Trying low carb

emccand

Is anyone else trying low carb? I love my bread, bagels and pasta but cant seem to stay under calorie when I eat these things. Plus my mom and my husband have both been eating less carbs and losing weight so I thought I would try it too. Im not cutting out every single thing with carbs in it but not eating bread, bagels, pasta, rice, potatoes, crackers, cookies, cakes, cereal ect. except for on the rare occasion. Its a big change for me, since I used to eat spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese every single day, and I am looking forward to seeing if this helps the pounds drop. Has anyone else done this and had success? How many weeks before you starting noticing a difference or dropping pounds? I am eating lots of fruits and veggies instead and drinking lots of water and have been at or under my calorie goals ever day but 1. Let me know what you thinks thanks!

albertabeefy

I'm a very-low-carb (ketogenic) dieter, have been for about 2-1/2 years to control my diabetes. I lost considerable weight in combination with diet and exercise - but best of all I've completely controlled all my blood sugar levels to normal readings.

There is a reasonably active low-carb group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-group

... as well as a ketogenic diet group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/1143-keto

The one thing I'll advise you with a low-carb diet is if you lose weight with it, and get to a point where you're happy, and want to eat carbs again ... reintroduce them SLOWLY. Too many that lose weight on low-carb plans just jump back into high-carb diets when they reach a goal weight ... and gain it all back.

A gradual re-introduction is by-far the best way to go once a goal is reached.

Feel free to add me if you want.

haroon_awan

I'm a very-low-carb (ketogenic) dieter, have been for about 2-1/2 years to control my diabetes. I lost considerable weight in combination with diet and exercise - but best of all I've completely controlled all my blood sugar levels to normal readings.

There is a reasonably active low-carb group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-group

... as well as a ketogenic diet group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/1143-keto

The one thing I'll advise you with a low-carb diet is if you lose weight with it, and get to a point where you're happy, and want to eat carbs again ... reintroduce them SLOWLY. Too many that lose weight on low-carb plans just jump back into high-carb diets when they reach a goal weight ... and gain it all back.

A gradual re-introduction is by-far the best way to go once a goal is reached.

Feel free to add me if you want.

I agree with this.

Most people are not capable of dropping carbs completely without a binge later on. If you do start it, do it slowly. And then gradually re-introduce carbs later on, eg 2-6 weeks later.. Oatmeal or sweet potatoes in the evening would be ideal for example.

Francl27

Last time I did a diet (14 years ago), I pretty much cut carbs, and gained it all back later, because it was very hard to avoid carbs all the time.

Can you start by limiting your carbs to 100g a day? Or decrease your diet to 40% carbs or something? It just seems much easier to maintain that diet than pretty much cutting carbs altogether.

bacitracin

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1511-reddit-keto
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1160-keto
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
http://www.vivalowcarb.com/
http://nuclearfuzzgrunge.com/tlcm/
http://www.gnolls.org/1141/eat-like-a-predator-not-like-prey-paleo-in-six-easy-steps-a-motivational-guide/
http://www.contraros.com/nutritional-ketosis/ketogenic-food-list/
http://cavemanketo.com/

runner_gurl76

Good for you!
There are so many delicious and healthy things in this world - why waste calories on pre packaged, pre processed junk.

I have 2 words that will rock your world:

SPAGHETTI SQUASH

jordantylergillespie

Last time I did a diet (14 years ago), I pretty much cut carbs, and gained it all back later, because it was very hard to avoid carbs all the time.

Can you start by limiting your carbs to 100g a day? Or decrease your diet to 40% carbs or something? It just seems much easier to maintain that diet than pretty much cutting carbs altogether.

This is what I've been doing lately and has worked wonderfully. I've reduced carbs down to 40% of my daily intake and upped both protein and fat so that I can maintain that. It has been great, I'm not hungry, I have lots of energy, and I'm really enjoying finding new sources of protein like cottage cheese and different cuts of steak.

Remember that carbs in and of themselves are not the enemy necessarily, the high starch, high GI carbs, carbs that spike blood sugar are the ones to cut out.

17ChargerGirl17

I am a low carb'er.. Have been for about 4 months now.
It works for me and I don't miss them at all. I am following Atkins
so when I get to where I need to be I will gradually start adding carbs back into my daily routine.
Good luck!!!
fyi.... Adkins has yummy snacks.....

Angie_Fritts

If I keep my carbs under 60 I will lose weight. I agree with the above posters. When you do go to add back carbs into your diet do it slowly. Because you will gain the weight back with a vengence otherwise.

I would suggest cutting out the fruits that you are currently eating for a couple of weeks. Then add them back in slowly. You are already on the right track cutting out your breads and starchy vegetables.

I have been reading on the Paleo diet which is a version of low carb and it seems manageable.

Good Luck.

bridge1101

Last time I did a diet (14 years ago), I pretty much cut carbs, and gained it all back later, because it was very hard to avoid carbs all the time.

Can you start by limiting your carbs to 100g a day? Or decrease your diet to 40% carbs or something? It just seems much easier to maintain that diet than pretty much cutting carbs altogether.

This is what I've been doing lately and has worked wonderfully. I've reduced carbs down to 40% of my daily intake and upped both protein and fat so that I can maintain that. It has been great, I'm not hungry, I have lots of energy, and I'm really enjoying finding new sources of protein like cottage cheese and different cuts of steak.

Remember that carbs in and of themselves are not the enemy necessarily, the high starch, high GI carbs, carbs that spike blood sugar are the ones to cut out.

What he said..
A strict Low carb diet can be maintained only if you're ready to drastically alter your lifestyle for the long term. Otherwise it comes back..
I am on a low carb/good carb diet and i just try to increase my protein and fiber intake (to help me stay full). Though.. who wants to deprive themselves of mac & cheese. I love pasta, I love bread.. but i've just found other alternatives. Spelt, brown rice, Quinoa, sweet potatoes..the list is endless.
And heres a nice trick for my pasta lovers.. ZUCCHINI!! grab a julienne peeler..steam for 30 seconds...add sauce..tastes just like your mom's spaghetti and meatballs.

----> in case anyone's interested..Zucchini spaghetti http://nomnompaleo.com/post/5695132949/zucchini-spaghetti-zoodles-meatballs

goalss4nika

I am a low carb'er.. Have been for about 4 months now.
It works for me and I don't miss them at all. I am following Atkins
so when I get to where I need to be I will gradually start adding carbs back into my daily routine.
Good luck!!!
fyi.... Adkins has yummy snacks.....

Oh my! The peanut butter cups are awesome

just_fur_luck

Low carbing and strength toning is the only way to get results.

Akimajuktuq

I'm not "trying" low carb, I am ketogenic Primal for life (gotta love the silly labels!). I'm extremely low carb and have no choice in order to heal my health (I might increase carbs back up to 10% once I'm recovered but that's about it). Also, I do not agree with a low carb eating plan that includes lots of processed food and artificial sweeteners. I eat this way for health first and foremost. The weight loss and lack of constant hunger are very nice side effects of my healthy lifestyle.

My diary is open to everyone. You might be surprised at my macros. Yes it IS healthy.

I don't miss bread, or any of the stuff I don't eat anymore, because I don't miss being sick and fat. :happy:

08kat

I am loving low carb. I have only recently gotten serious about sticking to a low carb diet and exercising regularly. I have had a 15 pound weight loss in the past 3 weeks since I got serious. Lots of veggies, substitute spaghetti squash for pasta, lean meats and lots of egg whites. My saving grace are the Atkins products. They have added frozen meals to their line of protein bars and shakes. They taste great and keep my energy up. GOOD LUCK!!!

Akimajuktuq

I am loving low carb. I have only recently gotten serious about sticking to a low carb diet and exercising regularly. I have had a 15 pound weight loss in the past 3 weeks since I got serious. Lots of veggies, substitute spaghetti squash for pasta, lean meats and lots of egg whites. My saving grace are the Atkins products. They have added frozen meals to their line of protein bars and shakes. They taste great and keep my energy up. GOOD LUCK!!!

Why only "lean" meats and why no egg yolks? But the Atkins processed foods are a "saving grace" (um, NO, I've read the ingredients). I don't get it. And this is why I'm no longer part of the Low Carb forum. A healthy low carb lifestyle requires lots of healthy fats from real food. IMO.

just_fur_luck

I am loving low carb. I have only recently gotten serious about sticking to a low carb diet and exercising regularly. I have had a 15 pound weight loss in the past 3 weeks since I got serious. Lots of veggies, substitute spaghetti squash for pasta, lean meats and lots of egg whites. My saving grace are the Atkins products. They have added frozen meals to their line of protein bars and shakes. They taste great and keep my energy up. GOOD LUCK!!!

Why only "lean" meats and why no egg yolks? But the Atkins processed foods are a "saving grace" (um, NO, I've read the ingredients). I don't get it. And this is why I'm no longer part of the Low Carb forum. A healthy low carb lifestyle requires lots of healthy fats from real food. IMO.

Enjoy your arteriosclerosis.

IamUndrCnstruction

I am loving low carb. I have only recently gotten serious about sticking to a low carb diet and exercising regularly. I have had a 15 pound weight loss in the past 3 weeks since I got serious. Lots of veggies, substitute spaghetti squash for pasta, lean meats and lots of egg whites. My saving grace are the Atkins products. They have added frozen meals to their line of protein bars and shakes. They taste great and keep my energy up. GOOD LUCK!!!

Why only "lean" meats and why no egg yolks? But the Atkins processed foods are a "saving grace" (um, NO, I've read the ingredients). I don't get it. And this is why I'm no longer part of the Low Carb forum. A healthy low carb lifestyle requires lots of healthy fats from real food. IMO.

IamUndrCnstruction

Sorry, new to the quoting thing. But I agree that processed foods like the Atkins snacks and meals can not be good for you. If there are ingredients that I can not pronounce or need to spell check...I don't eat it. Low carb is a good way to lose weight, but there IS a difference between the type of carbs you eat.

Beckboo0912

I agree with bacitracin, spaghetti Squash has quickly become a favorite. I've been low carb for a while aside from a few cheat days. I thought it was giong to be harder then it was. I've lost weight but I just in general feel better, cutting down carbs and eating not processed stuff for the most part. Good luck, feel free to add me if you want

just_fur_luck

Yes. Definitely spaghetti squash. If you had never had spaghetti squash and had always been told that real spaghetti was clear and limp and flavorless then you'd never be able to tell the difference.

REDI4CHANGE60

Bump ... check out those links

lil_pulp

Bumping to share with a friend.

bookyeti

As someone with PCOS, insulin resistance and hypothyroidism, lower carb eating is the only way I can lose weight. I tried sticking to calorie counting (eating back some if not most of my exercise calories) and daily hour-long workouts, while still enjoying whole grain pasta, brown rice, and whole grain bread... but I didn't lose a pound! I wish my body functioned 'normally', but it doesn't.

I average about 1750 calories a day, with 100-120g carbs -- mostly sourced from fruit and vegetables... and it's working well for me. I am seeing steady (albeit, slow) weight loss, however, it is sustainable, which, for me, is VITAL to keeping this way of eating forever, and not just temporarily. I could probably lose weight much faster if I dropped the carbs extremely low, but I know I would not stick to something so restrictive...and those pounds would quickly return.

nsaglian

It has worked wonderfully for me.:bigsmile: On January 5th, I was 353lbs (having lost 12lbs previously), I am now 306lbs, for an average weekly loss of about 3lbs a week. My diet plan is 125 gm of carbs and 2000 calories a day. I get a moderate amount of fitness training, about 1900cal/week. The secret is to not eat very much bread, pasta, rice or potatoes, or starchy vegetables, (corn or peas). I use low-carb bread occasionally, low carb wraps, Atkins breakfast bars. So, low glycemic index foods are the source of most of my carbs. This diet can work well, with plenty of vegetables, and lean meat to fill up on. Check out the book "Wheat Belly" by DR William Davis, MD. I discovered this book in early March, I had already been following his essential guidelines. Wheat is very destructive to your ability to loose weight!

JessicaOnKeto

I've embarked on the low carb journey with my boyfriend too (not husband yet ), and I'm loving every single minute of it.
I was just like you, I had carb-riddled meals every single day. Cereal, Pasta, Bread, Pizza.. and tons and tons and tons and tons of fast food. :ohwell:
I was addicted to carbs, lethargic, tired, miserable and out of energy. :frown: I'm 22years old and I didn't feel like I was.
The first week was where I dropped the most, 8 pounds, (my boyfriend dropped 12!) but I think radically changing your diet to a different regime than you're used to would create that drastic weight drop I think, :bigsmile: anyway, since then it's a steady decline anywhere from 0.5-2.5lbs a week. :drinker:
Ultimately, for me, being on a low carb high fat ketogenic diet is the easiest way to create the calorie deficit needed in order to achieve weight loss. There are many different methods to lose weight, you just have to find the one that works the best for you! I wish you luck on your journey! Anyone feel free to add me or message me! We are all in this together! :drinker: :flowerforyou:

Edited to add:
-I try to keep my net carbs (carbs minus fiber) under 20-25grams a day and try to do 65% fat, 30% protein and 5% carbs of my calorie intake :happy:
-My Diary is Public, so anyone and everyone can see what I eat, it may not be the most perfect example of keto/lowcarb, but It's what works for me at the moment :flowerforyou: :drinker:

Sqeekyjojo

It will probably be hard to just stop eating all of the bread, pasta and suchlike all at once. But after a very short time, you don't notice they aren't there anymore.

Personally, I found, not quite 'cutting bread out entirely', but just not buying it really helped. Now, if I really want something, I'll probably get some wholemeal pittas or naan bread - and the chances are that the rest of the packet will go off before it occurs to me to eat them.

Having said that, I do drink alcohol and had both a pesto pasta salad and a chocolate bar today. So I'm not exactly going crazy on this.


Easiest way is to not get bread/cakes/pastry first and lay off the pasta. Have potatoes with their skins, high carb fruit and veg, fruit juice occasionally, that kind of thing. You might find that just not having those refined carbs is enough.

twopennygal

I've been low-carbing for over eleven years. Sometimes better than others, but I've never gone back to the level of carbs I was on before I started low-carbing. I started for my health, I had PCOS. Long story short, I find it's easiest to avoid starchy vegetables (potaotes, etc.) and grains. My big downfall, since I'm allergic to wheat, is corn -- corn chips, popcorn, tacos, nachos, etc.

In my case, I've made the decision always to live low-carb. So I don't think about "when I stop low-carbing or get off the diet." My diet is primarily meat and vegetables. Some people think we don't eat a balanced diet because we mostly stop eating starchy and sugary foods, but meat and vegetables is the most balanced you can get.

And if you do it, you'll feel so much better because your body will actually be getting what it needs to thrive -- preteins and fat. Carbs only supply energy. Your body doesn't need them to live, whereas if you cut out all protein or all fat, your body would scavenge what it needs from your muscles and bones until there was nothing left.

albertabeefy

Why only "lean" meats and why no egg yolks? But the Atkins processed foods are a "saving grace" (um, NO, I've read the ingredients). I don't get it. And this is why I'm no longer part of the Low Carb forum. A healthy low carb lifestyle requires lots of healthy fats from real food. IMO.

Enjoy your arteriosclerosis.

Enjoy your complete ignorance about the role healthy, natural fats play in human biochemistry, and their true relationship to heart disease.

just_fur_luck

Why only "lean" meats and why no egg yolks? But the Atkins processed foods are a "saving grace" (um, NO, I've read the ingredients). I don't get it. And this is why I'm no longer part of the Low Carb forum. A healthy low carb lifestyle requires lots of healthy fats from real food. IMO.

Enjoy your arteriosclerosis.

Enjoy your complete ignorance about the role healthy, natural fats play in human biochemistry, and their true relationship to heart disease.

We'll see who's ignorant when you're having a balloon stuck into your leg to get the blockages out of your arteries. Meanwhile I'll be having fun in the sun. Sitting on a sunny beach while buxom island women bring me umbrella festooned drinks in coconut shells. I'll be living the life without a care in the world. Poor you, balloons inserted through your crotch because you chose to eat a yolk.

emccand

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I know I need more protein because Im hungry a lot! I havent been buying any of the stuff I mentioned before, if it isnt in the house I wont be tempted by it lol. I will have to try the spaghetti squash, as long as it doesnt taste like squash, I dont like it at all. I tried atkins bars but Im allergic to the soy, so almost every single protein or meal replacement bar I cannot have. I have been doing cottage cheese tho with fruit its very filling. Im going to keep doing the lower carb diet and see what the results are after a month

albertabeefy

We'll see who's ignorant when you're having a balloon stuck into your leg to get the blockages out of your arteries. Meanwhile I'll be having fun in the sun. Sitting on a sunny beach while buxom island women bring me umbrella festooned drinks in coconut shells. I'll be living the life without a care in the world. Poor you, balloons inserted through your crotch because you chose to eat a yolk.

Are you just a troll, or are you really that research-challenged you can't look at the truth for yourself? If you're one of those people that still believes fat causes heart disease, perhaps you should do some research.

Regardless of if you're a troll, willfully ignorant or research-challenged, you're simply wrong.