carb-less ideas

theblitz
theblitz Posts: 32
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
how do you cut back on carbs? I went way over today.... but they were mostly from fiber cereal and baked potato... ideas? are they really that detrimental to weight loss?

Replies

  • BeantownSooner
    BeantownSooner Posts: 254
    Everyone is different and will react to foods differently. First thing I would recommend is to go back into your goals and if you still have the MFP default change them from 55% carbs. I use 40% Carbs/40% Protein/20% Fats. Many others do 40%/30%/30%.

    The low-carb dieters staple foods tend to be the following:
    Lean meats and fish
    Most veggies but moderate the amount of starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas and carrots as they have a fair amount of carbs in them.
    Cheese, cottage cheese...most other dairy foods you have to take a good look at as many contain quite a bit of sugar i.e. carbs
    Good fats such as nuts, nut butters, oils

    One really simple switch is to look at the amount of fruit you eat and if you rely on them like many people do perhaps just swap out 1-2 of those a day with fresh veggies instead and you'll see a drop.

    Lastly, go check out Atkins.com and there's a free pdf that you can download that has a list of all low-carb foods for people using that program.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Carbs are extremely important to people with metabolic conditions that need low or lower carb diets (i.e. diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroid), and those that prefer a low carb approach. If you don't fit in either of those categories, don't stress out about carbs. Just make sure you get adequate protein and fat and stay within a calorie deficit, and you'll be able to lose weight. Don't let the mass media carb-phobia get to you. Remember the 1990's when low-fat was the craze? exactly. No single macronutrient is evil.
  • AlabasterVerve
    AlabasterVerve Posts: 3,171 Member
    Even at 38 with an obvious (now) intolerance for carbs (I was always hungry & would get hypoglycemic sometimes if I went too long with out eating) I was able to lose weight eating tons of fruit and whole grains which put me at about 150g - 250g grams of carbs a day. I aim to keep my carbs under a 100g now but they usually are under 50g without trying just from cutting out grains, starchy vegetables and keeping my sugar around MFP's recommended level.

    So no, I don't think at 20 you'd have any problems losing weight on a diet that includes whole grains and starchy vegetables as long as you're active. Even so, I think you'd be much better off limiting your sugar/carbs and replacing those calories with fat and protein.
  • Momjogger
    Momjogger Posts: 750 Member
    Do you mean refined carbs or carbs overall? I try to eat lots of salads and fruit - especially berries and watermelon and apples. I try to stay away from processed carbs. I snack on Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and grilled chicken as well as cucumbers with balsamic vinegar, and celery. I eat a lot of soup with chicken and veggies and grilled chicken on salad. I also eat a lot of turkey, ground turkey and egg whites.
  • caraiselite
    caraiselite Posts: 2,631 Member
    grilled protein and lots of salads, stir fries (no sugary sauces) and sauteed or grilled veggies.

    i eat 20-50 grams a day (peanut butter always makes me go over 20, ugh) you can look at my diary if you want. i'm more of a snacker than a meal eater though.
  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Posts: 1,191 Member
    how do you cut back on carbs? I went way over today.... but they were mostly from fiber cereal and baked potato... ideas? are they really that detrimental to weight loss?
    When I'm watching my carbs, I don't eat things like cereal or potatoes and I try to avoid bread except when I'm having a cheat day.

    I have eggs or Canadian bacon with fruit for breakfast or I might do an omelette with logs of veggies. Instead of a baked potato, I'd rather go with other veggies, like squash, corn on the cob, beans, heaps of sauteed cabbage or even a sweet potato. I regularly eat grilled chicken and Mediterranean vegetables.
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