SUCCESS STORIES:LOW CARB ATKINS OR SOUTH BEACH!

carliekitty

I consume about 100 carbs a day currently. I don't like to go to low carb, although i have. I run 5 days a week and have read countless studys of marathon runners being on low carb high protein diets. You have to do what works well for you. I get amazing results w 100 carbs a day and 1600 cals. Much better results then i did w 1600 cals and 250 carbs a day.

itcanbedone13

bump for later

22dream

Who said I didn't read the message boards??? And who said its a fad diet I can say the same thing about eating 1200 calories every day to lose weight, if you feel its a fad diet that your opinion but your comment was irrelevant seeing how it didn't help with anything

MaggieGirl135

I started South Beach 1.5 years ago and lost 20 pounds in six months. I was able to maintain the loss for a year; at that point, I decided to lose some more. I found the South Beach diet to be very easy to follow and I liked not counting anything. I was not hungry and I felt no ill effects. In the past with WW, I found myself becoming obsessed with tracking points (always to gain back what I had lost). I started South Beach again when I started on MFP two months ago, but I felt awful. I was extremely fatigued for a week or two. I finally had to stop and increase my carbs. My exercise level for both times was about the same; some, but fairly minimal. Using MFP is so easy; I don’t have to count anything. This is good because I don’t want to go back to feeling fanatical about counting! On MFP, I have lost a good 10 pounds in the past two months by eating healthy foods and keeping an eye only on the total calories for the day. Good luck to everyone, low carb or not.

Editing to add: For the year that I maintained, I was not eating low carb.

motown13

To me, I equate the average overweight person (non-diabetic/PCOS, etc) using Atkins to lose weight instead of eating at a caloric deficit to buying penny stocks and hoping they explode to become wealthy...instead of spending less than you make and investing in a broad growth portfolio.

Sure, you may have some great short term gains or really have incredible success, but for the vast majority of people interested in long term success (weight or financial) it is not an ideal long-term strategy.

Geez, you should tell that to the thousands, yes thousands, of people that are on the low carb forum I am on. They might disagree, what with losing weight and having perfect lipid panels AND if they know how to cook low carb, they have a great assortment of food to enjoy.

bjstru

This was the moderators topic:

IF YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS WITH LOW CARB , ATKINS, OR SOUTH BEACH PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY OR AND PICTURES NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE ON MFP LOOKING FOR THAT PUSH THATS NOT JUST ABOUT CALORIES!!!!! PLEASE SHARE AND HELP GIVE SOMEONE THAT PUSH!!

When I read this, I was initially thrilled because what I thought I was going to see was various people telling their low carb lifestyles with results. For 6 pages, I have consistently read various persons input on why low carb does not work, bleeding the word "calorie" until it was dry, and various citation of studies to prove why they are right. It fine that you have all this proof of why low carb is "fad" but that is not what the moderator asked for therefore I must be inclined to believe either (1) you were unable to read and understand the moderators question, (2) your a health bully; you found a way that worked for you and know everything else must be wrong, (3) you just don't care that you never answered her question, or (4) you are too afraid to start your own post/thread stating why low carb in not a real, true, healthy.... whatever! and you must impose onto others threads and over exert your (unsolicited ) opinion on a thread which was seeking success stories while on low carb. You would be highly insulted in an everyday scenario if a various person walked into your group conversation and said... "Well, I think A,B,C,D". Being honest with yourself , your first response would be "who asked you".


I am sorry my rant is sooo long. I really did click upon this thread hoping to see success stories and pictures of those who embraced a low carb lifestyle.

teridene

Here is a study by Duke University, just put out, that proves low carb is a superior, sustainable diet over a low glycemic or low fat/high carb diet. Take a look. Also Harvard just completed a similar study without using diabetics and they found the SAME results. That low carb/high fat/moderate protein was superior over low glycemic, and way better than low fat/carb diet.

http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/low_carb_diets_prove_better_at_controlling_type_2_diabetes

And I would like to add that as a diabetic the low carb diet brought my blood sugar to normal ranges without gaining any weight. I follow the "diabetes solution" by Dr. R. K. Bernstein.

I would also like to add that I came to this forum because I wanted to find some low carb recipes. I was saddened at all the fighting. It would be wise to consider the many, many diets out in the world and for every one type of diet you can find a diet completely in opposition that still works for a portion of the population. That being considered I believe that so many diets work because there are so many body types and each has its own needs. One diet works for one, not the other and so forth. You just have to find what works for you.

AND why would a person who is NOT doing low carb going on a low carb forum to argue? This type of person should be on a forum that matches his type of diet. Don't go around looking for a fight. And ladies, don't argue with this guy or anyone who wants to argue. Its foolish.

22dream

This was the moderators topic:

IF YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS WITH LOW CARB , ATKINS, OR SOUTH BEACH PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY OR AND PICTURES NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE ON MFP LOOKING FOR THAT PUSH THATS NOT JUST ABOUT CALORIES!!!!! PLEASE SHARE AND HELP GIVE SOMEONE THAT PUSH!!

When I read this, I was initially thrilled because what I thought I was going to see was various people telling their low carb lifestyles with results. For 6 pages, I have consistently read various persons input on why low carb does not work, bleeding the word "calorie" until it was dry, and various citation of studies to prove why they are right. It fine that you have all this proof of why low carb is "fad" but that is not what the moderator asked for therefore I must be inclined to believe either (1) you were unable to read and understand the moderators question, (2) your a health bully; you found a way that worked for you and know everything else must be wrong, (3) you just don't care that you never answered her question, or (4) you are too afraid to start your own post/thread stating why low carb in not a real, true, healthy.... whatever! and you must impose onto others threads and over exert your (unsolicited ) opinion on a thread which was seeking success stories while on low carb. You would be highly insulted in an everyday scenario if a various person walked into your group conversation and said... "Well, I think A,B,C,D". Being honest with yourself , your first response would be "who asked you".


I am sorry my rant is sooo long. I really did click upon this thread hoping to see success stories and pictures of those who embraced a low carb lifestyle.

exactly smh

ukchic25

This was the moderators topic:

IF YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS WITH LOW CARB , ATKINS, OR SOUTH BEACH PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY OR AND PICTURES NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE ON MFP LOOKING FOR THAT PUSH THATS NOT JUST ABOUT CALORIES!!!!! PLEASE SHARE AND HELP GIVE SOMEONE THAT PUSH!!

When I read this, I was initially thrilled because what I thought I was going to see was various people telling their low carb lifestyles with results. For 6 pages, I have consistently read various persons input on why low carb does not work, bleeding the word "calorie" until it was dry, and various citation of studies to prove why they are right. It fine that you have all this proof of why low carb is "fad" but that is not what the moderator asked for therefore I must be inclined to believe either (1) you were unable to read and understand the moderators question, (2) your a health bully; you found a way that worked for you and know everything else must be wrong, (3) you just don't care that you never answered her question, or (4) you are too afraid to start your own post/thread stating why low carb in not a real, true, healthy.... whatever! and you must impose onto others threads and over exert your (unsolicited ) opinion on a thread which was seeking success stories while on low carb. You would be highly insulted in an everyday scenario if a various person walked into your group conversation and said... "Well, I think A,B,C,D". Being honest with yourself , your first response would be "who asked you".


I am sorry my rant is sooo long. I really did click upon this thread hoping to see success stories and pictures of those who embraced a low carb lifestyle.

I totally agree...and clearly there are a few of us that actually would like to hear success stories, and positive reviews of low carb. In fact, a low carb lifestyle is exactly what is recommended for apple shaped people. I find that there are a LOT of pro-calorie counting bullies on these forums. Any other way of dietary lifestyle change is wrong.

ewrob

Here is a study by Duke University, just put out, that proves low carb is a superior, sustainable diet over a low glycemic or low fat/high carb diet. Take a look. Also Harvard just completed a similar study without using diabetics and they found the SAME results. That low carb/high fat/moderate protein was superior over low glycemic, and way better than low fat/carb diet.

http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/low_carb_diets_prove_better_at_controlling_type_2_diabetes

As a vegan, I eat a low fat, high carbohydrate diet and I've lost 106 pounds in 6 months. This isn't even considering the non-scale ways that my health has improved. I think I will keep doing what I am doing.

cmhodge08

I agree!

pinkncrazee

This was the moderators topic:

IF YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS WITH LOW CARB , ATKINS, OR SOUTH BEACH PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY OR AND PICTURES NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE ON MFP LOOKING FOR THAT PUSH THATS NOT JUST ABOUT CALORIES!!!!! PLEASE SHARE AND HELP GIVE SOMEONE THAT PUSH!!

When I read this, I was initially thrilled because what I thought I was going to see was various people telling their low carb lifestyles with results. For 6 pages, I have consistently read various persons input on why low carb does not work, bleeding the word "calorie" until it was dry, and various citation of studies to prove why they are right. It fine that you have all this proof of why low carb is "fad" but that is not what the moderator asked for therefore I must be inclined to believe either (1) you were unable to read and understand the moderators question, (2) your a health bully; you found a way that worked for you and know everything else must be wrong, (3) you just don't care that you never answered her question, or (4) you are too afraid to start your own post/thread stating why low carb in not a real, true, healthy.... whatever! and you must impose onto others threads and over exert your (unsolicited ) opinion on a thread which was seeking success stories while on low carb. You would be highly insulted in an everyday scenario if a various person walked into your group conversation and said... "Well, I think A,B,C,D". Being honest with yourself , your first response would be "who asked you".


I am sorry my rant is sooo long. I really did click upon this thread hoping to see success stories and pictures of those who embraced a low carb lifestyle.

Well said and THANK YOU!! :-D

phw426

It all boils down to calories, what goes in vs what goes out.....Of course healthy calories are best. I tried atkins years ago faithfully and I was nothing but grouchy....to each there own and what life style works for you.....me personally I need to be able to live the rest of my life eating a healthy yet happy diet.

kwilson18

Wow, what an interesting thread. I think this highlights my own perception after years of reading the literature, reading message boards, and trying to lose weight myself, that different people respond to different "diets"...differently, and consequently that no diet is necessarily superior, or inferior, for weight loss (you can make nutritional arguments about something like the grapefruit diet, but I'll leave that for another day). Most dietary intervention trials have results that are significantly variable: there are people in the study that lose a lot, and people that lose very little or even gain. This will make the average weight loss appear to be modest, or non-existent. However the studies don't usually (mostly because of power/sample size issues) look at the characteristics of the people for whom a particular diet was very effective. This could be genetics, or activity level, or subclinical metabolic issues, or some other factor. I have also found that you can find studies that support almost every dietary strategy out there (too much protein causes cancer! Carbs cause diabetes and heart disease! Transfats are the best thing since sliced bread- no wait, they are toxic!, Vitamin E will save everyone- no wait- if you are a smoker it will kill you!). You can always find people for whom a particular diet has worked, but I have never found a diet that has worked for everyone.

A 200 calories donut may fit into the daily macros, but for someone who will then eat 4 more because it triggers a binge, it may not be the best choice. If you can't stand the sight of broccoli and it gives you gas, and makes you want to binge on a donut, it may not be the choice for you. Everyone needs to figure out what works for them to lose or maintain, what makes them feel healthy and satisfied, and able to participate in whatever daily activities (exercise, socializing, etc) mean the most to them.

Though I do like Michael Pollan's plan:
Eat food
Not too much
Mostly plants

socioseguro

OK, I am diabetic, and low carb is what I should have been doing since I found out I was one, but I didn't. I had my physical 8 weeks ago, and I had my blood work done... and it was BAD, I mean really bad.... So today I got new "numbers" after being super strict for the last 8 weeks...... I hope you like this, and I hope someone gets inspired by it. This is a cut and paste from the forum I originally posted this on:

_________________________________________

OK, so today marks exactly 2 months of low carbing and 2 months since my last set of blood work.... EVERYTHING was better except my overall cholesterol, which actually went up a tiny bit - which as I understand it, is normal when starting low carb..... And this was only 2 months, and not the standard 3 months for an A1C test....

Let's just say that I am THRILLLLLLLLLEEDDDD!

In just 60 days:

Lost 7 pounds..... was hoping for more, but 7 is OK

A1c went from 10.2 to 7.4

Triglycerides went from 390 to 210

Blood Sugar went from 290 to get this....... 128.

Blood Pressure went from 130 / 90 to 124 /74...... and I actually had not taken my BP medicine yet today.

So, if you are new, and not sure about this whole low carb "thing", and need a push, hopefully I just gave you a big SHOVE!!!

I love you all, who have put up with my whining so much early on about not losing weight..... It has not been an easy 2 months, but looking at those numbers, it has been an INCREDIBLE 2 months.

And, to top it all off, my doctor said that if I keep at this, she could see me being off all my meds by early next year.

Thanks to everybody who has helped me along the way.

Now I may go have some cheese!

I eat 30 or less carbs per day, with the goal of about 50 carbs per day when I hit my weight goal. I eat zero sugar, pasta, wheat, rice.....

Sorry for cut and paste, but I wasn't about to type it all out again.

Congratulations

babajules

Congrats on your success! My husband has also had great results with "carb limitations" but he walks his butt off 5 days a week and has dropped 40Lbs in 4 months, and his blood sugar is no longer a concern. I however am not as physically motivated as he but I am losing slowly, the best way to keep it off. I have decided that after two previous attempts at Atkins several years ago to not look at this as a "diet" but a way of eating. I read a book call The Art and Science of Low Carb Living and understanding what carbs can do to the body helped me have a new perspective about food. I have cut out all processed food and fill up on lots of low glycemic veggies, coconut and almond milk instead of whole milk and try to incorporate good fats in every meal. Fat makes me feel full and I have been eating less.

FAT IS YOUR FRIEND!!!

gigglesinthesun

my mother-in-law has to do low carb, because she has diabetes, but because she has no calorie deficit she hasn't lost any weight in the last 12 months since she started it. I am only saying this because there is some perception that this would make you lose weight automatically. Alternatively if I as a vegetarian eat 25-30 bananas I will also not lose weight (as that would be over my cal allowance). Everybody has to find what works for them.

BeckyGraceH

Awesome job!

josarahm

This was the moderators topic:

IF YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS WITH LOW CARB , ATKINS, OR SOUTH BEACH PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY OR AND PICTURES NEVER REALIZED HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE ON MFP LOOKING FOR THAT PUSH THATS NOT JUST ABOUT CALORIES!!!!! PLEASE SHARE AND HELP GIVE SOMEONE THAT PUSH!!

When I read this, I was initially thrilled because what I thought I was going to see was various people telling their low carb lifestyles with results. For 6 pages, I have consistently read various persons input on why low carb does not work, bleeding the word "calorie" until it was dry, and various citation of studies to prove why they are right. It fine that you have all this proof of why low carb is "fad" but that is not what the moderator asked for therefore I must be inclined to believe either (1) you were unable to read and understand the moderators question, (2) your a health bully; you found a way that worked for you and know everything else must be wrong, (3) you just don't care that you never answered her question, or (4) you are too afraid to start your own post/thread stating why low carb in not a real, true, healthy.... whatever! and you must impose onto others threads and over exert your (unsolicited ) opinion on a thread which was seeking success stories while on low carb. You would be highly insulted in an everyday scenario if a various person walked into your group conversation and said... "Well, I think A,B,C,D". Being honest with yourself , your first response would be "who asked you".


I am sorry my rant is sooo long. I really did click upon this thread hoping to see success stories and pictures of those who embraced a low carb lifestyle.

I have to friend you Lady!!!

proctor78

It's called google dude!!!

JaxDemon

Your body is an amazing thing it will switch fuel sources in any situation to survive. I've lost weight eating carbs and keto. I had my best results on Keto and I'm back on it now as I like to switch things around so my body does not get too used to one thing and it's working for me. I also lift weights 3-4 times per week, am I worried about having next to no glycogen in my muscles? Hell NO.

Do what works for you, tweak it to what works for you. it's not one size fits all you have to find what works for you and then do it.

I'm currently following the Dave Palumbo Keto diet it's pretty strict but I enjoy doing it along with IF. When I first started it with no exercise at all I shifted loads of weight. So far over 70lbs down in just under 5 months through a mix o a strictf keto diet and another plan I did for myself which had around 150g carbs per day.

pkw58

I am pleased with my success on the Dukan diet - but I followed thru on all four phases with the on line coaching. I still don't eat rice, potatos, pasta or bread. I try to stay gluten free and treat gluten like it's a special treat. I lost 46 pounds in about 6 months. I did log my calories in the whole time and still do on maintainance. I have kept it off for about 15 months now.

I eat carbs, but not the ones mentioned above. I have plenty of energy.

hannah1062

bump

finallylean

I've been doing Atkins for about 2 1/2 months. So far I lost 22 lbs. I am losing my weight slowly but surely. I still have 40 more lbs to go, but I am already feeling great. Atkins is working for me because I am not feeling hungry. I love eating meat, eggs, fish, cheese and veggies so it works for me. I'm looking forward to moving on to phase 2 soon. I'm looking for more friends so feel free to friend request me.

Good luck in your weight loss journey!

22dream

Glad you guys seen and are still seeing results awesome! !!

pinkncrazee

Not even near goal yet, but progress is success! Here's a note that I sent to a friend asking about what I do, since it explains it all:

I've only carbed out twice since I've started and I have a hard time finding an excuse to do so!
And this is why...

The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet allows you 1-2 Complimentary Meals that are low to no carb and then a reward meal
EVERY NIGHT. This is when you want to eat your nutrients like sweet potatoes, brown rice, higher carbed fruits and
veggies...DoN"T FORGET desert. There is no portion control as long as you keep all your meals balanced. Here's the catch...
NO SNACKING, and your Reward Meal has to be eaten within 60 minutes, no longer!

The first couple of weeks I ate like a pig and still lost, even consuming over 2000 calories and no exercise. Then sometime during the 3rd week, I realized that I didn't want to be a pig pig for the rest of my life and lowered my REAL reward meals to 3x's a week.
I started tracking my calories, and as each week passes I find myself eating less and less. I have never felt so satisfied by food in my life, and I'm losing to boot.

After 6 weeks of solely doing the CAD, I started introducing completely low carb days to induce a faster loss. I have a fractured back, and am restricted to low impact exercise, and I don't want to be skinny-fat. Hopefully, if I can get to 250 or 225, the spine DR will release me for some higher impact fun, like zumba, soccer, etc. With CAD you will lose about 1% of your body weight a week.
So at 250, you should lose 2.5 a week.

So for the past 4 weeks I have been doing 2 days low carb, 1 day CAD, and so forth. It's really working, especially for a carb addict like me. THE PLUS SIDE....NO CRAVINGS! I don't crave any carb rich foods hardly at all. If I eat something, it's because I truly want it, and I am not driven by the urges that tell me I NEED it!

I don't try to mess with anyone's WOE, because I know everyone is different metabolically. But I seriously suggest getting the book. I got mine from Amazon for $.01 plus shipping and handling, a total of $4. It is the best thing that ever happened to me. No more suffering on the low carb forever deal. I have lost 33.7 lbs in 10 weeks and I've gone from a size 26 to a very loose 22.

The confidence in knowing that I will be able to maintain my weight loss has given me so much confidence in continuing!


Here's a few links if you are interested in knowing even more...
Official website: http://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/

My almost daily blog with logged foods: http://razing7.blogspot.com/

The best support group besides MFP ever: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245919655427576/

Trechechus

When I first started trying to get healthy and had no idea about fitness and nutrition, I wanted a quick fix. I tried South Beach. Yes, I lost about eight pounds, but I was also out of energy, irritable, and felt like garbage all the time. Once I started counting calories, and then joined MFP, I learned how to actually fuel my body, instead of treating it like the trash I was putting into it.

Humans are large organisms, and we need to intake a good deal of calories to maintain our bodies and cellular respiration REQUIRES complex and simple sugars. Cutting out sugar and carbs is not something I advocate.

Eat a safe calorie deficit, get in your water and exercise, and lose the pounds in a healthy and safe way that won't leave you feeling awful.

shmotzy

This is what I plan to do...I am going to restart Atkins again, but this time I am not going to do Induction. I am going to start on OWL and reduce my net carbs to 35 grams per day. If I have to lower that amount in a few weeks, fine. I am also going to track my food intake here on MFP. I need to lose at least 50 lbs, probably more.

Elizakeys10

Ruthie how many carbs do you eat a day?

elektra1972

Hi there everyone, I am new here. To begin with i started the atkins diet 3 days ago. I am 42, 5ft 1 and i weigh 66 kilos. I really only want to lose around 10 kilos. Anyway the reason i am posting is to ask a few questions. I am on phase 1 of induction but last night i went to a wedding and yes i drank around half bottle of wine, but i only ate meat and a few lettuce leaves. My question is will this set me back. Really want to get slimed down before my daughter's 18th birthday bash. Another question i have is with me needing to lose 10 kilos will this take a longer time?
Thanks Elektra