Realistic or insane?

nctj

I have done low carb in the past and was very successful until a round of depression kicked my butt and gained it all back and then some. I know it is possible to lose more than 2 lbs a week on this diet but I know some say thats not healthy. I want to try low carb again just not to the extreme. I am trying to eat more veggies and fruit. LOVE FRUIT. I stopped ALL sodas 2 months ago, I drink water like a fish! Should I kick it into high gear or keep up with the way I'm going?

wendyleach

Dont go crazy slow and steady wins the race. I try to use the new weight watchers thing is you can have all the fruit and vegies you want no points. So i figure if you go over on sugar and carbs just eating fruit its ok. Just my opinion. fruit and vegies are good for you. eat lots. good luck

fitnessGETZeasy

Personally I think you would have better results just cutting out the refined stuff. Carbs from fruits and veggies, I can never understand how that is bad for people. It feeds your body. But that's just my opinion. :-)

pittielover23

I am NOT a fan of low or no carb diets, I just don't think it is healthy. Eat good carbs, like fruits and whole grains, but don't cut them out completely.

iamhealingmyself

I had a hard time trying to go low carb when I was just starting especially after having so much refined carbs in my system. I would suggest to curb cravings and head off any withdrawal, start by switching out your white refined carbs (candy, bread, sugar, cakes, soda) for whole grains and protein whenever you can. Once you've successfully weaned yourself off of those, it will be easier to cut back on the carbs in general. I would think so long as your active you will burn up any sugars in the fruits and veggies plus they are giving you fiber too so your net carbs are actually lower.

Good luck, but if you're new to MFP. It might be worth it for you to get used to logging things the way you're going now and make one change a month so that you have time to adjust and see how it's affecting you.

StaceyL76

Honestly, I think you start to eat healthfully in a way you can maintain forever. Longterm changes.

KeyMasterOfGozer

Moderation is the key. Refined sugars are no different than fruit sugars to your body, however, your brain cells have no method to use fat for energy. Your brain cells require Sugars for function. The key here is moderation. You will do better if you cut back on your carbs, but do not eliminate them as in extreme diets, like Atkins. Also, don't ever try loose weight too quickly. 2lbs. per week max.

nctj

thanks everyone for the feedback! I know the weight didnt get here overnight, I know I cant expect to lose it overnight...

Dawntodusk

I think our diets are extremely skewed toward carbs so that what we call low-carb is actually normal carb. I did a no carb diet for a few months (30 g/ day from vegetable sources only). Since then, I have gradually increased the carbs - only whole grains, nothing refined. I was able to find what works for me this way. I usually have a small bit of carbs with every meal - like a half a piece of whole grain bread, or 1/4 cup of brown rice or one corn tortilla in addition to the natural carbs of vegetables. The rest is protein and fat (not too much, though) I hardly eat any fruit. I actually find it to be upsetting to my digestion, and too sweet (since I cut out sugar). I love raspberries, though!

I would say experiment and find the balance that works the best for you. You should feel good after every meal: satisfied, not stuffed; no bloating or discomfort. Good luck!

Chicka_Boom

If I were you, I would just try kicking refined carbs to the curb. Complex carbohydrates provide slow-burning, long-lasting energy and do a good job of filling you up. Whenever you're considering a diet, ask yourself this: Can I do this for the rest of my life? If the answer is no, don't do it. There is no short term solution, you've gotta be in it for the long haul or the weight's not going to stay off, as you found out already. Good luck!

Dawntodusk

Your brain cells require Sugars for function. The key here is moderation.

Brain cells don't require sugar. But, I agree in moderation. But moderation in the typical American diet is not really moderate because we are so extreme in our sugar consumption.

zeeeb

i went on atkins years ago... and i got some results and wore a bikini which was good, but then put on more weight than ever and was in a mess, so i went to a personal trainer, and she begged me to promise her to never do atkins again... I won't... It's just really not something one can stick with long term without really making life complicated...

I've lost 14kg while still eating all the food I love, without being hungry, just keeping check on my quantities and portions of normal food, cutting out 90% of the junk... If I fall of the wagon for a day or 2, it's easily recoverable, i don't have to go and do induction again for 2 weeks to get back on the wagon. i can still eat a sandwich from a normal deli if i'm out and about and need something to eat. it's just so much easier to maintain while at a restaurant, at friends places, at celebrations, at home, and with children.

atkins is just a full on effort, i had to go out of my way constantly to prepare the foods i needed so that i wouldn't find myself in a position where i was starving and had nothing appropriate to snack on.