Low carb

Chaagy wrote: »

To really do a low carb diet (LCHF (low carb, high fat), Ketogenics), requires much fewer carbs than that. Less than 20g of carbs to start you off, and then maintain at less than 30g of carbs are the typical numbers you will see. Keep in mind that this is NET Carbs (ie. carbohydrates minus fiber - the fiber isn't counted, because it isn't digested). So if an item had 10g of carbohydrates, and 5g of fiber, then the NET Carbs would be 5g.

The theory is that your body requires energy and can get this energy from Protein, Fat, or Carbs. BUT, if given the choice, it will take it from Carbs because it is the easiest form of energy for your body, it gets the most energy for the least work.

By depriving your body of carbohydrates, it forces your body to go into a Ketogenic state - where it now is drawing energy from Fat and Protein instead of Carbs. Fat and protein from foods, but also Fat and Protein from YOU!

You need to get into that Ketogenic state, which is why there is that induction phase of less than 20g of carbs. Once there, you can slowly up your carb intake to less than 30g of carbs. Be careful, by eating carbs again, you bring your body out of Ketogenic state, and then you need to start over again.

From experience, it works, but I did find it hard to sustain. There are some physical signs that your body changes (ie. my breath changed, metallic taste in my mouth). But I did find it successful, while eating significant portions of meat and leafy green vegetables. I just couldn't keep doing it, but there are lots of people who do, and fall in love with it. If you love it, more power to you brothers and sisters!!

That said, I don't think carbs are evil. Carbs do not cause fat. I do think we, as a society, have too many carb foods available, and hence we eat too many carbs. The easiest foods to eat when we are hungry are carbs - chips, chocolate, cookies - all full of carbs, but much easier to prepare than a slice of Tillamook cheese, a slice of melon, maybe a slice of prosciutto to go with it, and even a small slice of baked bread. That sounds way better to me than chips, and would lead to a better balance of Protein, Fat and carbs, but it means having a lot of ingredients around, and putting in a little work. It's also hard to do, if you haven't planned it, and your hungry at work. Where you gonna get all that crap!

But a proper balance of Protein, Fat and Carbs mixed with lower calorie and excercise leads to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle just the same as a Low Carb diet. You just need to find what works best for you and your journey.

michellestone568 wrote: »

Can anyone explain to me what a low carb lifestyle is exactly? I am currently pushing for 100g total a day is this ok?