Low carb vs. low calorie dilemma

tabithaanne

I am struggling with the low carb vs low calorie dilemma and would to know everyone else's opinion,

wftiger

I do them both kind of. My Dr. calls it adequate calories and protein and restricted carbs. I have had a lot of success and while it is hard to do both, it's not impossible. I still get some carbs just not as much as I would want if I had my choice.

I think of the 2 low calories will help you lose more than a low carb and it is a lot more sustainable.

1a1a

Suspect low carb inevitably leads to low cal (as in you would feel full on protein and fat before you have really consumed too much). Personally still eating carbs, in moderation, or if it's convenient. A small calorie deficit brought on by exercise has been serving me well.

taso42

What dilemma?
To lose weight, eat at a moderate calorie deficit.
"Low-carb" is a diet fad. Some folks have adverse effects from eating carbs, but most don't. Somehow, people got it into their heads that eating low carb will make you lose weight.

Acg67

I am struggling with the low carb vs low calorie dilemma and would to know everyone else's opinion,

I'm not sure of the dilemma you speak of, you mean the choice between going low carb vs just worrying about calories? There is no metabolic advantage to low carb diets, so assuming you have no metabolic disorder that requires you to keep your carbs low, i'd say go with a moderate calorie deficit while getting in adequate amounts of protein and fats

keeponkickin

Low carb isn't good. You need to eat the right, smart carbs. I stick with the no white rule. No white bread, potato, rice, etc. I eat 100% whole wheat, fiber loaded bread, brown rice, grains, beans, etc. You're body needs carbs for fuel and if it doesn't get the carbs then it turns to other sources....like breaking down muscle. Eat your carbs, just be smart about your choices. Whole fruit, veggies and lots of lean protein. It's worked for me. I've dropped 111 pounds in exactly 1 year.

smtaylor9

I tried the low carb diets. At first the weight loss is rapid, but I get so tired of the food choices. Now, I'm just counting calories, but I enjoy the choices. For me, calorie counting makes the most sense. It's unrealistic to think I could spend the rest of my life on a restricted meal plan (low carb). So far, I'm losing weight and enjoying food too. The best wisdom I ever heard is whatever diet it is, can you do it the rest of your life? Because if you don't, the weight comes back. I think I can monitor calories longer than I can restrict carbs.

kennedar

I have gestational diabetes, so I am on restricted carbs. I find it almost impossible to eat all the calories I need to every day, though part of that is because I need so many calories due to the pregnancy. But even if I wasn't pregnant, low carb and low calorie go hand in hand. When you are eating lean meats, veggies and high fibre carbs it is very difficult to get in very many calories. You simply fill up far too quickly. My husband is eating the same way I am, minus all the snacks I have to have, and has lost 15 pounds in 2 months without really trying.

ashiggins

Just from experience--I've done the fad diet of low carb and lost weight quickly, but gained back quickly. This time around I'm watching calories and trying to eat a balanced diet. Weight loss is a lifestyle change which will be easier to maintain watching calorie intake. Good luck!

khua0808

Lower Calories than maintenance is NECESSARY for catabolizing tissues (muscle, fat, and others). Lower Carbohydrates affects Hormones, Blood Sugar, and the body's systems. Basically its comparing apples and oranges except people who go low carb 90% of the time eat less calories than their maintenance. Moral of story is that 0 Carbs + 10 steaks a day will still make you gain fat in every single way.
GI index, low carb, or the diet of just chicken, tuna in a can, brown rice, veggies, ect. all end up with WEIGHT LOSS, but some combinations end up with better FAT LOSS to Muscle loss ratio than others.

mjbrenner

I'm not sure of the dilemma you speak of, you mean the choice between going low carb vs just worrying about calories? There is no metabolic advantage to low carb diets, so assuming you have no metabolic disorder that requires you to keep your carbs low, i'd say go with a moderate calorie deficit while getting in adequate amounts of protein and fats

There is not necessarily a strict metabolic advantage to low carb diets, but many people do find it easier to manage cravings and keep hunger at bay when on a low carb diet. Only you and your doctor know how you respond to carbs and are able to make that call.

Many of us who do use low carb or slow carb diets also maintain a healthy caloric restriction as well. We use a low or slow carb eating strategy because it helps us stay within calorie limits by preventing hunger.

Presuming you are decently healthy, there is generally no harm in trying out a low carb diet to see if it is right for you. Just be sure that you become well educated before you begin.

tabithaanne

Thanks for all your responses. Counting calories is something I can do the rest of my life, giving up carbs is not. Thanks for the support!