Side of effects of eating low carb- 3 months

ArroganceInStep

I prefer a side of mashed potatoes myself.

As with all diets or lifestyle changes or whatever you want to call it: if it works for you and it's not harmful to your health then by all means stick with it. The more educated you are on the various options or strategies out there and how they work, the better off you'll be. I've done low carb and have had fantastic success with it, but when my fiance tried it she couldn't make it through the work day without worrying about fainting.

dittiepe

That is awesome! i am trying to up my protein and i'm seeing good side effects already. way more energy the last few days, it feels great. the only thing that scares me is articles like this one:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50900

"So think twice when you consider sacrificing the carbohydrates for a protein-dominant diet, Butterfield says. Drastically cutting carbohydrates from your diet may force your body to fight back.

She says that's because a diet in which protein makes up more than 30% of your caloric intake causes a buildup of toxic ketones. So-called ketogenic diets can thrust your kidneys into overdrive in order to flush these ketones from your body. As your kidneys rid your body of these toxic ketones, you can lose a significant amount of water, which puts you at risk of dehydration, particularly if you exercise heavily."

How do you all feel about this? I have heard mixed reviews, I am not sure what to think. is there any truth to this? I have seen this from other sources too about the kidneys. I am just not sure and I"m not a nutritionist so please let me know what you think.

This is actually not quite true. People often get ketosis and ketoacidosis confused. Ketosis is just another way of saying Lyposis, which is your body burning fat stores for energy. Yes, you should drink water. You should drink at least 8 glasses/day. Which isn't any more than everyone else recommends

"Ketosis is a shortening of the term lipolysis/ketosis, and it's the process you'll be jump-starting during Induction. Lipolysis simply means that you're burning your fat stores and using them as the source of fuel they were meant to be. When you restrict the amount of carbohydrates you eat, your body turns to fat as its alternative source of energy. In effect, lipolysis/ketosis replaces the alternative of burning glucose for energy. Both are perfectly normal processes. Some people confuse ketosis, which is a perfectly normal metabolic process, with ketoacidosis--a life-threatening condition that only affects extremely insulin-deficient people with out-of-control blood sugar levels."

From this article: http://community.atkins.com/search/content_preview.jsp?courseId=1009&lessonId=1020&lessonPageId=1095&keywords=ketosis

Hope that helps

MJ7910

That is awesome! i am trying to up my protein and i'm seeing good side effects already. way more energy the last few days, it feels great. the only thing that scares me is articles like this one:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50900

"So think twice when you consider sacrificing the carbohydrates for a protein-dominant diet, Butterfield says. Drastically cutting carbohydrates from your diet may force your body to fight back.

She says that's because a diet in which protein makes up more than 30% of your caloric intake causes a buildup of toxic ketones. So-called ketogenic diets can thrust your kidneys into overdrive in order to flush these ketones from your body. As your kidneys rid your body of these toxic ketones, you can lose a significant amount of water, which puts you at risk of dehydration, particularly if you exercise heavily."

How do you all feel about this? I have heard mixed reviews, I am not sure what to think. is there any truth to this? I have seen this from other sources too about the kidneys. I am just not sure and I"m not a nutritionist so please let me know what you think.

This is actually not quite true. People often get ketosis and ketoacidosis confused. Ketosis is just another way of saying Lyposis, which is your body burning fat stores for energy. Yes, you should drink water. You should drink at least 8 glasses/day. Which isn't any more than everyone else recommends

"Ketosis is a shortening of the term lipolysis/ketosis, and it's the process you'll be jump-starting during Induction. Lipolysis simply means that you're burning your fat stores and using them as the source of fuel they were meant to be. When you restrict the amount of carbohydrates you eat, your body turns to fat as its alternative source of energy. In effect, lipolysis/ketosis replaces the alternative of burning glucose for energy. Both are perfectly normal processes. Some people confuse ketosis, which is a perfectly normal metabolic process, with ketoacidosis--a life-threatening condition that only affects extremely insulin-deficient people with out-of-control blood sugar levels."

From this article: http://community.atkins.com/search/content_preview.jsp?courseId=1009&lessonId=1020&lessonPageId=1095&keywords=ketosis

Hope that helps

good to know, thanks! i thought maybe if you were eating more than 200-300 g/day maybe it might affect you but it's hard to say. bodybuilders eat that much protein and you don't really hear too much about them having kidney problems.

jlr_12

I just watched the documentary Fat Head...and actually just posted a topic about it...and it advocates low carb eating and explains why, in detail, it's a good choice. For anyone considering going low carb, you really should watch it!

Grokette

3 months of eating no grains and low carb, low sugar: (eating all natural veggies, protein and lots of good fat)

23 pounds lost- 6.5 inches from waist gone-( size 12/14 to size 8)
depression lifted (this is the most amazing side effect) sense of well being.
energy all day
stomach pain completely gone
bloating and swelling gone
PMS gone!
feeling fit- energy to work out
never hungry. no blood sugar crashes. no 3pm fatigue.

I get the same side effects!!!

It is sooo unhealthy for us to feel this way ya know. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

And also, it is sooo unhealthy for us not to eat everything in moderation............ :laugh:

TigersFanIndy34

awesome!!! I also follow a lower carb style of eating. I'm not sure if I'd call it "low carb" as I do eat tons of veggies, some fruit, some whole grains but it's certainly lower then what most recommend and here on MFP my protein is always over and carbs always well under. I severely limit the white stuff and keep even the whole grains/fruits to a few servings a day (lots of lean proteins, veggies and healthy fats so most of my carbs come from the veggies). So far it's the first time in my life that I'm not hungry all the time!!!

teagin2002

I regulate my carbs to the workout, cardio barely any (fruit, but not grains at all). weight lifting days some grains.

I just feel that the carbs are mostly energy and if I don't need it on that day why am I putting it in my body. It would just cause me to bloat and I don't want that.

Thank you for posting this

lemonadem

3 months of eating no grains and low carb, low sugar: (eating all natural veggies, protein and lots of good fat)

23 pounds lost- 6.5 inches from waist gone-( size 12/14 to size 8)
depression lifted (this is the most amazing side effect) sense of well being.
energy all day
stomach pain completely gone
bloating and swelling gone
PMS gone!
feeling fit- energy to work out
never hungry. no blood sugar crashes. no 3pm fatigue.

I personally love me some carbs :-D Could never do it..!

I'm glad you found something that worked for you! Congrats on your success!

yummummum

I generally eat around an average of 40 carbs a day. About every week or every other week I will have a higher day around 80-90.

The first 1-2 weeks of cutting out sugar, wheat, and carbs was def tough and I wasn't sure I was doing something "good" for myself bc I felt so lousy!!! But I was assured by people here that it was worth it and I would feel better. WOW. I feel like a NEW PERSON. I really haven't felt so alert or a sense of wellness in so many years. I can taste my food so much better now too.

It isn't for everyone I know, but the moderation thing was not working for me at all! I was trying to lose weight for literally 8 years! I literally have basically zero hunger or real cravings for things.

BobbyClerici

WOW!

Great results -- thanks.

MissMollieD

You can adjust what percentage of your calories come from Protein, Carbs, and Fat. If you go to "My Home", Goals, Fitness Goals. I have mine set to Carbs 25%, Protein 40%, and Fat 35%. It works great parsing the calories from exercise into these categories as well.

yummummum

Reading the tired/stomach pain/etc. symptoms on here... I still eat tons of carbs/grains, but I stopped eating wheat/gluten (turns out the pain, etc. was a food intolerance). Not dissing the low carb thing, but don't discount food allergies and intolerance. :-)

I think I definitely have a gluten intolerance. I was scoped for celiac which was negative but was miserable to cut out ALL sources of wheat on my own. But was eating all kinds of gluten free treats still and feeling bloated and depressed. I think for me it is the combo of sugar and carbs effecting me.

JennC831

I generally eat around an average of 40 carbs a day. About every week or every other week I will have a higher day around 80-90.

The first 1-2 weeks of cutting out sugar, wheat, and carbs was def tough and I wasn't sure I was doing something "good" for myself bc I felt so lousy!!! But I was assured by people here that it was worth it and I would feel better. WOW. I feel like a NEW PERSON. I really haven't felt so alert or a sense of wellness in so many years. I can taste my food so much better now too.

It isn't for everyone I know, but the moderation thing was not working for me at all! I was trying to lose weight for literally 8 years! I literally have basically zero hunger or real cravings for things.

First of all, CONGRATS!!!!

I've been trying to watch my carb/sugar intake and it's been working for me too... Question: do you never have any sweets? I think while I'm trying to lose weight I'll try and steer clear from them, but I don't think I could not eat sweets for ever...

fteale

It's interesting that your PMT has gone, as low carb has been linked to worse PMT symptoms.

fteale

I feel worse low carbing. I get emotional, tired, my legs ache when I run, and I run out of energy and feel sick. Cutting out wheat does help me lose weight, and not bloat or get windy, but I get too tired doing it (I usually manage about 3 months then have to stop), and I feel hungry all the time. Carbs are what make me feel full. I don't eat sugar or anything refined. Only whole grains, but I need oats, and I definitely am happier when I eat seeds and wholemeal bread.

Marll

Low carb is the best way to go in my opinion, and contrary to what we're told by "experts" is the healthiest way to eat for the human body.

I highly encourage anyone that thinks they can't give up carbs to watch the documentary Fat Head first, and then start reading more on the subject. There are so many health benefits beyond weight loss to eating low carb it's crazy. For example, my wife had a blown disc in her spine, after unsuccessful tratment with steroids and direct spinal injections (at $600 a pop) they wanted to fuse her last few vertabret at the pelvis for the pain. After 2 weeks of eating low carb nearly all of her back pain was gone....

Grains really are the devil, as is sugar and refined processed foods.

StrongerJess

Wow that is great! Congrats.

Marll

I feel worse low carbing. I get emotional, tired, my legs ache when I run, and I run out of energy and feel sick. Cutting out wheat does help me lose weight, and not bloat or get windy, but I get too tired doing it (I usually manage about 3 months then have to stop), and I feel hungry all the time. Carbs are what make me feel full. I don't eat sugar or anything refined. Only whole grains, but I need oats, and I definitely am happier when I eat seeds and wholemeal bread.

Just a personal observation from a friend that had the same issue the first time he went low carb, flat out you're doing it wrong. If all you are eating is meat, cheese, dairy and eggs you're missing the crucial component of all the vegtables you should be eating.

Too many people "go low carb" and never actually follow the guidelines from people that have done the research and published books on the subject. Atkins was revolutionary for his time, and I believe fully he will be proven right over time. Some of the newer generation of low carbing gurus have emerged as well, and tend towards the Paleo bent, which I am leaning to more and more over time, and they all advocate eating TONS of veggies...it's where pretty much all the carbs you would take in come from, but from vegtables and fruits that generally don't affect blood sugar as much. I've NEVER felt tired or worn out while low carbing, other thant he first week when you are getting the grain and other crap out of your system. Many refer to this as the Atkins Flu, and it will pass, most people just don't make it the week or so before they cave in and eat some carbs.

High Fat, Low Carb is the way the human body is designed to run from an evolutionary standpoint and while adaptable to whatever you eat, many people will get sick over time. I don't think it's any coincidence that the number 1 killer of women in the US is heart disease, and women are the MOST likely to eat low fat foods, grains and sugar (in their low fat foods).

Cathleenr

that quoted article is from 1992 and doesn't have any sources.
this is a 2008 study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18426586?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

their conclusion:Absent energy restriction or other dietary controls, provision of a high-protein/low-carbohydrate and -fat, nutrient-dense food supplement significantly, 1) modified ad libitum macronutrient and energy intake (behavior effect), 2) improved physiological adaptations to exercise (metabolic advantage), and 3) reduced the variability of individual responses for fat mass, muscle mass and time-to-exhaustion - all three variables improving in 100% of EXFS subjects.

yummummum

I've been trying to watch my carb/sugar intake and it's been working for me too... Question: do you never have any sweets? I think while I'm trying to lose weight I'll try and steer clear from them, but I don't think I could not eat sweets for ever...

My sweets have changed. Berries are SO sweet and decadent to me now! OR a half a banana is a treat.
And a couple times a week I have dark chocolate- couple squares. When I first tried it, it was bitter and not tasty to me and my taste buds have now adjusted so that it is very sweet. Oh and my ultimate favorite is Whole Foods organic Truffles!

I also love this bar I get as a treat at whole foods... Mom's something..... no grains/sugar ....Dark Chocolate and almond butter. Has 16 carbs and only 1 gram sugar.

In the 90 days I treated myself to sweets at a restaurant twice- both gluten free. For Thanksgiving I made myself a crustless pie with Splenda (I do not normally use it).

since I am trying to lose weights I really limit my treats. I just do not want the blood sugar crashes or any back sliding on all my hard work I do at the gym! I want results.

The best treat ever is my new jeans!

fteale

I feel worse low carbing. I get emotional, tired, my legs ache when I run, and I run out of energy and feel sick. Cutting out wheat does help me lose weight, and not bloat or get windy, but I get too tired doing it (I usually manage about 3 months then have to stop), and I feel hungry all the time. Carbs are what make me feel full. I don't eat sugar or anything refined. Only whole grains, but I need oats, and I definitely am happier when I eat seeds and wholemeal bread.

Just a personal observation from a friend that had the same issue the first time he went low carb, flat out you're doing it wrong. If all you are eating is meat, cheese, dairy and eggs you're missing the crucial component of all the vegtables you should be eating.

Too many people "go low carb" and never actually follow the guidelines from people that have done the research and published books on the subject. Atkins was revolutionary for his time, and I believe fully he will be proven right over time. Some of the newer generation of low carbing gurus have emerged as well, and tend towards the Paleo bent, which I am leaning to more and more over time, and they all advocate eating TONS of veggies...it's where pretty much all the carbs you would take in come from, but from vegtables and fruits that generally don't affect blood sugar as much. I've NEVER felt tired or worn out while low carbing, other thant he first week when you are getting the grain and other crap out of your system. Many refer to this as the Atkins Flu, and it will pass, most people just don't make it the week or so before they cave in and eat some carbs.

High Fat, Low Carb is the way the human body is designed to run from an evolutionary standpoint and while adaptable to whatever you eat, many people will get sick over time. I don't think it's any coincidence that the number 1 killer of women in the US is heart disease, and women are the MOST likely to eat low fat foods, grains and sugar (in their low fat foods).

I am vegetarian and eat very little eggs and dairy, so that definitely isn't my problem with low carbing. I run, and I find low carbing has an extremely detrimental effect on my stamina for long runs.

shar140

I feel worse low carbing. I get emotional, tired, my legs ache when I run, and I run out of energy and feel sick. Cutting out wheat does help me lose weight, and not bloat or get windy, but I get too tired doing it (I usually manage about 3 months then have to stop), and I feel hungry all the time. Carbs are what make me feel full. I don't eat sugar or anything refined. Only whole grains, but I need oats, and I definitely am happier when I eat seeds and wholemeal bread.

Just a personal observation from a friend that had the same issue the first time he went low carb, flat out you're doing it wrong. If all you are eating is meat, cheese, dairy and eggs you're missing the crucial component of all the vegtables you should be eating.

Too many people "go low carb" and never actually follow the guidelines from people that have done the research and published books on the subject. Atkins was revolutionary for his time, and I believe fully he will be proven right over time. Some of the newer generation of low carbing gurus have emerged as well, and tend towards the Paleo bent, which I am leaning to more and more over time, and they all advocate eating TONS of veggies...it's where pretty much all the carbs you would take in come from, but from vegtables and fruits that generally don't affect blood sugar as much. I've NEVER felt tired or worn out while low carbing, other thant he first week when you are getting the grain and other crap out of your system. Many refer to this as the Atkins Flu, and it will pass, most people just don't make it the week or so before they cave in and eat some carbs.

High Fat, Low Carb is the way the human body is designed to run from an evolutionary standpoint and while adaptable to whatever you eat, many people will get sick over time. I don't think it's any coincidence that the number 1 killer of women in the US is heart disease, and women are the MOST likely to eat low fat foods, grains and sugar (in their low fat foods).

I am vegetarian and eat very little eggs and dairy, so that definitely isn't my problem with low carbing. I run, and I find low carbing has an extremely detrimental effect on my stamina for long runs.

Try reading "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" by Loren Cordain. He gives guidelines for what, how and how much to supplement a lower carb diet to support endurance exercise.

fteale

I feel worse low carbing. I get emotional, tired, my legs ache when I run, and I run out of energy and feel sick. Cutting out wheat does help me lose weight, and not bloat or get windy, but I get too tired doing it (I usually manage about 3 months then have to stop), and I feel hungry all the time. Carbs are what make me feel full. I don't eat sugar or anything refined. Only whole grains, but I need oats, and I definitely am happier when I eat seeds and wholemeal bread.

Just a personal observation from a friend that had the same issue the first time he went low carb, flat out you're doing it wrong. If all you are eating is meat, cheese, dairy and eggs you're missing the crucial component of all the vegtables you should be eating.

Too many people "go low carb" and never actually follow the guidelines from people that have done the research and published books on the subject. Atkins was revolutionary for his time, and I believe fully he will be proven right over time. Some of the newer generation of low carbing gurus have emerged as well, and tend towards the Paleo bent, which I am leaning to more and more over time, and they all advocate eating TONS of veggies...it's where pretty much all the carbs you would take in come from, but from vegtables and fruits that generally don't affect blood sugar as much. I've NEVER felt tired or worn out while low carbing, other thant he first week when you are getting the grain and other crap out of your system. Many refer to this as the Atkins Flu, and it will pass, most people just don't make it the week or so before they cave in and eat some carbs.

High Fat, Low Carb is the way the human body is designed to run from an evolutionary standpoint and while adaptable to whatever you eat, many people will get sick over time. I don't think it's any coincidence that the number 1 killer of women in the US is heart disease, and women are the MOST likely to eat low fat foods, grains and sugar (in their low fat foods).

I am vegetarian and eat very little eggs and dairy, so that definitely isn't my problem with low carbing. I run, and I find low carbing has an extremely detrimental effect on my stamina for long runs.

Try reading "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" by Loren Cordain. He gives guidelines for what, how and how much to supplement a lower carb diet to support endurance exercise.

Thanks for the advice. I seem to be managing perfectly well the way I am eating at the moment. There is plenty of evidence that carbs are a more effective fuel source for insurance sports. As I said, I am happier and feel healthier when I do eat carbs (complex, nothing refined - I eat very cleanly).

QueenStromba

I've also been low carbing for three months. I've lost 36 pounds and 7/8 inches from my waist. I have so much more energy than I used to and just generally feel a lot happier - I've just started the process of weaning myself of my anti depressants. My fasting blood glucose has gone from 5.4 (borderline pre-diabetic) to 4 which is towards the bottom of the normal range - I'm definitely designed to run on protein and fat!

Marll

I am vegetarian and eat very little eggs and dairy, so that definitely isn't my problem with low carbing. I run, and I find low carbing has an extremely detrimental effect on my stamina for long runs.

Well, that makes more sense, if you are a vegitarian and not eating meat and eggs, and most importantly FAT, you are missing out on the main fuel source for low carb. While "possible" to be vegitarian and be low carb (my sister's boyfriend is as vegan/paleo as you can get with those conflicting ideas) you NEED to introduce fats into the diet. If meat is not an "option" then things like coconut oil need to be used liberally to bridge the gap.

I won't get into my personal feelings on vegitarianism/veganism, but suffice to say that science has very strong evidence to show that the human body could never have evolved the way we did without eating animals and all their by products, so I don't follow why we'd want to try to alter the course of millions of years.

Chood5

“Your grandmother knew that potatoes and bread were fattening. We all knew it, until modern nutrition told us otherwise.” ~ Al Sears, M.D., author of “The Doctor’s Heart Cure.”

fteale

I am vegetarian and eat very little eggs and dairy, so that definitely isn't my problem with low carbing. I run, and I find low carbing has an extremely detrimental effect on my stamina for long runs.

Well, that makes more sense, if you are a vegitarian and not eating meat and eggs, and most importantly FAT, you are missing out on the main fuel source for low carb. While "possible" to be vegitarian and be low carb (my sister's boyfriend is as vegan/paleo as you can get with those conflicting ideas) you NEED to introduce fats into the diet. If meat is not an "option" then things like coconut oil need to be used liberally to bridge the gap.

I won't get into my personal feelings on vegitarianism/veganism, but suffice to say that science has very strong evidence to show that the human body could never have evolved the way we did without eating animals and all their by products, so I don't follow why we'd want to try to alter the course of millions of years.

What science would that be? My study of human evolution has lead me to the conclusion that we aren't really designed to eat meat at all. The brain explosion that is seen in the fossil record is thought to occur when we introduced starchy foods like yams to the human diet. Not meat.

Alacey88

amazing! what do you class as low carb? under how many grams per day? x

I would like to know this answer as well!!!

Me too!!!!

crazyellybean

Exactly!
Well done!!!
I eat low carbs and its no problem.

shar140

I feel worse low carbing. I get emotional, tired, my legs ache when I run, and I run out of energy and feel sick. Cutting out wheat does help me lose weight, and not bloat or get windy, but I get too tired doing it (I usually manage about 3 months then have to stop), and I feel hungry all the time. Carbs are what make me feel full. I don't eat sugar or anything refined. Only whole grains, but I need oats, and I definitely am happier when I eat seeds and wholemeal bread.

Just a personal observation from a friend that had the same issue the first time he went low carb, flat out you're doing it wrong. If all you are eating is meat, cheese, dairy and eggs you're missing the crucial component of all the vegtables you should be eating.

Too many people "go low carb" and never actually follow the guidelines from people that have done the research and published books on the subject. Atkins was revolutionary for his time, and I believe fully he will be proven right over time. Some of the newer generation of low carbing gurus have emerged as well, and tend towards the Paleo bent, which I am leaning to more and more over time, and they all advocate eating TONS of veggies...it's where pretty much all the carbs you would take in come from, but from vegtables and fruits that generally don't affect blood sugar as much. I've NEVER felt tired or worn out while low carbing, other thant he first week when you are getting the grain and other crap out of your system. Many refer to this as the Atkins Flu, and it will pass, most people just don't make it the week or so before they cave in and eat some carbs.

High Fat, Low Carb is the way the human body is designed to run from an evolutionary standpoint and while adaptable to whatever you eat, many people will get sick over time. I don't think it's any coincidence that the number 1 killer of women in the US is heart disease, and women are the MOST likely to eat low fat foods, grains and sugar (in their low fat foods).

I am vegetarian and eat very little eggs and dairy, so that definitely isn't my problem with low carbing. I run, and I find low carbing has an extremely detrimental effect on my stamina for long runs.

Try reading "The Paleo Diet for Athletes" by Loren Cordain. He gives guidelines for what, how and how much to supplement a lower carb diet to support endurance exercise.

Thanks for the advice. I seem to be managing perfectly well the way I am eating at the moment. There is plenty of evidence that carbs are a more effective fuel source for insurance sports. As I said, I am happier and feel healthier when I do eat carbs (complex, nothing refined - I eat very cleanly).

I am happy that you've found what works for you. I found my athletic performance increased while going low-carb, though I've had to supplement with sweet potatoes and bananas during rugby season. I still kept around 80g of carbs a day on higher days, rather than 30-50g. But rugby is a power-endurance sport, not a steady-state endurance event, so not exactly an apples to apples comparison, so to speak.