how did lowering your carbs work for you?

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Replies

  • SexyDexie
    SexyDexie Posts: 48 Member
    I have Type 2 diabetes and lowering my carbs to less than 100g per day has done wonders for my glucose levels. I have also lost 10 pounds in my first month on MFP and I have gained some lean muscle. Most of my carbs come from vegetables and I really do not have a problem with energy levels.
  • Shaunte86
    Shaunte86 Posts: 39 Member
    I have not paid very close attention to my appetite and energy levels when I have a lower carb day, however, after reading through this thread I do think that trying a lower carb diet for a couple of weeks will prove advantageous for me. On days that I spend a lot of time in the gym, I will allow more carbs to power me through my long workouts! I see that some people do 20g and some 100g...is there a "magic number" for carb intake that is low carb but not drastic for people?
  • epie2098
    epie2098 Posts: 224 Member
    I did eat low carb for a while. I did really well for three months, then my energy levels crashed.

    The thing is that you may be told to lower your carbohydrate intake, but without knowing if you are either:

    -eating too many processed carbs (eg crackers, popchips, juice for snacks etc.)
    -overestimating your portion sizes (eg think restaurant-sized pasta entrees)
    -not getting enough fresh produce and relying on higher-carbohydrate foods to fill you up (eg getting potato salad at a bbq instead of a green salad or cut up veggies)

    It's really difficult to tell you how to lower the intake while not going too low because there are so many things it could mean. The nutritionist is the best bet :)

    Edited to add: I measure carbs and add unlimited green/low carb veggies to my meals. 1/2 cup of brown rice, or 1 cup pasta. I get sprouted grain bread at 50 calories/slice. For breakfast, I have 1/2 cup dry oatmeal. Portion control :)
  • epie2098
    epie2098 Posts: 224 Member
    I have not paid very close attention to my appetite and energy levels when I have a lower carb day, however, after reading through this thread I do think that trying a lower carb diet for a couple of weeks will prove advantageous for me. On days that I spend a lot of time in the gym, I will allow more carbs to power me through my long workouts! I see that some people do 20g and some 100g...is there a "magic number" for carb intake that is low carb but not drastic for people?

    Not really. Each body is different. Read up on carb cycling - that's probably the way to go for you as you can combine it with a workout schedule that gives you more carbs on higher-cardio days.
  • rosemaryhon
    rosemaryhon Posts: 507 Member
    I have not paid very close attention to my appetite and energy levels when I have a lower carb day, however, after reading through this thread I do think that trying a lower carb diet for a couple of weeks will prove advantageous for me. On days that I spend a lot of time in the gym, I will allow more carbs to power me through my long workouts! I see that some people do 20g and some 100g...is there a "magic number" for carb intake that is low carb but not drastic for people?

    Glancing thru my food diary it seems I average about 120 carbs daily. Which is huge reduction from my former eating habits LOL. For *me* this is a good amount, not too drastic ~ though I realize mine is not a truly low-carb diet. You're welcome to look thru my (open) diary.
  • Losing85
    Losing85 Posts: 26
    Thanks again everyone. I don't want to go low card but I do want to lower it to about 120-150. I ate higher protein days and noticed that I was less hungry but my sodium was through the roof.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    Thanks again everyone. I don't want to go low card but I do want to lower it to about 120-150. I ate higher protein days and noticed that I was less hungry but my sodium was through the roof.

    Do you have high blood pressure ? if not, sodium intake is a non-issue.
  • Shaunte86
    Shaunte86 Posts: 39 Member
    I have not paid very close attention to my appetite and energy levels when I have a lower carb day, however, after reading through this thread I do think that trying a lower carb diet for a couple of weeks will prove advantageous for me. On days that I spend a lot of time in the gym, I will allow more carbs to power me through my long workouts! I see that some people do 20g and some 100g...is there a "magic number" for carb intake that is low carb but not drastic for people?

    Glancing thru my food diary it seems I average about 120 carbs daily. Which is huge reduction from my former eating habits LOL. For *me* this is a good amount, not too drastic ~ though I realize mine is not a truly low-carb diet. You're welcome to look thru my (open) diary.

    Thanks!
  • endoftheside
    endoftheside Posts: 568 Member
    Lowering my carbs is one the best things I have done for myself food/health-wise. No more binging, no more excessive hunger, my weight loss goals seem so possible and they ARE possible now. I had to play around with my macros to find what worked for me, but eating at 1g protein per LBM, <150g carbs, and filling in the rest with fat is working really well for me so far.

    If you are looking to keep your sodium low while eating higher protein you will have to minimize the use of lunch meats and most canned/processed protein sources. I use the crockpot a lot to have easy sources of protein available (roast/chicken/short ribs/etc.) I try to keep my sodium at 1500mg per day as recommended by the AHA (I often go over but I am working on it).
  • Hampisaboss
    Hampisaboss Posts: 5
    I am on day one of lowering my carbs so that it can kind of get me over the hump. I will let you guys know in about a week how things are going.
  • kmstieg
    kmstieg Posts: 58
    I cut carbs a year ago and here's what happened:

    - Lost over 100lbs and counting
    - Blood pressure is great (110 / 73)
    - Bloodwork and cholesterol are perfect
    - Asthma went away after 20 years (though the weight loss is likely what caused that)
    - Have more energy, and I require less sleep
    - No longer hungry 24/7
    - No more heartburn or gas
    - Learned how to cook!


    Wow...congratulations on your weight loss!! I have had all the positive results as you have had!! Happy low-carbing :))
  • TS65
    TS65 Posts: 1,024 Member
    I didn't really start dropping weight until I dropped my carbs to 50g and my sugars to 25g. I tend to flux between 50-75 carbs and up to 50g sugars, depending on what I've been eating (e.g., they'll be higher if I've eaten a sweet potato vs. brocolli).

    And... like others have said - the cravings (for carby or sweet stuff) have vanished.
  • Silver_Star
    Silver_Star Posts: 1,351 Member
    My doc was actually excited when my annual physical results came out :happy:

    I used to be so addicted to bread and rice...i just couldnt control my greed when i would eat them. And i was always hungry,
    I try to keep my carb intake around 100g each day.

    Other than me just being lazy, i have no health issues at all now. Blood pressure, cholesterol and thyroid are all normal now.
  • Jkelly1221
    Jkelly1221 Posts: 91 Member
    Honestly, it has done wonders for me, like others said, I stick around 100 carbs/day. Today i had 118 g carbs and 110 g protein. I eat great through the week when I'm working my desk job, but when I bartend on the weekends at a golf course, all hell breaks loose....I really need to get my weekends in check and I would be way farther ahead than what I am right now.
  • Losing85
    Losing85 Posts: 26
    My doc was actually excited when my annual physical results came out :happy:

    I used to be so addicted to bread and rice...i just couldnt control my greed when i would eat them. And i was always hungry,
    I try to keep my carb intake around 100g each day.

    Other than me just being lazy, i have no health issues at all now. Blood pressure, cholesterol and thyroid are all normal now.



    thats so amazing!!!!

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