I've started a low carb diet

Ivarivdnoe

I have started a low carb diet, which seems to be working! I have lost 14lbs in 24 days. I am interested to know if anyone here is using myfitnesspal to track their carb totals? The program seems to be more keyed with calories than carbs. I have tried calorie diets on and off my whole life, and nothing worked! But so far without wheats and grains, and eating more veggies/meats I feel like I am accomplishing more!

funkyspunky871

You've started it, and it's time to end it, imo. Eat balanced. There's no reason for low-carb, low-fat, high-fat, no-fat, high-carb, or whatever else. You'll just end up hurting your body in the long run.

emmacomeau

You can set how many carbs you want to have a day under Goals > Change Goals > Custom. I used the guided settings first, then went back to custom to lower my carbs and up my protein. Hope that helps!

Scarlett_S

I am doing a high protein, low carb diet as well. It is working out very well for me. I am down a total of 59 lbs since January 1st of this year. I do have some high carb days to keep things varied (one day a week, maybe) and keep me out of ketosis, but I try to eat 60 carbs or less per day, 100 grams of protein and less than 25 grams of fat and sugar.

My fitness pal honestly seems to do a better job of tracking it than any other site I have tried. I use the bodybugg when I am working out and trying to journal food on their site is a joke.

amysj303

I don't really understand the set macros here on MFP but I customized mine, first I was trying for 30/30/40 carbs/protein/fat but then I switched it to 40/40/20 and I haven't been very successful, but probably you can see results quickly with low-carb, there's good reasons for this, something with science and water, but the real thing is not a low carb "diet" if you can't eat this way long term, you will just gain back all the weight when you eat normally again.

FemininGuns

Low carb works for me... I just started doing "carb cycling" you may want to google it to see what your macro nutrients can be... Someone gave me a site and it helped immensely. Not sure how your energy level is, but I really look forward to higher carb day when cycling... Here is the website Cheers!

http://www.scoobysworkshop.com/carbcycling.htm

freerange

Yes you can set your carbs here to whatever you want. And don't listen to the,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, (be nice) people,, that espouse everything in moderation, let them continue eating their twinkies in moderation and when they are old and senile and you are old and vibrant, you will know you made the right choice.

Ariyasnow1

The reason I'm on MFP now is to track carbs, fat, protein, and sugar; not calories. I just check in to track every once in awhile to make sure I'm not eating too little carbs. I like to maintain 100 - 150.

Good luck with your plan.

---

You've started it, and it's time to end it, imo. Eat balanced. There's no reason for low-carb, low-fat, high-fat, no-fat, high-carb, or whatever else. You'll just end up hurting your body in the long run.

Be kind, and don't bash people's life choices. It is like you are saying 'don't be gay because being strait is better'. There is not one diet plan out there that is bigger or better than any others. The point is to find what works for you and to eat better/live healthier, and trying out a low carb diet isn't an end-all. I've personally got rid of my GERD, Join Inflammation, and Migraines by going non-dairy, low-carb/high fat, natural primal lifestyle and it works for me. Doesn't mean it may not work for anyone else and what they deem ‘proper or right’, but I'm not going to start telling those who want to try a high carb/low fat diet to stop either.

TK421NotAtPost

Yes you can set your carbs here to whatever you want. And don't listen to the,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, (be nice) people,, that espouse everything in moderation, let them continue eating their twinkies in moderation and when they are old and senile and you are old and vibrant, you will know you made the right choice.

It's funny how moderate carb people are strawmen'd as people who eat twinkies by SOME dogmatic low carbers. Fortunately, most low carb advocates are alot more sensible.

To the OP. Congratulations on your incredible start! I think i've found my carb level sweet spot, which is a pretty low for my activity level, but I'm a bit carb sensitive. Keep up the good work!

funkyspunky871

Deleted because giving your opinion on MFP is no longer allowed.

Hollycat

Not going to debate the low carb/nocarb/carbs/low fat/no fat/high fat choices other people make here. Everyone gets to the destination a different way. Healthier is better. What healthy is depends on you, your knowledge, limitations and current willingness. Every person is different.

At the same time...I'm willing to concede that someone who's actually lost 132 pounds might just have something to say worth listening to...

I've low-carbed before and enjoyed the health benefits very much. My cholesterol was normal, I didn't crave sugar and I had energy to spare. I think it even added a few years to my life. If I'm going through a stubborn stage where I just don't feel like counting calories, I try my best to keep it low carb, as I can at least maintain my weight a lot easier, without gaining. I had trouble keeping the calories down though and stopped losing weight after 40 pounds. It wasn't something I could sustain over the long haul, because my expectation was to lose more weight than I did and I gave up in frustration [my choice, not low carbing's fault], but it is something I still strive toward. When you are sensitive to grains then a diet of Meat, dairy, eggs, veggies, fruit and nuts is not a bad plan. Some people do better with grains and actually need them to function. I'm not one of them. IBS. Unfortunately, whether low carb or not, calories still tend to count. If I had it to do over again, I might want to consider counting carbs and calories. My favourite low carb recipe site is Linda's Low Carb - http://genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html

Hollycat
:flowerforyou:

freerange

Yes you can set your carbs here to whatever you want. And don't listen to the,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, (be nice) people,, that espouse everything in moderation, let them continue eating their twinkies in moderation and when they are old and senile and you are old and vibrant, you will know you made the right choice.

It's funny how moderate carb people are strawmen'd as people who eat twinkies by SOME dogmatic low carbers. Fortunately, most low carb advocates are alot more sensible.

To the OP. Congratulations on your incredible start! I think i've found my carb level sweet spot, which is a pretty low for my activity level, but I'm a bit carb sensitive. Keep up the good work!

Well "friend" twinkies or ww bread, pasta, pancakes, pizza, name your poison it's all the same, junk.

Ariyasnow1

Let's not "bash" other people's opinions too though. You're being a bit of a hypocrite, you know?

I personally prefer constructive criticism over non-constructive/semi destructive opinions.
We don't have to 'bash', or if you prefer a more professional terminology, give 'destructive criticism' to someone who wants to try something new. Just saying...

Have a great day everyone! I'm going out to enjoy the sun! whoohoo!

SueInAz

Unfortunately, whether low carb or not, calories still tend to count. If I had it to do over again, I might want to consider counting carbs and calories.

I've had the best results counting carbs and calories. Keeping to under 1500 calories a day and carbs around 30-50 grams I can drop a pound or two per week, easily. Since I've had my gallbladder out I have to stick to low-fat otherwise life is unpleasant for me. I still lose weight keeping my fat to around 30 grams per day, but I can only net around 1200 calories to do so.

Calories are calories, in whatever percentage you choose to consume them, but some things work better for certain people than others. Just because a person doesn't like something doesn't mean they have the right to pronounce that thing is wrong for someone else. We're finding new information all the time (think new sodium recommendations and the cholesterol in eggs) that contradict what was formerly believed to be "true".

rebawagner

BUMP...I wanna read after work

funkyspunky871

Whoops. Opinions on opinions definitely aren't acceptable.

TK421NotAtPost

When you are sensitive to grains then a diet of Meat, dairy, eggs, veggies, fruit and nuts is not a bad plan. Some people do better with grains and actually need them to function. I'm not one of them. IBS. Unfortunately, whether low carb or not, calories still tend to count.

Best post in this thread. Thanks for the breath of fresh air!

heatherfrancis

I choose to have lower carbs most days of the week and have has many as I want about 2x a week. I find my cravings are much more under control, my belly looks less bloated. I always start my day off with carbs (oatmeal) everyday after my workout to refuel and then I keep it low carb for the rest of the day.

I eat a lot of nuts/almonds
PB
sugar free pudding cups and sugar free Jello cups
free whipped topping or light can whipped topping
chicken breasts, Tuna, canned chicken breast(for conveinance)
protein powder
string cheese
turkey pepporoni sticks
93/7 ground beef
jennio turkey burgers
green beans
asparagus
lettuce spinach salads
oil/vinegar dressings
low carb wraps
lunch meat
mustard
sliced low sodium cheese
cottage cheese
etc

krizstyling

Let's not "bash" other people's opinions too though. You're being a bit of a hypocrite, you know?

I personally prefer constructive criticism over non-constructive/semi destructive opinions.
We don't have to 'bash', or if you prefer a more professional terminology, give 'destructive criticism' to someone who wants to try something new. Just saying...

Have a great day everyone! I'm going out to enjoy the sun! whoohoo!

Not trying to bash anyone or criticize. Just give my opinion....

and it's this. I dont' think she was trying to bash or give non-constructive opinion. Her intent was well placed.

Low carb diets have been PROVEN to not be sustainable. I've seen many friends go on, and lose it only to gain it back in the upcoming weeks/months etc. If it's not sustainable, why do it?

To the person above who said that no diet is better than the next....not true also.

A diet is just what you are eating daily. Some have been proven to work better than others for LONG term. Anybody can try the latest fad and it not work or it work EXTREMELY well, drop their 10-100 pounds or more and in the end, find out it's not something they can do for the rest of their life (not sustainable) and therefore they find themselves giving up and gaining it all back...only to feel like CRAP after they worked so hard.

At the end of the day, a person has to figure out what is sustainable FOR THEM. I wish everyone luck on doing just that!

LdyGeko

Let's not "bash" other people's opinions too though. You're being a bit of a hypocrite, you know?

I personally prefer constructive criticism over non-constructive/semi destructive opinions.
We don't have to 'bash', or if you prefer a more professional terminology, give 'destructive criticism' to someone who wants to try something new. Just saying...

Have a great day everyone! I'm going out to enjoy the sun! whoohoo!

I understand what you're saying, but don't you understand that you're giving my opinion some "destructive criticism" too? Let me see if I have this straight: I'm not supposed to give my negative opinion on a subject, yet somehow you're free to give your own negative opinion on my opinion. Yeah. Sounds fair to me. :glasses:

Do you really understand what she is saying? This original poster has only 1 post - came here looking for support - and the very first reply says "You've started it, now it's time to end it, imo." No congrats on your losses so far, no welcome, no "hi there!.) Just harsh words......... harsh enough that the OP may never come back here. This is supposed to be a helpful, supportive website - how was anything in your post helpful or responsive to the OP's request or question?

Why does every single thread about a non-mainstream WOE have to turn into a "food fight?" Jeez, people, lighten up and live and let live, fer gossakes.

TO THE ORIGINAL POSTER: There are quite a few people on here doing low carb. Feel free to add me as a friend - I'll be happy to support you.

SueInAz

I eat a lot of nuts/almonds
PB
sugar free pudding cups and sugar free Jello cups
free whipped topping or light can whipped topping
chicken breasts, Tuna, canned chicken breast(for conveinance)
protein powder
string cheese
turkey pepporoni sticks
93/7 ground beef
jennio turkey burgers
green beans
asparagus
lettuce spinach salads
oil/vinegar dressings
low carb wraps
lunch meat
mustard
sliced low sodium cheese
cottage cheese
etc

The Atkins website has the best list of low carb foods I've seen including a lot of vegetables. There are things on that list that I would have never thought of eating before.

funkyspunky871

Oh man. Where's ladyhawk when you need her?

Nevermind. Took care of most of it myself.

Sparrow_Feet

[/quote]
Do you really understand what she is saying? This original poster has only 1 post - came here looking for support - and the very first reply says "You've started it, now it's time to end it, imo." No congrats on your losses so far, no welcome, no "hi there!.) Just harsh words......... harsh enough that the OP may never come back here. This is supposed to be a helpful, supportive website - how was anything in your post helpful or responsive to the OP's request or question?

Why does every single thread about a non-mainstream WOE have to turn into a "food fight?" Jeez, people, lighten up and live and let live, fer gossakes.

TO THE ORIGINAL POSTER: There are quite a few people on here doing low carb. Feel free to add me as a friend - I'll be happy to support you.
[/quote]

Well said.....potentially like the writer of the OP, I too have come to this site for support...and I would do nothing but that for other people. What works for one person, may not work for another. but lets all help where we can.

...and a parting thought....my boyfriend often uses the phrase "opinions are like arseholes....everyone's got one!" I don't meant to offend with that comment....but it's true. Let's just make our opinions useful to others rather than putting them down...

LimeyTart

OP, I cut out processed carbs when I started here back in Feb. I still average about 150 a day, though, because I eat a LOAD of fruits and veggies. It's worked very successfully for me.

Feel free to friend me if you'd like to support!

SusiB60

I've got a friend who does Atkins type eating for a 2-3 weeks periods at a time and gets on fine with it.
She says she feels better in herself for it and loses some weight.

I can't get on with it. Lack of carbs affects my mood and stops me sleeping.
I guess everybody is different.

If it works for you do it, but not long term.
The human body needs a balance of food types to stay healthy.

Good luck

funkyspunky871

If it works for you do it, but not long term.
The human body needs a balance of food types to stay healthy.

Okay, I'll admit -- I could and probably should have said it like this. Thank you so much.

freerange

Wow, someone needs some carbs...badly. LOL, you are almost 50 years old but act like my little nephew when he doesn't have enough sleep. :laugh: :laugh:

Twinkies = same thing as whole grains... thanks for that gem!

Twinkie
Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Flour, Reduced Iron, B Vitamins (Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Folic Acid)], Corn Syrup, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable and/or Animal Shortening (Soybean, Cottonseed and/or Canola Oil, Beef Fat), Whole Eggs, Dextrose. Contains 2% or Less of: Modified Corn Starch, Glucose, Leavenings (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Monocalcium Phosphate), Sweet Dairy Whey, Soy Protein Isolate, Calcium and Sodium Caseinate, Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin, Soy Flour, Cornstarch, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sorbic Acid (to Retain Freshness), Yellow 5, Red 40.

Wonder 100% whole wheat bread
Whole wheat flour, water, wheat gluten, high fructose corn syrup, contains 2% of less of: soybean oil, salt, molasses, yeast, mono and diglycerides, exthoxylated mono and diglycerides, dough conditioners (sodium stearoyl lactylate, calcium iodate, calcium dioxide), datem, calcium sulfate, vinegar, yeast nutrient (ammonium sulfate), extracts of malted barley and corn, dicalcium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, calcium propionate (to retain freshness).


So let’s see, both have flour(one has added gluten), both have high fructose corn syrup, both have soybean oil, and the list of crap in both goes on and on. So you’re welcome for that gem, anything else I can educate you on, just feel free to ask.

katschi

I have started a low carb diet, which seems to be working! I have lost 14lbs in 24 days. I am interested to know if anyone here is using myfitnesspal to track their carb totals? The program seems to be more keyed with calories than carbs. I have tried calorie diets on and off my whole life, and nothing worked! But so far without wheats and grains, and eating more veggies/meats I feel like I am accomplishing more!

Welcome and congratulations on your progress so far.

Yes, I'm using mfp to track my carb totals.
I feel much better not eating grains and other starchy carbs.
I don't suffer from insane cravings anymore or bingefests.
I find it much easier sticking to my program.
I'm glad I finally made the switch.

Best of Luck in your effort to lose your excess fat!

martinah4

I am doing a high protein, low carb diet as well. It is working out very well for me. I am down a total of 59 lbs since January 1st of this year. I do have some high carb days to keep things varied (one day a week, maybe) and keep me out of ketosis, but I try to eat 60 carbs or less per day, 100 grams of protein and less than 25 grams of fat and sugar.

My fitness pal honestly seems to do a better job of tracking it than any other site I have tried. I use the bodybugg when I am working out and trying to journal food on their site is a joke.

Just curious...why would you want to stay out of ketosis? Ketosis is when your body burns fat for energy instead of carbs. Great job on the weight loss!

Ivarivdnoe

Thank you all for your kind words and feedback! I have followed SOME of the advise and restructured my goals. Thanks! I will definately peek in and check in on the forum more often. But just to let you know, I have been fans of some forums (not weight loss) and the bickering really does get old, and that makes me (most) lose interest in the forum and not return as one poster did advise. There is no reason to bash ones own theories or thoughts on a process. To each their own! Thanks again!

Barneystinson

Lower carb is beautiful and works for me. In the long run of things....since April 2010. Not to pimp my success, but see my ticker.

I've experimented with different forms of low carb, cycling seems to work the best the closer to my goals I get.

I've also lost weight with higher carbohydrate levels - it comes down to finding the caloric deficit and macro ratio that's easiest to sustain in the long run. LC is easier for me to sustain - better food choices to fit my taste buds, IMO. Doesn't fit everyone, though.

So experiment around, see what works for you. If LC doesn't work, by all means try something else