My next big hurdle...sugar and carbs

raaynes

Hello MFP.

I've been closely tracking calories etc for months now... I've had some progress, but I've stopped losing after a measly 8 pounds (if that's even where I still am; I haven't had access to a scale in a while now). I've noticed I'm a huge lover of pastry, bread, and sugar, and that consuming these usually lead to binging or overeating.

So that's what's next. I need to cut those back drastically. It starts now. Well, tomorrow morning is when it will really start, since I'm in bed and teeth are brushed so the next 10 hours are freebies. haha.

This is going to be insanely difficult to me. I'm looking to drum up support. Does it really get easier after the first few days, and after the dependance on sugar and carbs has left your body? I feel this is going to be like detox.

Any advice? Do I cut completely, or simply reduce? My plan consists on avoiding pastry, and candy at all costs, and upping the protein and veggies.

Thanks MFP.

abeachlady

I think it's easier to just cut it all out. Don't have it in the house. It's much harder to cut down. At least it was for me. Once I knew the calories in those things I just couldn't eat them.

jamie78

Cut them in half of what you average is and slowly lower it from there... Your body needs some carbs in order to function and to be healthy I try to stay around 75 to 125 a day.

Sagelit

I'm an absolute sugar addict, and I've found that replacing sugary treats with fresh fruit has helped immensely. I'm really surprised, though I shouldn't be.

sh3lby03

I realized I was going over my sugar by like 80-100 every day, I never went over carbs but just hiut my goal. Starting yesterday I started limiting my carbs, I know I can keep a super-low to no carb hing going so now I just cut back drastically. The only sweet stuff I have been eating is like a half a cup of grapes and greek yogurt, I have been way under on my carbs but still over my sugar. Only over my sugar by 10-15 now though instead of 100:)

Marla64

Hello MFP.

I've been closely tracking calories etc for months now... I've had some progress, but I've stopped losing after a measly 8 pounds (if that's even where I still am; I haven't had access to a scale in a while now). I've noticed I'm a huge lover of pastry, bread, and sugar, and that consuming these usually lead to binging or overeating.

So that's what's next. I need to cut those back drastically. It starts now. Well, tomorrow morning is when it will really start, since I'm in bed and teeth are brushed so the next 10 hours are freebies. haha.

This is going to be insanely difficult to me. I'm looking to drum up support. Does it really get easier after the first few days, and after the dependance on sugar and carbs has left your body? I feel this is going to be like detox.

Any advice? Do I cut completely, or simply reduce? My plan consists on avoiding pastry, and candy at all costs, and upping the protein and veggies.

Thanks MFP.

Beachlady, I have to agree-- cutting down is impossible. If it's in your system, you're going to want more. I allowed myself "a taste" of a dessert that my kids made yesterday, and I was a goner. I didn't stop until it was gone. Makes me mad, because I'd been doing great cutting out the sugar and breads, et cetera.

Get it out of your house if you can-- you'll be glad you did.

baileylm

I recently decided to make a list of foods that I need to just plain avoid because (1) they aren't good for me, and (2) they tend to be "trigger" foods. I decided to be very specific. I think it's easier to cut out specific things than to make sweeping changes. While buttered popcorn and cinnamon rolls can cause me to eat too much, things like banana bread or an occasional piece of pie do not. So I don't feel deprived at all. The last few fimes I went to the movies it was a bit of a challenge to avoid the concession stand, but I'm learning to enjoy the aroma of buttered popcorn without feeling the need to polish off a large order by myself. It's been a very positive experience for me.

ProTFitness

Eat like me and you will loose. My diary is open

traci0620

I have the same problem. I didn't really have the choice to cut them completely out since they are in my house for the family, but I just try to stay below the amount given my MFP. Some days I don't and I still have horrible cravings for them sometimes, especially around that time of the month, but I have succeeded in becoming very aware of what I am eating and how much. I am not perfect for sure, but much better than before.

You can do it!!!

AHealthierRhonda

I am in the same boat. SInce my plan is a life style change, I know I can't cut out carbs and sugar all together. Instead I allow myself little treats of them. I get sugar free when ic an for my sweets (no I odn't care about artificial sweeteners and the effects it has on my body!), and I will take a little bit of past on a small plate so it looks like a lot and have veggies with it. Fruits and milk are my biggest obstacles so I try to stay away from grapes as they seem to be the worst for sugar, and milk does me in, so I ahve switched to Smart milk and almond milk. I won't ever fully cut sugar out of my diet and if I try I know I will binge at some point. I lvoe my sugar so I keep it in moderation. Today my salad set me over the top with sugar! Oh well. No worries. I keep losing slow and steady.

kerriknox

Cut it out completely. For at least a month to get over your cravings and then you can re-evaluate at that point how you feel and how much you want to add back in. I recently started a 30 day challenge which completely cut out grains and added sugar and I still have 75 - 100 g of carbohydrates a day just from fruit and veg.

raaynes

Thanks for all the replies! I think i'm going to cut sugar out completely, because I know it's a huge trigger for me. I've tried to moderate it before, and it just doesn't happen - i eat the whole dessert. It's insane how it becomes completely overwhelming and wipes out any cognitive attempt to control it. Blech.

sandislim

I've had to cut mine out completely due to poor glucose tolerance - but I cannot moderate carbs, however hard I try, they give me insatiable hunger even when my stomach is bloated full. I stick to getting my carbs from vegetables its much easier to feel satisfied for me. Do what you feel is best for you.

Iceskatefanrn

This is kind of a long read - so go get a tall glass of WATER and read away!

I'm an RN, and I'm 51 years old. I've been overweight all my life. As a nurse, of course I know and understand the need for a certain type of eating to be fit and healthy. However, sometimes "knowing" what to do does NOT give you the tools to get it done. "I need to cut refined flours and sugars", "I should eat more fruits and veggies"... etc etc - I could say that all day long, but I found that what I needed was something very STRUCTURED to get me going.

I started the 17 Day Diet on June 23. I've lost a total of 20 lbs and 14.5 inches, and I've never felt better. (Bought the book at Sam's club!)

It's an unfortunate title - you are not "done" in 17 Days. The program was originally intended for those that are not always overweight, and they just wanted a structured plan to lose weight gained over the holidays, so it doesn't snowball into a bigger weight gain. The author then ended up expanding it to be more of a lifestyle change for those of us with "serious" weight to lose. (I've got 60 lbs to get off me... well, only 40 now, tee hee!)

It's also unfortunate that people fight the word "diet". When those around me have challenged why I'm eating the way I am, I proudly say that I'm "ON A DIET"... or I'm "doing" the 17 Day Diet - I don't have to go into any long explanations about trying to lose weight, trying to eat clean, whatever... it's a quick and simple response.

People say "well, the bad thing about diets is, once you 'go off' the diet, your weight comes right back!".... well DUH! That's why I'm looking at this as a "lifetime Diet", it IS how I want to live the rest of my life! I never want to be "off" this Diet, I love it and plan to live it forever!

A quick synopsis - There are 4 cycles... the first 3 cycles are 17 Days EACH. So when you are on the "more restrictive" Cycle 1, and you are struggling, HEY... it's ONLY for 17 days! Then you hit Cycle 2 - adding some healthy carbs back in slowly. Again, just 17 days of this, then Cycle 3 with more liberal use of carbs, but you'll find what you are doing is EATING CLEAN. That "thing" we all WANT to do, but just don't know how to get there. THIS DIET GOT ME THERE - WOOT WOOT!

You then go back to Cycle 1 and start again, repeating the Cycles until you make it to your goal weight. The purpose of the Cycles is to prevent the dreaded "plateau", and I'm telling you, it sure seems to be working for me!

AT ANY TIME during this Diet, when you hit your Goal Weight, you go on to Cycle 4 - Maintenance. Mostly eating clean, healthy meals, avoiding the dreaded refined sugars and flours, with some "free" meals allowed in limited numbers - enough to let you live your life and still be fit and healthy.

AT ANY TIME you find you've gained some weight back, you can START BACK AT CYCLE 1 to get that weight off before you regain everything.

I'm currently on Round 2, Cycle 1, Day 13. I actually was looking forward to being back on Cycle 1 - it's the most restrictive cycle, but that's EASIER for me... it seems that the more freedoms I have, the poorer choices I make!

Anyway, as with all diets, this one is not for everyone. But I'm so thankful I found it, the book is a terrific read, it all makes perfect sense, and the author is quite funny while also being very direct, pulling no punches. Here are a couple of lines from the book, in the beginning when he is introducing the diet...

"But you do have to accept that this won't be a pleasure diet. You've got to stop eating unhealthy crap. You've got to eat vegetables, fruit, lean meat."

"You won't be faint with hunger or found in the kitchen at midnight, feeding on Froot Loops and tubes of cookie dough. You can do this, because anyone can do anything for 17 days."

"The 17 Day Diet is doable and easy - unlike so many other diets, which are slightly less complicated than the checklist for a shuttle launch."

The book is also loaded with research and study results that support his way of losing weight and keeping it off.

OK, I'm off my 17 Day Diet soapbox. I swear I make no money off the diet, I'm not attached to it in any way, I'm just grateful I found it and I hope you get a chance to read the book - you might find it's what you've been looking for to get you started on a healthy lifestyle.

A bunch of us doing this program can be found on this thread - Lots of motivation and support here!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279777-the-17-day-diet

:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

Ice

MereMe

This is kind of a long read - so go get a tall glass of WATER and read away!

I'm an RN, and I'm 51 years old. I've been overweight all my life. As a nurse, of course I know and understand the need for a certain type of eating to be fit and healthy. However, sometimes "knowing" what to do does NOT give you the tools to get it done. "I need to cut refined flours and sugars", "I should eat more fruits and veggies"... etc etc - I could say that all day long, but I found that what I needed was something very STRUCTURED to get me going.

I started the 17 Day Diet on June 23. I've lost a total of 20 lbs and 14.5 inches, and I've never felt better. (Bought the book at Sam's club!)

It's an unfortunate title - you are not "done" in 17 Days. The program was originally intended for those that are not always overweight, and they just wanted a structured plan to lose weight gained over the holidays, so it doesn't snowball into a bigger weight gain. The author then ended up expanding it to be more of a lifestyle change for those of us with "serious" weight to lose. (I've got 60 lbs to get off me... well, only 40 now, tee hee!)

It's also unfortunate that people fight the word "diet". When those around me have challenged why I'm eating the way I am, I proudly say that I'm "ON A DIET"... or I'm "doing" the 17 Day Diet - I don't have to go into any long explanations about trying to lose weight, trying to eat clean, whatever... it's a quick and simple response.

People say "well, the bad thing about diets is, once you 'go off' the diet, your weight comes right back!".... well DUH! That's why I'm looking at this as a "lifetime Diet", it IS how I want to live the rest of my life! I never want to be "off" this Diet, I love it and plan to live it forever!

A quick synopsis - There are 4 cycles... the first 3 cycles are 17 Days EACH. So when you are on the "more restrictive" Cycle 1, and you are struggling, HEY... it's ONLY for 17 days! Then you hit Cycle 2 - adding some healthy carbs back in slowly. Again, just 17 days of this, then Cycle 3 with more liberal use of carbs, but you'll find what you are doing is EATING CLEAN. That "thing" we all WANT to do, but just don't know how to get there. THIS DIET GOT ME THERE - WOOT WOOT!

You then go back to Cycle 1 and start again, repeating the Cycles until you make it to your goal weight. The purpose of the Cycles is to prevent the dreaded "plateau", and I'm telling you, it sure seems to be working for me!

AT ANY TIME during this Diet, when you hit your Goal Weight, you go on to Cycle 4 - Maintenance. Mostly eating clean, healthy meals, avoiding the dreaded refined sugars and flours, with some "free" meals allowed in limited numbers - enough to let you live your life and still be fit and healthy.

AT ANY TIME you find you've gained some weight back, you can START BACK AT CYCLE 1 to get that weight off before you regain everything.

I'm currently on Round 2, Cycle 1, Day 13. I actually was looking forward to being back on Cycle 1 - it's the most restrictive cycle, but that's EASIER for me... it seems that the more freedoms I have, the poorer choices I make!

Anyway, as with all diets, this one is not for everyone. But I'm so thankful I found it, the book is a terrific read, it all makes perfect sense, and the author is quite funny while also being very direct, pulling no punches. Here are a couple of lines from the book, in the beginning when he is introducing the diet...

"But you do have to accept that this won't be a pleasure diet. You've got to stop eating unhealthy crap. You've got to eat vegetables, fruit, lean meat."

"You won't be faint with hunger or found in the kitchen at midnight, feeding on Froot Loops and tubes of cookie dough. You can do this, because anyone can do anything for 17 days."

"The 17 Day Diet is doable and easy - unlike so many other diets, which are slightly less complicated than the checklist for a shuttle launch."

The book is also loaded with research and study results that support his way of losing weight and keeping it off.

OK, I'm off my 17 Day Diet soapbox. I swear I make no money off the diet, I'm not attached to it in any way, I'm just grateful I found it and I hope you get a chance to read the book - you might find it's what you've been looking for to get you started on a healthy lifestyle.

A bunch of us doing this program can be found on this thread - Lots of motivation and support here!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279777-the-17-day-diet

:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

Do you know anyone who has lost their weight on it and not gained it back?

Ice

mgmlap

I would say cut down gradually. Also remember...its ok to treat yourself once in a while..just stop...and not have seconds and thirds. I am a carb freak aswell..I LOVE bread....but since I have started this..I have really cut down..

YOu have to ask yourself if that thing you are putting in your mouth worth the .5 gain that you may have in the moring..its amazing how many times you will say "nope...not worth it..." and you will move on..and yes..it gets easier..

Iceskatefanrn

Do you know anyone who has lost their weight on it and not gained it back?

The book has only been out since earlier this year so no one has been on it long-term yet. But if you come over to the thread you will find folks that have been on it for several months with great success.

I just know that, FOR ME, it's what I needed. The book gets you excited, the initial rapid loss gets you motivated to keep on going. The Cycles to create metabolic confusion makes perfect sense to me, and it sure seems to be working for me!

You've got a great start on wanting to get rid of sugar and "bad" carbs - like I said, the final Cycle on the 17 Day Diet is for Maintenance - you eat HEALTHY in your regular daily life, then you do have allowances for "special" events - so you know eating wedding cake at a wedding is not going to cause a spiral, because you're following the guidelines to KEEP that weight OFF!

:drinker:

Ice