Has anyone tried low-carb?

I'm pretty sure there is a low-carb group here, if you want to check it out. I have done low carb, and it was tough for me. I never got over feeling the 'flu' that they talk about.

The "flu" is detoxing from carbs. I find it very easy to follow my low carb plan and it is very effective. I have so much more energy and have lost fat and very little lean body mass because of all the protein I eat and the weight training I do. The body has no need of any carbs but you will die if you don't eat enough fat or protein yet people think a high carb diet is good for them - go figure!

I did it for 9 months, glad I did it because it sorted out my cravings but I am now on a more balanced thing with just as good results.

I also eat more nutrient dense foods as a by-product.

I'm doing a targeted ketogenic diet, I'm having a much easier time maintaining muscle (along with heavy weightlifting) than I did on a 40/30/30 diet. Weight loss is no faster than on the balanced diet, but I do have considerably more energy with the keto. If I weren't concerned with maintaining muscle, frankly, I wouldn't bother, just because meal planning and working out ratios is a pain.

Did it twice (Protein Power and Atkins). It worked great for weight loss but was a dog during maintanance as I approached goal and I ended up giving into cravings as you up your carb allowance. Never slipped back to my worst but month by month a large portion of the weight crept back.
Would not knock it for sure and if your bloodésugar is out of whack it really beneficial as well. Another plus was I had my best LDL-HDL readings ever.

The "flu" is detoxing from carbs. I find it very easy to follow my low carb plan and it is very effective. I have so much more energy and have lost fat and very little lean body mass because of all the protein I eat and the weight training I do. The body has no need of any carbs but you will die if you don't eat enough fat or protein yet people think a high carb diet is good for them - go figure!

This is patently false. The 'flu' is from decreased energy while your body switches gears from primarily glucose burning to fat burning and can sometimes take a few weeks to clear up. Too long for me.

And your body needs carbs. There are plenty of carbs in fruits and vegetables.

Did it about 2 years ago, and lost about a stone pretty quickly. The best shape I've ever been in. Totally leaned me out.... see my pic! I slowly started bringing carbs back in, and then I was just eating them whenever I wanted - 2 years later I'm about 2 stone heavier

So back on it again. 2nd week in. Aiming for 40g a day. Feeling pretty tired and weak in the mornings, but I know it'll phase out soon

Did it about 2 years ago, and lost about a stone pretty quickly. The best shape I've ever been in. Totally leaned me out.... see my pic! I slowly started bringing carbs back in, and then I was just eating them whenever I wanted - 2 years later I'm about 2 stone heavier

So back on it again. 2nd week in. Aiming for 40g a day. Feeling pretty tired and weak in the mornings, but I know it'll phase out soon

So - you did it once, it backfired and you gained it all back - so it did not work in a sustainable manner....And now you are going to do the same thing all over again???:huh:

It doesn't matter how you lose weight, whether the conventional calorie counting and exercise method or keto or keto and exercise, if you stop and go back to your old habits you'll start gaining weight...
Keto *is* a diet you can go on for your entire life if you have the commitment to your own personal health, and for a lot of people it works

I was on a very low carb diet for about 7 months last year. The diet made me feel amazing and for the first time in my life, I loved to exercise and go shopping. I lost 80 pounds and have now regained it all back, plus 10 more pounds. My idea going in was that I knew I couldn't do low carb for the rest of my life, so I would stay on the diet until I was at a reasonable weight and then switch to eating healthy overall. That didn't work out like I planned, as I just went back to eating terrible. My cravings came back after I quit the diet, and it got to a point where I craved carbs all the time, worse than before I lost the weight. Throughout the past year, I went back to low carb for a couple weeks here and there, but have realized that I could never do it again. The thought of eating hamburgers without a bun makes me ill now.

Unless you can live without pizza, bread, and spaghetti for the rest of your life, I highly suggest not going on it. A low carb diet is more limited than some people think.

Something I'd also like to point out is that when you're doing low carb, your cravings practically disappear. A lot of times, you don't even want to eat dinner. So, in the end, you are actually doing a calorie restricted diet anyway. So, why not eat your favorite fruits and yogurts?

I have done in the past and I remain, many days, aware of the carb counts because HUbster carb counts for diabetes management. I have to keep up with meals that are for us both so he can make his choices to fit his needs.

I do keep my carb setting around 100 (which is not VLCD level) but is less than the average American eats. I think that is plenty for me. Although I don't always pay it attention.

When I did it in the past I never had carb flu. I had exponentially more energy. I also love meats and veggies (most all) which is the basis of low carb. (be sure to get your veggies in - it ain't about living on bacon). I lost weight - and found it very do-able. My problems came up with convenience and constantly being presented with "temptations."

I have fared fare better with the keeping under 100 and trying to hit a protein/fiber count while under calorie goal. Not burning it up weight loss wise, but am doing it very comfortably. 100 carbs most days is plenty.