cutting carbs

245

Replies

  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    OP: if you want to try it out, I would recommend lowering your carb intake in slightly smaller increments - you can see how you feel and how you do as well as allow you to play around with food choices. Say, drop to 180 - 200g, and sit there for a couple of weeks, then assess from there. You may do better on lower carbs due to insulin resistance - but keep an eye our on how it impacts your energy and adherence, and make sure you are at a reasonable deficit (which may mean upping protein and/or fats, depending on your current macros)
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    I would say try 100g of carbs for now and see how you feel, UNLESS you want to go ketogenic, which would require them to be lower. I eat keto and I consume less than 30g net carbs a day. I'm not dead, nor drained of energy, nor any of the other negative things those who look down upon low carb eating have said in this topic.

    I don't see anyone looking down on low carb eating. I think the issue was in regards to someone claiming it was optimal.

    Why is eating low carb not optimal ?
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    There's no reason to cut carbs. You need them. They are an important energy source for your body.

    All you need to do is make sure you are eating at a slight deficit and providing the remainder of your deficit with exercise.

    I weighed roughly what you did when I started. 6'0", 249 lbs. I am down to 229 lbs. I haven't cut a carb - ever. It's just not necessary. Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    You just need to be consistent, every day, week to week. The fact that you "gain it all back" tells me you have issues with consistency.

    Give it time; none of this happens overnight. Be consistent. Be truthful with your numbers. You'll see results.

    Studies show low carb diets affect mental ability ? Really, I think you will find on a low carb diet the brain works at an optimal level!

    Dietary carbs are an optimal macro nutrient and should be included in all health diets, but one thing they are not (unlike fat and protein) is essential!

    100g of carbs (made up mostly from veg) would've optimal for health! And a diet high in fat andow in carbs naturally suppresses appetite!


    How so?

    Thinking a little less acutely, carbs = energy. More neergy = better workouts. Better workouts can = better health.

    Also, while fats may be satiating, so are a lot of carb sources. There are studies that indicate that high fat/low carb diets are not actually more satiating than moderate fat/moderate carb diets. It is very individual.

    Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.

    Can you link these studies. I would like to read them in conjunction with other studies I have seen.

    Can you link your studies ?

    Lol cute. I was not making any assertions, so its pretty much in your court.

    Well actually it's the second poster in this thread making the assertions so it's pretty much in their court ????

    Not quite...you raised the fact that there are studies to support your assertion. I just asked for you to cite them.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I do PALEO...i eat maybe 10 to 15 grams of carbs a day.....

    I have lost 55 pounds and blood sugar has come down to normal... I have cut my insulin from 49 units a night to 8 units a night adn soon to be completely off insulin...

    blood pressure has gone way below normal...I have completely cut out one of my blood pressure meds and cut the other down....

    i feel so good..

    i eat lots of veggies adn some fruit if I want to ...I eat lean meats and I eat good healthy fats..

    google PALEO or PRIMAL....

    yur body does NOT need carbs...this si not something i have just read, its something I have lived...im living proof...


    all this amazing stuff has happened since June 2nd....so just around 90 days ..... cant wait for 6 months or even a year....what will it be???

    Legit question - how can you eat lots of veggies and some fruit and only be at 10 - 15g carbs a day?
  • Dr_Gains
    Dr_Gains Posts: 81 Member
    me on low carb-crappy sleep,horrible mood throughout day,lifting suffered something fierce,looked flat, the list goes on for me

    me on high carb-happy,amazing sleep,lifting dramatically improved, muscles filled out and look more jacked

    cals stayed the same through each. in the end do what works best for you. me i stick to a

    protein-1g per pound of lbm
    fats-0.45g per pound of lbm
    carbs-fill the rest.

    If you lift 3-4 times a week plus do any added day of sprinting/tabata i highly recommend keeping carbs up
    if you sit around all day and watch reruns of the walking dead all day and only do light training and more walking lower carb more fat would be optimal. In the end the only way to know is to try it and play around with it. thats half the fun right?? :D
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's no reason to cut carbs. You need them. They are an important energy source for your body.

    All you need to do is make sure you are eating at a slight deficit and providing the remainder of your deficit with exercise.

    I weighed roughly what you did when I started. 6'0", 249 lbs. I am down to 229 lbs. I haven't cut a carb - ever. It's just not necessary. Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    You just need to be consistent, every day, week to week. The fact that you "gain it all back" tells me you have issues with consistency.

    Give it time; none of this happens overnight. Be consistent. Be truthful with your numbers. You'll see results.

    Studies show low carb diets affect mental ability ? Really, I think you will find on a low carb diet the brain works at an optimal level!

    Dietary carbs are an optimal macro nutrient and should be included in all health diets, but one thing they are not (unlike fat and protein) is essential!

    100g of carbs (made up mostly from veg) would've optimal for health! And a diet high in fat andow in carbs naturally suppresses appetite!


    How so?

    Thinking a little less acutely, carbs = energy. More neergy = better workouts. Better workouts can = better health.

    Also, while fats may be satiating, so are a lot of carb sources. There are studies that indicate that high fat/low carb diets are not actually more satiating than moderate fat/moderate carb diets. It is very individual.

    Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.

    Can you link these studies. I would like to read them in conjunction with other studies I have seen.

    Can you link your studies ?

    Lol cute. I was not making any assertions, so its pretty much in your court.

    Well actually it's the second poster in this thread making the assertions so it's pretty much in their court ????

    Not quite...you raised the fact that there are studies to support your assertion. I just asked for you to cite them.

    Quoted from second post !

    Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    If we are talking burden of proof - that Lies with second poster!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I do PALEO...i eat maybe 10 to 15 grams of carbs a day.....

    I have lost 55 pounds and blood sugar has come down to normal... I have cut my insulin from 49 units a night to 8 units a night adn soon to be completely off insulin...

    blood pressure has gone way below normal...I have completely cut out one of my blood pressure meds and cut the other down....

    i feel so good..

    i eat lots of veggies adn some fruit if I want to ...I eat lean meats and I eat good healthy fats..

    google PALEO or PRIMAL....

    yur body does NOT need carbs...this si not something i have just read, its something I have lived...im living proof...


    all this amazing stuff has happened since June 2nd....so just around 90 days ..... cant wait for 6 months or even a year....what will it be???

    Paleo was not necessarily intended to be low carb. Many people end up low carb on it but it isn't low carb as a requirement. It is lower carb than the SAD.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    There's no reason to cut carbs. You need them. They are an important energy source for your body.

    All you need to do is make sure you are eating at a slight deficit and providing the remainder of your deficit with exercise.

    I weighed roughly what you did when I started. 6'0", 249 lbs. I am down to 229 lbs. I haven't cut a carb - ever. It's just not necessary. Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    You just need to be consistent, every day, week to week. The fact that you "gain it all back" tells me you have issues with consistency.

    Give it time; none of this happens overnight. Be consistent. Be truthful with your numbers. You'll see results.

    Studies show low carb diets affect mental ability ? Really, I think you will find on a low carb diet the brain works at an optimal level!

    Dietary carbs are an optimal macro nutrient and should be included in all health diets, but one thing they are not (unlike fat and protein) is essential!

    100g of carbs (made up mostly from veg) would've optimal for health! And a diet high in fat andow in carbs naturally suppresses appetite!


    How so?

    Thinking a little less acutely, carbs = energy. More neergy = better workouts. Better workouts can = better health.

    Also, while fats may be satiating, so are a lot of carb sources. There are studies that indicate that high fat/low carb diets are not actually more satiating than moderate fat/moderate carb diets. It is very individual.

    Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.

    Can you link these studies. I would like to read them in conjunction with other studies I have seen.

    Can you link your studies ?

    Lol cute. I was not making any assertions, so its pretty much in your court.

    Well actually it's the second poster in this thread making the assertions so it's pretty much in their court ????

    Not quite...you raised the fact that there are studies to support your assertion. I just asked for you to cite them.

    Quoted from second post !

    Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    If we are talking burden of proof - that Lies with second poster!

    Missing the point again. Reread my comment.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's no reason to cut carbs. You need them. They are an important energy source for your body.

    All you need to do is make sure you are eating at a slight deficit and providing the remainder of your deficit with exercise.

    I weighed roughly what you did when I started. 6'0", 249 lbs. I am down to 229 lbs. I haven't cut a carb - ever. It's just not necessary. Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    You just need to be consistent, every day, week to week. The fact that you "gain it all back" tells me you have issues with consistency.

    Give it time; none of this happens overnight. Be consistent. Be truthful with your numbers. You'll see results.

    Studies show low carb diets affect mental ability ? Really, I think you will find on a low carb diet the brain works at an optimal level!

    Dietary carbs are an optimal macro nutrient and should be included in all health diets, but one thing they are not (unlike fat and protein) is essential!

    100g of carbs (made up mostly from veg) would've optimal for health! And a diet high in fat andow in carbs naturally suppresses appetite!


    How so?

    Thinking a little less acutely, carbs = energy. More neergy = better workouts. Better workouts can = better health.

    Also, while fats may be satiating, so are a lot of carb sources. There are studies that indicate that high fat/low carb diets are not actually more satiating than moderate fat/moderate carb diets. It is very individual.

    Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.

    Can you link these studies. I would like to read them in conjunction with other studies I have seen.

    Can you link your studies ?

    Lol cute. I was not making any assertions, so its pretty much in your court.

    Well actually it's the second poster in this thread making the assertions so it's pretty much in their court ????

    Not quite...you raised the fact that there are studies to support your assertion. I just asked for you to cite them.

    Quoted from second post !

    Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    If we are talking burden of proof - that Lies with second poster!

    Missing the point again. Reread my comment.

    Sorry Sarah but I ain't gonna pull those studies off my mobile - but you wanna do the leg work yourself google / brain fuelled by ketones glucose and lactate.

    If you don't want to do that then move on or wait till morning till I'm at my PC.

    Either way something tells me we will both continue to carry on down our own individual paths ! ????
  • Catter_05
    Catter_05 Posts: 155 Member
    OP have you spoken to your Dr.? I do low sugar and low carb for medical reasons. I never would have done it or even thought it was possible for me to do it at all without several Drs. telling me this was the best way for me to stay healthy. That being said, I feel better than I ever have! My energy is much better without the highs and lows caused by all the sugar in my system. I don't have those big crashes in the afternoon any more.
    It seems like people really hate low carb/sugar diets for some reason. It's working for me, so I'm going to stick with it.
    On the other hand, are you weighing your food? Burning 400-500 calories (running 4-5 miles) is a lot of work, are you sure you are burning that much? If you are weighing everything and you are definitely burning that many calories and yet, you are not losing weight you should consider visiting a Dr.

    You do have a lot of different options. Whatever you decide to do, get a food scale if you don't have one, and weigh everything. If you eat it log it. Be sure you are getting an accurate picture of you intake vs. expenditure.

    I'm not convinced anyone "needs" white bread, rice, potatoes etc. in their diets, let alone potato chips, ice cream and other food like that. It's hard at first to give up these foods but once you get used to it, it isn't a big deal.
  • LisaGirlfriend
    LisaGirlfriend Posts: 493 Member
    For me, I set my macros to be 40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat. I always focus on hitting the 30 percent protein goal each day. I eat super healthy with zero simple carbs, but I usually hit my 40 percent carb goal with healthy carbs such as fruits, veggies, etc.. I find not eating the pastas and breads makes my brain way sharper and my weight is dropping every week. Eat at a slight deficit, workout hard, and make sure you're getting the protein and water in. Good luck!
  • You can calculate your daily Carb intake limit (ketogenic metabolic state) using this calculator: http://keto-calculator.ankerl.com
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member


    Sorry Sarah but I ain't gonna pull those studies off my mobile - but you wanna do the leg work yourself google / brain fuelled by ketones glucose and lactate.

    If you don't want to do that then move on or wait till morning till I'm at my PC.

    Either way something tells me we will both continue to carry on down our own individual paths ! ????

    I will wait as I am not about to do your work for you. Also, move on? really?

    Advice - if you disagree with an assertion, ask the person making that assertion to support it. If you do not have the studies to hand to back up your counter-assertion, then to not make it as it then seems like you do not have them at all.

    Edited to take off most of the quotes
  • willnorton
    willnorton Posts: 995 Member
    sarauk...they actually have a list of low carb veggies and fruits..
    it actually breaks it down from teh very lowest to medium to high....

    in my post i said that i CAN eat fruit....i dont do that right now but it is on the plan....

    there are a lot of low carb veggies..
    also, i do something a lot of people dont do..( probably you) ..i always subtract the fiber from the carbs....to get NET CARBS..

    some people do and some dont.....

    you are welcome to look at my food diary..... not all diets work for everybody...this one just happens to work for me......

    i knew someone would have something to say about the number of carbs i eat.... but it is working...my Doctor loves it....

    cant argue with success..huh
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    I do PALEO...i eat maybe 10 to 15 grams of carbs a day.....

    I have lost 55 pounds and blood sugar has come down to normal... I have cut my insulin from 49 units a night to 8 units a night adn soon to be completely off insulin...

    blood pressure has gone way below normal...I have completely cut out one of my blood pressure meds and cut the other down....

    i feel so good..

    i eat lots of veggies adn some fruit if I want to ...I eat lean meats and I eat good healthy fats..

    google PALEO or PRIMAL....

    yur body does NOT need carbs...this si not something i have just read, its something I have lived...im living proof...


    all this amazing stuff has happened since June 2nd....so just around 90 days ..... cant wait for 6 months or even a year....what will it be???

    Legit question - how can you eat lots of veggies and some fruit and only be at 10 - 15g carbs a day?

    Net carbs are carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohol.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I do PALEO...i eat maybe 10 to 15 grams of carbs a day.....

    I have lost 55 pounds and blood sugar has come down to normal... I have cut my insulin from 49 units a night to 8 units a night adn soon to be completely off insulin...

    blood pressure has gone way below normal...I have completely cut out one of my blood pressure meds and cut the other down....

    i feel so good..

    i eat lots of veggies adn some fruit if I want to ...I eat lean meats and I eat good healthy fats..

    google PALEO or PRIMAL....

    yur body does NOT need carbs...this si not something i have just read, its something I have lived...im living proof...


    all this amazing stuff has happened since June 2nd....so just around 90 days ..... cant wait for 6 months or even a year....what will it be???

    Legit question - how can you eat lots of veggies and some fruit and only be at 10 - 15g carbs a day?

    Net carbs are carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohol.

    I know what net carbs are. He did not mention 'net' carbs.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    There's no reason to cut carbs. You need them. They are an important energy source for your body.

    All you need to do is make sure you are eating at a slight deficit and providing the remainder of your deficit with exercise.

    I weighed roughly what you did when I started. 6'0", 249 lbs. I am down to 229 lbs. I haven't cut a carb - ever. It's just not necessary. Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    You just need to be consistent, every day, week to week. The fact that you "gain it all back" tells me you have issues with consistency.

    Give it time; none of this happens overnight. Be consistent. Be truthful with your numbers. You'll see results.

    Studies show low carb diets affect mental ability ? Really, I think you will find on a low carb diet the brain works at an optimal level!

    Dietary carbs are an optimal macro nutrient and should be included in all health diets, but one thing they are not (unlike fat and protein) is essential!

    100g of carbs (made up mostly from veg) would've optimal for health! And a diet high in fat andow in carbs naturally suppresses appetite!


    How so?

    Thinking a little less acutely, carbs = energy. More neergy = better workouts. Better workouts can = better health.

    Also, while fats may be satiating, so are a lot of carb sources. There are studies that indicate that high fat/low carb diets are not actually more satiating than moderate fat/moderate carb diets. It is very individual.

    Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.

    Can you link these studies. I would like to read them in conjunction with other studies I have seen.

    Can you link your studies ?

    Lol cute. I was not making any assertions, so its pretty much in your court.

    Well actually it's the second poster in this thread making the assertions so it's pretty much in their court ????

    Not quite...you raised the fact that there are studies to support your assertion. I just asked for you to cite them.

    Quoted from second post !

    Additionally, studies show that low-carb diets affect mental abilities; you're not as sharp without carbs. My job is sitting at a desk thinking all day. I need the brain power that carbs provide.

    If we are talking burden of proof - that Lies with second poster!

    Missing the point again. Reread my comment.

    Sorry Sarah but I ain't gonna pull those studies off my mobile - but you wanna do the leg work yourself google / brain fuelled by ketones glucose and lactate.

    If you don't want to do that then move on or wait till morning till I'm at my PC.

    Either way something tells me we will both continue to carry on down our own individual paths ! ????

    I will wait as I am not about to do your work for you. Also, move on? really?

    Advice - if you disagree with an assertion, as the person making that assertion to support it. If you do not have the studies to hand to back up your counter-assertion, then to not make it as it then seems like you do not have them at all.

    Advice - burden of proof is on the person making the assertion - burden only passes to the person making the counter assessing when the person making the original assertion cannot provide their proof.

    Wow all sounds like BS doesn't it! Well that internet debates for you.

    My new stance Sarah is that I would like you to provide evidence that a Brain fuelled on ketones, glucose and lactate is not optimal.

    I'll wait. Lol
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    sarauk...they actually have a list of low carb veggies and fruits..
    it actually breaks it down from teh very lowest to medium to high....

    in my post i said that i CAN eat fruit....i dont do that right now but it is on the plan....

    there are a lot of low carb veggies..
    also, i do something a lot of people dont do..( probably you) ..i always subtract the fiber from the carbs....to get NET CARBS..

    some people do and some dont.....

    you are welcome to look at my food diary..... not all diets work for everybody...this one just happens to work for me......

    i knew someone would have something to say about the number of carbs i eat.... but it is working...my Doctor loves it....

    cant argue with success..huh

    Numbers make sense now - you did not mention that they were net carbs in your original post.

    Despite my 'debating' with certain people in this thread - I have absolutely no issue with someone doing something that works for them, especially if you get a balanced diet. If it works for you...keep at it imo.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member

    Advice - burden of proof is on the person making the assertion - burden only passes to the person making the counter assessing when the person making the original assertion cannot provide their proof.

    Wow all sounds like BS doesn't it! Well that internet debates for you.

    My knew stance Sarah is that I would like you to provide evidence that a Brian fuelled on ketones, glucose and lactate is not optimal.

    I'll wait. Lol

    Now you are just being ridiculous.

    ETA: also, please reread my username so you get my actual name correct...kthx
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member

    Advice - burden of proof is on the person making the assertion - burden only passes to the person making the counter assessing when the person making the original assertion cannot provide their proof.

    Wow all sounds like BS doesn't it! Well that internet debates for you.

    My knew stance Sarah is that I would like you to provide evidence that a Brian fuelled on ketones, glucose and lactate is not optimal.

    I'll wait. Lol

    Now you are just being ridiculous.

    ETA: also, please reread my username so you get my actual name correct...kthx
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member

    Advice - burden of proof is on the person making the assertion - burden only passes to the person making the counter assessing when the person making the original assertion cannot provide their proof.

    Wow all sounds like BS doesn't it! Well that internet debates for you.

    My knew stance Sarah is that I would like you to provide evidence that a Brian fuelled on ketones, glucose and lactate is not optimal.

    I'll wait. Lol

    Now you are just being ridiculous.

    ETA: also, please reread my username so you get my actual name correct...kthx

    My bad - Sara
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    In to here (sic) about the studies and the studies of studies and counter studies on the Brain (sic).

    Then I might mention that ketones are actually made by all on all days - that one does not need a ketogenic diet for ketone production, even someone on a high carb diet will be producing ketones in considerable quantities during the fasting sleep cycle.

    So tennisdude, when you come back with evidence that ketosis helps brain function, consider the challenge that this doesn't necessitate low carbs to get those available. Context. Furthermore, there is evidence for rapid problem resolution on caffeine, nicotine, shunted short term oxygen deprivation, high Po^2, amphetamines, beta channel blockers... Etc. and yet some/most of these are a bad idea in excess or as long term use and certainly not part of a weight loss program. While low carb may make sense for some people - the whole "brain functions optimally" under x or w is going leave you under the rain with no umbrella. All wet.

    Brb, gonna inject some acetone to get that ketone mind meld thing going.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    Be forewarned, if you've never done a low carb diet, you're in for a shock. Don't be surprised if you feel mentally fuzzy, or a little bit brain dead.
    From Lyle McDonald, author of the ketogenic diet book.

    If you are insulin resistant, lower carbs can be beneficial. Also, if you are quite sedentary.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    I've seen studies where people who are used to a high carb diet mentally struggled when deprived of carbs, but that says very little about people who have followed a ketogenic diet for a significant period of time. On the other hand, I have yet to see anything that looks at someone who has followed a ketogenic diet for a significant period of time either excelling or struggling in terms of brain function. To me, it's enough that some people feel and function just fine on these diets, while others it appears do not.

    With regard to the OP, there's no real reason you need to cut carbs to lose weight although it's helpful for some people. Personally, I think people all too often overstate how these diets affect mental and physical performance, at least when they are done properly. You're neither drained of energy and incapable of working out assuming the diet is done properly and for sufficient duration, nor are you some sort of super genius running on magical ketones. The reality of it is much less dramatic in my opinion.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    Be forewarned, if you've never done a low carb diet, you're in for a shock. Don't be surprised if you feel mentally fuzzy, or a little bit brain dead.
    From Lyle McDonald, author of the ketogenic diet book.

    If you are insulin resistant, lower carbs can be beneficial. Also, if you are quite sedentary.

    That quote doesn't really give the full story.
    Quite simply, there are no negative effects in terms of cognitive function (30). Except for some initial transient fatigue, similar to what is reported in adults, there appears to be no decrement in mental functioning while on the diet or after it is ended.
    However, this is not absolute proof that the ketogenic diet couldn’t have possible long-term effects on the brain ; simply that no data currently exists to suggest that it will have any negative effects. Anecdotally, individuals tend to report one of two types of functioning while in ketosis: excellent or terrible. Some individuals feel that they concentrate better and think more lucidly while in ketosis ; others feel nothing but fatigue. Differences in individual physiology may explain the difference.

    With regard to short term memory loss, the only study which remotely addresses this point is a recent study which showed temporary decrements in a trail-making task (which requires a high degree of mental flexibility) during the first week of a low-calorie ketogenic diet as compared to a non-ketogenic diet (33). The majority of the effects were seen during the first week of the diet, and disappeared as the study progressed. As stated previously, some individuals do note mental fatigue and a lack of concentration during the first 1-3 weeks of a ketogenic diet.

    What Lyle is referring to in your quote is the initial "brain fog" that many people experience when transitioning from a high carb diet to a low carb diet. Such an effect is transitory for most people, usually only lasting the first few weeks of the diet.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member

    What Lyle is referring to in your quote is the initial "brain fog" that many people experience when transitioning from a high carb diet to a low carb diet. Such an effect is transitory for most people, usually only lasting the first few weeks of the diet.

    Yep. He goes on to say that you get used to it after a few cycles of low carb dieting. (except he is talking days not weeks)

  • Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.



    Would you mind pointing out one or two of these studies? I really would like to see them, having done a fair amount of reading on ketogenic diets and never having come across one.
  • Catter_05
    Catter_05 Posts: 155 Member
    I was curious, so I did a search. "ketogenic diets and dementia"
    This was the first return - From the National Institute of Health - Neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of the ketogenic diet - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367001/
    This article isn't about dementia per say but it does touch on "Alzheimer’s disease, cellular energetics, epilepsy, ketone bodies, ketogenic diet, mitochondria, neuroprotection, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury". directly quoted from the abstract keywords.
    I'll be the first to admit I do not understand all of it, but I have enough background in science and statistics to say it warrants a more controlled study.

    Did you google it? A lot of information and many articles return when you do a scholar.google.com search.

    http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=ketogenic+diets+and+dementia&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ei=zOMDVOvNOcbLggS-x4GAAw&ved=0CB0QgQMwAA
  • Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) is not the only way to produce ketogenic metabolic state. For most people, ketogenic daily Carb intake is limited to under 50g. You can also fast for 16 to 24 hrs to reach ketosis, Intermittent Fasting (IF) . Also, taking medium chain triglyceride (MTC) orally increase ketone level. Whichever method you choose is up to how it fits with your lifestyle.

    For the purpose of weight / fat loss, the optimal ketone levels (maximum fat burning zone) in your blood is around 1.5 - 3.0 mmol/L. You can measure your ketone level by urinalysis (Ketostix) , or by blood test with Ketone meter (which is more expensive method).
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member

    Studies show the brain works optimally on a mix of ketone and glucose.

    In fact studies have shown ketogenic diets can add in reducing the onset of degenerate illnesses such as dimencha!

    But if you have studies to say other wise I am always keen to read as much research as possible.



    Would you mind pointing out one or two of these studies? I really would like to see them, having done a fair amount of reading on ketogenic diets and never having come across one.

    Apparently high carb diets do very little for one's ability to read forum rules of conduct!

    I have linked below several studies showing the benefits of lactate and ketones in brain function.

    As a poster above has mentioned, studies showing negative brain function on a low carb diet were likely conducted on subjects only just coming away from a medium to high carb diet.

    Subjects who have adapted to either a low carb diet or even a ketogenic diet would demonstrate the same optimally fuelled brains on a mixture of mainly ketones, lactate and glucose, as those on a high carb diet fuelling their brains on mainly glucose.

    As you have no doubt done exhaustive research into this field, surely you will have studies proving this incorrect! I would of course love to see them.

    Again apologies for the spelling mistake, I was very tired when I posted yesterday and I had a few too many carbs!

    http://phys.org/news/2010-11-lactate-shuttle-fuel-brain.html
    http://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/20/7477
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14769487
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19664276

    There are many other studies out there - I'm sure you've seen them.