Advice on carbs....how many?

Givemewings
Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi . I have been on mfp for about two weeks. It's all going well. I have lost 5lbs, am enjoying exercising and am not craving food or feeling hungry. I feel amazing, so healthy. However, my weight has been static for the past 4 days and I am aware of how much weight I have to lose.. I did over-indulge slightly at the weekend but did exercise to make up for it. I have had advice that I need to lower my carb intake quite significantly, but having done a low carb diet a few years back, lost loads of weight and then put it back on when I started to eat "normally" again, I thought this might not be the best idea. What do you think. Do I just stick at it, keeping within my calorie goal, exercising as much as possible and eating back some of my exercise calories, or do I temporarily limit my carbs? Would be really interested to hear everyone's point of view. If you would look at my diary and comment that would be great, however it might make more sense to look at one of the days last week as the weekend is not a normal intake! Thankyou to everyone who answers!

Replies

  • TiDinzeo
    TiDinzeo Posts: 309
    I wouldn't worry since it's only been 4 days that your weight has stayed the same. As to the carbs, what we all should be doing here is learning how to eat better in a way that's sustainable for life. It's not like your low-carb diet where you came off it at the end, it's a lifestyle change to help us all stay fitter and healthier.
  • Blackthorne99
    Blackthorne99 Posts: 250 Member
    I am part of a group that joined MFP to support each other during a month-long low-carb challenge. We're shooting for 100-150g of carbs daily (which is about half of what the nutrition labels think we should have).

    The group I'm part of has had a form of Weight Loss surgery that allows us to eat more fat than the average person (because we do not absorb most of the fat we eat, as a result of the surgery), but we absorb carbs like everyone else. Because of that, our ratios may be different than what you need to shoot for, but I look for about 30% carbs, 30% protein, and 40% fat. You should probably swap those last two and shoot for 40% protein and 30% fat. This is similar to Zone or South Beach in terms of goals.

    --Lisa
  • Givemewings
    Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
    Thanks Blackthorne99 and TIDinzeo for your take on this. Anyone else have a strong opinion either way? Still can't make up my mind what to do!
  • JennieAL
    JennieAL Posts: 1,726 Member
    I follow Mark Sisson's philosophies on marksdailyapple.com. What's recommended for the fat loss "sweet zone" is 50 - 100 carbs daily. I set my goals on MFP in that range. It seems to be working.
  • glypta
    glypta Posts: 440 Member
    I'm doing the Dukan Diet, which is basically Atkins, but with low fat rather than high fat - check out my diary/add me if you want a look. I'm still in the early stages though will be introducing more 'normal' carbs soon, but getting the few carbs at the mo from veg. Low carb gets a raw deal, but I like it as I find carbs so addictive which leads me into binge cycles.

    it is about finding what suits you, but basically 99% of people (and I only don't say 100% because my friend appears to be the only person I know who this doesn't apply to) find protein way more filling than carbs, and therefore you almost automatically cut calories as a result.
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