Exhausted with Low/No Carb Eating

daniellevietti

I recently began eating a modified version of the Mayo Clinic Diet/Grapefruit Diet which consists of:

Breakfast
2 Eggs
2 Slices of Bacon
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

Lunch
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice
(I add a string cheese, or Laughing Cow)

Dinner
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Veggies
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

I’ve lost 7 pounds in 7 days and wanted to use it to kick start my weight loss again and get me out of my rut. However, I find myself completely exhausted with the lack of carbs and kind of cranky. A friend has lost 13 pounds in the same 7 days and is feeling the same symptoms.

It’s only been 7 days but I’m worried about weight gain when I started eating carbs again.

Would it be a good idea to start slowly with complex carbs? Scared!

Angelamu77

I am no pro on the subject however I think healthy carbs are always the best choice.

Gaining back might happen however it doesn't have to be all of what you lost. Good luck

skinnylove00

whole grains, whole grains!! your body needs them...the problem is is that usually people indulge in them so much and that usually leads to their weight gain. you dont have to worry about gaining weight if you eat them in moderation (like any food out there). but, they are just as important as any food group on the food pyramid!


so definitely try to make at LEAST half your grains whole. they are so much more healthier for you and keep you fuller longer than white carbs

hpygirl64ColleenLinder

That is the problem with protein diets/fads... a body doesn't get enough complex carbs and your left feeling weak and tired. Yes by all means add them back in and if your worried about it try and consume them in the earlier half of the day. Our brains got brainwashed when it was all about the protein but healthy complex carbs are necessary. Great questions!

Feel free everyone to add me as a friend for some calorie free food for thought each day. Colleen (Seattle)

daniellevietti

Thanks girls!

I completley agree about needing carbs and everything on the food pyramid. I've been stuck at this weight for months now and was having major mental blockage about getting passed it. I thought this would help jumpstart me and it has.

This weekend I'll start incorporating whole grains and complex carbs back into my diet. Looking forward to it.

I have learned one thing. How to like meat! I never cared for any type of meat before but now like bacon and chicken

Eshathediva

Don't be scared you won't gain it back, you just have to eat your carbs in moderation and follow the allotted amount given in your food diary.

SarahofTwins

whole grains, whole grains!! your body needs them...the problem is is that usually people indulge in them so much and that usually leads to their weight gain. you dont have to worry about gaining weight if you eat them in moderation (like any food out there). but, they are just as important as any food group on the food pyramid!


so definitely try to make at LEAST half your grains whole. they are so much more healthier for you and keep you fuller longer than white carbs

Yes you need whole grains...I usually have some whole wheat tortillas or bread. You know your body and what you need, depriving might not be the best answer. I had to learn that over time.

Eshathediva

I've done it and kept the weight off and I'm still losing.

TK421NotAtPost

Congratulations on your weight loss so far. The first week of going low carb is always difficult. It takes time for it to pass.

On that note, just as an FYI.... that Mayo Clinic Grapefruit diet wasn't put together by the "real" Mayo Clinic.

http://www.ezweightlossdietplans.com/2010/01/the-mayo-clinic-diet-is-an-imposter/

I would introduce a MODERATE amount of carbs back into your diet and maintain a high level of clean, unprocessed protein. A substantial portion of the weight loss you experienced in the first week is due to water-loss...so you'll see some pounds come back on the scale, but that isn't true weight gain... just water retention.

vaderandbill

I have tried a similar diet but had to add some carbs. A whole wheat english muffin or Weight Control Quaker oatmeal in the morning seemed to help. I made sure to not have the carbs after Noon.

ConfidenceNMe

Your body needs those complex carbs! You start losing weight quickly at first but then you'll hit a wall with the Mayo diet- I've done it. As long as your eating complex carbs, Your body is going to burn that off. Your body also goes into starvation mode if youre lacking in carbs and below your daily calorie goal. The more you workout the more you need to eat! Foods like oatmeal are awesome before a good workout- plus you'll feel full longer- and yes! whole grains! THat's why they're the largest group on the food pyramid!

mamaredhead

I always feel a LOT better when I eat complex carbs, like REAL whole grain bread (not the one where they add fibres to white flour ...) or muesli for a late breakfast, like at 9 or 10 in the morning. My day starts with only yogurt and fruit, though -- can't eat much so early. If I do NOT get any carbs before noon, I start being ... let's call it "un-nice" ;-))))

After that I can go without any carbs for the rest of the day, if I want to. I sometimes do have "dark" pasta for dinner with my kids though, sometimes only the tomato-veggie-meat-sauce, too, that depends ....

Good luck!!!

DeeJayTJ

good luck, 7lbs in 7 days is kind of extreme. i recommend a slow weight loss like a pound a week maybe 2lbs if possible.

ive lost 60lbs and been able to keep it off for a year now. ive put on muscle weight in the last 2 months due to some serious gym time!

Diets - they work while your on the program and then so man people gain the weight right back when they go off of the program.

also i recommend staying away from "any dressing" ranch dressing is LOADED with calories, bad calories, it will make your healthy salad just as bad as eating a giant burger with all the stuff on it. Light dressing, italian, stuff like that has like 15 calories for a tablespoon or something i dont quite remember.

Just be really careful about this diet your on. I prefer to stay away from diets and just watch calories and portion control. I lost my 60lbs without a "Diet"

Diet is actually - what you eat rather than... a weight loss program.

ninerbuff

I recently began eating a modified version of the Mayo Clinic Diet/Grapefruit Diet which consists of:

Breakfast
2 Eggs
2 Slices of Bacon
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

Lunch
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice
(I add a string cheese, or Laughing Cow)

Dinner
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Veggies
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

I’ve lost 7 pounds in 7 days and wanted to use it to kick start my weight loss again and get me out of my rut. However, I find myself completely exhausted with the lack of carbs and kind of cranky. A friend has lost 13 pounds in the same 7 days and is feeling the same symptoms.

It’s only been 7 days but I’m worried about weight gain when I started eating carbs again.

Would it be a good idea to start slowly with complex carbs? Scared!

Carbs supply glucose for brain function so being cranky ain't abnormal. And with low/no carbs you will feel sluggish until your body starts converting fat for fuel. You want to keep muscle so best be strength training or that muscle will disappear.

starwhisperer

I did the no carb thing for a bit, and in the end actually had more energy, I guess the body took a bit to learn how to use the protein? It does seem like a great kick start though.

DonnaLFitz

Add some light yogurt and another light fruit (berries, apples, etc). Increase your carb level to 65-80. You will still lose weight, just won't be so droopy.

What you want to avoid is starchy carbs -- even the "good" kind: oats, cereals, rice, bread, beans. These sabotage the low-carb eater in a heartbeat.

I keep my carbs down to about 75-90g per day. I eat no starches. I allow myself one ice cream treat in the evening if I have successfully stuck to my plan. I eat more and different kinds of vegetables than you are, and I eat them mostly raw or steamed with a little parmesan cheese for flavor.

CarolynB38

With the Atkins diet, which is similar, they recommend starting with fruit first and then nuts, seeds and finally wholegrains when you start increasing carbs. Build it up slowly, perhaps an increase every few days and you'll probably find you still lose weight fine. I would definitely start introducing fruit straight away if you're feeling that bad and maybe some nuts and seed. Severely low carb diets suit some people but not others. It's obviously not suiting you so bring on the fruit and nuts.

daniellevietti

good luck, 7lbs in 7 days is kind of extreme. i recommend a slow weight loss like a pound a week maybe 2lbs if possible.

ive lost 60lbs and been able to keep it off for a year now. ive put on muscle weight in the last 2 months due to some serious gym time!

Diets - they work while your on the program and then so man people gain the weight right back when they go off of the program.

also i recommend staying away from "any dressing" ranch dressing is LOADED with calories, bad calories, it will make your healthy salad just as bad as eating a giant burger with all the stuff on it. Light dressing, italian, stuff like that has like 15 calories for a tablespoon or something i dont quite remember.

Just be really careful about this diet your on. I prefer to stay away from diets and just watch calories and portion control. I lost my 60lbs without a "Diet"

Diet is actually - what you eat rather than... a weight loss program.

I agree, trust me. I lost my first 50 pounds very quickly by working out 4 days a week and eating my daily alloted calories. I've been stuck at the same weight for months now and was wanting to help get myself moving again.

You're completely right about the dressings too, it's scary how much fat/carbs are in them. My favorite is also the Light Italian

Wilfred808

just keep in mind that carbs wont make you fat. if your body is used to getting 0-20 grams of carbs a day and then the next day you have 100 or so you might gain some water weight. its only temporary though and will go away. remember that the only thing that makes a person gain fat is a calorie surplus so if you like eating carbs then eat them!

Wilfred808

whats wrong with fat or carbs? as long as its not trans fat youre fine. there are many health benefits of both

Wilfred808

good luck, 7lbs in 7 days is kind of extreme. i recommend a slow weight loss like a pound a week maybe 2lbs if possible.

ive lost 60lbs and been able to keep it off for a year now. ive put on muscle weight in the last 2 months due to some serious gym time!

Diets - they work while your on the program and then so man people gain the weight right back when they go off of the program.

also i recommend staying away from "any dressing" ranch dressing is LOADED with calories, bad calories, it will make your healthy salad just as bad as eating a giant burger with all the stuff on it. Light dressing, italian, stuff like that has like 15 calories for a tablespoon or something i dont quite remember.

Just be really careful about this diet your on. I prefer to stay away from diets and just watch calories and portion control. I lost my 60lbs without a "Diet"

Diet is actually - what you eat rather than... a weight loss program.

I agree, trust me. I lost my first 50 pounds very quickly by working out 4 days a week and eating my daily alloted calories. I've been stuck at the same weight for months now and was wanting to help get myself moving again.

You're completely right about the dressings too, it's scary how much fat/carbs are in them. My favorite is also the Light Italian

i meant to quote you

hpsnickers1

I recently began eating a modified version of the Mayo Clinic Diet/Grapefruit Diet which consists of:

Breakfast
2 Eggs
2 Slices of Bacon
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

Lunch
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice
(I add a string cheese, or Laughing Cow)

Dinner
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Veggies
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

I’ve lost 7 pounds in 7 days and wanted to use it to kick start my weight loss again and get me out of my rut. However, I find myself completely exhausted with the lack of carbs and kind of cranky. A friend has lost 13 pounds in the same 7 days and is feeling the same symptoms.

It’s only been 7 days but I’m worried about weight gain when I started eating carbs again.

Would it be a good idea to start slowly with complex carbs? Scared!

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/low-carb-flu/ (this is just one link)


This is normal. Your body is going through what can be called a "withdrawl". It's been burning sugar for so long and now it is trying to figure out what to do. Please go to Marks Daily Apple and search (up in the top right corner) "carb flu". You are dropping water weight right now. It can take a few days to a few weeks for the body to start using your fat storage for fuel. I have been Primal since the end of April and I feel amazing - I am still getting under 50g a day (sometimes a little more). My energy levels are through the roof. My IBS and all digestive issues are gone. My eczema is gone. My anxiety is gone. And I am at the lowest weight I have ever been at in my entire adult life. My muscle definition is amazing. And I don't have to exercise 6-7 days a week.

There is no such thing as an 'essential dietary carbohydrate'. Unless you are doing excessive exercise you don't need that many carbs. You don't NEED whole grains. All they do is bind up your gut and stop your body from absorbing nutrients. Even complex carbs are broken down into simple sugars in the body and raise your glucose levels. And if you are dealing with obesity you are dealing with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. I eat 10/20/70 - yes 70% from healthy fats.

4theking

Add 100gms of carbs to your evening meal=problem solved!

linsben

Hi there

Sounds like the carb flu to me. Check out this article by Mark Sission one of the advocates of the primal/paleo lifestyles that believe grains are unesecary and can actuallty do your body harm. http://www.marksdailyapple.com/low-carb-flu/
There is a ton of information regarding a low carb lifestyle. Right now your body is changing its usualy energy source (carbs) to burning fat. That is why low carb is so effective. Its clearly going against conventional wisdom seeing as how many people are telling you that your actually NEED carbs. Your symtoms will pass that's the goods news. Also your cravings will subside and your health will be better off!

Research it my friend!

sleepytexan

well . . . in my opinion (I know -- who cares, right?!), low/no carb eating is a silly fad that is unsustainable as a lifestyle, and is detrimental to those who exercise, as well as those who like to have energy.

EAT YOUR CARBS!

blessings.

worldhurdler

Okay, I'm gonna disagree with the assertions that you "need" whole grains - I actually don't think you do. I've done a lot of research on the Paleo/Primal Diet, so that's the camp I'm coming from. I'm linking two articles that are helpful in looking at how many carbs you need per day and their effect on your diet:

The Carbohydrate Curve: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-primal-carbohydrate-continuum/
The Definitive Guide to Grains: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-grains/

There is also research out there that talks about the addictive power of carbohydrates, and the weakness that you're experiencing is VERY NORMAL if you suddenly switch to a low-carb diet. It takes most people one to two weeks (sometimes even up to a month) to "kick the habit" of too much carbs. But after that, they start to feel pretty darn awesome.

All that to say, you can certainly have a healthy diet that includes whole grains and carbs. I personally don't feel like they are the best way to fuel my body, but that's just my choice. I don't ditch them completely - I typically fall between 100-150g of carbs per day, with most of them coming from fruit and dairy. I mostly just wanted to let you know that your experiences are normal, and you shouldn't stay below 50g of carbs/day for very long. It's a great to jump-start weight loss, which seems to be your intention and use of it, but you can definitely start adding more back in. And remember - carbs does not have to equal grains. I'd go for things like sweet potatoes over pasta any day.

Pisc2749

I kept up with a low carb/no carb eating plan for as long as two months but I never felt that burst of energy that you're supposed to get once your body completes the withdrawl. I spent those two months in a state of fatigue all the time, I almost went to the doctor because it was so bad. This last time was probably my third and last attempt at eating that way.

After the last time (earlier this year), I started juicing in the morning and afternoon (along with a snack), and eating a regular dinner. I also take spirulina tablets in the morning. I can honestly say my energy level is great, better than ever actually. I don't drag myself out of bed in the morning, don't dread my workouts, and have energy in the evenings after work.

My mindset now is, whatever I do to lose weight has to be something I can do for the rest of my life. I actually love the juicing and look forward to having it everyday, and feel the difference if I don't have it. I'm not advocating that either. I think it's fine to experiment to find what works for you. Low carb works for a lot of people, I finally realized it would not work for me.

Edithrenee

well . . . in my opinion (I know -- who cares, right?!), low/no carb eating is a silly fad that is unsustainable as a lifestyle, and is detrimental to those who exercise, as well as those who like to have energy.

EAT YOUR CARBS!

blessings.

Well Said!! lol

Grokette

I recently began eating a modified version of the Mayo Clinic Diet/Grapefruit Diet which consists of:

Breakfast
2 Eggs
2 Slices of Bacon
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

Lunch
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice
(I add a string cheese, or Laughing Cow)

Dinner
Salad (Any dressing)
Meat (Any amount)
Veggies
Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice

I’ve lost 7 pounds in 7 days and wanted to use it to kick start my weight loss again and get me out of my rut. However, I find myself completely exhausted with the lack of carbs and kind of cranky. A friend has lost 13 pounds in the same 7 days and is feeling the same symptoms.

It’s only been 7 days but I’m worried about weight gain when I started eating carbs again.

Would it be a good idea to start slowly with complex carbs? Scared!

It has only been 7 days. If your body needs to detox from the former crap you have been eating it can take upwards of 2-3 weeks to start feeling GREAT.

Also, I think your lull in energy is due to lack of eating any fats. With low carb your fat intake should be HIGH, protein MODERATE and carbs LOW.

Let me know if you would like assistance. One way to up your fat intake is to cook everything in organic, raw coconut oil, make salad dressings with olive oil and eat some avocados!!

Grokette

well . . . in my opinion (I know -- who cares, right?!), low/no carb eating is a silly fad that is unsustainable as a lifestyle, and is detrimental to those who exercise, as well as those who like to have energy.

EAT YOUR CARBS!

blessings.

Sorry, but low carb eating is not a silly fad. Please read William Banting's Letter of Corpulence, he is considered to be the Father of low carb and this was written in the 1800's.

Low Carb eating is about eating CLEAN, WHOLE foods such as fats, meats and primarily vegetables with some fruits added in. Where is this a fad and where is not not sustainable???

I started Atkins in 2003 when I was diagnosed with T2 Diabetes. I lost 100 pounds in 6 months and kept that weight off for 8 years until 2008 when I had a near fatal car accident and then I gained a lot of weight due to hospital food, my hubby not being a great cook and not really knowing how to shop and the fact that I couldn't exercise for a long time.

It is an excuse to eat cake, cookies and ice cream to say that low carb is not sustainable.

kacarter1017

Balanced diet is the best. But the carbs should be whole grain and in moderation.

Also, many years ago, this diet got dubbed the Mayo Clinic diet and yet Mayo never endorsed it. There is now a Mayo Clinic Diet Book that IS a lifestyle change that Mayo does endorse. I would highly recommend that program over this one.