Losing weight WITHOUT doing low carb
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Very possible. Just exercise moderation (portion control) and strive for balance/variety. There are plenty of slim people all over the globe who just gotta have bread (French), starch (Irish), rice (Asians), or other carbs on a daily basis. Unless you have gluten issues (celiac), there's very little reason to avoid carbs. Just don't overindulge or binge.
I've done Atkins, South Beach, Paleo/Primal before but didn't find it sustainable past a few weeks. Kudos to those who stick those programs. But I find a moderate diet without any restrictions to be much more sustainable and enjoyable, while still being able to stay fit and healthy.
Just because you have gluten issues, doesn't mean you can't eat carbs. Fruit and veggies are card, and the only grains that have gluten are wheat (not buckwheat), rye, barley, and related grains.0 -
i also eat plenty of carbs. but i eat them in whole grains and fruits.0
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About 55% of my calories (250-300g) each day come from carbs. I set out to lose 50 pounds, I ended up losing 63. Carbs didn't cause me any problems with weight loss whatsoever. I consider them the cornerstone of my diet.
But just because it worked for me doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience.
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Mine is set to 40 protein (since I'm incorporating strength training) and 30 on fat and carbs and haven't had any trouble keeping within my limits as long as I pay attention to what I eat,and have pretty much been steadily losing since I started this. I like my fruit and I like my whole wheat bread.0
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More wondering about the grains aspect of it too I guess. This is a 'menu plan' that a doctor gave me.
Meal Plan
Breakfast
• 2 Grains_____________________
• 1 Dairy______________________
• 1 Fruit_______________________
AM Snack
• 1 Grain_____________________
• 1 Fruit______________________
Lunch
• 2 Grains____________________
• 1 Dairy_____________________
• 1 Fruit______________________
• 1-2 Veggies__________________
• 3oz Protein__________________
PM Snack
• Pick 2 food groups for about 200 Calories______________
Supper
• 2 Grains_____________________
• 1 Dairy______________________
• 2 Veggies____________________
• 3oz Protein___________________
Evening Snack
• Pick 2 food groups for about 200 Calories______________
Food Groups/Portion Sizes
Grains – 1 slice of bread or ½ cup cereal/rice/pasta or ½ English muffin/bagel
• Whole grains and high fiber (25-30 grams fiber per day)
• 6-11 servings per day
Veggies – 1 cup leafy greens or ½ cup fresh/frozen/canned/100% juice
• 3-5 servings per day
Fruit – 1 medium (tennis ball) or ½ cup fresh/frozen/canned/100% juice or ¼ cup dried
• 2-4 servings per day
Dairy – 1 cup milk or 1 cup yogurt or 1oz cheese (1/4 cup shredded, 1 slice, 1” cube x 1” cube)
• 3 servings per day
Protein – Meat = 3oz = deck of cards
Nonmeat 1oz = 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, nuts, seeds
Nonmeat 1oz = 1 whole egg or 2 egg whites
Nonmeat 2oz = ½ cup cooked dried beans/peas/lentils
• 6oz per day
This is kinda how I eat, but instead of "grains" I prefer things like sweet potatoes. And although I eat plenty of carbs, I just spread them out throughout the day to keep my blood sugar level. I don't usually have more than about 45-50 grams of carbs at any meal but I eat 6 meals each day. I am concerned about blood sugar because both of my parents are diabetic0 -
My diet is 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20% fat. My carbs aren't all "good" either. I typically eat between 300 - 350 g of carbs a day (sometimes more, sometimes (rarely) less). This includes my nightly pint of ice cream and 4 - 8 slices of toast (with peanut butter!) and a 4 cup bowl of cereal. I have white potato with dinner and pasta with lunch. Carbs are you friend.
Diary's open
Oh my goodness, I am shocked! its obviously working for you if you've lost as much as you have, and granted I'm only a beginner in the learning stages, but for some reason that strikes me as a very non common diet routine. Im happy it works for you though
On top of that, your sodium is THROUGH THE ROOF! That will eventually come back and bite you in the *kitten*, regardless of how active and what shape you are in! Damn...
My sodium is fine, it's all about electrolyte balance, hence my increased potassium, sugar, & water. Blood pressure is perfect, my resting heart rate is below 50. The main reason they put these recommendations on sodium is because most people never get close to enough of the other electrolyte components. Don't let the food nazi's and broscientists scare you.
Your sodium intake is just as high btw. :drinker:0 -
Carbs are fuel for awesomeness. True story. :glasses:
This ^0 -
Well... after experiencing Insulin Shock because my pancreas couldnt "shut off", Ill tell you right now - anyone working with a specialist (my patients included), I would safely say 80% of us are on a life-time requirement.. Not suggestive, an actual requirement. it just would be nice if folks around here (not targeting this thread - this is just a generalized comment) would not jump to the conclusion that we low carbers are only consuming protein, cheese and fats. Its not the case. We have to consider refined carbs, complex carbs - and then the total daily amount that we are restricted having, and the balance it is required to have with proteins and fats...
My IR, this wretched metabolic disorder that they cant figure out (thyroid is perfect) and everything else I have medically going on, has rendered me incapable of conceiving ever again - it has done so much damage that even if I were to drop the rest of the weight - Im forever never to even consider conceiving a child (not that I want anymore, I almost died having the first)... I cannot consume breads, pasta, rice, corn, flour, coconut. But thanks to enjoying real foods, I have enough appropriate carbohydrates from where they should be coming from - vegetables, and even then I have to keep that intake low.
People in general, need to respect one another's choices.
If you want to eat a 40/40/30- great.
If you want to restrict carbs of the grain variety - great
If you want to restrict calories to 1200 - great.
I feel bad for my patients who come to MFP on their Specialist's recommendations... they often feel attacked... and I cant even help them out because of HIPAA...
Low Carb, no carb, high carb... as long as our own physicians know what we are doing and are ok with what we are doing, or are pleased that we are following their advice... thats all that should matter really....
Its definitely not a fad... and I work with over 300 physician/surgeon/specialists for a living who could definitely say the same...0 -
I feel bad for my patients who come to MFP on their Specialist's recommendations... they often feel attacked... and I cant even help them out because of HIPAA...
The only ones that I have seen attacked are the ones who try to push it on everyone. Most of the time without anything to back it up. You will see in almost every thread like these that someone says "unless you have a medical reason, you dont need to stay away from carbs" or something to that effect.0 -
I eat about 100 grams of carbs a day which is considered "low carb" but i get most of my carbs from fruits & veggies and really up my protein. Ive lost inches not weight so far. My trainer told me that doing this will help you build muscle & lean out the fat and eventually, the scale will catch up. So dont weigh myself. Not sure if this helps you 0
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Carbs are fuel for awesomeness. True story. :glasses:
THIS!0 -
I eat carbs, my diary is public. I don't believe in cutting out foods. I think the best way to lose weight is portion control and used to do weight watchers who don't believe in "cheating" as a principal. I choose to eat what I like and it comes out more or less balanced as the time goes on.0
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I feel bad for my patients who come to MFP on their Specialist's recommendations... they often feel attacked... and I cant even help them out because of HIPAA...
The only ones that I have seen attacked are the ones who try to push it on everyone. Most of the time without anything to back it up. You will see in almost every thread like these that someone says "unless you have a medical reason, you dont need to stay away from carbs" or something to that effect.
Thats the problem - the LC'ers who dont push it... its the other non-LC'ers who willingly choose to be nasty... not all, but there are quite a few.... and its sad0 -
I feel bad for my patients who come to MFP on their Specialist's recommendations... they often feel attacked... and I cant even help them out because of HIPAA...
The only ones that I have seen attacked are the ones who try to push it on everyone. Most of the time without anything to back it up. You will see in almost every thread like these that someone says "unless you have a medical reason, you dont need to stay away from carbs" or something to that effect.
Thats the problem - the LC'ers who dont push it... its the other non-LC'ers who willingly choose to be nasty... not all, but there are quite a few.... and its sad
Well...I hope you didn't think I was trying to be nasty...I was just wondering if it was a possible healthy lifestyle...
I've also experience pushers from both sides, and both are not very helpful to talk to
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I'm in the 'Everything in moderation' camp. The only macro I watch at all closely is protein. The rest fall where they do. I do eat lean protein, fruits and veggies, but also eat white rice, potatoes, pasta, ice cream, and other 'evil' foods. I'm 5 or 6 pounds away from being done (don't know because my goal has less to do with a number on a scale than a certain look/feel), and the way I eat has not gotten in the way of anything.0
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I get 45-50% carbs and have had no problems. I tried lowering them and just felt like crap and ended up bingeing more.
I get mine mostly from fruits, veggies, potatoes and yes ice cream, chocolate or whatever treat I choose to have each day.0 -
I definitely eat carbs. I do try to make sure they are generally healthy carbs as opposed to high carb snack/junk foods, although I do typically have some sort of dessert each evening. Usually at the end of my day I have gone over on the MFP recommendations for protein, and come in somewhat under in carbs, but I don't worry about it.
I'm just counting calories and exercising, and not worrying too much about the macros - I have a generally good idea about what is healthy, and try to make my food choices using that as a guide. My diary is open if you would like to take a look.0 -
I don't max my carbs too often, but I do get a bit from sweet potatoes, fruits and veggies, and the occasional baked goody or chocolate chip pancakes. For big training days or races, I'll often have white rice or pasta the night before and right after. I think I've only lost 2 pounds since beginning of July, but according to my measurements I've slimmed down about 1/2 an inch all around so far.0
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My diet is 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20% fat. My carbs aren't all "good" either. I typically eat between 300 - 350 g of carbs a day (sometimes more, sometimes (rarely) less). This includes my nightly pint of ice cream and 4 - 8 slices of toast (with peanut butter!) and a 4 cup bowl of cereal. I have white potato with dinner and pasta with lunch. Carbs are you friend.
Diary's open
I eat a ton of carbs too. My body loves them. When I've tried low carb I was tired, sluggish, miserable AND I gained weight. I usually have between 200-300g of carbs a day.
Lost nearly 60lbs and have kept it off since Sept 2010.0 -
My diet is 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20% fat. My carbs aren't all "good" either. I typically eat between 300 - 350 g of carbs a day (sometimes more, sometimes (rarely) less). This includes my nightly pint of ice cream and 4 - 8 slices of toast (with peanut butter!) and a 4 cup bowl of cereal. I have white potato with dinner and pasta with lunch. Carbs are you friend.
Diary's open
I eat a ton of carbs too. My body loves them. When I've tried low carb I was tired, sluggish, miserable AND I gained weight. I usually have between 200-300g of carbs a day.
Lost nearly 60lbs and have kept it off since Sept 2010.
You look marvelous! Awesome job!0 -
There's lots of carb lovers here...... it's just that the low-carb lobby are often very vocal and completely convinced that because they've found something that works for them, that everyone needs to do the same thing.
And, as you'll know, it's the current trend that you'll see in magazines and articles. I've lived through low-fat and low-carb - I'm just waiting for the day (or decade?) when we are all advised to eat low-protein!
As many people have said before me - some people do better on low carbs (often due to medical issues) but for many people that isn't the case and you can be very healthy and happy eating lots of carbs.0 -
I try to stay at my calorie goal and exercise. I don't think its good to completely give up carbs (good or bad) but when you are on limited calories (1,200 for me) you have to make good carb choices to make the most of your food or you will end up eating empty calories and still be hungry. No matter what your diet consists of, you have to burn more than you take in and try to maximize healthy, nutritious food. Although I cannot always do it, I try to avoid most processed and canned foods and eat at home for 80% of my meals. Good luck to you!0
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:drinker: My favorite food is pasta and I eat it every day and I have no problems with weight! If you're not insulin resistant, you shouldn't have to worry about carbs. I just try to make sure that I'm eating primarily whole grain, higher fiber types, and limit refined sugars and highly processed garbage. I personally think that any diet that restricts entire food groups is unsustainable, but that's just me.0
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Coming back to this thread after my initial post.
One thing I would say is I would never personally recommend getting more than 50% of cals from carbs, not because of carb phobia but purely because this doesn't allow room for sufficient proteins and fats IMO.0 -
Well...I hope you didn't think I was trying to be nasty...I was just wondering if it was a possible healthy lifestyle...
I've also experience pushers from both sides, and both are not very helpful to talk to
No.. I didnt think that at all.. thats why I made sure my initial post included "in general, not attacking this thread".. .so definitely no worries..
Yes, it is a very healthy lifestyle - diabetics are the number one patient-class of low-carb treatment (aka Diabetic Nutrition) Its been around for an extremely long time but has many names due to slight variational changes..... Kidney patients, IR, Metabolism issues, Stein-Leventhal issues, and so many more. People with long term, life-long, and even short term, it is truly healthy to do.0 -
Coming back to this thread after my initial post.
One thing I would say is I would never personally recommend getting more than 50% of cals from carbs, not because of carb phobia but purely because this doesn't allow room for sufficient proteins and fats IMO.
Sounds like a solid piece of advice there. IMO0 -
I do follow your portion sizes but I eat
Food Groups/Portion Sizes
Grains • ONLY 1-2 servings per day b/c with the fruit I choose I always hit the 25-30 g of fiber easily
Veggies • 3-5 servings per day
Fruit • 2-4 servings per day
Dairy • 3 servings per day and low or no fat only (I typically do almond milk, greek yogurt and a little bit of cheese)
Protein • 6oz per day (in meat only. I still get protein in the greek yogurt and I wouldn't count protein powder here either)
Fats I usually get from Olive oil or nuts
I've only been eating like this for a month or so. So far, so good. I don't usually feel hungry and it's pretty easy to pick out my meals without stressing about my macros. =D0 -
I'm not low carb whatsoever... becuase I know I can't stick to that, but I have changed some of the carbs I eat -- I have wraps rarely bread. I rarely eat pasta anymore (more for the cals I don't wanna waste)
But I eat granola bars, oatmeal, cereal, rice cakes, etc.0 -
I lost 60+lbs without low-carbing & have managed to maintain for over a year now. I love me some carbs!0
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definitely. i've never gotten into any weight loss fad such as low carb/no cheese/all veggie. i eat what i want. i try to be balanced. i have snacks and have dessert every day. i eat candy sometimes and pizza on occasion. i eat carbs all the time and don't really pay attention to it. as long as my calories are in check and i don't go too far over anything i'm happy and i've lost over 50 pounds.0
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