Low Carb vs Low Calorie when meat makes me ill?
size_twelve_knockout
Posts: 6
OK, so. I have a LOT of weight to lose. Quickly, I have always been big and this year I'm doing something about it. I have a problem though.
Previously, I have lost weight with low calorie but it was difficult and painful. I would starve myself most of the day, not because I like to starve, but because thats how it feels for me to eat calories low enough to actually lose weight on. Eating just barely enough to keep me from screaming in hunger most days meant I could lose almost 1/2 a kilo a week. I'm not trying to exaggerate here, on low calorie diets I have had to go to be tummy rumbling every night just from hunger otherwise I don't lose weight.
I then discovered low carb and gave it a shot. It was awesome, I could eat any ammount of calories, I was never hungry and I lost 1 kilo a week without feeling deprived. So that was cool. And then I fell pregnant, when I wasn't supposed to. I don't know what happened, but I knew I was pregnant before I knew because suddenly the thought of eating meat was foul and that had never happened to me before, ever. I can't explain, but it was as fast as one night I was eating meat and fine (as I had been for the previous year) and the next I was gagging at the smell of meat. And trying to eat it was worse, I just felt completely nauseated.
Fast forward to today. Even though I am no longer pregnant (and haven't been for years), I haven't been able to enjoy meat since. Certain times during my cycle it still makes me feel nauseated if I smell or taste it, other times I just don't like it. Eating low carb is becoming a challenge. When I eat meat, even from the first mouthfuls I get that nauseated, stuffed full feeling that makes it very hard to actually swallow. And very soon it gets so bad I don't even want to look at food.
So now I don't know what to do. I know that low calorie means constant hunger and denial and yet low carb has me fighting my inner instincts through every bite. Is there another option? Has any other woman experienced hormonal things about meat?
Previously, I have lost weight with low calorie but it was difficult and painful. I would starve myself most of the day, not because I like to starve, but because thats how it feels for me to eat calories low enough to actually lose weight on. Eating just barely enough to keep me from screaming in hunger most days meant I could lose almost 1/2 a kilo a week. I'm not trying to exaggerate here, on low calorie diets I have had to go to be tummy rumbling every night just from hunger otherwise I don't lose weight.
I then discovered low carb and gave it a shot. It was awesome, I could eat any ammount of calories, I was never hungry and I lost 1 kilo a week without feeling deprived. So that was cool. And then I fell pregnant, when I wasn't supposed to. I don't know what happened, but I knew I was pregnant before I knew because suddenly the thought of eating meat was foul and that had never happened to me before, ever. I can't explain, but it was as fast as one night I was eating meat and fine (as I had been for the previous year) and the next I was gagging at the smell of meat. And trying to eat it was worse, I just felt completely nauseated.
Fast forward to today. Even though I am no longer pregnant (and haven't been for years), I haven't been able to enjoy meat since. Certain times during my cycle it still makes me feel nauseated if I smell or taste it, other times I just don't like it. Eating low carb is becoming a challenge. When I eat meat, even from the first mouthfuls I get that nauseated, stuffed full feeling that makes it very hard to actually swallow. And very soon it gets so bad I don't even want to look at food.
So now I don't know what to do. I know that low calorie means constant hunger and denial and yet low carb has me fighting my inner instincts through every bite. Is there another option? Has any other woman experienced hormonal things about meat?
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Replies
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Ok
So how low were you eating? Because on MFP calories you shouldn't be having that extreme a reaction
Low carb is simply a different way of monitoring your calories, due to the increased satiety proteins offer ...but vegetarians can go low carb too. If you want to low carb as a veggie then research it ...tofu, beans, pulses, nuts, cheese ..lots of recipes out there0 -
I am so confused to what you said.. All I got was that you can't eat meat.
So o.k.. how about veggie meat? or how about fish? Low calories, high in protein.
What about stocking up on just plan veggies. Lots of veggies are low in calories & low in carbs.
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The key is researching your veggies and beans and stuff to make sure you are getting complete proteins. Find the highest fiber veggies with low carbs to help feeling full. Most eating plans can be adapted to low or no meat but it just means doing more research to eat an otherwise balanced diet.0
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It is trickier but not impossible to do low carb without meat. I have done it and I am a vegetarian. Look into protein powders and meat analogues, tofu (does have some carbs, so if you are very low carb, maybe skip this). I even used to eat small quantities of lentils without any negative effects. I don't eat eggs, but if you do, then egg whites are another great protein source. Or fish, if you can eat it.
I don't like low carb as a long term lifestyle, but with my sport sometimes I have to lose weight quickly, and this works better than anything else I have tried.
Edited to add : I should mention that when I eat low carb, I am still eating at a deficit. The lower carbs don't cause weight loss in and of themselves, but for me it is much easier to sustain a large deficit without hunger if I am doing low carb.0 -
Thanks for the reply. For me to lose on low cal I have to go under 1400 a day, I'm 5'10 so pretty tall (if that matters, I don't really know tbh), if I'm on 1500 or more, I stop losing weight.0
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Age and current weight?0
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On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.0
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Also,Commander_Keen wrote: »I am so confused to what you said.. All I got was that you can't eat meat.
So o.k.. how about veggie meat? or how about fish? Low calories, high in protein.
What about stocking up on just plan veggies. Lots of veggies are low in calories & low in carbs.
Sorry, should have made that clearer, its any form of protein really but more so with animal protein- meat, fish, chicken, pork, seafood, sometimes eggs even. I think to sum it up without meat/protein I am forever hungry and eat too much. But I can't eat meat without nausea.0 -
Personally, I don't see the problem with being a little hungry. It is kind of nice, actually. I find that if I exercise, I don't eat near as many calories as I could eat.0
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jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
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TimothyFish wrote: »Personally, I don't see the problem with being a little hungry. It is kind of nice, actually. I find that if I exercise, I don't eat near as many calories as I could eat.
Oh for me its awful, being hungry for me makes me really angry, teary and makes my head go all foggy. I can handle a little hunger, it makes food taste better after all. But I'm talking 'getting a headache from the hunger' hunger for hours a day, day after day- I just can't sustain that long term (I know, I've tried many many times).
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Because they have carbs, nuts and beans may not fit your typical low carb diet. Look into "moderate carb" or "healthy carb" diets like South Beach/ Sonoma/ Mediterranean. As you learn from these, fullness is mostly a matter of a good combination of protein, fats and fiber.
As a related suggestion, rather than focusing on limiting your carbs, focus on getting your protein and healthy fats (nuts, again!).
If you think your hormones are causing this because they are out of whack, avoid soy products. Soy mimics estrogen in your body and can mess with your hormones.
Does fish provoke the same reaction?
Some suggestions:
oatmeal with fruit and nuts
greek yogurt (also good with berries and nuts)
a salad with kale, cabbage, fruit (pears and dried cranberries are my favorite), cheese and maybe nuts, (if you haven't already had a few servings)
sauteed or grilled asparagus with goat cheese
grilled or roasted hearty vegetables (eggplant, acorn squash, etc.)
roasted seaweed with cottage cheese mixed with salsa verde
refried beans with sauteed onion, cumin, hot sauce and salsa (eat straight or as a dip for raw vegetables. I also use it as a dip for blue corn tortilla chips)
Super simple bean salad: one can garbanzo beans, one can kidney beans, one can green beans (all drained and rinsed). Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper and oregano
lentil stew: lentils, veg and stock, voila!
lentils can also be seasoned like your used to be favorite ground meat recipe. For example, add taco seasonings (salt, cumin, cayenne pepper and paprika) and serve with cheddar cheese and greek yogurt for a taco salad.
Eggs. All kinds of eggs. Poached, scrambled (with lots of veggies), omlettes (with lots of veggies), hard boiled, egg drop soup... If cholesterol is a legitimate concern for you, just eat the whites.
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size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
So you've been diagnosed with?
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size_twelve_knockout wrote: »TimothyFish wrote: »Personally, I don't see the problem with being a little hungry. It is kind of nice, actually. I find that if I exercise, I don't eat near as many calories as I could eat.
Oh for me its awful, being hungry for me makes me really angry, teary and makes my head go all foggy. I can handle a little hunger, it makes food taste better after all. But I'm talking 'getting a headache from the hunger' hunger for hours a day, day after day- I just can't sustain that long term (I know, I've tried many many times).
Perhaps you've been trying to cut calories too much. Theres really no reason to expect to be very hungry when your goal is between 1 and 2 lbs a week.0 -
size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
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TheVirgoddess wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
So you've been diagnosed with?
This. If you are eating "WAY over" your calories burned, then you won't lose weight. That's scientific fact (unless you have an unknown medical issue, like I said).
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jasonmh630 wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
I know, its odd. I've had more than one doctor/friend just simply not believe but its true, at least I know it to be true from this perspective. I was eating around 2500 - 3000 calories per day and with minimal excersise was still losing 1.5 - 2 kilos a week. I don't know how (cause I bloody wish I could go back in time before this nausea thing) but its just the way it worked for me. And the more carbs I ate, the slower the weight loss happened and the more fat, the quicker. Oh, and I've seen doctors, they simply tell me to go under the knife and get surgery. which, while I understand, still means I have to live low carb on the other side of that procedure so ultimately I would like to get this nausea thing sorted. Or the hunger thing. Either way.0 -
I've read about some people who are able to do low-carb on a vegetarian diet. Perhaps Google "vegetarian low-carb" to find some help. You will, of course, have to adapt the recommendations to what you actually eat. But if a vegetarian can do it, so can you.0
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size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
I know, its odd. I've had more than one doctor/friend just simply not believe but its true, at least I know it to be true from this perspective. I was eating around 2500 - 3000 calories per day and with minimal excersise was still losing 1.5 - 2 kilos a week. I don't know how (cause I bloody wish I could go back in time before this nausea thing) but its just the way it worked for me. And the more carbs I ate, the slower the weight loss happened and the more fat, the quicker. Oh, and I've seen doctors, they simply tell me to go under the knife and get surgery. which, while I understand, still means I have to live low carb on the other side of that procedure so ultimately I would like to get this nausea thing sorted. Or the hunger thing. Either way.
If you are having a seemingly violent reaction to meat proteins, you need to see a doctor, asap - it could be a side effect of something else.0 -
jasonmh630 wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
No, you don't understand what she was saying. Calorie deficit alone made her hungry, which made it impossible to maintain. Eating a low-carb diet fixed that hungry-all-the-time problem so that she can eat at a deficit. That's how low-carb works. She explained all this in the original post.
Anyway, she didn't ask whether or not to stick with low-carb. She asked how she can do it when eating meat makes her nauseous.-1 -
jasonmh630 wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
No, you don't understand what she was saying. Calorie deficit alone made her hungry, which made it impossible to maintain. Eating a low-carb diet fixed that hungry-all-the-time problem so that she can eat at a deficit. That's how low-carb works. She explained all this in the original post.
Anyway, she didn't ask whether or not to stick with low-carb. She asked how she can do it when eating meat makes her nauseous.
That's not what she said at all. Her exact words:While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out.
(emphasis, mine)
So no, she claims she wasn't at a deficit while low carbing.0 -
TheVirgoddess wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
No, you don't understand what she was saying. Calorie deficit alone made her hungry, which made it impossible to maintain. Eating a low-carb diet fixed that hungry-all-the-time problem so that she can eat at a deficit. That's how low-carb works. She explained all this in the original post.
Anyway, she didn't ask whether or not to stick with low-carb. She asked how she can do it when eating meat makes her nauseous.
That's not what she said at all. Her exact words:While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out.
(emphasis, mine)
So no, she claims she wasn't at a deficit while low carbing.
Yeah, I reread her response, but couldn't edit my response to it. My response was based on her original post. Doesn't change the fact that she didn't ask for a critique of low-carb. She's clearly happy with it. She asked for help with her trouble with meat.-1 -
size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »size_twelve_knockout wrote: »jasonmh630 wrote: »On low carb, you can't just eat any amount of calories. Low carb is simply a vessel for you to create a caloric deficit. THAT'S how you lose weight, not simply eating low carb.
Sorry but for me thats not true. While losing weight on low carb I was eating 4 meals a day and WAY over my calories out. But then I also have a hormonal reaction to meat, so who the hell knows whats going on in my body.
I understand what you're saying, but science proves otherwise. For the average person with no medical issues, a calorie deficit is the only way to lose weight. Different types of diets are only a way to achieve that deficit. If that's not the case with you, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor. Something else is at work here because if you're not in a deficit, you wouldn't be losing weight.
I know, its odd. I've had more than one doctor/friend just simply not believe but its true, at least I know it to be true from this perspective. I was eating around 2500 - 3000 calories per day and with minimal excersise was still losing 1.5 - 2 kilos a week. I don't know how (cause I bloody wish I could go back in time before this nausea thing) but its just the way it worked for me. And the more carbs I ate, the slower the weight loss happened and the more fat, the quicker. Oh, and I've seen doctors, they simply tell me to go under the knife and get surgery. which, while I understand, still means I have to live low carb on the other side of that procedure so ultimately I would like to get this nausea thing sorted. Or the hunger thing. Either way.
You measured and counted your calories and got that? Just how much fat were you eating to consume that many calories on low carb?
I lost 40 pounds low carbing once, I also don't digest meat well now and am a vegetarian who does moderate carb. I know when I low carbed I didn't really eat more than about 1,600 a day.
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OP--you have 55 pounds to lose, you can lose weight at 1400 not 1500, and have a hormonal reaction to meat. It would be ideal to see your diary which means you need to open it. If you want help start by opening the diary. Also, since meat gives you a hormonal issue, what protein sources do you use?0
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So you're sure you're not pregnant again??? (First thought). Bag the low carb and eat at a caloric deficit.0
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Re the nausea: In the U.S. people have become allergic to meat after getting bitten by a tick called the Lone Start Tick. I think it is still very rare in the U.K.
It is possible to go vegetarian with low-ish carbs. Essentially, one eats beans and nuts and lots of vegetables (skip the bread, rice, potatoes).0 -
It may be more psychological associating meat with the nausea of pregnancy. Hypnotherapy works well this those sort of issues. My husband has worked with patient that have real food aversions and it has worked will when the patient wanted to get over them0
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The myth continues.0
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neanderthin wrote: »The myth continues.
LOL....I was just about to post something similar.
It is winter...time for some snow0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »neanderthin wrote: »The myth continues.
LOL....I was just about to post something similar.
It is winter...time for some snow
Ohh, do you wanna build a snowman?0
This discussion has been closed.
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