Low Carb vs. Moderate Carb
Replies
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I'm currently doing Keto and it's working great for me. 5% carbs, 35% protein, and 60% fat.
First, I agree that the only way to lose weight would be to keep a calorie deficit. However, that's been impossible for me when trying to just eat healthy. I would always crave more sugar and carbs throughout the day and really struggle with just staying below my allotment.
With Keto, you're eating a lot of heavy/satisfying food like bacon, salami, steak, eggs, cheese, ...all these things keep me full until my next meal, and sometimes I forget that I'm even hungry and need to remind myself that I need to eat! I've NEVER felt that way before. It's amazing!
Once I reach my goal, I'll start introducing more carbs and see how that goes. But, for the moment, I feel completely content on this diet. I really believe it's the only thing that could ever work for me!0 -
I did the Adtkins diet a few years ago and it not a pleasant experience. Now my carbohydrate approach is to avoid refined or processed carbs. I eat a lot of vegetables and for the most part only eat things I have made from scratch instead of pre prepared. This way I control what is in my food and avoid all of the added sugars and sodium. I still eat the occasional rice, pasta, potatoes etc in moderation (each one less than once a week usually). One thing I have found is when I make things from scratch I can eat more of them and fit within my calories count and macros. I have a busy schedule so preparing a lot of veggies makes things simple.
Agree with all of this. Except as I am diabetic I dont eat rice, pasta or potatoesat all and only occasionally eat bread. But agree wholeheartedly with the principle here.0 -
How about just focusing on getting the proper amount of calories from a healthy balance of macronutrients and stop worrying about no or low carb options... A good blend is 50% carbs and 25% fat and protein. If you still think that thats too many carbs try something like "the zone" philosophy with a 40/30/30 option... Choose healthy carb options like fresh fruits and veggies, WHOLE grains, legumes/beans and limit simple carbs like white flours, refined wheat and grain products...those are the things that will instigate cravings.
A DIET low in carbs is not sustainable for a lifetime.. If you are looking for lifetime changes adopt an eating style that you can sustain for your lifetime... Otherwise its all in vain.
Check out the USDA website for some sound nutritional information.
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/
And this. No carbs is just silly (in my not so humble opinion) but I can see that limiting simple and highly processed carbs makes a whole lot of sense, to me anyway.0 -
Has anyone on here ever gone from Atkins to a more moderate carb diet including potatoes, whole wheat breads, brown rice, etc? Did you see big gains?
I've tried this a few times along the way. It's always lead to weight loss stopping straight away, more cravings and binging and a creep back into high carbs and weight gain. I can eat a bit higher carbs than the old fashioned Atkins induction, but I feel best keeping things under 40 g per day.
I know it can work for some people though, so I'd say try out different levels of carbs and different foods and see how you feel and how it all works for you.0 -
Low carb is very hard to stick too and makes me angry and tired. I try to stay under 100-150grams of carb per day. Works well and its not too strict0
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You are getting a lot of terrible advice right here, all this "low carb is the devil" bull**** pisses me off. As someone who obsesses about information I have read up enough on this to know that most thoughts either for or against low carb are opinions, and as we know opinions are like *kitten* in more way than one
I have been ultra-low carb for coming into the middle of my 3rd month, that means <20g carbs a day whilst eating ~110g protein/fats a day. In that time I have lost 30lbs of sensible weight at a rate of 0.625lb per day or 4.3lb per week, but bear in mind that includes my water weight which was a massive 10lbs over the course of 4 days.
Reintegration is another thing all together. Low carb is a lifestyle rather than a diet and if you don't think that you can maintain low carb on a consistent long term basis it probably isn't the diet for you. I plan to reintegrate carbs when I hit my goal weight, but not on any large scale and certainly can't see myself ever falling back into large amounts of rice/potatoes/bread, why would I when I can eat a big plate of veg instead?
Calorie defecit is without a doubt the only way to lose the weight though, I run at a defecit of 1000 calories before exercise on a daily basis.
1 final thing. The first month of low carb is horrible. You will feel like ****, your body is annoyed at you for denying it, its easy fuel. However should you get through that time successfully you will start to feel better as your body reacts to the change in diet and starts to emphasize using fats for energy rather than carbs.
If you seriously don't think you can stick on low carb for the long hall please don't look into it as a serious diet.0 -
Hi there,
I attempted low carb earlier this year to see if it could lessen my symptoms of PCOS, whilst seeing if it shifted some pounds.
I found it very difficult indeed. Don't get me wrong, the weight came off - but I didn't find it sustainable. That's not to say low-carb doesn't work, it just wasn't for me.
I slowly started incorporating carbs back into my diet - porridge for breakfast, for example. And then, once I felt my body had adjusted, some wholemeal pasta in my lunchtime salad. And then, a baked potato with my tea.
I did it relatively slowly and had no adverse side-effects - no weight gain, no irritated stomach, nothing. Just gave my body time to readjust.
I don't do low-carb any more, but I do make sure I get plenty of protein - especially when lifting.0 -
I've done a low carb, even ketogenic, thing. I've recently finished 6 months on less than 50g carbs a day (mostly, there were dalliances mostly of the alcoholic nature. ..).
It sorted me out for recalibrating my taste buds (sweetness) and being able to better judge being hungry as opposed to being on a blood sugar rollercoaster. And for that I am very grateful.
Right now I'm heading for maintenance by just watching the calories and eating anything I like. I didn't need extra rules in my life and thought I'd keep it simple what with starting a new job and that.
As a fairly healthy person (not diabetic, no food allergies/sensitivities, etc) I also couldn't see any advantage (metabolic or otherwise) in staying low carb long-term (and I looked pretty hard).
I still try to keep the overly processed stuff down as I know it'll just bring the whole craving thing back, not going back there ...
I'll probably always be 'carb aware' if only to minimise any 'trigger foods' that caused me to overconsume in the past.
The low carb experience for me was great for many things. In the end though, for weight loss, it's whatever method allows you to maintain a calorie deficit most comfortably and sustainably that is the way to go.
There is no low carb magic bullet but it can help the process along.0 -
<snip>Check out the USDA website for some sound nutritional information. <snip>
The "A" standing for Agriculture ... Hmmm ...
Despite me not being low carb anymore I do think that there is a lot of vested interest out there aimed at flogging more grain ... 'healthy whole grain' (which is a debatable phrase) or not.0 -
I did low carb as a vego a few years ago (bodybuilder PT at the time forced it upon me...) less than 40g per day, after eating probably 250-300g. it sucked. I felt sick, had no energy, couldn't concentrate (was studying for my finals at the time). didn't lose weight even though I only did it for a week.
sometimes reducing carbs helps. some people can eat very low carb and feel good. others cannot.
if you think that carbs are your problem area, slowly reduce them. I don't recommend dropping them really low, you will feel terrible. look up carb cycling - I find it really effective for weight loss (I only do it for max 2 weeks at a time though). or as I said slowly reduce them most days but have a day where you're consuming a far amount.0 -
I eat between 200-300 g of carbs a day. If 50g is moderate...I'm like super carbs. haha.0
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i completely ignore carbs as long as my 'added' processed and artificial sugars are low
unfortunately all my trigger foods are high added sugar so i fall off this wagon occasionally
but i find that trying to cut down on processed/ packaged food keeps my carbs in check and i get more fiber and protein, loose weight, don't feel hungry and feel good about myself
when i fall off the wagon - the foods are sweet and yummy but i feel sluggish bloated and
this is what works for me!0 -
I did low carb as a vego a few years ago (bodybuilder PT at the time forced it upon me...) less than 40g per day, after eating probably 250-300g. it sucked. I felt sick, had no energy, couldn't concentrate (was studying for my finals at the time). didn't lose weight even though I only did it for a week.
sometimes reducing carbs helps. some people can eat very low carb and feel good. others cannot.
if you think that carbs are your problem area, slowly reduce them. I don't recommend dropping them really low, you will feel terrible. look up carb cycling - I find it really effective for weight loss (I only do it for max 2 weeks at a time though). or as I said slowly reduce them most days but have a day where you're consuming a far amount.
you do realise that only doing ti for a week you gave your body no time to adjust?
Your not going to get over the initial carb defecit in a week0 -
Honestly if you eat a well balanced diet you will naturally lose weight... obviously you will need to reduce the amount of calories you consume also. I think stick to complex carbohydrates and eat them during breakfast and lunch... then you can burn them off during the day. Try sweet potatoes... they're better for you than potatoes. Brown rice and wholegrain breads are great and will give you a lot of energy.
Good luck,
Christina0 -
I'm somebody who went from Atkins to higher carb. I successfully lost weight with Atkins a few years ago. I changed to a diet higher in complex carbs and with frequent, small meals due to medical advice. I'm afraid to say that I gained all the weight back and more (a LOT more!).
However, when I did Atkins, it was effectively low-calorie. I was often eating normal food but leaving out the carb portion, so was obviously eating less. I tried tracking calories and I was eating roughly 1400 calories a day on Atkins. It seemed to suppress my appetite a little, and help me go longer between meals. Obviously, when I ate more "normally" the calories were going to go up and I was going to gain weight. There may well have been other reasons for weight gain around that time too (including just getting older).
I am now eating carbs, but I'm careful with portion control. I will have a SMALL amount of pasta/rice/potato/bread/etc. Frequent, small meals don't suit me, so I stick to the three meals a day (which is roughly what I was doing when I was on Atkins).
Speaking for myself, I think the key things that "worked" for me with Atkins was the appetite control and just the fact that the food wasn't so available.0 -
I eat between 200-300 g of carbs a day. If 50g is moderate...I'm like super carbs. haha.
:drinker:
Carbs are awesome!0 -
high carb f* yeah!0
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while we here , im on KETO (less than 20g a day) i find that i binge heavy on weekends instead of eating high fat and high protein ... gaining even more weight on keto because of the weekends and the urges are uncontrollable . i think around 50g is more appropriate and will still have amazing results during a cut ?0
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Same for me.Low carb 20-40g/day rocks...its the "only "way to go. No cravings, no hunger, feel great.
If your body likes it, you`ll know, if it doesn`t..oH boy will you know...
There is no "One" way to do it, or preset carb level, everybody has to find his/her way. Best of luck you deserve to give yourself the chance to succeed.
Ditto! For me low carb means no migraines, no cravings, no hunger, no gluten, more energy, better sleep, clearer skin, and less weight to carry around. My body loves it!0 -
I do moderate carb - I aim to try for 100 or less (although lately I've been 150ish) but considering what & how I used to eat, it has been a big difference. Also I found out I was gluten sensitive, pre-diabetic, and every low-fat diet failed. For me, moderate carb has helped; I do eat sweet potatoes, brown rice once in a while.... but I have dropped most things like bread (gluten). My blood pressure has dropped and my blood sugar leveled. Since watching the carbs/gluten, I also feel better and have considerably less GI/stomach issues.
But every person if different - if you wan low carb (true) there is NO bread, rice, pasta or potatoes. Moderate carb (100-150) is doable, but things like WHITE potatoes, white rice, white bread is out. Whole grain, sweet potatoes (in moderation) and brown rice are ok, but in moderation. You will have to cut out alot of sugar - juice, fruit, sweets, soda, etc. That will make a big difference no matter what you end up choose.0 -
bump0
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while we here , im on KETO (less than 20g a day) i find that i binge heavy on weekends instead of eating high fat and high protein ... gaining even more weight on keto because of the weekends and the urges are uncontrollable . i think around 50g is more appropriate and will still have amazing results during a cut ?
Keto for bodyshaping is a more difficult process and requires much more focus.
I would say that if you binge heavy on weekends then you are not on Keto at all, as Keto is a lifestyle choice and not something you can achieve monday-friday. The reason you are gaining weight is because you are not getting into ketosis consistently due to the binging.
I am a former massive lad (280lbs, now 223lbs) and I have no issues with cravings on this diet.
having said that one size does not fit all when it comes to diet and you must be doing something right as you look great so dont worry your not "on keto" you low carb diet is working for you.0 -
Atkins and the other low carb nonsense have gone the way of the other fad diets. Make sure you balance your macros and watch your calories while eating healthy foods. Your body needs carbs and if you go too low for too long you are at a higher risk for a variety of health issues. Just make sure that your carbs are vegetables, fruit and whole grains.0
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Atkins and the other low carb nonsense have gone the way of the other fad diets. Make sure you balance your macros and watch your calories while eating healthy foods. Your body needs carbs and if you go too low for too long you are at a higher risk for a variety of health issues. Just make sure that your carbs are vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Nonsense, typical industry drivel.
No one way of dieting works for everyone.
I am on an ultra-low carb diet and feel better and more energetic and thinner and developing more muscles because of it.0 -
Atkins and the other low carb nonsense have gone the way of the other fad diets. Make sure you balance your macros and watch your calories while eating healthy foods. Your body needs carbs and if you go too low for too long you are at a higher risk for a variety of health issues. Just make sure that your carbs are vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Nonsense, typical industry drivel.
No one way of dieting works for everyone.
I am on an ultra-low carb diet and feel better and more energetic and thinner and developing more muscles because of it.
What industry is that exactly? Go read the literature on it - medical, scientific literature and then talk. The reality is Atkins and low carb will help you lose weight but it will be for short term loss and puts you at increased risk. Atkins was trying to sell books.0 -
I don't know if anyone has pointed this out yet, but the main reason you see such huge losses on low-carb is because carbs help your body hold water. So you will likely see some water weight gain at first, but that will level off. There's no reason, short of a medical issue, that you shouldn't have success on a healthy, balanced diet that includes carbs.0
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Atkins and the other low carb nonsense have gone the way of the other fad diets. Make sure you balance your macros and watch your calories while eating healthy foods. Your body needs carbs and if you go too low for too long you are at a higher risk for a variety of health issues. Just make sure that your carbs are vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Nonsense, typical industry drivel.
I assume you mean the grain industry. So therefore I must point out that human beings have been eating grains for centuries.0 -
Atkins and the other low carb nonsense have gone the way of the other fad diets. Make sure you balance your macros and watch your calories while eating healthy foods. Your body needs carbs and if you go too low for too long you are at a higher risk for a variety of health issues. Just make sure that your carbs are vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Nonsense, typical industry drivel.
No one way of dieting works for everyone.
I am on an ultra-low carb diet and feel better and more energetic and thinner and developing more muscles because of it.
What industry is that exactly? Go read the literature on it - medical, scientific literature and then talk. The reality is Atkins and low carb will help you lose weight but it will be for short term loss and puts you at increased risk. Atkins was trying to sell books.
I did extensive research on the entire Keto process before I took the plunge, taking risks with my health wasn't of interest to me. Know what I found? That there are a myriad of studies and literature both for and against low carb options, I bet if we spent the time we could both come up with 50+ different articles etc. Know why? because the human body is ridiculously complex and it is immensely arrogant to think that we properly understand all the nuances of it.
once again I am not saying that high carb diets are bad, or that any kind of diet except starvation is bad, what I am saying is that no 1 kind of diet fits everyone (assuming most diets include calorie defecit) and for some people low carb diets are perfectly legitimate.
I have had my blood work done during this process and all of the vital statistics are BETTER now than they were when i started the process.0 -
I did the Adtkins diet a few years ago and it not a pleasant experience. Now my carbohydrate approach is to avoid refined or processed carbs. I eat a lot of vegetables and for the most part only eat things I have made from scratch instead of pre prepared. This way I control what is in my food and avoid all of the added sugars and sodium. I still eat the occasional rice, pasta, potatoes etc in moderation (each one less than once a week usually). One thing I have found is when I make things from scratch I can eat more of them and fit within my calories count and macros. I have a busy schedule so preparing a lot of veggies makes things simple.
ive never done Atkins, ive too much an addiction to carbs. but i agree with the rest...just choose your carbs wisely and cook from scratch whenever you can, its better for you, and actually a lot of fun!0 -
Atkins and the other low carb nonsense have gone the way of the other fad diets. Make sure you balance your macros and watch your calories while eating healthy foods. Your body needs carbs and if you go too low for too long you are at a higher risk for a variety of health issues. Just make sure that your carbs are vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
Nonsense, typical industry drivel.
No one way of dieting works for everyone.
I am on an ultra-low carb diet and feel better and more energetic and thinner and developing more muscles because of it.
What industry is that exactly? Go read the literature on it - medical, scientific literature and then talk. The reality is Atkins and low carb will help you lose weight but it will be for short term loss and puts you at increased risk. Atkins was trying to sell books.
I did extensive research on the entire Keto process before I took the plunge, taking risks with my health wasn't of interest to me. Know what I found? That there are a myriad of studies and literature both for and against low carb options, I bet if we spent the time we could both come up with 50+ different articles etc. Know why? because the human body is ridiculously complex and it is immensely arrogant to think that we properly understand all the nuances of it.
once again I am not saying that high carb diets are bad, or that any kind of diet except starvation is bad, what I am saying is that no 1 kind of diet fits everyone (assuming most diets include calorie defecit) and for some people low carb diets are perfectly legitimate.
I have had my blood work done during this process and all of the vital statistics are BETTER now than they were when i started the process.
Still waiting on what industry I represent . . . .
Of course your stats are better - you lost a lot of weight. That's why Atkins and low carb was so popular - they worked at least for the short term. The issue is your long term health and that is better served by a balanced diet. Go back and look at your research again and use a skeptical eye on those studies funded by or sponsored by interested parties.0
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