90 day low carb challenge starting Oct. 20th ...

Yeah, there's pros and cons to both approaches. A group is nice because it keeps the discussion focused and contained. It also cuts down on the usual nonsense (although that can be a fun addition to any conversation). A thread is nice because they're easier to find with the current software update.

Well, i haven't eaten anything yet, but trying to read on low carbs...anyone experienced with it willing to tell us of a typical day?

lizzie14115 wrote: »

Yesterday my calorie goal was 1519 and carbs 190, does anyone know what i should be aiming for with our 90 day challenge??

You need to use custom goals and set your carbs for 5% (maybe 10% at a push) protein about 25 (20 - 30 it's in steps of 5) and fat the rest.

Low carb is <120g a day by any definition (as opposed to carbohydrate restriction, which just means less).

http://uk.atkins.com/new-atkins/the-program/phase-1-induction.html may help, and an open diary too.

This will be an adventure for me. My "low carb" will always be skirting the upper edges I suspect, and my challenge will be how many vegetables I normally eat. Gotta be smart about my carbs here! Fun. Thanks for letting me join.

Has anyone else noticed that OP has never responded to this thread?

I'm also not sure what qualifies as low-carb for this challenge, although I am sure I'll be fine.

Since OP seems to have wandered off, probably into the desert for a period of purification in preparation for this challenge, I've gone and thrown a group together for it. If OP comes back, I'll let them take control of the group.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/100212-low-carb-challenge

For everyone who said they were interested, come join the group. It will be a good place to keep things going. I'm also going to back-link from the group to this thread, so we don't lose track of it.

Is it safe for type 2 diabetics? I find that when I dont eat enough carbs I become hypoglycemic.

Where do I sign up for the group and read more about it? Thanks.

frob23 wrote: »

Has anyone else noticed that OP has never responded to this thread?

I'm also not sure what qualifies as low-carb for this challenge, although I am sure I'll be fine.

Since OP seems to have wandered off, probably into the desert for a period of purification in preparation for this challenge, I've gone and thrown a group together for it. If OP comes back, I'll let them take control of the group.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/100212-low-carb-challenge

For everyone who said they were interested, come join the group. It will be a good place to keep things going. I'm also going to back-link from the group to this thread, so we don't lose track of it.

Just joined. Thanks.

Has anyone else noticed that OP has never responded to this thread?

hmmm, I've noticed that in the forums. It always eems that the people who create various "challenges" here are the first ones to fizzle out.

frob23 wrote: »

ballardf wrote: »

Is it safe for type 2 diabetics? I find that when I dont eat enough carbs I become hypoglycemic.

This is a great question and one that is impossible for us to completely answer for you. My father-in-law has type 2 diabetes. He is on metformin (sp) and also takes insulin. For him, he can't go too low on the carbs because it will cause him to go hypoglycemic. I suspect that if he reduced the insulin and/or metformin that this would stop. But, I am not a doctor and I can't advise him (or you) on that.

My father-in-law has reduced the amount of carbs he eats, but is careful to have enough that he doesn't go too low. He tests his blood on a frequent basis and knows where it needs to be for him to avoid going low.

I think it's probably safe to reduce the carbs a little, if you're monitoring the effects. If you want to reduce them dramatically, seek medical advice before proceeding.

I have a little bit of experience with this so I'll throw my 2 cents in. The diabetic diet I was on when I had gestational diabetes 3.5 years ago, and the current low-carb diet my mother was put on by her physician, both advise you to keep your carbs under 120g net carbs. I think that is an excellent starting point. It's low enough and yet high enough. That is where I would start. I was on glyburide, and I only had trouble with hypoglycemia twice. And that was near the beginning as my body adjusted. My mother is taking a med and insulin, and she seems to have no trouble either.

I would think that 120g would be safe to start, keeping close tabs on your numbers. If after a period of success, and/or discussing with your doctor, you could nudge it as low as 100g. Though I wouldn't go less than that unless I were supervised by the doc. But even at 120g, your numbers will begin to improve almost immediately.

Best wishes.

i totally want to do this.. so will start tomorrow... xx

I would go from high 200s down to 30ish.

blktngldhrt wrote: »

ballardf wrote: »

Is it safe for type 2 diabetics? I find that when I dont eat enough carbs I become hypoglycemic.

Low carb diets can be used to help control type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that lowering carbs can reduce A1C levels. Similarly, carb blockers, such as acarbose, are used to help with blood sugar control. They cause carbs to be broken down more slowly than the normal rate..allowing less of a surge in glucose and helping to create a more stable blood glucose level.

I have reactive hypoglycemia that I control with a low carb diet and had previously controlled with acarbose.

If you are eating high amounts of carbs every day you are essentially creating a sugar roller coaster for yourself. Lowering carbs significantly can cause what feels like hypoglycemia (in some people) for a few days until the body adjusts to glucose levels being lower than what it had previously been used to.

Always talk with a physician before changing your diet.

I am in and ready!!! I need to get into ketosis for a good few weeks so I can drop 15 pounds!

ballacholos wrote: »

I am in. What must I do to get started with this challenge?

Join this group.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/100212-low-carb-challenge

Welcome.