Low carb plans

JacMarieSTL
JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
edited November 21 in Health and Weight Loss
hey there!
I'm not new to my fitness pal nor am I a stranger to the weight-loss world and how it works

I've been on this site for about four years now and I've lost a total of 120 pounds.

That is until about six months ago when I gained 40 at the back.

I'm struggling to find that place again where the balance in my life with work family and weight loss is there.

Nonetheless my lovely partner in my life follows a low-carb diet. Not quite as strict as Atkins however it works for him.

He keeps his net carbs under 35 a day and he's lost about 55 pounds in seven months

I think I'm at the point after losing a substantial amount of weight, but I need to try something new.

I've been following his low-carb "lifestyle" for the past week and I've lost 3 pounds

I haven't been drinking, my carbs have been under 25 to 30 g per day. And I've been to the gym four days this week.

I guess I'm just slightly discouraged..

I know men lose it quicker than women… We all know that. And trust me man us ladies hate you for it!! ;)

For those of you who are going to ask my beginning weight was 350 pounds my current weight is 240 pounds

My lowest weight ever in my adult life is 211 pounds.

Any advice that you may have if you follow a lower carb lifestyle would be greatly appreciated

Thank you
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Replies

  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    Unless you have a medical condition, restricting carbs is not required for weight loss. Eating fewer calories than you burn is all that is required.
  • cbelc2
    cbelc2 Posts: 762 Member
    Mfp gives me 150 per day. That feels good to me, and I am losing weight. Very low carb diets that are very high in protein should be monitored closely by a doctor as they can be hard on the kidneys. You don't want to hurt yourself to lose weight.
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Unless you have a medical condition, restricting carbs is not required for weight loss. Eating fewer calories than you burn is all that is required.

    OP has lost 120 lbs and been on MFP for 4 years.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Don't be discouraged about losing 3 pounds in a week on top of the 120 you've already lost :)

    You may wish to post this in the Low Carb group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group
  • umayster
    umayster Posts: 651 Member
    edited July 2015
    hey there!
    I'm not new to my fitness pal nor am I a stranger to the weight-loss world and how it works

    I've been on this site for about four years now and I've lost a total of 120 pounds.

    That is until about six months ago when I gained 40 at the back.

    I'm struggling to find that place again where the balance in my life with work family and weight loss is there.

    Nonetheless my lovely partner in my life follows a low-carb diet. Not quite as strict as Atkins however it works for him.

    He keeps his net carbs under 35 a day and he's lost about 55 pounds in seven months

    I think I'm at the point after losing a substantial amount of weight, but I need to try something new.

    I've been following his low-carb "lifestyle" for the past week and I've lost 3 pounds

    I haven't been drinking, my carbs have been under 25 to 30 g per day. And I've been to the gym four days this week.

    I guess I'm just slightly discouraged..

    I know men lose it quicker than women… We all know that. And trust me man us ladies hate you for it!! ;)

    For those of you who are going to ask my beginning weight was 350 pounds my current weight is 240 pounds

    My lowest weight ever in my adult life is 211 pounds.

    Any advice that you may have if you follow a lower carb lifestyle would be greatly appreciated

    Thank you

    What is discouraging you? Low carb is a lifestyle and you are 3 lbs in the right direction after 1 week. It may be water loss but you need to give it time. Have you adjusted your caloric requirements to your lower weight?
  • fAaronheit
    fAaronheit Posts: 3 Member
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Unless you have a medical condition, restricting carbs is not required for weight loss. Eating fewer calories than you burn is all that is required.

    This, best thing to do is work out your BMR, and eat below it, things like HIIT in the gym are good too because you burn more and save more time, rather than going low carb all the time, you should cycle them

    If you enjoy low carb, ketogenic may be for you
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    Thank you everyone! Yes, I do actually enjoy low carb. I still try to eat as clean as possible. I dont typically go for the shakes/bars but occasionally, I'll have one.

    For every 20 lbs I dropped my calorie goal, it's currently at 1400 NET for the day.

    The gym... I prefer strength training and cross fit over cardio, so thats what I strive for.

  • whmscll
    whmscll Posts: 2,255 Member
    I don't understand why you are discouraged after losing 3 pounds in one week. That seems great to me.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    whmscll wrote: »
    I don't understand why you are discouraged after losing 3 pounds in one week. That seems great to me.

    +1

    Men often lose quicker than women by eating the same amount but using more energy.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    Any advice that you may have if you follow a lower carb lifestyle would be greatly appreciated

    1. Eat more fat. Avoid low fat, lean or diet options.
    2. Drop the ersatz low carb pseudo foods like quest bars or Atkins Inc products
    3. You didn't burn that many calories in an hour
    4. Eat 1300 - 1400 cals a day, with about 100g of fat in that.
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    yarwell wrote: »
    Any advice that you may have if you follow a lower carb lifestyle would be greatly appreciated

    1. Eat more fat. Avoid low fat, lean or diet options.
    2. Drop the ersatz low carb pseudo foods like quest bars or Atkins Inc products
    3. You didn't burn that many calories in an hour
    4. Eat 1300 - 1400 cals a day, with about 100g of fat in that.

    Fat!!! Got it!!

    I avoid the Atkins products unless necessary.

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400
  • mantium999
    mantium999 Posts: 1,490 Member
    yarwell wrote: »
    Any advice that you may have if you follow a lower carb lifestyle would be greatly appreciated

    1. Eat more fat. Avoid low fat, lean or diet options.
    2. Drop the ersatz low carb pseudo foods like quest bars or Atkins Inc products
    3. You didn't burn that many calories in an hour
    4. Eat 1300 - 1400 cals a day, with about 100g of fat in that.

    Based on the OP, I am curious how you came to the 1300-1400 target?
  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
    Stick to whole foods, eat more fat.

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    Forget "net", eat 1400. You have a way to go and can run a decent deficit.
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    yarwell wrote: »

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    Forget "net", eat 1400. You have a way to go and can run a decent deficit.

    I use a polar HR monitor. And I assure you. I kick my own *kitten*.
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    mantium999 wrote: »
    yarwell wrote: »
    Any advice that you may have if you follow a lower carb lifestyle would be greatly appreciated

    1. Eat more fat. Avoid low fat, lean or diet options.
    2. Drop the ersatz low carb pseudo foods like quest bars or Atkins Inc products
    3. You didn't burn that many calories in an hour
    4. Eat 1300 - 1400 cals a day, with about 100g of fat in that.

    Based on the OP, I am curious how you came to the 1300-1400 target?


    I came to 1400 because when I was actively losing this was what worked
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Just try to make sure you're getting all your nutrients...and your fiber. That can be hard to do when you eliminate fruits and veggies.

    Good luck with your plan! I'm sure you'll get under 200 if you keep working on losing! :)
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    I think you should be happy with that 3lb ins in one week start too. Your beating your partner! He lost 55 lbs in 7 months, or 30 weeks. Even if you lose just 2 lbs per week, in 7 months (30 weeks) you would be down 60lbs. You're doing great.

    Lots of fat, and adequate protein will keep you low carb. Most meats, cheeses, nuts, avocados, and eggs will help get you there. If you really limit starchy carbs (baked goods, potatoes, rice) it is quite easy to stay low carb.

    If you decide to go very low carb and go into ketosis, drink plenty of fluids, keep up your Mg, K, and Na, and don't be surprised if you feel less well for a week or two. It passes.

    I haven't found low fibre to be an issue. I think the extra fats and nuts keeps things moving for me.

    Good luck.
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    nvsmomketo wrote: »
    I think you should be happy with that 3lb ins in one week start too. Your beating your partner! He lost 55 lbs in 7 months, or 30 weeks. Even if you lose just 2 lbs per week, in 7 months (30 weeks) you would be down 60lbs. You're doing great.

    Lots of fat, and adequate protein will keep you low carb. Most meats, cheeses, nuts, avocados, and eggs will help get you there. If you really limit starchy carbs (baked goods, potatoes, rice) it is quite easy to stay low carb.

    If you decide to go very low carb and go into ketosis, drink plenty of fluids, keep up your Mg, K, and Na, and don't be surprised if you feel less well for a week or two. It passes.

    I haven't found low fibre to be an issue. I think the extra fats and nuts keeps things moving for me.

    Good luck.


    THANK You!!!!!!

    much appreciated.
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    Kalikel wrote: »
    Just try to make sure you're getting all your nutrients...and your fiber. That can be hard to do when you eliminate fruits and veggies.

    Good luck with your plan! I'm sure you'll get under 200 if you keep working on losing! :)

    My goal is 190.... I'm trying!! THANK You!!!
  • Serah87
    Serah87 Posts: 5,481 Member
    yarwell wrote: »

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    Forget "net", eat 1400. You have a way to go and can run a decent deficit.

    I use a polar HR monitor. And I assure you. I kick my own *kitten*.

    HR monitor don't work for strength training. I agree 760 cal burn is way off, about half of that.
  • Sunny_Bunny_
    Sunny_Bunny_ Posts: 7,140 Member
    With carbs at 25-30g you will definitely go into ketosis. I'm sure you are already making lots of ketones.
    Do you know about the importance of sodium and electrolytes in general with low carb at this level? You need lots and lots of salt right now to prevent potassium loss.
    I'm assuming your BF is informed and this isn't news to you.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    yarwell wrote: »

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    I use a polar HR monitor. And I assure you. I kick my own *kitten*.

    240 lbs, 760 calories/hr. Do you exercise at 170 bpm ? It's possible if you're reasonably aerobically fit but that number will be "gross" and needs 70-100 knocking off for your calories that MFP is already accounting for in your daily goals.

    just pointing it out as it will potentially punch a hole in your deficit if it isn't right and you "eat it back".
  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,078 Member
    whmscll wrote: »
    I don't understand why you are discouraged after losing 3 pounds in one week. That seems great to me.


    This.

    Your expectations are unrealistic.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    yarwell wrote: »

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    Forget "net", eat 1400. You have a way to go and can run a decent deficit.

    I use a polar HR monitor. And I assure you. I kick my own *kitten*.

    If that exercise is not steady state cardio your HRM is not giving you anywhere near an appropriate burn

    Also 3lb in the right direction is a win

    If low carb is working for you that's great...just keep it up
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    yarwell wrote: »

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    Forget "net", eat 1400. You have a way to go and can run a decent deficit.

    I use a polar HR monitor. And I assure you. I kick my own *kitten*.

    If that exercise is not steady state cardio your HRM is not giving you anywhere near an appropriate burn

    Also 3lb in the right direction is a win

    If low carb is working for you that's great...just keep it up

    Thank you.
  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    yarwell wrote: »
    yarwell wrote: »

    What do you mean I didn't Burn that many calories in an hour!!??? Huh!??

    My net intake is at 1400

    "arms/back/shoulders/cardio 65 mins 760 calories". - perhaps half that would be realistic.

    I use a polar HR monitor. And I assure you. I kick my own *kitten*.

    240 lbs, 760 calories/hr. Do you exercise at 170 bpm ? It's possible if you're reasonably aerobically fit but that number will be "gross" and needs 70-100 knocking off for your calories that MFP is already accounting for in your daily goals.

    just pointing it out as it will potentially punch a hole in your deficit if it isn't right and you "eat it back".

    My HR stays between 155-165 throughout my work out. I keep it up during Interval training cardio, and in between each set of reps while strength training i do 10 squats alternating with 10 lunges to keep the heart rate up.

    I don't "eat back"
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    I don't "eat back"

    You are if you're using net calories - you said you were aiming for 1400 net and over 5 days you ate between 1750 and 2380 calories. Either that or I'm not understanding something.

  • JacMarieSTL
    JacMarieSTL Posts: 68 Member
    Some days are better than others... Ideally, I would like the net to be between 1400-1500 per day...

    I usually eat between 1800-2200 per day before exercise.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    My low carb experience was to eat around 1400 +/- 200 and take any extra deficit from exercise as a bonus if and when it happened.

    Your net intake might be closer to maintenance than you think on some days. Good luck.
This discussion has been closed.