I'm baaack! This time trying very Low Carb diet for the 1st time
daylitemag
Posts: 604 Member
Hey All, I've been absent for awhile (what else is new) and regained all the weight I had lost (again, what else is new). I'm 47 y/o male tipping in at just under 300LBs. I live in Canada (brrr).
This time around I am trying the Low Carb diet. I'm very new to the idea and I'm pretty much just winging it, so I'd be grateful for any advice. I hate vegetables and always have, so that poses a bit of an issue. However, I'm great with protein and three-days-in I am not really missing the Carbs. So far, I have found that I am not at all hungry and have already dropped about 7 LBS in just three full days on Low/No carbs. Today, I had three scrambled eggs for breakfast, a roast chicken leg (no skin) for lunch and dinner will probably be grilled boneless/skinless chicken breast.
This time around I am trying the Low Carb diet. I'm very new to the idea and I'm pretty much just winging it, so I'd be grateful for any advice. I hate vegetables and always have, so that poses a bit of an issue. However, I'm great with protein and three-days-in I am not really missing the Carbs. So far, I have found that I am not at all hungry and have already dropped about 7 LBS in just three full days on Low/No carbs. Today, I had three scrambled eggs for breakfast, a roast chicken leg (no skin) for lunch and dinner will probably be grilled boneless/skinless chicken breast.
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Replies
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My advice: don't wing it.
Learn about low carb. Eat your vegetables.
Join the low carb group here.
Good luck0 -
That doesn't sound a lot of food for a man. The point about low carb is to also have high fat. Definitely research it. So look up Low Carb High Fat. You can eat seeds nuts cheese butter meat fish etc - look up cauliflower rice and courgetti - if you don't like veg then disguise them in things and use strong seasonings to begin with. You need to make sure you eat your calorie allowance and any exercise calories too x0
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OP - here is my recommendation. You may want to look at the underlying reasons as to why you lost weight and then gained it all back. All underlying diet methods - IIFYM, Low carb, High protein, etc- are built upon the foundation of CICO = Calories in VS Calories Out. So no matter what method you choose, you are still going to need to maintain a long term calorie deficit, and then transition to a maintenance phase. If you do not address the underlying conditions as to why you keep gaining the weight back, then you are setting yourself up for a cycle of gaining and losing, and then gaining it back again.
IMO - a balance approach where you eat all foods in moderation and do not restrict anything because they are deemed "bad" would be the most sensible approach to putting you on a path to long term success. It seems that when people restrict foods they then crave said foods, which sets them up for a restrict/binge cycle that can lead to yo-yo dieting. Just something for you to consider.
I would also suggest not going for an extreme calorie deficit as eventually hunger will take over and you will want to eat everything in site. A moderate calorie deficit of 500 per day will put you on the path to one pound per week loss.
whatever path you choose, good luck to you in this process.
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Low carb is definitely not something you should go into blindly. You have to make sure you are getting all the nutrition your body needs, and nothing but chicken and eggs isn't going to do it. The fast weight loss was probably mostly water weight due to carb restriction.
It sounds from your post like you have had to start over more than once? Maybe you keep going too extreme and then burning out?
Regardless of what style of eating you choose, a calorie deficit is the key. Plug your stats in, choose a goal, and eat the calories MFP gives you. Eating too little food, or eating a diet that is too limited and restrictive will just lead to another burnout, and another "starting over". Please take care of yourself, and best of luck :drinker:0 -
I, too, am back. I don't fully know what I am doing this time as i am seeing a nutritionist tomorrow. However, when I was previously on here I was doing the 4 Hour Body program. Tim Ferriss is the author of the book "The 4 Hour Body" and it might be a great resource for you. I lost 30 pounds easily and got kinda cocky thinking I could do it anytime. I am still thinking about doing the diet portion again, but want to see what the nutritionist is going to recommend. I too am in Canada, so feel free to add me and let's kick this weight to the curb.
@Sabine How would I find the low carb group?0 -
I'm 6 months in on a low carb high fat diet and it has been a great journey so far with a 38 lbs loss.
My staples are spinach, broccoli and cauliflower instead of rice or pasta. Then I add lots of vegetables and meat or fat fish.
Best thing with this way of eating is like @daylitemag said - I'm never hungry. Some days I even struggle to eat the amount of calories recommended by the MFP app. But try and keep close to your recommendation, I've noticed that having a too low caloric intake for a couple of days will slow down the process and I'll plateau.
I also don't have any cravings. I've even tried a small piece of my favorite candy chocolate, but it doesn't taste good anymore.
I did it because my blood sugar was going up earlier this year and since both my dad and granddad had diabetes I really wanted to avoid going there.
So the weight loss was really a secondary objective. I'm happy to say that my blood sugar is on excellent levels these days (only took a week for it to get back to normal levels), my blood pressure dropped (wasn't high to begin with but anyways) and I haven't felt this good in the last 25 years or so. So full of energy.....
The success has inspired me and now I work out at least once (almost) every day. So its been a positive spiral for me.
I did a good deal of researching before I went for it. Search and you will find. I'm sorry but all the material I've read is in Swedish so it won't help you.
Best of luck to you!0 -
I did low carb years ago, lost and gained it all back. I did other fad diets too and within months gained it all back. 50lbs, not like 5 or 10. ALL OF THEM. 3.5 Years ago I stumbled across IIFYM and the cal in v cal out, which is the only absolute way to lose weight (other programs accidentally create the energy deficit required but teach you nothing that will help you long term) All my weight is still off and I'm trying to lose 10lbs I gained on purpose to put on some muscle. Just sayin. Good luck either way.0
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http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group
A link to the forums low carb groups, good luck and stick around to help you stay motivated
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »My advice: don't wing it.
Learn about low carb. Eat your vegetables.
Join the low carb group here.
Good luck
Thanks. I will look for the group.0 -
BeccaColliesBurton wrote: »That doesn't sound a lot of food for a man. The point about low carb is to also have high fat. Definitely research it. So look up Low Carb High Fat. You can eat seeds nuts cheese butter meat fish etc - look up cauliflower rice and courgetti - if you don't like veg then disguise them in things and use strong seasonings to begin with. You need to make sure you eat your calorie allowance and any exercise calories too x
Thank you, Becca. I simply cannot eat vegetables (other than Carrots (hi-carb) and Green/Yellow beans. Although, your point about disguising them is a good one. Oddly enough, I can eat virtually any vegetable in a soup, so perhaps its time to try making some veg soups. As far as the amount of food. I have a very low metabolism and honestly don't feel hungry. The menu I quoted in my OP I agree is light. Yesterday at dinner I had a huge rib steak (14oz) and my cal count for the day was around 1600.0 -
OP - here is my recommendation. You may want to look at the underlying reasons as to why you lost weight and then gained it all back. All underlying diet methods - IIFYM, Low carb, High protein, etc- are built upon the foundation of CICO = Calories in VS Calories Out. So no matter what method you choose, you are still going to need to maintain a long term calorie deficit, and then transition to a maintenance phase. If you do not address the underlying conditions as to why you keep gaining the weight back, then you are setting yourself up for a cycle of gaining and losing, and then gaining it back again.
IMO - a balance approach where you eat all foods in moderation and do not restrict anything because they are deemed "bad" would be the most sensible approach to putting you on a path to long term success. It seems that when people restrict foods they then crave said foods, which sets them up for a restrict/binge cycle that can lead to yo-yo dieting. Just something for you to consider.
I would also suggest not going for an extreme calorie deficit as eventually hunger will take over and you will want to eat everything in site. A moderate calorie deficit of 500 per day will put you on the path to one pound per week loss.
whatever path you choose, good luck to you in this process.
Thank you, NDJ. All very good advice. I've been gaining and losing weight since I was about 13. Addressing the underlying reasons is a HUGE undertaking and one that perhaps I will one day take on. For now, I am not prepared to begin poking through those skeletons. I have done the balanced approach. I've done the fasting/huge Cal deficit and everything in between. I have friends who swear by the Low Carb/Hi Protein diet so I'm trying it on for size.0 -
Low carb is definitely not something you should go into blindly. You have to make sure you are getting all the nutrition your body needs, and nothing but chicken and eggs isn't going to do it. The fast weight loss was probably mostly water weight due to carb restriction.
It sounds from your post like you have had to start over more than once? Maybe you keep going too extreme and then burning out?
Regardless of what style of eating you choose, a calorie deficit is the key. Plug your stats in, choose a goal, and eat the calories MFP gives you. Eating too little food, or eating a diet that is too limited and restrictive will just lead to another burnout, and another "starting over". Please take care of yourself, and best of luck :drinker:
Thank you, Kimny. That is sound advice. You are right. I have gained and lost literally 100s of LBS since I was about 13 y/o. I have been using MFP since 2011 and had a level of success with tracking CICO but the same thing happens that ALWAYS happens with me. At some point I will lose focus and slide back into old habits. I have no idea why it happens, or how it happens but it always does. I end up gaining everything back and then some. I am sure there are underlying causes that should be addressed, but frankly I don't want to open that particular can of worms. So, the best I can do is to try to get back into a routine of eating more healthily and losing weight. Each time I promise myself I won't back-slide and perhaps this time will be THE time. I appreciate the feedback and support.0 -
nicodemus109 wrote: »I'm 6 months in on a low carb high fat diet and it has been a great journey so far with a 38 lbs loss.
My staples are spinach, broccoli and cauliflower instead of rice or pasta. Then I add lots of vegetables and meat or fat fish.
Best thing with this way of eating is like @daylitemag said - I'm never hungry. Some days I even struggle to eat the amount of calories recommended by the MFP app. But try and keep close to your recommendation, I've noticed that having a too low caloric intake for a couple of days will slow down the process and I'll plateau.
I also don't have any cravings. I've even tried a small piece of my favorite candy chocolate, but it doesn't taste good anymore.
I did it because my blood sugar was going up earlier this year and since both my dad and granddad had diabetes I really wanted to avoid going there.
So the weight loss was really a secondary objective. I'm happy to say that my blood sugar is on excellent levels these days (only took a week for it to get back to normal levels), my blood pressure dropped (wasn't high to begin with but anyways) and I haven't felt this good in the last 25 years or so. So full of energy.....
The success has inspired me and now I work out at least once (almost) every day. So its been a positive spiral for me.
I did a good deal of researching before I went for it. Search and you will find. I'm sorry but all the material I've read is in Swedish so it won't help you.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you, Nicodemus. That is inspirational. As I mentioned I cannot eat vegetables (at least not many). I may have to add a little bit of fruit to my diet to give me at least some positive carbs. For now the only carbs I've had are in a chicken/bean chili that my wife makes.0 -
I did low carb years ago, lost and gained it all back. I did other fad diets too and within months gained it all back. 50lbs, not like 5 or 10. ALL OF THEM. 3.5 Years ago I stumbled across IIFYM and the cal in v cal out, which is the only absolute way to lose weight (other programs accidentally create the energy deficit required but teach you nothing that will help you long term) All my weight is still off and I'm trying to lose 10lbs I gained on purpose to put on some muscle. Just sayin. Good luck either way.
Thank you, Fascha. In the past I've gained and lost 100s of LBS. I think the most was about 75 that I lost and then gained back (plus some). It's been a life long struggle. I think many ppl on here will echo similar sentiments. We all know how to lose weight, the problem is staying focused and keeping it off. For me, I can stay focused for up to 10 or 12 months at the most and then will slide back into old habits. It is very discouraging but I have to keep at least trying. I am hoping that one of these days (particularly as I age) I will find a way to continue for the long run.0 -
RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group
A link to the forums low carb groups, good luck and stick around to help you stay motivated
Thank you very much!0 -
Hi there. I was low carb- paleo for four years, lost 29lb. Gained back 30lb's now finally lost it. I am now following the banting diet by prof Tim Noakes. I don't tolerate starch carbs or dairy, they make me bloat. As said research it. If you can't eat vegetables try to disguise them, and make sure you research the healthy fats. Don't go low carb, low fat0
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Thank you. I know that my OP showed a very low car low fat day, but yesterday I ate a 14 oz rib steak which was anything but low fat. I don't think I will have a problem maintaining the high fat content. My main issue will be finding "good" carbs and keeping a balance. I can easily eat zero carbs and not miss them but I'm starting to learn that isn't healthy thanks to supportive folks like you.0
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daylitemag wrote: »OP - here is my recommendation. You may want to look at the underlying reasons as to why you lost weight and then gained it all back. All underlying diet methods - IIFYM, Low carb, High protein, etc- are built upon the foundation of CICO = Calories in VS Calories Out. So no matter what method you choose, you are still going to need to maintain a long term calorie deficit, and then transition to a maintenance phase. If you do not address the underlying conditions as to why you keep gaining the weight back, then you are setting yourself up for a cycle of gaining and losing, and then gaining it back again.
IMO - a balance approach where you eat all foods in moderation and do not restrict anything because they are deemed "bad" would be the most sensible approach to putting you on a path to long term success. It seems that when people restrict foods they then crave said foods, which sets them up for a restrict/binge cycle that can lead to yo-yo dieting. Just something for you to consider.
I would also suggest not going for an extreme calorie deficit as eventually hunger will take over and you will want to eat everything in site. A moderate calorie deficit of 500 per day will put you on the path to one pound per week loss.
whatever path you choose, good luck to you in this process.
Thank you, NDJ. All very good advice. I've been gaining and losing weight since I was about 13. Addressing the underlying reasons is a HUGE undertaking and one that perhaps I will one day take on. For now, I am not prepared to begin poking through those skeletons. I have done the balanced approach. I've done the fasting/huge Cal deficit and everything in between. I have friends who swear by the Low Carb/Hi Protein diet so I'm trying it on for size.
I suggest you reconsider that stance and take it on now. You know how it feels to lose weight and gain it back. That yo-yo will continue until you figure out the why part. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Diets X, Y and Z can't cure the underlying cause and you will end up right back where you started from.0 -
daylitemag wrote: »OP - here is my recommendation. You may want to look at the underlying reasons as to why you lost weight and then gained it all back. All underlying diet methods - IIFYM, Low carb, High protein, etc- are built upon the foundation of CICO = Calories in VS Calories Out. So no matter what method you choose, you are still going to need to maintain a long term calorie deficit, and then transition to a maintenance phase. If you do not address the underlying conditions as to why you keep gaining the weight back, then you are setting yourself up for a cycle of gaining and losing, and then gaining it back again.
IMO - a balance approach where you eat all foods in moderation and do not restrict anything because they are deemed "bad" would be the most sensible approach to putting you on a path to long term success. It seems that when people restrict foods they then crave said foods, which sets them up for a restrict/binge cycle that can lead to yo-yo dieting. Just something for you to consider.
I would also suggest not going for an extreme calorie deficit as eventually hunger will take over and you will want to eat everything in site. A moderate calorie deficit of 500 per day will put you on the path to one pound per week loss.
whatever path you choose, good luck to you in this process.
Thank you, NDJ. All very good advice. I've been gaining and losing weight since I was about 13. Addressing the underlying reasons is a HUGE undertaking and one that perhaps I will one day take on. For now, I am not prepared to begin poking through those skeletons. I have done the balanced approach. I've done the fasting/huge Cal deficit and everything in between. I have friends who swear by the Low Carb/Hi Protein diet so I'm trying it on for size.
Most low carbers are low carb with high fat rather than high protein. Moderate protein is the norm, but not the only way to go.
To add fats, add cheese, cook your meats in fat, choose fattier cuts of meat (like the dark meat with the skin on) and nuts.
Eating fat doesn't make fat. Just eating too much food makes fat. Good luck 0 -
daylitemag wrote: »OP - here is my recommendation. You may want to look at the underlying reasons as to why you lost weight and then gained it all back. All underlying diet methods - IIFYM, Low carb, High protein, etc- are built upon the foundation of CICO = Calories in VS Calories Out. So no matter what method you choose, you are still going to need to maintain a long term calorie deficit, and then transition to a maintenance phase. If you do not address the underlying conditions as to why you keep gaining the weight back, then you are setting yourself up for a cycle of gaining and losing, and then gaining it back again.
IMO - a balance approach where you eat all foods in moderation and do not restrict anything because they are deemed "bad" would be the most sensible approach to putting you on a path to long term success. It seems that when people restrict foods they then crave said foods, which sets them up for a restrict/binge cycle that can lead to yo-yo dieting. Just something for you to consider.
I would also suggest not going for an extreme calorie deficit as eventually hunger will take over and you will want to eat everything in site. A moderate calorie deficit of 500 per day will put you on the path to one pound per week loss.
whatever path you choose, good luck to you in this process.
Thank you, NDJ. All very good advice. I've been gaining and losing weight since I was about 13. Addressing the underlying reasons is a HUGE undertaking and one that perhaps I will one day take on. For now, I am not prepared to begin poking through those skeletons. I have done the balanced approach. I've done the fasting/huge Cal deficit and everything in between. I have friends who swear by the Low Carb/Hi Protein diet so I'm trying it on for size.
Most low carbers are low carb with high fat rather than high protein. Moderate protein is the norm, but not the only way to go.
To add fats, add cheese, cook your meats in fat, choose fattier cuts of meat (like the dark meat with the skin on) and nuts.
Eating fat doesn't make fat. Just eating too much food makes fat. Good luck
Thank you! That's a very good assessment. I think I am getting a decent amount of fat (ok, today isn't a good example and in hindsight I should have left the skin on the chicken leg at lunch. The only reason I didn't was because I thought perhaps the store had seasoned it with a sugary rub). This week I've eaten three very large rib steaks that were well marbled, so I think the fat is covered.0 -
I'm doing low carb also! Good luck to you... you got this!0
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I just want to say that I'm Canadian too, and love LCHF. It has changed my life and I have control over what I eat for the first time in my life, since cravings are gone.
I lost 100 lbs years ago on a CICO low fat type of eating plan. I found that kind of lifestyle unsustainable and subsequently gained all of the weight back plus more. I have now lost 101 pounds again eating LCHF. I don't feel deprived of anything. Eating carbs produces more food cravings for me. I won't go back to the way I used to eat.
OP, feel free to friend me if you like. And btw, I don't think vegetables are necessary unless you want to eat them. I ate no veggies today. Be careful of the sugar in fruit though, that might hold you back. There's also lots of information at the LCD forum here on MFP. Good luck!0 -
Marinemomm wrote: »I'm doing low carb also! Good luck to you... you got this!
Thanks! Same to you.0 -
Kitnthecat wrote: »I just want to say that I'm Canadian too, and love LCHF. It has changed my life and I have control over what I eat for the first time in my life, since cravings are gone.
I lost 100 lbs years ago on a CICO low fat type of eating plan. I found that kind of lifestyle unsustainable and subsequently gained all of the weight back plus more. I have now lost 101 pounds again eating LCHF. I don't feel deprived of anything. Eating carbs produces more food cravings for me. I won't go back to the way I used to eat.
OP, feel free to friend me if you like. And btw, I don't think vegetables are necessary unless you want to eat them. I ate no veggies today. Be careful of the sugar in fruit though, that might hold you back. There's also lots of information at the LCD forum here on MFP. Good luck!
Thank you for the encouraging words.0 -
Thank you to everyone for your kind words and advice. I'm already putting your suggestions into action. I've applied for the Low Carb group and this evening I ate an apple to give my body/brain a little hit of carbs that I was probably missing today. I'm still only at about 30g for the day and my cal count is too low. The problem is that I'm just not at all hungry. I ate a LOT of chicken breast for dinner and added cheese to bring up the caloric count but was still too low on the day. I simply couldn't face eating anymore. It's crazy!0
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daylitemag wrote: »daylitemag wrote: »OP - here is my recommendation. You may want to look at the underlying reasons as to why you lost weight and then gained it all back. All underlying diet methods - IIFYM, Low carb, High protein, etc- are built upon the foundation of CICO = Calories in VS Calories Out. So no matter what method you choose, you are still going to need to maintain a long term calorie deficit, and then transition to a maintenance phase. If you do not address the underlying conditions as to why you keep gaining the weight back, then you are setting yourself up for a cycle of gaining and losing, and then gaining it back again.
IMO - a balance approach where you eat all foods in moderation and do not restrict anything because they are deemed "bad" would be the most sensible approach to putting you on a path to long term success. It seems that when people restrict foods they then crave said foods, which sets them up for a restrict/binge cycle that can lead to yo-yo dieting. Just something for you to consider.
I would also suggest not going for an extreme calorie deficit as eventually hunger will take over and you will want to eat everything in site. A moderate calorie deficit of 500 per day will put you on the path to one pound per week loss.
whatever path you choose, good luck to you in this process.
Thank you, NDJ. All very good advice. I've been gaining and losing weight since I was about 13. Addressing the underlying reasons is a HUGE undertaking and one that perhaps I will one day take on. For now, I am not prepared to begin poking through those skeletons. I have done the balanced approach. I've done the fasting/huge Cal deficit and everything in between. I have friends who swear by the Low Carb/Hi Protein diet so I'm trying it on for size.
Most low carbers are low carb with high fat rather than high protein. Moderate protein is the norm, but not the only way to go.
To add fats, add cheese, cook your meats in fat, choose fattier cuts of meat (like the dark meat with the skin on) and nuts.
Eating fat doesn't make fat. Just eating too much food makes fat. Good luck
Thank you! That's a very good assessment. I think I am getting a decent amount of fat (ok, today isn't a good example and in hindsight I should have left the skin on the chicken leg at lunch. The only reason I didn't was because I thought perhaps the store had seasoned it with a sugary rub). This week I've eaten three very large rib steaks that were well marbled, so I think the fat is covered.
Yummy, rib steaks... Ignore my advice. It sounds like you have it well in hand.
Ditto the earlier post about the Low Carber Daily group. It is a very supportive subgroup of many people doing one form or another of low carb. If you want to find more like minded people, it is great place to go.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group0
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