Is counting carbs like counting calories?
lauradians
Posts: 5 Member
I'm new to the low-carb lifestyle and I'm learning a lot after having my paradigm greatly shifted after reading Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It. Anyways, I'm sticking to under 20 g of carbs a day, and my old calorie counting mind is really active still. I know things like fruit and chips are a no-no, but I find myself craving fruit so much and had like 5 g of carbs left, so I ate one strawberry which was 1 g. I also found myself looking up the nutrition info for a bag of kids chips at chipotle which I could technically fit in one day. So is it the same idea where if I can fit it in the 20 g a day I can eat it? Or should I (do I have to) stick with the main categories I learned about of meat, eggs and green veggies?
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It can be the same and many follow the IIFYM rule. Some can't though depending on the foods. Artificial sweeteners are notorious for kick starting cravings for people, some worse than others. Myself, I'm a salty crunchy fan and that little bag of chips would have me spiralling until I ate.all.the.things.that.resemble chips.
Many are LC to heal rather than weight loss and would choose nutrient value over meeting a macro...and some don't pay attention at all.
The best part of this WOE is that it is flexible enough to fit you as an individual. What are your goals, how do certain choices make you feel short and long term etc. There is a lot if science that many here can link for you but really, there is no right or wrong answer because only you are you.2 -
I count calories and it is rare for me to hit my carb count.
I tried lazy keto (counting carbs only ) and i put on weight3 -
Dependent on your goals, it's all of the above; also, it's probably worth some trial and error with ketostix or something of the like to see what your particular body maintains ketones at. For instance, I can be in moderate keto myself on 65g net carb (100g total carb), so long as I eat most of my carbs in the first two meals of the day and get my steps/exercise in.
Net Carb is the important thing to track, that strawberry you ate for instance, you've got 1G of carb, probably around .4G of fibre - therefore it's a net carb of .6 carbs that you track.0 -
Thank you all for your replies! I do know the net carb rule, so that's helping, and I really feel like I'm in ketosis as I've been under 20g carbs the last few days and have that stinky breath and pee I've heard about. I really appreciate this group and your input!
Sweets are my downfall, so I'm waiting at least two weeks to add any of the flavored protein drinks or protein bars or any supplements like that, that resemble a treat. I'm going to have to be really careful with that and the keto baking...0 -
Net carb is not a rule, but an option that may or may not work best for you. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10057456/so-which-is-it-total-carbs-or-net-carbs1
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I think it is mainly people who are in ketosis (below 50 g carbs) for the health benefits that would be careful about not getting too many carbs in one sitting. I eat keto to help with insulin resistance and AI disorders. Too many carbs raises BG and lowers ketones and I don't feel as good. For healthier people, moving in and out of ketosis is no big deal.
I would use treat carbs as a rare treat though, especially if carbs have been your downfall in the past. If you have a hard time moderating carbs, you will probably continue to have a hard time moderating carbs. KWIM?1
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