The all falmous low carb diets- thoughts?

July24Lioness

Thanks JimCRods................

I have posted on this site several times all the foods that you eat while doing Atkins within all 4 phases and people still believe the hype that there is no grains, no fruit, etc allowed.

It is a shame that people don't read and research on their own, but form an opinion based on media, which always scrutinizes the unpopular angle...............

Also, it is a proven fact that we haven't evolved from our cave man ancestors as much as people would like to think we have.........That is why only about 30% of the population can eat what ever and not have a weight problem. I think it is VERY evident with in the United States when you have 60 some percent of the population that is overweight or obese...........

Diabetes, thyroid, renal gland and pituitary gland issues are rampant among Americans especially, along with bipolar disorder, depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, etc...............I could go on and on with all the new disorders and ailments.

HealthyChanges2010

I'm a long time low-carber, and have done Atkins successfully.

The thing is, there are only about 30% of the population, who can eat just about anything they want, and not gain weight.

The other 70% have to watched what they eat and for most, its too many carbs.

Carbs are necessary for a healthy lifestyle, even Dr. Atkins specifies this. However, they must be from good sources and
must not contain too much sugar.

The first phase of Atkins which is 14 days, you are limited to 20g's per day, of carbs. After that, you being to add 5 gs per week, until you stop loosing weight. This is your threshold.

For me, its 45-55 gs per day. Doesn't matter if I'm under my calorie count, if I add more than 55gs of carbs, I will begin to put back the weight.

Every person is different and they have to find their own carb threshold.

I'm on pre-maintenance level now, and I am adding breads, pasta and other favorites, but I have to remain vigil in watching not only carbs, but my calories as well.

As Lioness said, go off any diet and you'll gain back the weight you loss. Its how you became overweight in the first place.

Jim

I never think of myself as on a diet, I think you're right if you diet you gain the weight right back.

I believe if you make an actual lifestyle change in regards to eating you will keep the weight off!

smae1980

I have been taking a college course on nutrition. It is a biology course and really goes in depth into the way your body processes food chemically and what have you. Taking this course has scared the bejabbers out of me, especially regarding low-carb diets. Glucose is the basis of every chemical, cellular and metabolic activity in which the body partakes. When we get too little carbs, the body has to resort to breaking down proteins (mainly muscle tissue) to create a glucose alternative. Contrary to what Atkins says, when the body starts throwing ketones it is from protein breakdown, not fat burning.

Healthy carbs are whole grains, fruits, brown rice, and vegetables; unhealthy carbs are processed sugar, white potatoes, refined white flour. I do believe that too many carbs can increase your tendency to gain weight, but too few can be quite harmful as well.

If you want to cut back on your carb grams eliminate the unhealthy carbs and see what happens. If you aren't satisfied, then gradually reduce a few more grams until you feel better.

That is incorrect. Ketones break down fat, not protein.

Actually you are incorrect. The process she is referring to is called gluconeogenesis and it is the result of the body breaking down proteins to make into glucose to perform basic body functions in the absense of adequate carbohydrate intake because while protein can be converted to glucose, fat cannot. The average person needs at least 130 grams of carbohydrate a day to perform basic brain function, and if it doen't get it then the process she stated will occur.

July24Lioness

I have been taking a college course on nutrition. It is a biology course and really goes in depth into the way your body processes food chemically and what have you. Taking this course has scared the bejabbers out of me, especially regarding low-carb diets. Glucose is the basis of every chemical, cellular and metabolic activity in which the body partakes. When we get too little carbs, the body has to resort to breaking down proteins (mainly muscle tissue) to create a glucose alternative. Contrary to what Atkins says, when the body starts throwing ketones it is from protein breakdown, not fat burning.

Healthy carbs are whole grains, fruits, brown rice, and vegetables; unhealthy carbs are processed sugar, white potatoes, refined white flour. I do believe that too many carbs can increase your tendency to gain weight, but too few can be quite harmful as well.

If you want to cut back on your carb grams eliminate the unhealthy carbs and see what happens. If you aren't satisfied, then gradually reduce a few more grams until you feel better.

That is incorrect. Ketones break down fat, not protein.

Actually you are incorrect. The process she is referring to is called gluconeogenesis and it is the result of the body breaking down proteins to make into glucose to perform basic body functions in the absense of adequate carbohydrate intake because while protein can be converted to glucose, fat cannot. The average person needs at least 130 grams of carbohydrate a day to perform basic brain function, and if it doen't get it then the process she stated will occur.

It was stated before that ketones break down protein and not fat, which is incorrect. Ketosis is the body's burning of fat and using it as an energy source in place of carbs. It is not unhealthy to be in ketosis, please don't get it confuse it ketoacidosis, which are two totally different things.

Gluconeogenesis is the tprocess hat results in the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids. (lactate, glycerol and glucogenic amino acids are not protein).

If what she were saying was true, that muscle tissue was broken down to convert to glycogen, then that means there would be a lot of body builders losing a lot of muscle as when they are prepping for competitions, they go in deep ketosis to burn fat and eat a lot of protein to build muscle mass fast.

I can also attest to this as I have no muscle loss when I lost 98 pounds on Atkins in 2003.

xonophone

So, my total for carbs according to MFP goals is 165 g.
Should I feel guilty about this? Is this too much carbs? are carbs bad for me?
I only worry because Atkins and other similar diets, do not like carbs and restrict to 19 g or something crazy like that, but I know they work.
I am a carb worry-holic now, and would like to know, is 165 g carb per day too much?
BTW: just in case you're wondering, I am NOT on Atkins or any other diet, I'm just paying atttention to my calories and eating sensibly, but was wondering about carb count.

Hips, ultimately the choice is up to you. As you can see this is a very controversial issue, so the main question you should ask yourself, is: what style of eating will you be able to maintain for the rest of your life? Because diets don't work for the long haul - you will gain the weight back once you go off of the diet. Are you a carb lover? If so, then the Atkins/South Beach/Low Carb plan will not work for you. You also need to take your other health issues into consideration. Lioness, has diabetes, therefore 165g is too high for her. However, I have lost a lot of weight by just cutting calories, which still allows me a daily carb intake of 165g. Sometime I eat more than that, but they are GOOD carbs: fruits, veggies and whole grains. I don't use any added sugar and eat a limited amount of processed foods (such as granola, wheat thins).

There is not one eating plan that is appropriate for everyone - do what you feel comfortable with. If you find you're either not losing weight, or if you find you are losing energy or are having abnormal test results during your physicals, then you will need to re-evaluate the plan you chose. If you are having serious doubts, than meet with a nutritionist. Ask your PCP to recommend one, if you don't know where to go.

And as others have said, this is a lifestyle change. You are learning how to be as healthy as possible, so whatever plan you chose, you should be able to stick with it. Good Luck!

LuckyLeprechaun

I have been taking a college course on nutrition. It is a biology course and really goes in depth into the way your body processes food chemically and what have you. Taking this course has scared the bejabbers out of me, especially regarding low-carb diets. Glucose is the basis of every chemical, cellular and metabolic activity in which the body partakes. When we get too little carbs, the body has to resort to breaking down proteins (mainly muscle tissue) to create a glucose alternative. Contrary to what Atkins says, when the body starts throwing ketones it is from protein breakdown, not fat burning.

Healthy carbs are whole grains, fruits, brown rice, and vegetables; unhealthy carbs are processed sugar, white potatoes, refined white flour. I do believe that too many carbs can increase your tendency to gain weight, but too few can be quite harmful as well.

If you want to cut back on your carb grams eliminate the unhealthy carbs and see what happens. If you aren't satisfied, then gradually reduce a few more grams until you feel better.

this is much more sensible than the drastic all or nothing approaches out there-



and didn't cavemen die at the ripe old age of about 30? if they were lucky?

Cave men didn't die due to illness and such. They died at young ages due to falling victim to bigger animals. There is much research that their bones were stronger and no signs of illness.

We haven't evolved that much for our bodies to handle grains. Grains are nothing but irritants to the human body.

any nomadic lifestyle is going to develop strong thick bones. That doesn't mean they didn't have heart attacks, which wouldn't be evident from the fossil record. The bones can't tell the entire story on nutrition levels.

If grains lead to obesity, why is China, (who consumes rice at an amazing rate) so slim?

JimROCDS

Ironically, although the Chinese tend to be thinner than Americans, the rate of
diabetes is not much different.

New study shows Chinese diabetes rate chasing that of U.S.

After working overtime to catch up to life in the West, China now faces a whole new problem: the world's biggest diabetes epidemic.

One in 10 Chinese adults already has the disease and another 16 percent are on the verge of developing it, according to a new study. The finding nearly equals the U.S. rate of 11 percent and surpasses other Western nations, including Germany and Canada.

The survey results, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, found much higher rates of diabetes than previous studies, largely because of more rigorous testing measures.

http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_14752901



Jim

allykat8

Simply put - I do NOT believe in Lo-Carb diets!!!! Your body needs carbs!

kdiamond

Your body does need carbs.

Will you lose weight on a low carb diet? Yes, but it WILL come back eventually if you go back to the same eating patterns. All it does is cause temporary water weight loss, which will come back once you start eating the carbs again.

Once you go into ketosis, your body will be weak, it will be difficult to work out, you will be tired, irritable, have fuzzy brain among other things (like bad breath, bathroom issues, etc..).

If you follow the slow and steady pattern, you will eventually lose weight. Low carb is a quick fix and can be terribly unhealthy.

Barneystinson

Regarding ketosis: in itself, it's not bad, but it's dependent on the level of ketone bodies present in the blood. We all have ketone bodies present in the blood to some degree - the degree varies with other factors including diet, prolonged hunger, suckling (i.e. an infant), diabetic conditions, exercise, fasting...etc. I'm a bit confused as to why there's so much confusion in itself about what it is, how it works, and how it affects the body.

I was going to come in here and give a scientific speech on what it is, how it works, and what it means for the brain, but everyone will just come blasting and disagree with everything I post, regardless of whether it's pulled directly from a biology textbook, so what's the point? If you're concerned about it, do some research on Google. In fact, research the name Dr. Richard Veech for several full-text journal articles. He's basically Grandpa Ketosis.

I'm out of ketosis at about 71/g (total) carbohydrate per day. From there I'm in mild or non-existent ketosis - AKA normal level. Mild-moderate ketosis for me = steady weight loss. Maintenance level means mild to non-existent. My carb intake varies proportionately with desired weight loss rate and my rate of fitness.

And seriously people, unless you're actually testing this personally along with your health stats (i.e. blood sugar, weight, daily Ketostix testing) , don't make sweeping generalizations like "Low carb is bad!" or "you need 130 grams of carbohydrate/day to survive" Realize that the majority who "live low carb" EAT CARBS at some level. They probably also eat a diet higher in fat and with moderate protein. Look at my food diary and WHOA! Lookie there, folks! I EAT CARBS to correspond to my activity level. Sometimes (like yesterday) I have cheat days with an unGodly amount of carbohydrate (220 grams).

Everyone has different needs. Let's leave it there.

July24Lioness

I have been taking a college course on nutrition. It is a biology course and really goes in depth into the way your body processes food chemically and what have you. Taking this course has scared the bejabbers out of me, especially regarding low-carb diets. Glucose is the basis of every chemical, cellular and metabolic activity in which the body partakes. When we get too little carbs, the body has to resort to breaking down proteins (mainly muscle tissue) to create a glucose alternative. Contrary to what Atkins says, when the body starts throwing ketones it is from protein breakdown, not fat burning.

Healthy carbs are whole grains, fruits, brown rice, and vegetables; unhealthy carbs are processed sugar, white potatoes, refined white flour. I do believe that too many carbs can increase your tendency to gain weight, but too few can be quite harmful as well.

If you want to cut back on your carb grams eliminate the unhealthy carbs and see what happens. If you aren't satisfied, then gradually reduce a few more grams until you feel better.

this is much more sensible than the drastic all or nothing approaches out there-



and didn't cavemen die at the ripe old age of about 30? if they were lucky?

Cave men didn't die due to illness and such. They died at young ages due to falling victim to bigger animals. There is much research that their bones were stronger and no signs of illness.

We haven't evolved that much for our bodies to handle grains. Grains are nothing but irritants to the human body.

any nomadic lifestyle is going to develop strong thick bones. That doesn't mean they didn't have heart attacks, which wouldn't be evident from the fossil record. The bones can't tell the entire story on nutrition levels.

If grains lead to obesity, why is China, (who consumes rice at an amazing rate) so slim?

Slimmer does not = healthier............

July24Lioness

Your body does need carbs.

Will you lose weight on a low carb diet? Yes, but it WILL come back eventually if you go back to the same eating patterns. All it does is cause temporary water weight loss, which will come back once you start eating the carbs again.

Once you go into ketosis, your body will be weak, it will be difficult to work out, you will be tired, irritable, have fuzzy brain among other things (like bad breath, bathroom issues, etc..).

If you follow the slow and steady pattern, you will eventually lose weight. Low carb is a quick fix and can be terribly unhealthy.

Oh to the Contrary...............

I am not going back to the Standard American Diet, so therefore my eating plan will always be similar to how I am eating today.

And as for the statement about ketosis and being weak, that is a GRAND Fallacy.............I currently have more energy, clearer thinking, not tired, I have more endurance to work out.............

I don't mind the breath - that is what drinking plenty of water and chewing mint leaves is for.

Low Carbing is NOT a quick fix, it is a lifestyle change to a natural eating plan, void of processed foods.

July24Lioness

Regarding ketosis: in itself, it's not bad, but it's dependent on the level of ketone bodies present in the blood. We all have ketone bodies present in the blood to some degree - the degree varies with other factors including diet, prolonged hunger, suckling (i.e. an infant), diabetic conditions, exercise, fasting...etc. I'm a bit confused as to why there's so much confusion in itself about what it is, how it works, and how it affects the body.

I was going to come in here and give a scientific speech on what it is, how it works, and what it means for the brain, but everyone will just come blasting and disagree with everything I post, regardless of whether it's pulled directly from a biology textbook, so what's the point? If you're concerned about it, do some research on Google. In fact, research the name Dr. Richard Veech for several full-text journal articles. He's basically Grandpa Ketosis.

I'm out of ketosis at about 71/g (total) carbohydrate per day. From there I'm in mild or non-existent ketosis - AKA normal level. Mild-moderate ketosis for me = steady weight loss. Maintenance level means mild to non-existent. My carb intake varies proportionately with desired weight loss rate and my rate of fitness.

And seriously people, unless you're actually testing this personally along with your health stats (i.e. blood sugar, weight, daily Ketostix testing) , don't make sweeping generalizations like "Low carb is bad!" or "you need 130 grams of carbohydrate/day to survive" Realize that the majority who "live low carb" EAT CARBS at some level. They probably also eat a diet higher in fat and with moderate protein. Look at my food diary and WHOA! Lookie there, folks! I EAT CARBS to correspond to my activity level. Sometimes (like yesterday) I have cheat days with an unGodly amount of carbohydrate (220 grams).

Everyone has different needs. Let's leave it there.

I eat carbs too, just mostly veggies and a bit of fruit................I don't need beans, legumes or grains.

July24Lioness

I know a few people that actually do 0 carb and they are way healthier, leaner and more fit than I ever thought about being.

Works for them.

Barneystinson

I know a few people that actually do 0 carb and they are way healthier, leaner and more fit than I ever thought about being.

Works for them.

I do, too, but that's just opening up another s***storm that we don't even need here

July24Lioness

I know a few people that actually do 0 carb and they are way healthier, leaner and more fit than I ever thought about being.

Works for them.

I do, too, but that's just opening up another s***storm that we don't even need here

That is true. i will keep it quiet as kept.