Low carb or low calorie

I used to believe that carbs mattered most. Kept dieting, kept failing. Now I'm on an unlimited carb diet and losing so easily it seems almost surreal. I do count calories. I say find a way of eating that suits you best while progressing your weight loss.

My trainer says low carb unless you are exercising and definately low carb in afternoons. No eating after 6pm whatever.

"It is just so confusing at times. I walked 2 miles yesterday and put on 3 pounds, didn't walk the day before and lost a pound"

Don't weigh yourself everyday!! Weight fluctuates like crazy depending on water weight, etc...I found it counterproductive to weigh too often. Stick to your plan and weigh yourself once a week.

I have found that calorie counting works best for me, because I do like to have a bowl of pasta now and again. The most helpful thing for me has been to cut way back on sugar (desserts, candy, even the 100 calorie packs) - I find once I get past the first day or two, I crave less "bad" carbs.

Low Carb for me. You can eat a lot more when you are eating whole foods (meat, veggies, nuts, berries, etc). Carbs, especially refined carbs, tend to cause cravings for other things. If I eat some refined carbs, then I start craving sweet stuff. I find if I can get off sugar and refined carbs, ALL cravings go away. I do best when my carbs are between 50-75 - with most of those carbs coming from veggies, nuts, berries, etc. I don't let myself freak if I go over on carbs because I had a sweet potato, for example.

At the same time, you need to keep your calories in a defecit. That being said, for me, it's pretty hard to go over when you are eating nutrient dense foods.

I think that everyone's body is different, honestly. I find that when I do low-carb, I shed weight like crazy. I can eat all of the protein smoothies, fruits, veggies, and meats I want without looking out for calories...but the second I have some pasta or a sandwich, it's all over.
Good luck to you and remember to EAT! Especially if you're working out!

Absolutely do *not* weigh yourself every day! It's so counterproductive! And depressing. Get on the scale once a week, the same day, as close to the same time, and wearing the same thing (or nothing, if you're at home--I do my "official" weigh in at the gym, so I can't do that! lol). Try to avoid beef for the 3 days before you weigh, because it takes 3 days to leave your body, and will effect your results.
I had lapband surgery 3 years ago... I still have the band, but it's not full anymore. (I have Realize, not the original LapBand, but it's the same concept, just a different brand). Mine holds a total of 11 cc's, and has 5 1/2. I've had some issues, too... slipping from vomiting too much when I got a stomach bug--twice--and I had to have all the saline removed and put back in *slowly*. Twice. Pregnancy; blah blah blah. I'd lost a total of 120 pounds in just over a year, and then I got sick and had all the saline taken out and gained 25 back... then I got pregnant. ... then I got a bug and had to have it all out again. Right now, I'm back to needing to get off a good 40 pounds. With very little restriction. It sucks. My recommendation is to exercise, exercise, and then exercise some more. Make sure, regardless of counting carbs or calories, that you are burning more than you're eating--this site helps me with that *so much*!!! And make sure you drink plenty of water. My friend is a trainer, and she takes my head off if I don't drink as close to a gallon of water as I can get every day. Try doing at least 3 days of cardio exercise and 3 or 4 days of strength training. The more muscle you build, the more fat you will burn.
I hope this helps at least a little! Good luck!

I find that when I do low-carb, I shed weight like crazy. I can eat all of the protein smoothies, fruits, veggies, and meats I want without looking out for calories...but the second I have some pasta or a sandwich, it's all over.

Hmmm... Most fruits have a buckload of carbs, honey! It's all in the brain

I've done low carb for a while, worked like a charm, lasted like dust in the wind. No way in hell was I going to give up my fruits and other carbs for life. So now I say low calorie 100%.

Hello all....first things first, this may get confusing to some, but it is as straight forward as I can put it. Everyone in this community is different, I hope you would all agree. There is not one canned program that will work for everybody, and I hate to sound harsh, but 3 large meals, and 3 small meals will definitely put weight on you....ben there, done that......IT DOES NOT RAMP UP YOUR METABILISM! The major factor in an improved metabilism is the amount of lean tissue..(muscle) that you carry on your body. That's why some strength training does wonders for all! That is one of the biggest myths ever perpetrated on people....used to believe it myself...(former semi-pro football, USVBA Mens Volleyball, & ISSA Personal Trainer). I'll probably get more flack for this, but I got the best results with myself, my wife, and former clients using, "Intermittent Fasting" or "IF", for short.
You get all your calories in 2 meals, which takes place in an 8 hr eating window....you decide your own window. The biggest trick to losing weight is #1 consistency, #2 fasted moderate pace cardio...(30-40 min is fine for most), having a good positive attitude works also! This is a lifestyle, not a challenge, BUT, the good news is that once you have reached your goals....for the most part, maintenance is easy. I truly hope this helps someone with their goals.....

P.S.,......turn off the TV.....fitness infomercials lie, and they will confuse the hell out of you!

I agree with the posters. I think you have to do what is best for you and what works best for you. For me, I am still hungry when I eat carbs. I could eat a bowl of oatmeal and a scone and looking for my midday snack. But, if I eat 2 hard boiled eggs I am satisified. If you are eating healthy carbs like fruits and veggies, that is probably best....natures food. And stay away from the processed ones. good luck

I choose moderate carbs and moderate calories. I don't eat grains with every meal, but I usually do have them at some point in the day - usually one - three servings.

I eat around 1500-1700 calories, which is MFP suggestions, plus eating my exercise calories back.

Low calorie, no doubt. It's exceedingly difficult to obtain the all nutrients your body needs if you are eating too many carbs. Especially the processed kinds i.e. bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, sugary treats etc.

Focus on 1. Getting enough protein - (so use MFP's numbers as minimums) then focus on 2. Enough fat: and then let your carbs fall where they will.

Weight loss is all about calories in vs calories out - as long as you are getting your nutrient needs met.




..also, I wanted to say I love SadKitty's weight loss ticker. That's hilarious how the cat looks like it's watching the fish :laugh:
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My vote is for low carb/HIGH FAT/Mod Protein. Fat keeps me full and satiated longer, as well as keeps my blood sugar in check which keeps my cravings at bay. Everything in moderation is a good option for those who aren't as affected by swings in their blood sugar by eating things like bread. I've never been able to have just a "little bit" of this or that, so it's easier for me to avoid. I'm a recovering carbaholic lol