay sane, you need to eat food you like and that is easy to buy/prepare/eat.
    To lessen cravings, eating less added sugar may help. It can also make them bigger. This is individual. Do what works for YOU, not whatever woman's magazine or blog is claiming to be THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO RIGHT NOW.
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »

    If you truly mean 0 carbs & sugars, then you need to do some research on the keto lifestyle. It's not something I would suggest jumping into without reading up on it.

    I think most people mean cutting the added sugars, but there are some who do go extreme and try to avoid all natural sugars too. That isn't nutritional Ketosis though, that is just extreme. (The exception being some chronic medical conditions which do require ALL sugars be eliminated.)

    Being in nutritional Keto doesn't mean no fruits and veggies, I eat veggies at most meals and have a large colorful salad nearly every day. I have Greek yogurt with fruit nearly every day too. I think people have a lot of misconceptions as to what cutting back on carbs really looks like. Some will do it while still eating unhealthy choices, but that is the case with every way of eating.

    Ketosis, of course,.doesn't mean zero veggies. But since the OP asked about cutting ALL carbs and sugars, it seemed like we should get some clarification before going forward with advice.

    Given her post history, do you have any advice for the OP to go keto while pescetarian?

    There are groups around the internet devoted to vegetarian Ketosis, which definitely can be done. If one eats fish, it's even more flexibile.

  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    so things like pasta, rice, etc make us sick, because processed?

    do you have a source for that?

    there is no reason to cut out carbs unless one has a medical reason to do so.

    I was referring to the additives in our foods that make us sick, but yes there are a lot of medical experts who feel wheats/pastas/grains are a root cause of illness. Not going to offline this thread to debate you though, have a good day.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    Carbs =/= "junk" food...there are tons of highly nutritious carbs, none of which contain added sugars or trans fats or whatever...I will never undrestand why people equate carbs with junk food.

    About 50-60% of my diet comes by way of carbs...and I eat very little "junk" food. I eat piles of veggies, a couple servings of fruit...I eat a lot of lentils and legumes and quinoa and brown rice and potatoes and sweet potatoes and....ermrgrd...even bread.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    so things like pasta, rice, etc make us sick, because processed?

    do you have a source for that?

    there is no reason to cut out carbs unless one has a medical reason to do so.

    I was referring to the additives in our foods that make us sick, but yes there are a lot of medical experts who feel wheats/pastas/grains are a root cause of illness. Not going to offline this thread to debate you though, have a good day.

    ahhh ok, so you are going to make spacious clams and then sign off when you get called out on them?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    Carbs =/= "junk" food...there are tons of highly nutritious carbs, none of which contain added sugars or trans fats or whatever...I will never undrestand why people equate carbs with junk food.

    About 50-60% of my diet comes by way of carbs...and I eat very little "junk" food. I eat piles of veggies, a couple servings of fruit...I eat a lot of lentils and legumes and quinoa and brown rice and potatoes and sweet potatoes and....ermrgrd...even bread.


    you are going to die bro....
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    Carbs =/= "junk" food...there are tons of highly nutritious carbs, none of which contain added sugars or trans fats or whatever...I will never undrestand why people equate carbs with junk food.

    About 50-60% of my diet comes by way of carbs...and I eat very little "junk" food. I eat piles of veggies, a couple servings of fruit...I eat a lot of lentils and legumes and quinoa and brown rice and potatoes and sweet potatoes and....ermrgrd...even bread.

    No one is telling you not to eat what works for you, calm down. The OP asked for comments about cutting carbs.
  • drwilseyjr
    drwilseyjr Posts: 225 Member
    lthur714 wrote: »
    noelani716 wrote: »
    Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?

    If you're just thinking about it, that's great. In reality, that's going to be unrealistic. How about just cutting 50% of your carbs and sugar? That will make a huge difference and should be easier for you. Don't deny yourself, just be reasonable about it.

    How is it unrealistic?
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    drwilseyjr wrote: »
    lthur714 wrote: »
    noelani716 wrote: »
    Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?

    If you're just thinking about it, that's great. In reality, that's going to be unrealistic. How about just cutting 50% of your carbs and sugar? That will make a huge difference and should be easier for you. Don't deny yourself, just be reasonable about it.

    How is it unrealistic?

    how is zero sugar realistic? That would mean zero fruits, vegetables, breads....
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    edited April 2016
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    Carbs =/= "junk" food...there are tons of highly nutritious carbs, none of which contain added sugars or trans fats or whatever...I will never undrestand why people equate carbs with junk food.

    About 50-60% of my diet comes by way of carbs...and I eat very little "junk" food. I eat piles of veggies, a couple servings of fruit...I eat a lot of lentils and legumes and quinoa and brown rice and potatoes and sweet potatoes and....ermrgrd...even bread.

    No one is telling you not to eat what works for you, calm down. The OP asked for comments about cutting carbs.

    You went straight into "carbs are junk" talk...I'm clarifying for the OP that in fact, carbs can be very healthy and nutritious. There are a lot of places in the world where carbs are the primary macro...take Japan for example...they tend to be a lot healthier than much of the Western world...but yeah, carbs are the devil and should be eliminated.

    Some of us just get a little tired of the fear mongering nonsense that a lot of low carbers put out there. Low carb if you want, but stop the *kitten* fear mongering that carbs are going to kill you and whatnot...
  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    I think it would help the discussion if the OP could at least confirm whether she wants to cut refined carbs and added sugars, or, as she first posted "cutting carbs and sugar completely", which I would interpret as all carbohydrates and any naturally occurring as well as added sugars.
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    edited April 2016
    Cutting out added sugar and most refined carbs, like flour; cutting way back on grains as a whole; and cutting back on high sugar fruits has been great for me. I was eating way too much fruit, like 4 or 5 (or more) servings a day, and not paying attention to the fact that one apple can be two servings. Technically, I'm doing keto, with 5 servings of veggies a day, and that still allows me to have a small serving of a starchy vegetable, legume or whole grain every day.

    I'm not denying myself anything that I desperately want to eat. I'm craving Brussels sprouts right now, and I'm going to have some.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    noelani716 wrote: »
    Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?

    Consider joining the Low Carber Daily group if you have questions or need support. Low carb is is not well supported or understood on the main boards. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group

    I went LCHF (no sugar, grains, minimal starchy veggies or fruit) to treat health issues and with the hopes of losing weight easier. I've been very happy with so far. Good luck.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    nvmomketo wrote: »
    noelani716 wrote: »
    Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?

    Consider joining the Low Carber Daily group if you have questions or need support. Low carb is is not well supported or understood on the main boards. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group

    I went LCHF (no sugar, grains, minimal starchy veggies or fruit) to treat health issues and with the hopes of losing weight easier. I've been very happy with so far. Good luck.

    I disagree...I think it's pretty well understood and what is not supported are spurious claims of medical miracles and notions that you're going to be some kind of disease ridden being about the keel over and die if you eat a carb...
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    Carbs =/= "junk" food...there are tons of highly nutritious carbs, none of which contain added sugars or trans fats or whatever...I will never undrestand why people equate carbs with junk food.

    About 50-60% of my diet comes by way of carbs...and I eat very little "junk" food. I eat piles of veggies, a couple servings of fruit...I eat a lot of lentils and legumes and quinoa and brown rice and potatoes and sweet potatoes and....ermrgrd...even bread.

    No one is telling you not to eat what works for you, calm down. The OP asked for comments about cutting carbs.

    You went straight into "carbs are junk" talk...I'm clarifying for the OP that in fact, carbs can be very healthy and nutritious. There are a lot of places in the world where carbs are the primary macro...take Japan for example...they tend to be a lot healthier than much of the Western world...but yeah, carbs are the devil and should be eliminated.

    Some of us just get a little tired of the fear mongering nonsense that a lot of low carbers put out there. Low carb if you want, but stop the *kitten* fear mongering that carbs are going to kill you and whatnot...
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    Go for it. Cutting out refined carbs was the best thing I have done for my health. They are everywhere, and there are something like 100 plus names for added sugars, so be diligent. I cut out 99.9% of processed foods to cut all the junk that makes us sick (trans fats, artificial non-food, oxidized seed oils, and especially all the sugars), so now I cook more and shop smarter. The benefits are huge from feeling better, lowering risks of diseases, losing weight, better skin, better moods....on and on and on.

    Carbs =/= "junk" food...there are tons of highly nutritious carbs, none of which contain added sugars or trans fats or whatever...I will never undrestand why people equate carbs with junk food.

    About 50-60% of my diet comes by way of carbs...and I eat very little "junk" food. I eat piles of veggies, a couple servings of fruit...I eat a lot of lentils and legumes and quinoa and brown rice and potatoes and sweet potatoes and....ermrgrd...even bread.

    No one is telling you not to eat what works for you, calm down. The OP asked for comments about cutting carbs.

    You went straight into "carbs are junk" talk...I'm clarifying for the OP that in fact, carbs can be very healthy and nutritious. There are a lot of places in the world where carbs are the primary macro...take Japan for example...they tend to be a lot healthier than much of the Western world...but yeah, carbs are the devil and should be eliminated.

    Some of us just get a little tired of the fear mongering nonsense that a lot of low carbers put out there. Low carb if you want, but stop the *kitten* fear mongering that carbs are going to kill you and whatnot...

    .... And some of us are tired of the social shaming that cutting out refined carbs means it is some how UNhealthy. It's not. Enjoy them if you want.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »

    If you truly mean 0 carbs & sugars, then you need to do some research on the keto lifestyle. It's not something I would suggest jumping into without reading up on it.

    I think most people mean cutting the added sugars, but there are some who do go extreme and try to avoid all natural sugars too. That isn't nutritional Ketosis though, that is just extreme. (The exception being some chronic medical conditions which do require ALL sugars be eliminated.)

    Being in nutritional Keto doesn't mean no fruits and veggies, I eat veggies at most meals and have a large colorful salad nearly every day. I have Greek yogurt with fruit nearly every day too. I think people have a lot of misconceptions as to what cutting back on carbs really looks like. Some will do it while still eating unhealthy choices, but that is the case with every way of eating.

    Ketosis, of course,.doesn't mean zero veggies. But since the OP asked about cutting ALL carbs and sugars, it seemed like we should get some clarification before going forward with advice.

    Given her post history, do you have any advice for the OP to go keto while pescetarian?

    There are groups around the internet devoted to vegetarian Ketosis, which definitely can be done. If one eats fish, it's even more flexibile.

    Thanks. I'm well aware that it can be done. I was hoping you could help the OP with some tips or resources. You seem to have decided to believe that I don't understand what keto is or how it works. I know that veggie and pescetarian ketoers exist. But while we're waiting for the OP to come back and clarify their position, I was hoping we could keep the discussion focused on them and their needs.

    Or you can keep ketosplaining to me. That's fine, too.
  • mumbles2013
    mumbles2013 Posts: 289 Member
    I'm trying this too. I'm not eating fruits as they are high in sugar and no carbs but I refuse to cut out any veggies even though I know some have a higher carb content. For me it's still better than tons of rice and pasta right now. I have a protein shake for breakfast then lunch and dinner is a choice between chicken, fish or turkey and a massive side of veggies and it's been ok for the last 4 days. I don't really feel hunger at all so it must be true that a protein diet keeps you fuller for longer cutting out the need to snack and binge which is my main issue
  • drwilseyjr
    drwilseyjr Posts: 225 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    drwilseyjr wrote: »
    lthur714 wrote: »
    noelani716 wrote: »
    Thinking of cutting carbs and sugar completely from my diet? Any thoughts?

    If you're just thinking about it, that's great. In reality, that's going to be unrealistic. How about just cutting 50% of your carbs and sugar? That will make a huge difference and should be easier for you. Don't deny yourself, just be reasonable about it.

    How is it unrealistic?

    how is zero sugar realistic? That would mean zero fruits, vegetables, breads....

    I don't think OP means 0 sum on those, but very low. I could be wrong, but extremely low levels of both are attainable. I'm at 50g< carbs and 30g< sugar a day.

    Again, I could be wrong on what OP's goals are. If OP means truly zero of both, Ya, not gonna happen unless all they eat is meat.
  • KarlynKeto
    KarlynKeto Posts: 323 Member
    KarlynKeto wrote: »
    KarlynKeto wrote: »

    If you truly mean 0 carbs & sugars, then you need to do some research on the keto lifestyle. It's not something I would suggest jumping into without reading up on it.

    I think most people mean cutting the added sugars, but there are some who do go extreme and try to avoid all natural sugars too. That isn't nutritional Ketosis though, that is just extreme. (The exception being some chronic medical conditions which do require ALL sugars be eliminated.)

    Being in nutritional Keto doesn't mean no fruits and veggies, I eat veggies at most meals and have a large colorful salad nearly every day. I have Greek yogurt with fruit nearly every day too. I think people have a lot of misconceptions as to what cutting back on carbs really looks like. Some will do it while still eating unhealthy choices, but that is the case with every way of eating.

    Ketosis, of course,.doesn't mean zero veggies. But since the OP asked about cutting ALL carbs and sugars, it seemed like we should get some clarification before going forward with advice.

    Given her post history, do you have any advice for the OP to go keto while pescetarian?

    There are groups around the internet devoted to vegetarian Ketosis, which definitely can be done. If one eats fish, it's even more flexibile.

    Thanks. I'm well aware that it can be done. I was hoping you could help the OP with some tips or resources. You seem to have decided to believe that I don't understand what keto is or how it works. I know that veggie and pescetarian ketoers exist. But while we're waiting for the OP to come back and clarify their position, I was hoping we could keep the discussion focused on them and their needs.

    Or you can keep ketosplaining to me. That's fine, too.

    I never meant to 'ketosplain' to you, so my apologies if it came across that way. There is a common misconception that Keto = no carbs, including natural carbs, sowas addressing that point only.