Low Carb verses Low Calorie? What's your opinion?

mncardiojunkie

Hi everyone,

I'm sure that this subject has been reviewed prior to this posting, but I have a couple of questions that I am posing to people.

First the set up. I have been strictly low carb since 1998. I managed to loose a great deal of weight (60+) twice in my life on the Atkins Induction-old Atkins prior to 2002.

Since Sept 2008, I gained around 17-22 pounds and I have been working since Feb 2, 2009 to take it off. I have managed to take off around 14 pounds so far and it looks like I could at least stand to loose an additional 10 if not 15.

I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.

I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.

I started calorie counting and I am eating upwards of around 40-80 carbs a day. and up to 1600 calories a day. Highest net calorie intake is around 1000 daily. Calorie counting isn't restrictive, neither is carb counting but the two combined...well.........:huh:

As I drown on and on....I am at a plateau. I know that the Aktins-induction Lifestyle is a one time shot, I've been lucky to have two Induction periods.

What would you do????

Are there any of you who have attempted BOTH?

I cannot seem to get enough protein into my diet either and keep my calorie count down. :noway:

Where's the mad science here that works? Anyone have any enlightening tales of glory to share?

If any of you are now awake after reading this thread...I commend you!:yawn:

With kind regards and great expections.
Marie

mncardiojunkie

Hi everyone,

I'm sure that this subject has been reviewed prior to this posting, but I have a couple of questions that I am posing to people.

First the set up. I have been strictly low carb since 1998. I managed to loose a great deal of weight (60+) twice in my life on the Atkins Induction-old Atkins prior to 2002.

Since Sept 2008, I gained around 17-22 pounds and I have been working since Feb 2, 2009 to take it off. I have managed to take off around 14 pounds so far and it looks like I could at least stand to loose an additional 10 if not 15.

I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.

I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.

I started calorie counting and I am eating upwards of around 40-80 carbs a day. and up to 1600 calories a day. Highest net calorie intake is around 1000 daily. Calorie counting isn't restrictive, neither is carb counting but the two combined...well.........:huh:

As I drown on and on....I am at a plateau. I know that the Aktins-induction Lifestyle is a one time shot, I've been lucky to have two Induction periods.

What would you do????

Are there any of you who have attempted BOTH?

I cannot seem to get enough protein into my diet either and keep my calorie count down. :noway:

Where's the mad science here that works? Anyone have any enlightening tales of glory to share?

If any of you are now awake after reading this thread...I commend you!:yawn:

With kind regards and great expections.
Marie

chrissyh

I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.

Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.

mncardiojunkie

I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.

Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.

Yah know, I know you're right about that. I am super frightened of eating more calories, even though I probably burn around 600-1000 calories at the gym. In fact, when as I count the calories and figure it out I should have lost around 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks, but only lost 1.5 pounds. It was mathematically impossible. How would you handle the calorie/calorie burning issue if you were me?

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your time.
Marie

mgullette

Have you ever tried just counting your carbs and not really worrying about calories? Usually calories naturally fall into place when you eat a lower-carb diet, granted you don't gorge. I think most women who follow low-carb have no troubles coming in at around 1400-1600 daily, which is a decent number whether you're counting carbs or calories. It sounds like you have a healthy plan going already, so maybe since you are close to your goal it might just take a bit longer than you're used to. Also, if you are familiar with Tom Venuto (you mentioned you are into lifting), he says that when looking to create a calorie deficit, cut the carbohydrates first to spare lean muscle mass. Good luck to you!

iTim__

I've tried both, though not at the same time. I prefer low calorie for one simple reason: I like to eat whatever I want to eat.

Low carb limits what you can eat. Also after being on a low carb diet for a while, I noticed my breath would smell bad (normal side effect of the low-carb lifestyle) and my lower back hurt -- I have no idea why and probably should've seen a dr. about it.

With low calorie, sure you eat less, but you eat whatever you want. And, my breath is minty fresh. ha ha

One more thing... it is easier to balance calories burned vs. consumed (eating vs. exercise for example) than it is to measure carbs. I wouldn't know what to do if I at too many potatoes on a low-carb diet, but if it were low-calorie (and taking for granted that I'm watching other nutritional values) I could head out to the gym for a nice workout to offset my intake.

Kasey42588

The problem with low carb is you are really limited as to what you can eat. Low calorie, you choose the foods you love, in smaller portions. For me, it's easier because I find that when I deprive myself of the foods I love, I tend to get off track, over eat, and gain weight.

mgullette

I think low-carb is criminalized too much; I guess it really depends what your goals are. Most people in bodybuilding generally do some sort of low- carb diet (or what the general masses would consider low carb) when they are in their cutting (fat loss) phase. Some even go to a Ketogenic diet (which is virtually no carbs). It's also a mindset; as with any nutrition program. You shouldn't think "I CAN'T have this, I feel so deprived" but really, "I DON'T eat this, because I like the way my body feels when I eat healthy foods." Lower carb nutrition plans also eliminate a lot of cravings for many people, so they really don't even feel deprived.

MyaPapaya75

I do low carb and low calorie BUT I dont ban foods from my diet I just hold off on them until I feel I can eat without over indulging. We dont realize we get a lot of carbs with other foods we dont need to have them in white bread,rice and pasta ..just my opinion...eat your greens hehhe:flowerforyou:

mncardiojunkie

I think low-carb is criminalized too much; I guess it really depends what your goals are. Most people in bodybuilding generally do some sort of low- carb diet (or what the general masses would consider low carb) when they are in their cutting (fat loss) phase. Some even go to a Ketogenic diet (which is virtually no carbs). It's also a mindset; as with any nutrition program. You shouldn't think "I CAN'T have this, I feel so deprived" but really, "I DON'T eat this, because I like the way my body feels when I eat healthy foods." Lower carb nutrition plans also eliminate a lot of cravings for many people, so they really don't even feel deprived.

I agree. It's not hard for me to pass up processed or refined foods. I come from hippy parents, we didn't have any of that stuff in our house. I rarely crave ice cream, rice or potatoes when low-carbing it. It actually kills all cravings-you're right. It's easy to band foods for me as long as I don't feel like I'm starving.

I guess here's my fear and again, this is my fear....If I just go low carb, will it kill me because since I have been counting calories and carbs, the low carb diet does seem to be extremely caloric.

Would you just throw caution to the wind and go low carb for a couple of weeks?

Yeah, I'm extremely close to my goals. Next time, I will be watching the scales like a hawk. Two pounds over and it's back to the Atkins Induction. I gained weight in the last six months due to stress and a good old fashion 6 month carb bender.

iTim__

I think low-carb is criminalized too much; I guess it really depends what your goals are. Most people in bodybuilding generally do some sort of low- carb diet (or what the general masses would consider low carb) when they are in their cutting (fat loss) phase. Some even go to a Ketogenic diet (which is virtually no carbs). It's also a mindset; as with any nutrition program. You shouldn't think "I CAN'T have this, I feel so deprived" but really, "I DON'T eat this, because I like the way my body feels when I eat healthy foods." Lower carb nutrition plans also eliminate a lot of cravings for many people, so they really don't even feel deprived.

The great thing about MFP is you can do what is right for you. Of course, we're not doctors (even if we claim to be, it is hard to double check ha ha), so you might check with yours for advice.

Above is a really good pro argument, and you'll hear lots of con arguments too. Do what is best for you and stay healthy.

MisoSoup79

I won't comment on the low carb lifestyle.. although I know it's not for me!

What I do find alarming is that you like to lift weights and you're 149 lbs, but you're only eating 1000 calories per day... that's dangerously low. How can you really expect your muscles to get adequate fuel for repair on such minimal calories? No woman should eat less than 1200 (unless they are under the supervision of a specialist). You asked what we would do in your situation? Start by increasing your net calories by 100 for one week, add another 100 the next week and so on. It seems to me that you need more than 1000 calories a day before your body is going to be comfortable letting go of extra weight. Right now, it's probably convinced you're living in a time of famine and you work out hard on top of that.

I started at 1200 a day and for the first 3 weeks, I steadily lost weight. But then I hit a standstill and had to increase my calories in order to continue losing weight. Now I notice that I lose the most when I go over...

Don't be afraid to try it. Eventually your metabolism will catch on and it will be grateful for the extra fuel. Your body will finally start to let go of the extra when it feels you're no longer in danger of malnutrition...

chrissyh

I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.

Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.

Yah know, I know you're right about that. I am super frightened of eating more calories, even though I probably burn around 600-1000 calories at the gym. In fact, when as I count the calories and figure it out I should have lost around 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks, but only lost 1.5 pounds. It was mathematically impossible. How would you handle the calorie/calorie burning issue if you were me?

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your time.
Marie

any changes you make can affect your weight - meaning adding calories after being on low carb - could you gain - yes but if you got your net to 1200 a day, I am pretty sure you'll be at a deficit still may not be 5 pounds a week but a pound a week in the right direction and eating healthy - what's wrong with that??

When I increased my calories, I started losing again - didn't gain but I've heard both ways. Let your body adjust don't give up.

iTim__

What I do find alarming is that you like to lift weights and you're 149 lbs, but you're only eating 1000 calories per day... that's dangerously low.

Good catch Miso! I need to take time to read these more carefully before I reply. Your advice is spot on and if anyone learns from this, it could result in a longer life. Stay healthy friends!

mgullette

Did you keep track of your calories at all when you first did low-carb? It seems that you had great success with it before. I have heard of the "Golden Shot" story with Atkins/low-carb, but I don't necessarily believe it. I'm sure there are thousands of people who re-induce/start over again after high-carb benders over the holidays/vacation, etc. It might make it harder to get going again, but that's really just true with any "diet", low cal or low carb. The point is really just to avoid treating any plan like a diet, and instead commit to a lifestyle change. I think that you'll find that it's easier to keep your calories in check than you think. It really is hard to overeat on meat, fish, and veggies. They're all pretty filling foods, and since you've been counting calories already, you have learned portion control (4 oz meat, 1 cup veggies, etc). As it's been said many times, it's "don't count calories" not "calories don't count." And of course, eating to satisfaction, not stuffed. If you're really concerned about the calories, you could forgo butter, cheese, cream and things like that, instead choosing lean proteins like chicken breast, sirloin, and fish.

As for low calorie plans, I think that most people following that are not very likely to be getting 90% of their calories from carbs either, because it just isn't satisfying and it's easier to overeat carbs (IMO). I'm by no means criminalizing carbs, but I bet that many people who cut calories do indeed end up cutting their carbs below what they had been eating.

LauraK216

I don't know how much I can offer, as I'm pretty new to all of this!

My doctor originally put me on a low-carb diet and I could not do it! Yes, I did lose some weight, but I felt awful all the time, my blood sugar was all over the charts, and I ended up binging on carbs shortly after starting and losing weight. I say, try mixing it up a bit and seeing where that leads you! Good luck!

kimmundt

I am partial to a "right carb" diet.
Veggetables, fruits, whole grains. NO WHITE FOOD.

I believe that whole grains are higher in Calories but they will keep you fuller , longer. Also, they are good for your over health.

Most low carb diets are high protein, like the Atkins. Also, when i read about the atkins diet it allowed me to eat hamburgers, bacon, BUTTER, Fried pork rines , etc. Thos items arent good for the heart and not good for the colon.

I am a South Beach dieter myself. Good fats, good carbs, exericse, plenty of water, and eating about 6 times a day.

It does have a 2 week no bread , no fruit plan, but that is just to get the dieter to stop craving sugar.
when you are eating 1-2 servings of fruit a day and 1 serving of bread/pasta/crackers that are whole wheat you will most likely lose 2 lbs a week.

I dont think you are eating enough, if you are hitting the gym that hard. You might not lose any weight either if you are lifting a lot, but you might be cutting your body fat %.

cgrant71

I don't believe in eliminating/cutting back an entire food group...there are four food groups for a reason...but I get the frustration level of calorie counting...it takes longer and can be difficult...I'm struggling to get past my plateau and start losing again...

Dedicated

I don't believe that anyone should cut carbohydrates out of their diet. Your body NEEDS carbohydrates to function properly! In addition, excess protein causes stress on your kidneys and increases the amount of calcium your body loses. You stated yourself that your weight keeps fluctuating - that leads me to assume that low-carb dieting is not a permanent solution for weight loss!

Here's an article on the importance of carbs, protein, and fat:

http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/handouts/macronutrients.htm

Here's another article from the American Heart Association on high-protein diets:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11234

July

Counting Calories are the way to go, because Calories equal weight. If your only point is to lose weight, it doesn't matter if you eat x calories from snicker bars or x calories from vegetables or x calories from steak. You may feel more hungry if you only snicker bars, though.

Low-carb works because carbs spike our blood sugar, then we make too much insulin, which takes away all of our blood sugar and makes us feel hungry. If hunger isn't what is keeping you down, then counting carbs doesn't matter.

It's the type of carb that matters - after all, fruits and vegetables are carbs, as are nuts and beans. It's best to eat foods with a low glycemic index to keep your blood sugar from spiking. It also helps to prevent diabetes.

If you eat too many calories in protein, you will still gain weight - and too much protein is also not good for you, as it causes kidney stones and takes calcium away from your bones. It's a myth that you can eat all you want as long as your carb count is low - a Calorie is a Calorie is a Calorie.

mncardiojunkie

I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.

I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.

On no, who ever caught that did not have a good eye, they weren't paying attention.

The only foods that I cut out are processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. I did not know that they constitute a food group. I eat loads of good carbs; veggies, fruits, nuts and some whole grains and some beans (but I don't fancy the latter two). I really don't understand what healthy or important food group that I am cutting out.

But unfortunately due to my wordiness, what I was asking, got lost in translations. For every study that you can give me about the perils of low carb, I can give you a study about low calorie dieters failing 90% of the time-from reputable sources.

I have no desire for a Snickers bar, I crave no bread, not even a dark chocolate croissant. I am just at a plateau.

I was asking if I do both, how do I handle it? I can't seem to get the protein in on low calorie.

I understand that the South Beach Diet has very good results. I haven't the time to stop and eat that many times a day. I am lucky to get food in twice a day, with a protein shake from breakfast.

Thanks for clearly expressing your thoughts.

Kind regards
Marie

mncardiojunkie

Did you keep track of your calories at all when you first did low-carb? It seems that you had great success with it before. I have heard of the "Golden Shot" story with Atkins/low-carb, but I don't necessarily believe it. I'm sure there are thousands of people who re-induce/start over again after high-carb benders over the holidays/vacation, etc. It might make it harder to get going again, but that's really just true with any "diet", low cal or low carb. The point is really just to avoid treating any plan like a diet, and instead commit to a lifestyle change. I think that you'll find that it's easier to keep your calories in check than you think. It really is hard to overeat on meat, fish, and veggies. They're all pretty filling foods, and since you've been counting calories already, you have learned portion control (4 oz meat, 1 cup veggies, etc). As it's been said many times, it's "don't count calories" not "calories don't count." And of course, eating to satisfaction, not stuffed. If you're really concerned about the calories, you could forgo butter, cheese, cream and things like that, instead choosing lean proteins like chicken breast, sirloin, and fish.

As for low calorie plans, I think that most people following that are not very likely to be getting 90% of their calories from carbs either, because it just isn't satisfying and it's easier to overeat carbs (IMO). I'm by no means criminalizing carbs, but I bet that many people who cut calories do indeed end up cutting their carbs below what they had been eating.

No, I never counted calories when I went low carb in 1998, in 2005. Both time I lost over 60 pounds within less than 6 months each time. Actually with much less effort then calorie counting. In addition my cholesterol levels good and bad are excellent.

I only gain it back when I was expecting my son in 2004. I gained 17-22 pounds in the last 6 months due to a great deal of stress and a all-bets-are-off attitude. I've lost over 130 pounds on low carb. I have basically kept it off except for the pregnancy, this time it only got slightly out of hand. I caught it before it got too bad.

Thanks for the reminder! I think you gave me the answers that I needed rather the "get it together information" that's all I needed! Many thanks.

mgullette

Good luck to you! Though sounds like you have all you need now to just do it, no luck needed.

Ahh, the misconceptions about low-carb diet plans. People who have thoroughly researched the plans find that of course you eat carbs, in the form of many vegetables, nuts, fruits, legumes, etc. Obviously, this is not unhealthy at all. The misconceptions that are perpetuated about low-carb really have very little merit, and it's sad that people just regurgitate what they hear and read instead of doing some research themselves. Most people who do low-carb, if they're doing it right, find that they eat FAR MORE vegetables than they did previously. And there's nothing unhealthy about that.

mncardiojunkie

I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.

Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.

Yah know, I know you're right about that. I am super frightened of eating more calories, even though I probably burn around 600-1000 calories at the gym. In fact, when as I count the calories and figure it out I should have lost around 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks, but only lost 1.5 pounds. It was mathematically impossible. How would you handle the calorie/calorie burning issue if you were me?

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your time.
Marie

any changes you make can affect your weight - meaning adding calories after being on low carb - could you gain - yes but if you got your net to 1200 a day, I am pretty sure you'll be at a deficit still may not be 5 pounds a week but a pound a week in the right direction and eating healthy - what's wrong with that??

When I increased my calories, I started losing again - didn't gain but I've heard both ways. Let your body adjust don't give up.

THANK YOU! I know that you're right!

Dedicated

I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.

I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.

On no, who ever caught that did not have a good eye, they weren't paying attention.

The only foods that I cut out are processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. I did not know that they constitute a food group. I eat loads of good carbs; veggies, fruits, nuts and some whole grains and some beans (but I don't fancy the latter two). I really don't understand what healthy or important food group that I am cutting out.

I apologize. I did not get from your original post that you were only cutting out processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. When I read that you have been strictly low carb for years, I made a wrong assumption that you were attempting to cut out all carbs (as many low carb dieters do).

I'm sorry I wasn't any help, but I hope that you were able to find some valuable information on going low-carb and low-calorie; good luck!

Dedicated

Good luck to you! Though sounds like you have all you need now to just do it, no luck needed.

Ahh, the misconceptions about low-carb diet plans. People who have thoroughly researched the plans find that of course you eat carbs, in the form of many vegetables, nuts, fruits, legumes, etc. Obviously, this is not unhealthy at all. The misconceptions that are perpetuated about low-carb really have very little merit, and it's sad that people just regurgitate what they hear and read instead of doing some research themselves. Most people who do low-carb, if they're doing it right, find that they eat FAR MORE vegetables than they did previously. And there's nothing unhealthy about that.

Please don't assume that myself or others have not done any research of our own. The FDA and any doctor will tell you that the healthiest way to lose weight is by exercising and maintaining a low-calorie, balanced diet.

This is what the FDA has to say about high-protein diets:

"A high-protein diet is one fad diet that has remained popular over the years. "High-protein items may also be high in fat," says Robert Eckel, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. High-fat diets can raise blood cholesterol levels, which increases a person's risk for heart disease and certain cancers.

High-protein diets force the kidneys to try to get rid of the excess waste products of protein and fat, called ketones. A buildup of ketones in the blood (called ketosis) can cause the body to produce high levels of uric acid, which is a risk factor for gout (a painful swelling of the joints) and kidney stones. Ketosis can be especially risky for people with diabetes because it can speed the progression of diabetic renal disease, says Eckel.

"It's important for the public to understand that no scientific evidence supports the claim that high-protein diets enable people to maintain their initial weight loss," says Eckel. "In general, quick weight-loss diets don't work for most people (http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/102_fat.html)."

If a high-protein diet works for you, that's great, but please don't assume that others do not know what they are talking about if they feel that it's not the best route.

stillkristi

I was asking if I do both, how do I handle it? I can't seem to get the protein in on low calorie.

I understand that the South Beach Diet has very good results. I haven't the time to stop and eat that many times a day. I am lucky to get food in twice a day, with a protein shake from breakfast.

So, is your primary concern the possible toxicity of ketosis? In order to avoid dangerous levels of ketosis, DRINK YOUR WATER. You can also buy ketostix at most pharmacies to test you level of ketosis.

And, Dedicated, I generally agree with you regarding the FDA, however, its important to look at the evolution of diets in America. The Atkins Diet was the rage in the 1970s, then the medical community and the FDA released studies suggesting that a low calorie, "fat-free" diet was more desirable. So, for the next 25 years, the Standard American Diet headed in the low-fat, fat-free direction. The result was a plethora of low fat food options in stores, and an odd variety of low fat diets. During that same time, the US rates of obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc soared. The medical community was stumped. Most docs determined that their overweight patients were obviously cheating. Studies done in Australia and the UK seemed to debunk this notion. Dr. Mark Borkman of Sidney did a study on young (average age of 37) males and females where they followed either a high carb (low fat) diet and a high fat diet for three weeks, then the groups switched and followed the other diet for the next three weeks. They found that the high carb diets did effectively lower cholestrol levels, however, when one looked at HDL and LDL levels, which is the only way to look at cholestrol, they found "that practically achievable high charbohydrate diets have net effects on lipoprotein metabolism that may be unfavorable." So, various scientists differ on the effects of various levels of carbohydrate levels. In fact, cholestrol related deaths, when graphed look sort of like an inverted dome, with extremely low levels of cholestrol resulting in about the same numbers of deaths as extremely high levels. The optimal range is from 180 to 200 according to Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades.

Having said all that, it is also interesting to note that in April of 2005, with very little fanfare, the USDA modified the Food Guide Pyramid. Today, we know we NEED lean protein, and we NEED healthy fats, such as those found is nuts, avacados, salmon, etc.

So, the target seems to be moving. The bottom line is low carb eating does not generally mean eating only steak and bacon. :laugh:

kimmundt

[
On no, who ever caught that did not have a good eye, they weren't paying attention.

The only foods that I cut out are processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. I did not know that they constitute a food group. I eat loads of good carbs; veggies, fruits, nuts and some whole grains and some beans (but I don't fancy the latter two). I really don't understand what healthy or important food group that I am cutting out.

But unfortunately due to my wordiness, what I was asking, got lost in translations. For every study that you can give me about the perils of low carb, I can give you a study about low calorie dieters failing 90% of the time-from reputable sources.

I have no desire for a Snickers bar, I crave no bread, not even a dark chocolate croissant. I am just at a plateau.

I was asking if I do both, how do I handle it? I can't seem to get the protein in on low calorie.

I understand that the South Beach Diet has very good results. I haven't the time to stop and eat that many times a day. I am lucky to get food in twice a day, with a protein shake from breakfast.

Thanks for clearly expressing your thoughts.

Kind regards
Marie

Marie, maybe your schedule might be what is stalling you. Your blood sugar levels might be out of wack during the day because you cant eat small meals. Also, you said you can barely get 2 meals in a day, with a protein shake...... hmmmmmm.

I could be all washed up but I believe that may be part of your plateau problem. I dont feel that you are eatiing often enough. When you do have time to eat you seem to be cramming your calories into the two meals. Is there any way you can snack? Like peanut butter and celery? String cheese? Nuts? a wrap? at all during the day? Maybe trying to add in 1 more meal into your day might keep your metabolism and blood sugars steady .

I wish you all the best. It sounds like you work very hard on your body and I hope you see results for your hard work.

Dedicated

[/quote]

So, the target seems to be moving. The bottom line is low carb eating does not generally mean eating only steak and bacon. :laugh:
[/quote]

I'm definitely not arguing that the nutrition guidelines are something that are set in stone and that everyone should abide by them strictly. My point was that just because I don't feel that low-carb diets are the best route for sustained weight loss, does not mean that I am just "regurgitating what I hear" and not doing my research. There are many different theories on weight loss and we are each entitled to our own beliefs - I just choose to follow what research has backed up for years and what I have seen work with others.

mncardiojunkie

I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.

I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.

On no, who ever caught that did not have a good eye, they weren't paying attention.

The only foods that I cut out are processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. I did not know that they constitute a food group. I eat loads of good carbs; veggies, fruits, nuts and some whole grains and some beans (but I don't fancy the latter two). I really don't understand what healthy or important food group that I am cutting out.

I apologize. I did not get from your original post that you were only cutting out processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. When I read that you have been strictly low carb for years, I made a wrong assumption that you were attempting to cut out all carbs (as many low carb dieters do).

I'm sorry I wasn't any help, but I hope that you were able to find some valuable information on going low-carb and low-calorie; good luck!

Oh gosh, NO PROBLEM AT ALL!:flowerforyou:

Now, there Marie BLOWS....a long line of very boring information below.......:yawn: :yawn: :yawn: :yawn:

You needn't apologize to me. I really do think that it's the assumption that a low-carb diet means cutting out fruit, veggies, none processed whole grains and beans. My favorite foods are in there! I love spinach, tomatoes, rye and black eyed peas. There are foods in those groups that I don't fancy. I didn't cut them out, I wasn't likely to ever add them to my diet anyway. Like bananas....:sick:

It really does baffle me about the misconception about low carb diets. Atkins allowed foods that I dont eat, like bacon, hamburgers, etc. It was part of options. It wasn't forced.

I wish that I could re-educate the greater population. But I feel it falls on deaf ears because people are either attached to their processed carbs and have demonize low-carbs or they aren't paying attention to the lifestyle. :ohwell: It's shocking to see such a visceral reaction to me cutting out processed foods. I live in Minnesota. I don't even mention it here; much of our economy is based on General Mills Kellogg, Betty Crocker, Viking (bunt cake forms), Malt O' Meal, Pillsbury, Golden Mill.....

On Atkins-the older version-on OWL or on-going weight loss, I can eat my asparagus, loads of spinach, my lemons, melons, berries and whole grains and a bit of beans. It suits me well. Process foods are what I believe puts and keeps the pounds on a person, no matter how few calories there are. I think this stuff is toxic. And frankly that's exactly what put the extra 17-22 pounds on me in the last 6 months.

You guys are great. I just loved your responses to this post...all of them. It was eye opening!

THANKS A MILLION and God-bless those who could actually get through my ramblings.....

mncardiojunkie

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Marie, maybe your schedule might be what is stalling you. Your blood sugar levels might be out of wack during the day because you cant eat small meals. Also, you said you can barely get 2 meals in a day, with a protein shake...... hmmmmmm.

I could be all washed up but I believe that may be part of your plateau problem. I dont feel that you are eatiing often enough. When you do have time to eat you seem to be cramming your calories into the two meals. Is there any way you can snack? Like peanut butter and celery? String cheese? Nuts? a wrap? at all during the day? Maybe trying to add in 1 more meal into your day might keep your metabolism and blood sugars steady .

I wish you all the best. It sounds like you work very hard on your body and I hope you see results for your hard work.
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You are right. I will try really hard to add like celery and peanut butter. That's a good idea. I am a single mom and a small business owner, with an old house that needs constant repairs. I barely have time to tie my shoes. :grumble:

I drink so much water that I float!

Thank YOU!:flowerforyou: