We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
low carb Does work!!!!
Replies
-
So you ate less than you burned (CICO) while choosing foods that met your satiety needs?34
-
nutmegoreo wrote: »So you ate less than you burned (CICO) while choosing foods that met your satiety needs?
Boom. /thread
16 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »So you ate less than you burned (CICO) while choosing foods that met your satiety needs?
Yes that's what I'm saying2 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »So you ate less than you burned (CICO) while choosing foods that met your satiety needs?
I think her point (and I suspect you understand this, even if you want to play coy) is that for her, and many others, restricting carbs helps with satiety, making it easier to create a deficit without going hungry. I think she realizes that she ate less than she burned, she's just saying that LCHF made it easier for her to do that.
/end thread indeed.
14 -
How do you know I haven't tried it ?domgibson88 wrote: »Loosing 5 or 6 pounds of water is a start!!!!and I'm not struggling with the lifestyle so will keep going...all I'm saying is don't knock it till you try it
There are many methods to get to a calorie deficit so people find what works for them. No one is saying low carb doesn't work. It just may not work for some people. This is a diverse board with many people who have many styles of eating (I refuse to say WOD I hate that acronym, lol). Everyone wants to give their two cents so don't take it personal.
4 -
For me I will try anything.Anything that works. The key is to keep it off. That is my problem. So its down to lifestyle change.2
-
Calories are king. Whatever you need to eat to stay within the calories is up to you. Everyone's bodies are so different that of course the same macro ratios don't work for everyone. My husband needs PROTEIN to stay full. I need FIBER. So yes, I eat plenty of carbs. I don't eat white bread or carbs lacking fiber, but I do eat lots of whole grains because they keep me feeling full. My breakfast every morning is steel-cut oatmeal. I can eat the same calories' worth of eggs & bacon and feel like I'm starving within the hour. Hubby is exact opposite. He does better on low-er carb and higher protein/fat because that's how he feels full.
If we have pasta & meatballs, say, he eats a small portion of pasta and a bunch of meatballs. I eat a large portion of (whole wheat) pasta and a few meatballs. We are both full and happy. Low carb isn't bad, but it's not for everyone! I would turn into a fat raging monster if I had to eat low carb. But if it works for you, that's great!
Wherever your calories come from, that's up to you to figure out what YOUR body needs to make you stay full and be within your calorie limit. But the calories are what matter.7 -
What works for the majority doesn't make it a universal truth. There's more than one way to get to 4. 2+2 works but so does 8/2. With regards to low carbing, most people use it as an insurance they stay within a deficit. It's only more effective depending on who you're asking. I say experiment on yourself and find what works best for you, only you know how your body operates. I know that I'm much more efficient in the gym with higher carbs but on the days I'm less active say on an off day, my body doesn't necessarily require as much carbs. Calories are important and should be monitored, there's no doubt about that. But it's not the be all and end all. In my experience how your body digests what you consume also plays a key role.1
-
domgibson88 wrote: »
Yes that's what I'm saying
Most people here that I see advocating moderation recommend playing with macros to find the balance that is effective for the individual. You aren't saying anything different.
You said this was in response to a specific post. How is painting all people who advocate moderation with the same brush as this single poster helping anyone? You're calling out people who recommend moderation for something they didn't do. I'm just trying to get at the root of it all.2 -
BarbellzNBrotein wrote: »
I get your point, I really do but it's difficult to adhere to anything you have to say with the undertone of bitterness your displaying here. Are you trying to help folks or are you just trying to come across like a guru? Lighten up a little.
I am far from a guru and don't even think of myself as anything of the sort. Additionally, since it is text, I can see how my post may be interpreted as one with an undertone of bitterness but I didn't have that emotion when I was typing a response to the post. I'm a very straightforward individual who attempted to lay out all of my points without sugar coating or put downs. Some people on this forum have found my posts to be helpful, others have found me too harsh; the only thing I can do is post my thoughts as they occur.7 -
Alluminati wrote: »How do you know I haven't tried it ?
There are many methods to get to a calorie deficit so people find what works for them. No one is saying low carb doesn't work. It just may not work for some people. This is a diverse board with many people who have many styles of eating (I refuse to say WOD I hate that acronym, lol). Everyone wants to give their two cents so don't take it personal.
If you tried it...and it doesn't work...move on to the next helpful suggestion....I am in no way saying this works for everyone.3 -
This content has been removed.
-
tlflag1620 wrote: »
I think her point (and I suspect you understand this, even if you want to play coy) is that for her, and many others, restricting carbs helps with satiety, making it easier to create a deficit without going hungry. I think she realizes that she ate less than she burned, she's just saying that LCHF made it easier for her to do that.
/end thread indeed.
I'm not playing coy. I'm being direct regarding cause and effect. Very few people who advocate CICO say that you shouldn't play with macros.5 -
@tlflag1620 Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy your cake.
I don't think that there is anything wrong with eating LCHF. I just know it wouldn't work for me, although I wouldn't have trouble with the fats. I just believe that at the end of the day CI<CO is what will work to lose weight and CI=CO is what will work to maintain. We all just have to find the best way to eat that keeps us satisfied and fulfills our nutritional needs without trying to tell others that they have to do this or that in order to lose weight. I have seen post where people tell others that they have to cut carbs, sugar, gluten etc. You don't necessarily have to cut anything. You just have to find what works for you. I can eat in moderation because I know if I eat too much sweets without having enough protien I will be hungry all day. That doesn't mean I can't have something sweet every day. I just can't have mostly sweets all day. I think when someone is new to calorie counting and trying to lose weight that telling them that they have to cut certain things completely out is detrimental. You do just have to eat what you want within your calorie goal. Sometimes it just takes a little tweaking of your diet to figure out what you want that to be.5 -
domgibson88 wrote: »Now I'm not saying this works for everyone but I've lost 6 pounds in 2 and a half weeks doing this, it's working for me...
I am going a bit OT here, but I would like to gently and respectfully submit that two and a half weeks might not be sufficient time for anyone to know with certainty that they have found what will work for them. Consider keeping your mind open to the idea of making adjustments as needed in order to achieve your goals rather than getting caught up in this idea of have to join one of the opposing sides in a diet war.
I think it is great that you've found something that you enjoy, believe in, and is helping you to drop weight. My experience has been that calories in vs. calories out determine weight loss success, but there is plenty of room for personal preference in the selection of foods consumed as well as energy expenditure. I eat high volume low calorie density foods while my husband is successful eating lower carb.
I wonder if you keep track of your calories consumed. While your scrambled egg with salsa breakfast is higher in calories than your Cheerios breakfast, eliminating the snacking between meals might mean that your calories consumed are actually lower following your new plan. That is how it works for my husband, so CICO actually does explain his weight loss, and low carb is simply a tool he utilizes to reduce his hunger and ensure a calorie deficit.
6 -
I am far from a guru and don't even think of myself as anything of the sort. Additionally, since it is text, I can see how my post may be interpreted as one with an undertone of bitterness but I didn't have that emotion when I was typing a response to the post. I'm a very straightforward individual who attempted to lay out all of my points without sugar coating or put downs. Some people on this forum have found my posts to be helpful, others have found me too harsh; the only thing I can do is post my thoughts as they occur.
You are straightforward and that's a trait I also share. However the way something is worded can take away from the message if you know what I mean. Personally I didn't have a problem, but for others it would be nice if they can pick up as much knowledge as they can from these threads. I'm sure they will now knowing you're a lovely person.0 -
domgibson88 wrote: »
If you tried it...and it doesn't work...move on to the next helpful suggestion....I am in no way saying this works for everyone.
Then why don't you just move on instead of getting upset and making a thread about it? I'm in no way saying that you are recommending low carb to everyone.5 -
Yes! I am now on an all-carrot diet. Not only have I lost three pounds, but I'm dating this real sexy rabbit.
i spit my drink.3 -
I am going a bit OT here, but I would like to gently and respectfully submit that two and a half weeks might not be sufficient time for anyone to know with certainty that they have found what will work for them. Consider keeping your mind open to the idea of making adjustments as needed in order to achieve your goals rather than getting caught up in this idea of have to join one of the opposing sides in a diet war.
I think it is great that you've found something that you enjoy, believe in, and is helping you to drop weight. My experience has been that calories in vs. calories out determine weight loss success, but there is plenty of room for personal preference in the selection of foods consumed as well as energy expenditure. I eat high volume low calorie density foods while my husband is successful eating lower carb.
I wonder if you keep track of your calories consumed. While your scrambled egg with salsa breakfast is higher in calories than your Cheerios breakfast, eliminating the snacking between meals might mean that your calories consumed are actually lower following your new plan. That is how it works for my husband, so CICO actually does explain his weight loss, and low carb is simply a tool he utilizes to reduce his hunger and ensure a calorie deficit.
Yup, I track my calories and am now within goal0 -
Yes! I am now on an all-carrot diet. Not only have I lost three pounds, but I'm dating this real sexy rabbit.
Is her name Jessica?5 -
domgibson88 wrote: »So, I'm sick of when people on here say they are struggling and someone on here suggests low carb and then another person berates them and says it's all about calories eat as much as you want but stay within the calories but heres the thing, did that and could not stay within my calories because carbs don't keep me satiated....they satisfy for an hour then I'm hungry again.. For example I used to have cheerios for breakfast but by first break at work (930) I was starving and usually grabbed a cookie or bag of chips...now I have 3 scrambled eggs with salsa (more calories) but I'm good till lunch!!I may have a small healthy snack like some Spitz or a handful of almonds but that's it!!!Now I'm not saying this works for everyone but I've lost 6 pounds in 2 and a half weeks doing this, it's working for me...so when someone on here suggests low care it is a VALID suggestion...the whole "eat whatever you want and stay within calorie goal" is not the ultimate answer so don't be quick to judge someone's suggestion.. Different lifestyles work for different people.
I bolded what was the actual problem for you. How about grabbing something low calorie instead of cookies and chips?
BTW. cookies and chips? Loooooots of fat.8 -
stevencloser wrote: »
I bolded what was the actual problem for you. How about grabbing something low calorie instead of cookies and chips?
BTW. cookies and chips? Loooooots of fat.
What I've said on here many times when I get to The point where I'm starving I have no self control and go for unhealthy stuff, eating a low carb high fat meal allows me to not feel that way and I can get away with a handful of almonds or a healthy snack till I get to lunch cause at break, I am still satiated from breakfast.....3 -
Yes! I am now on an all-carrot diet. Not only have I lost three pounds, but I'm dating this real sexy rabbit.
I'm on the all beer diet - I lost a complete weekend.
Yes low carb is a valid option. As is moderating the amounts of whatever diet you are currently on. As is the high carb diet that works for me. I don't binge but the things that are most likely to make me overeat are high protein or high fat. Which underlines that there isn't just one size fits all or one particular diet that fits all.
Most of the comments that are perceived as anti low carb are responding to when it's pushed as "better" or somehow gives miraculous results.
12 -
Low carb posts only get combatted when they are posted as some type of magic cure or necessity for weight loss. There are plenty of threads that fade into oblivion with 3 or 4 replies because they are worded better. The ones we all remember are the ones that turn into a *kitten* show though. Nature of the beast I guess.
Anyway, calorie deficit is the only universal truth when it comes to losing weight. Everything else is personal preference and can't really labeled as "works" or "doesn't work" as it is highly individual anyway. For me, I don't think there is a food out there more satiating for me than potatoes. Most carbs fill me up just fine and more than fat. Probably on par with protein.14 -
OP I am glad you have found something that works for you. At the end of the day, as others have pointed out, you are losing weight now because you are in a calorie deficit (and likely a reduction in water weight which is a typical situation when beginning a low carb diet, but temporary).
The people who say that going low carb isn't necessary are not saying that no one should go low carb. They are saying it because for weight loss, the only requirement is the calorie deficit. Low carb can be a way to achieve that calorie deficit that some people find to be satiating and sustainable. That is not the case for everyone. Many people find that heavily restricting a particular food or macro is too difficult to sustain and give up. People who say that you can eat anything you want and lose weight are also not saying that you should eat nothing but cookies and chips. They are saying that if you eat an overall balanced diet, then there is nothing wrong with eating cookies and chips in moderation.
If you tried eating smaller quantities of the foods you were eating before and found yourself hungry, then of course you should play around with the foods you are eating in order to find foods that are more satiating. That doesn't have to equate to going low carb. It could simply be adding more protein/fat, in addition to a moderate carb intake, swapping out some of the cookies/chips for more nutrient dense, volume foods.
You are frustrated and feel that people are against low carb, when I feel your post shows that you haven't spent a lot of time evaluating what would make you successful in the long term. Maybe low carb is going to work for you forever, but just as you don't like people writing it off, you may have been too quick to write off eating in moderation.
I hope you find the solution that works best for you and have continued success beyond your initial 2 week results.8 -
I don't eat low carb, but a breakfast of Cheerios would make me a raving lunatic. For me, carbs + protein + fat for breakfast work best.3
-
2 and a half weeks is not proof of anything
That's the land of motivation
Hope you keep it up for 2 and a half years ...or 2 and a half decades
Because that's when "it works" that's finding a "diet" and a way to live at your optimal weight / size
2 and a half weeks
12 -
tlflag1620 wrote: »
I think her point (and I suspect you understand this, even if you want to play coy) is that for her, and many others, restricting carbs helps with satiety, making it easier to create a deficit without going hungry. I think she realizes that she ate less than she burned, she's just saying that LCHF made it easier for her to do that.
/end thread indeed.
But this is the thing you don't have to restrict carbs to help with satiety, I went low carb 4 or 5 years ago and it was horrible...absolutely horrible...I never had that satisfied feeling....and by carbs I mean starches, I ate lots of veggies.
But after coming here and reading I realized it was okay to eat potatoes and white rice and pasta and I was so very happy
Even to this day I eat more protein and fats then carbs and I am "satisfied" and guess what lost weight and maintained....domgibson88 wrote: »
What I've said on here many times when I get to The point where I'm starving I have no self control and go for unhealthy stuff, eating a low carb high fat meal allows me to not feel that way and I can get away with a handful of almonds or a healthy snack till I get to lunch cause at break, I am still satiated from breakfast.....
but you didn't have to go low carb for that all you had to do was plan ahead for what you knew was coming and pack yogurt, fruit, veggies etc to snack on...6 -
domgibson88 wrote: »
What I've said on here many times when I get to The point where I'm starving I have no self control and go for unhealthy stuff, eating a low carb high fat meal allows me to not feel that way and I can get away with a handful of almonds or a healthy snack till I get to lunch cause at break, I am still satiated from breakfast.....
I've had a similar experience. I find being full on steak and veggies with butter (or eggs and bacon, or other LCHF foods) allows me to make more rational food decisions. In my higher carb, lower fat days, I was hungry much of the time and found it hard to make good choices over time. I'd do well for a while, but hunger is a powerful thing, and in the end it always won. Now that I have found a way to eat that doesn't require me to go hungry, I can make those good decisions much more consistantly.
7 -
2 and a half weeks is not proof of anything
That's the land of motivation
Hope you keep it up for 2 and a half years ...or 2 and a half decades
Because that's when "it works" that's finding a "diet" and a way to live at your optimal weight / size
2 and a half weeks
This. I and many many others on this forum often advocate playing with macros and experimenting with switching out starchy carbs for lower calorie higher volume items to make room for more fat and protein. It's kind of recommending low carb but without demonising those carbs because for an awful lot of people, once they become off limits they turn into the only thing you've ever wanted to eat. Human nature.
My macro split is heavily towards more carbs and fats but that's not a universal truth. Some weeks I just eat all the bread. Not being beholden to one way of eating means that's totally fine and not a problem. It also means I don't see myself as having "fallen off the wagon". I'm just eating differently this week.
Consistency with calories is all that matters, how you get there is absolutely personal and what pretty much everyone here advocates.6
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.5K Getting Started
- 260.5K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.7K Fitness and Exercise
- 442 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 16 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions