Low carb diets

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  • JordanElizabeth87
    JordanElizabeth87 Posts: 16
    I just finished reading this book called "Why We Get Fat and What to do About It." In the book, the author states that carbs make us fat. However, I've heard mixed reviews about low-carb diets. I was conisdering throwing out most carbs but there is no hard evidence that supports some of the authors claims. However, low carb diets are very limited on food selection.

    I have ate whole grain breads and cereals while trying to change my eating habits (and have lost weight.) typically stay within the allowed amount of carbs on MFP.

    Opinions on low carb diets?

    Can I ask which bits you don't think are supported by hard evidence? Most of the claims in the book are supported by the references in the back, or you can search the using Google scholar if you need further evidence.

    On another note, I know a lot of people in my life have done low carb before, but all they do is cut out starch and grains so are left feeling unsatisfied and fall off the wagon condemning low carb to the pile of fad diets they have tried and failed on. The point that Gary Taubes is trying to make is that you need increase your fat intake as well so that you feel satisfied.

    I personally wouldn't do any other diet now that I'm doing Keto. I love it, I love the food and I love how good it makes me feel and how many health problems it will be solving for me in the future. If you honestly want to try it, and want to do it in a way that makes you excited about food I'd be more than willing to help you come up with a meal plan or point you in the right direction.

    I want to change my eating habits, not be on a "diet." I'm worried about if I cut carbs and then add them back, I will gain all the weight back. Food seems so limited on the lower carb diet
  • JordanElizabeth87
    JordanElizabeth87 Posts: 16
    I believe Gary is specifically talking about refined carbohydrates in this book. He is not talking about vegetables and fruits and also other starches like sweet potatoes. I also believe it depends on your goals and your body. If you're lean, by all means eat more carbs. However, if you have fat to lose, lower them and monitor how you feel (hunger, energy levels, cravings) then adjust again. Don't be afraid to become your own chemistry experiment. This is how we learn. :)

    I have lot weight before eating whole grain breads, fruit, and vegetables. He does generalize quite a bit in this book.
  • stephdeeable
    stephdeeable Posts: 1,407 Member
    I also just read a book called "Green Eggs and Ham" and I'm really considering cutting green eggs and ham from my diet entirely. Not only does it slow my weight loss but it attracts foxes, mice and other such characters into my house. Plus one time I binged on them and woke up in a box with some weird dude named Sam. Hope this info helps somebody!
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    hmm,.,, carbs are your fuel,,, i am a high cardio girl,,,,,, i like to do 2 to 3 hours cardio a day,,, i need that fuel!
  • amy1612
    amy1612 Posts: 1,356 Member
    According to Bob Harper of the Biggest Loser you shouldn't cut out all carbs. You should eat complex carbs and limit them to breakfast and lunch. No carbs after lunch.

    Bob Harper is a shill for Quaker.
  • symonspatrick
    symonspatrick Posts: 213 Member
    Cutting down on processed foods has helped me. Cutting down on starches and sugars has helped me to control my appetite. It has worked well for me. However I do realize that losing weight is about calorie consumption. Eating less calories than I burn has helped me to lose weight. I don't think carbs are bad for you. I get carbs mostly from fruits and vegetables. I don't think sugars and starches are bad unless you eat too many and go over your calorie allowances for the day. I realize lowering carbs would not work for everybody but I am glad it has helped me.
  • Cuna77
    Cuna77 Posts: 75 Member
    Bump 4 later
  • Livdoesketo
    Livdoesketo Posts: 38 Member
    Sorry I only just saw this reply, so this information might be completely useless to you. I think the important thing with low carb diets/lifestyle changes it to make sure you don't limit yourself by saying "I can't eat any food!". Want to make a cake? Use a combination of almond meal and coconut flour, want a burger? make oopsie bread or make a paleo loaf with flaxseed meal. You'd have to decide just how strict to be, I'm a ketoer so I keep my carbs under 20g each day, eat a normal amount of protein and fill up the rest of my calories with fats like mayo, cheese, keeping the skin on chicken, cooking in butter. At no point do I feel like I'm starving hungry or limiting myself. There are a whole host of veggies you can eat with 20g a day, and even a few berries you just have to check your amounts. Essentially what I've do is eat what I would normally eat- so a chicken breast wrapped in bacon, instead of the mash I'd have mashed cauliflower. If I make spaghetti bolognese I would have a bowl of broccoli and spinach instead of the pasta. If you want any more meal ideas feel free to pm me!
  • castadiva
    castadiva Posts: 2,016 Member
    Question for everyone here: What do you consider 'low carb' ? I see a few of you mentioning under 20g a day, which seems fairly incredible from my perspective (I'm trying, and mostly failing, to hit around the 70-80g/day mark) 90g seems to be my sustainable average, having cut out bread/grains/potatoes etc temporarily to see if I can break a long plateau, and this seems low to me - what is the general definition of 'low carb'?
  • Livdoesketo
    Livdoesketo Posts: 38 Member
    Question for everyone here: What do you consider 'low carb' ? I see a few of you mentioning under 20g a day, which seems fairly incredible from my perspective (I'm trying, and mostly failing, to hit around the 70-80g/day mark) 90g seems to be my sustainable average, having cut out bread/grains/potatoes etc temporarily to see if I can break a long plateau, and this seems low to me - what is the general definition of 'low carb'?

    A low carb diet is generally defined as one that is less than 100g a day. If you see 20g a day people are generally going to be following a ketogenic diet (which I do), which limits carbs and forces your body into a state which uses fat as the primary fuel. Keto can be a bit rough for a week or so until your body gets adapted, but after that you will find you have more energy, aren't as hungry and can do more vigorous exercise without hitting "the wall" than before.
  • momzeeee
    momzeeee Posts: 475 Member
    I just finished reading this book called "Why We Get Fat and What to do About It." In the book, the author states that carbs make us fat. However, I've heard mixed reviews about low-carb diets. I was conisdering throwing out most carbs but there is no hard evidence that supports some of the authors claims. However, low carb diets are very limited on food selection.

    I have ate whole grain breads and cereals while trying to change my eating habits (and have lost weight.) typically stay within the allowed amount of carbs on MFP.

    Opinions on low carb diets?

    I really respect Gary Taubes and do think think his advice is spot on. However, there's also the factor of sustainability that you need to consider. Is low carb something you think you can do long term? For most people, the answer is no.
  • Carnivor0us
    Carnivor0us Posts: 1,752 Member
    No. Carbs don't make us fat. Do you think that all the lean people who eat plenty of carbs have special super powers?

    No, they just don't have metabolic disorders.
  • JaceyMarieS
    JaceyMarieS Posts: 692 Member
    hmm,.,, carbs are your fuel,,, i am a high cardio girl,,,,,, i like to do 2 to 3 hours cardio a day,,, i need that fuel!

    Not if you're keto-adapted. I lift 3 days per week and do 1-2 hours of cardio (HIIT elliptical, cycling, walk/run and Zumba) and have no problems with energy.

    I am diabetic, so 20-50g of carbs is all I can take in and still have normal blood glucose readings.
  • castadiva
    castadiva Posts: 2,016 Member
    Question for everyone here: What do you consider 'low carb' ? I see a few of you mentioning under 20g a day, which seems fairly incredible from my perspective (I'm trying, and mostly failing, to hit around the 70-80g/day mark) 90g seems to be my sustainable average, having cut out bread/grains/potatoes etc temporarily to see if I can break a long plateau, and this seems low to me - what is the general definition of 'low carb'?

    A low carb diet is generally defined as one that is less than 100g a day. If you see 20g a day people are generally going to be following a ketogenic diet (which I do), which limits carbs and forces your body into a state which uses fat as the primary fuel. Keto can be a bit rough for a week or so until your body gets adapted, but after that you will find you have more energy, aren't as hungry and can do more vigorous exercise without hitting "the wall" than before.

    Ah, I see - thank you for clarifying!
  • ukgirly01
    ukgirly01 Posts: 523 Member
    I eat paleo- which isn't exactly low carb, more choosing to eat nutritious carbs ie instead of having grains I'll eat veggies, I can honestly sayit's changed my life. It gets a bit of grief on the main forums but I'd highly recommend. www.marksdailyapple.com is a good place to start if you're interested.
  • momzeeee
    momzeeee Posts: 475 Member
    I eat paleo- which isn't exactly low carb, more choosing to eat nutritious carbs ie instead of having grains I'll eat veggies, I can honestly sayit's changed my life. It gets a bit of grief on the main forums but I'd highly recommend. www.marksdailyapple.com is a good place to start if you're interested.

    Second this-MDA is a great website and Mark Sisson's book, The Primal Blueprint, is also great :)

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