To Low Carb or Not to Low Carb
Replies
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if you are just trying to loose weight or "cut" without any deadline it is pointless to do low carb diets.. now if you are already less than 10-12%BF and you need to cut down to 5% in 3months then yes.. low carb or even better carb cycle...
WHAT IS CARB CYCLE? ??? :huh:0 -
What 'rest of MFP' are you talking about? I never ate fewer that 1700 net calories (which usually translated to 2200-2500 calories after exercise).
There are LOTS of people here that are NOT following 1200 calorie plans, or doing low-carb. Myself included. :-)
First off, I love your user name - I'm a morning person myself!
That was an exageration as many folks on here are doing very low calorie diets because they plug in that they want to lose 2 pounds per week when they sign up. I know there are plenty of folks (myself included) who consume much more than 1200 a day.
There are also folks that think they are eating only 1200 calories, but probably eating a lot more because they aren't measuring their food correctly - but that discussion will have to wait for another time.0 -
So, my question is, are you/wopuld you follow the low-carb diet and why or why not?
Me? No. Never. As a normal healthy individual, there is no reason to introduce such a handicap and discomfort into my life.
I have used MFP's calorie tracking a few times for informational purposes and find that to be quite a handicap and discomfort in my life. The thought of even eating out in a restaurant is daunting to me when trying to account for calorie intake.
Ok. This again?
I find Harley Davidsons to be crappy quality, too loud, and dislike that they emphasize looks over performance. So do I go on Harley websites and talk about how I dislike them? No. That would be just as weird as going to a calorie counting website to talk about just how much I dislike calorie counting.
So why go on a low-carb thread to talk about how you dislike them. Hypocritical much? This is NOT a "calorie counting" website it is a fitness/health/nutrition website. Seriously, get over yourself.
OP asked "So, my question is, are you/wopuld you follow the low-carb diet and why or why not?". I answered the question.
If you distill MFP down to the bare essence, it is a calorie counting website. Everything here is predicated on that.
I guess I can expect not to see you giving your opinion on any other low-carb threads that are not asking such a question.
And I don't know what business it is of yours why I use this site anyways. 90% of my posts here have nothing to do with my opinion about calorie counting. I participate in other discussions as well that are unrelated to dieting at all.
I give my opinion in any low carb thread that I see in which the OP is misguided, (typically by people like you), into thinking that "low carb" is a general strategy for the general population to follow.
Similarly for the "which cardio is best for weight loss" threads.
Similarly for the "which protein powder will help me lose weight" threads
etc, etc, etc,
People have really mixed up ideas about weight loss and fitness, and you're really not helping matters. That's why I engage you in the forums. I should probably put you on ignore, but I just like arguing.
Maybe I think your approach to health is misguided. And you've engaged me like 3 times in the past 3 months. I usually ignore what you have to say because I think most of your posts to others are condescending.
I agree that I'm often sarcastic and condescending. But misguided? What have I said or done that's misguided?
Hint: I've been here for a long time and there are several examples if you dig back far enough. But I'd like to see you go ahead call me out on something misguided.
I think you and many others are misguided in following the mainstream belief in the energy balance model. Your posts seem to imply that you think the body's hormones are inconsequential (at least for the majority of people) as it pertains to weight management. But this is far beyond the scope of this thread. But this explains why I continue to bump heads with people like you when it comes to dieting.0 -
That's what I am doing now. Love it! for a few reasons:
1. The huge losses (especially in the beginning) provide motivation to keep going.
2. I am forced to walk away from cookies, candy, and other sugary treats this way. The whole "everything in moderation" mantra only works if you can handle it, but I am truly a food addict and need restrictions to stop myself from bingeing.
3. I am less likely to go through a drive-thru or snack on junk food without thinking, because finding low-carb foods is just not as easy as grabbbing something from the vending machine.
4. Nothin about meat, cheese, eggs, or vegetables makes my body want to overeat. I can go through a family-size bag of Doritos or package of Oreos in one sitting, but I have NEVER EVER EVER felt the need to gorge myself on green beans LOL.
5. I have a ot more energy and focus when I eat low-carb. I am not groggy or sleepy all day, and I know longer feel like a bear dragged out of hibernation prematurely. There is truly a pep in my step.
Low-carb is not for everyone, but it's for this chick
ME TOO I LOVE IT! AND WHEN I GET TO THAT TIME OF THE MONTH AND NEED TO EAT LIKE IM DYING I CAN EAT MEAT AND LOTS OF IT AND ITS PERFECT MEAT AND ZUCCHINI ARE MY GO TO FOODS
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I was a steadfast, firm believer in NO carbs for many years! It works. I find it to be an unrealistic way to live though.
Also an awesome way to be deficient in micronutrients
What micronutrients do you lack eating tons of meat, vegetables, and limited fruits? Seems things not included in low carb that are more lacking in nutrients. So high carb would be less nutrient dense correct?0 -
I am diabetic and need to apparently have 60 carbs for breakfast/lunch/dinner and 15 for a snack. Sometimes I make it sometimes I don't, I just try to manage a general amount so my sugar doesnt drop or spike drastically.I am not intentionally trying to be on a low carb or not. I just eat what I plan lol0
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I was a steadfast, firm believer in NO carbs for many years! It works. I find it to be an unrealistic way to live though.
Also an awesome way to be deficient in micronutrients
What micronutrients do you lack eating tons of meat, vegetables, and limited fruits? Seems things not included in low carb that are more lacking in nutrients. So high carb would be less nutrient dense correct?
Strong reading comprehension or nutritional ignorance. See bolded and last time I checked both veggies and fruits contained carbs.
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So, my question is, are you/wopuld you follow the low-carb diet and why or why not?
Me? No. Never. As a normal healthy individual, there is no reason to introduce such a handicap and discomfort into my life.
I have used MFP's calorie tracking a few times for informational purposes and find that to be quite a handicap and discomfort in my life. The thought of even eating out in a restaurant is daunting to me when trying to account for calorie intake.
Ok. This again?
I find Harley Davidsons to be crappy quality, too loud, and dislike that they emphasize looks over performance. So do I go on Harley websites and talk about how I dislike them? No. That would be just as weird as going to a calorie counting website to talk about just how much I dislike calorie counting.
So why go on a low-carb thread to talk about how you dislike them. Hypocritical much? This is NOT a "calorie counting" website it is a fitness/health/nutrition website. Seriously, get over yourself.
OP asked "So, my question is, are you/wopuld you follow the low-carb diet and why or why not?". I answered the question.
If you distill MFP down to the bare essence, it is a calorie counting website. Everything here is predicated on that.
I guess I can expect not to see you giving your opinion on any other low-carb threads that are not asking such a question.
And I don't know what business it is of yours why I use this site anyways. 90% of my posts here have nothing to do with my opinion about calorie counting. I participate in other discussions as well that are unrelated to dieting at all.
I give my opinion in any low carb thread that I see in which the OP is misguided, (typically by people like you), into thinking that "low carb" is a general strategy for the general population to follow.
Similarly for the "which cardio is best for weight loss" threads.
Similarly for the "which protein powder will help me lose weight" threads
etc, etc, etc,
People have really mixed up ideas about weight loss and fitness, and you're really not helping matters. That's why I engage you in the forums. I should probably put you on ignore, but I just like arguing.
Maybe I think your approach to health is misguided. And you've engaged me like 3 times in the past 3 months. I usually ignore what you have to say because I think most of your posts to others are condescending.
I agree that I'm often sarcastic and condescending. But misguided? What have I said or done that's misguided?
Hint: I've been here for a long time and there are several examples if you dig back far enough. But I'd like to see you go ahead call me out on something misguided.
I think you and many others are misguided in following the mainstream belief in the energy balance model. Your posts seem to imply that you think the body's hormones are inconsequential (at least for the majority of people) as it pertains to weight management. But this is far beyond the scope of this thread. But this explains why I continue to bump heads with people like you when it comes to dieting.
I don't have anything to add. Just wanted to see how many quote boxes will fit in one post. I think it looks kinda like a wonky pyramid.0 -
I wonder how many carbs there are in a pine cone bird feeder?0
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I think you and many others are misguided in following the mainstream belief in the energy balance model. Your posts seem to imply that you think the body's hormones are inconsequential (at least for the majority of people) as it pertains to weight management. But this is far beyond the scope of this thread. But this explains why I continue to bump heads with people like you when it comes to dieting.
Yes, I guess that is exactly the crux of why we continue to bump heads. Well at least we agree on something. And since it is indeed way outside the scope of this thread, let's just leave it at that.
Until next time, grinch031. Until next time.0 -
Well ketosis isn't that important as you should know reading that book. I think 150-200g is considered low-carb.
Then everyone I'm friends with on MFP is low carb haha. 200g of carbs is pretty high, in my opinion. This debate could go on forever - I just know what works for me, I'm happy with the body composition changes I've made in the last 6 months; what everyone else does and whatever dietary ideology they choose to subscribe to is ultimately up them.
To each their own
no set gram amount is right for everyone. a percentage of calories is a better way of looking at it.
"low carb" is usually defined as active carbs making up 20% or less of your calories. on a 1500 calories per day diet, 20% or less active carbs would be 75g or less for the day.0 -
I used to be low carb but I am glad I broke that habit as, the more you work your muscles, the more carbs you need to repair them.
Carbs are not bad unless they are consumed in excess.0 -
I am not reading the whole debate (been there, done that). I'm just adding my vote. I'm an eat-your-carbs kinda gal.
Why, you ask?
Three major reasons:
1) I'm a neuroscientist. Neurons can "eat" ketones, but I personally feel their optimal fuel is glucose. There are some studies out there that suggest ketogenic diets may be neurobeneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease- I won't get into that because it's too complicated to explain right now- but for the most part, I think neurons do best on glucose. Now there aren't a TON of studies that back me up. If you look, you might find some studies about low-carb altering cognitive function, reading comprehension, and so forth... but it's really not clear right now if that's truly the case. However, I grow neurons in a petri-dish and I know they're happier with glucose, so I'm biased in that direction.
2) Back before I completed my Ph.D., I tried low-carb. I was absolutely miserable. I stuck with it for a month or two (can't remember exactly which). I could not even walk up the damned stairs. I was nauseous all the time. I had a headache all the time. MISERABLE. Not everyone responds the way I do to ketosis... but my response was enough for me to say: hey... if this makes me feel like crap, maybe it's not the best idea.
3) I can lose weight on a normal low-calorie diet eating foods that I think taste delicious (carbs!). I like the occasional steak, but I'm really just not a huge meat-fan... and bacon is only yum sometimes... sooo... low carb has no appeal.0 -
I wonder how many carbs there are in a pine cone bird feeder?
Depends on the size of the PC used. Peanut butter is normally low carb, so it would be okay. The pine cone is fairly low carb, too, but be careful of the fiber. Ouch. The seeds are mostly protein. So, if you leave the cone, I'd say it is fairly low carb.
Birds, however, think it is delicious.0 -
Oh yah... just for fun... to throw a wrench into the "NO" carb thing (cause I saw it hanging out up there a few posts up).
It's almost impossible to go zero carb. Muscle tissue has glycogen in it. Even an all meat diet is going to have some carbs. I think it's only like 7 grams, but hey, 7 =/= 00 -
Hell to the no!0
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I used to be low carb but I am glad I broke that habit as, the more you work your muscles, the more carbs you need to repair them.
Carbs are not bad unless they are consumed in excess.
Carbs (or lack thereof) doesn't have to be a hinderance. Eating low-carb doesn't mean you have to deprive your muscles of anything. Unless you are an Olympic athlete, you can control/restrict your carb intake, and just happen to eat most of your carbs around exercise. That's what I do, and my strength and endurance has increased (also from hard work and a bit of weight loss).
I am in training for a marathon and found I simply don't need carbs during most of my runs. I'll add them for high intensity and long runs, but other than that fat burning is good enough. I always eat them during recovery though.0 -
I used to be low carb but I am glad I broke that habit as, the more you work your muscles, the more carbs you need to repair them.
Carbs are not bad unless they are consumed in excess.
Carbs (or lack thereof) doesn't have to be a hinderance. Eating low-carb doesn't mean you have to deprive your muscles of anything. Unless you are an Olympic athlete, you can control/restrict your carb intake, and just happen to eat most of your carbs around exercise. That's what I do, and my strength and endurance has increased (also from hard work and a bit of weight loss).
I am in training for a marathon and found I simply don't need carbs during most of my runs. I'll add them for high intensity and long runs, but other than that fat burning is good enough. I always eat them during recovery though.
plus, carbs have absolutey nothing to do with muscle repair.0 -
I used to be low carb but I am glad I broke that habit as, the more you work your muscles, the more carbs you need to repair them.
Carbs are not bad unless they are consumed in excess.
Carbs (or lack thereof) doesn't have to be a hinderance. Eating low-carb doesn't mean you have to deprive your muscles of anything. Unless you are an Olympic athlete, you can control/restrict your carb intake, and just happen to eat most of your carbs around exercise. That's what I do, and my strength and endurance has increased (also from hard work and a bit of weight loss).
I am in training for a marathon and found I simply don't need carbs during most of my runs. I'll add them for high intensity and long runs, but other than that fat burning is good enough. I always eat them during recovery though.
plus, carbs have absolutey nothing to do with muscle repair.
I don't think that's true though, but I think they are overrated for muscle repair. I remember studies showing as long as glycogen stores are adequate, protein alone is adequate for recovery. However as an endurance athlete who depletes glycogen intentionally, I think I need some post-workout carbs.0 -
I used to be low carb but I am glad I broke that habit as, the more you work your muscles, the more carbs you need to repair them.
Carbs are not bad unless they are consumed in excess.
Carbs (or lack thereof) doesn't have to be a hinderance. Eating low-carb doesn't mean you have to deprive your muscles of anything. Unless you are an Olympic athlete, you can control/restrict your carb intake, and just happen to eat most of your carbs around exercise. That's what I do, and my strength and endurance has increased (also from hard work and a bit of weight loss).
I am in training for a marathon and found I simply don't need carbs during most of my runs. I'll add them for high intensity and long runs, but other than that fat burning is good enough. I always eat them during recovery though.
plus, carbs have absolutey nothing to do with muscle repair.
I don't think that's true though, but I think they are overrated for muscle repair. I remember studies showing as long as glycogen stores are adequate, protein alone is adequate for recovery. However as an endurance athlete who depletes glycogen intentionally, I think I need some post-workout carbs.
good point, and you are right. i should have elaborated, looking at my comment now, it definitely looks stupid and inaccurate. as an ex-cross country runner (I can't run any more due to bad knees), i do know the importance of replenishing glycogen after totally depleting muscle glycogen. although protein is the building material for muscle, without any glycogen, protein becomes the source for fuel (catabolism). high levels of cortisol is associated with catabolism which obstructs the rebuilding of muscle protein by diverting its amino acid building blocks to the liver. because protein is an important structural element of muscles, catabolism leaves the muscles in a weakened state afterward.
its an interesting dance, isn't it?
protein and fat do get converted to glucose, just at a slower rate than carbs. when you're glycogen level is zero and you're demanding a lot of your muscles, to avoid catabolism, you do need quick carbs.
i'm not a distance runner (any more) and i'm not training for the tour de france, so i don't have the need for a daily replenishment. but i CARB CYCLE-- i have 1 or 2 high carb days a week. i loce varb cycling, it works amazingly for me.0 -
I am not reading the whole debate (been there, done that). I'm just adding my vote. I'm an eat-your-carbs kinda gal.
Why, you ask?
Three major reasons:
1) I'm a neuroscientist. Neurons can "eat" ketones, but I personally feel their optimal fuel is glucose. There are some studies out there that suggest ketogenic diets may be neurobeneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease- I won't get into that because it's too complicated to explain right now- but for the most part, I think neurons do best on glucose. Now there aren't a TON of studies that back me up. If you look, you might find some studies about low-carb altering cognitive function, reading comprehension, and so forth... but it's really not clear right now if that's truly the case. However, I grow neurons in a petri-dish and I know they're happier with glucose, so I'm biased in that direction.
2) Back before I completed my Ph.D., I tried low-carb. I was absolutely miserable. I stuck with it for a month or two (can't remember exactly which). I could not even walk up the damned stairs. I was nauseous all the time. I had a headache all the time. MISERABLE. Not everyone responds the way I do to ketosis... but my response was enough for me to say: hey... if this makes me feel like crap, maybe it's not the best idea.
3) I can lose weight on a normal low-calorie diet eating foods that I think taste delicious (carbs!). I like the occasional steak, but I'm really just not a huge meat-fan... and bacon is only yum sometimes... sooo... low carb has no appeal.
Winner!!!0 -
First off, I love your user name - I'm a morning person myself!
That was an exageration as many folks on here are doing very low calorie diets because they plug in that they want to lose 2 pounds per week when they sign up. I know there are plenty of folks (myself included) who consume much more than 1200 a day.
There are also folks that think they are eating only 1200 calories, but probably eating a lot more because they aren't measuring their food correctly - but that discussion will have to wait for another time.
I guess most of my MFP pals are hearty eaters! I only have a couple friends who are doing the 1200 calories plan. :-)
Nice to meet another morning person... aren't too many of us around!0 -
bump0
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I have five children total and I have adapted my meal preparation to not make two meals. I reserve hamburger and use it on a salad. I also do a lot of meal preparation on Sundays so there are quick healthy meals for the week. My kids are also starting to enjoy fish, salads and veggie as much as I am and 3 of them are teenagers. I also found that Jennie o makes a great turkey burger that is 160 cal no carbs and 30 grams of protein and very quick to prepare.Thank you for the responses so far. I see myself in a few of them. I guess my main reason for asking is to help me justify going back on the low carb plan. The hard part about it is eating different from the rest of the family. Spaghetti and hamburger helper are quick and easy meals for the kids and make it hard to stay away from the carbs.
I run into this issue, too. I have had success just setting aside some of the meat that I am preparing for the meal and eating it over salad or with a microwavable vegetable.0 -
If you look at it from a practical perspective, low carbing is great because it usually means you don't need to think in terms of calories.
BRB, eating 6,500 calories of bacon and eggs everyday and still losing weight.
NICE!!!0 -
I carbs.
At 138 pounds down... it hasn't hurt me.
That's incredible!!0 -
That's what I am doing now. Love it! for a few reasons:
1. The huge losses (especially in the beginning) provide motivation to keep going.
2. I am forced to walk away from cookies, candy, and other sugary treats this way. The whole "everything in moderation" mantra only works if you can handle it, but I am truly a food addict and need restrictions to stop myself from bingeing.
3. I am less likely to go through a drive-thru or snack on junk food without thinking, because finding low-carb foods is just not as easy as grabbbing something from the vending machine.
4. Nothin about meat, cheese, eggs, or vegetables makes my body want to overeat. I can go through a family-size bag of Doritos or package of Oreos in one sitting, but I have NEVER EVER EVER felt the need to gorge myself on green beans LOL.
5. I have a ot more energy and focus when I eat low-carb. I am not groggy or sleepy all day, and I know longer feel like a bear dragged out of hibernation prematurely. There is truly a pep in my step.
Low-carb is not for everyone, but it's for this chick
Couldnt have said it better myself :-)0 -
Anybody can try anything ... what works for one may or may not work for another ... the truth is we all have to find our own path. But knowledge is power and as you continue down your path to a healthier lifestyle ... you will learn that " carbs " are necessary to engage in a healthy ratio and fuel your body.
:flowerforyou:0 -
Thank you for the responses so far. I see myself in a few of them. I guess my main reason for asking is to help me justify going back on the low carb plan. The hard part about it is eating different from the rest of the family. Spaghetti and hamburger helper are quick and easy meals for the kids and make it hard to stay away from the carbs.
We're not no carb in this house but we do tend to be low carb (by low carb I mean around 170g or less a day) but that leaves plenty of room for a balanced diet -- also we tend to make low-glycemic choices and eat higher fiber foods -- as for spaghetti, I'm eating it for dinner right now made from a brand of pasta called Dream Fields -- tastes just like any other pasta but its low glycemic.... its all a matter of moderation though -- I am not a carb fan personally but even with that being said, I wouldn't cut them out completely, its just not practical for the long term.0 -
It's great for a quick fix, or if you need to drop a few (mostly bloat and water weight) to look great in that bathing suit in two weeks, but not overly healthy long term and very hard to stick to! I do it to drop a few quick lbs here and there, but in my opinion a well balanced diet, with everything in moderation is the healthiest. Good luck to you.0
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