Why do people choose to do LCHF?
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There are some seriously good looking LCHF recipes. Outside my goals for calories, but cheesus have mercy!1
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tjones0411 wrote: »SusanMFindlay wrote: »tjones0411 wrote: »I lost about 20 pounds eating LCHF. I include a lot of leafy greens in my diet (they are actually the main source of my allotted carbs) and don't really get where it's unhealthy. For me, it's just a more satisfying way of eating. Even at maintenance, I stick with it. I don't get as hungry, I'm not feeling the need to snack constantly and my sweets cravings have greatly diminished. I don't miss pasta and potatoes at all, so I don't feel like I'm sacrificing anything. Some people like it, others don't. Personal preference.
Properly done, it's not unhealthy.
People who think that it's unhealthy are imagining a diet consisting of nothing but bacon, sausage and cheese.
It's the analogous position to the small number of low carbers who suggest that those of us who eat carbs are living on nothing but doughnuts, candy and cake.
There are piles of different ways to eat healthy - high carb, low carb and in the middle.
I will say that donuts are the one thing that I do miss!! But I'd miss them on any diet if I was trying to be careful! White frosted with rainbow sprinkles have always been my favorite. Or Oreo Cream. oh! And a good apple fritter *drool*
you can eat those things, lose weight,and hit you body comp goals...just saying..6 -
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GoCleanGoLean wrote: »So it seems like low carb isn't very healthy because it makes people go into keto, yaddy yaddy ya.
But if this true, if low carb isn't healthy and it causes all sort of health problems, why do so many people go on low carb diets/start a low carb lifestyle?
I guess what I'm trying to ask is: just how bad is the LCHF diet? I feel like it's been demonized, but I don't know how accurate the demonization is.
Does anybody have personal experience with LCHF? I'm not planning on trying LCHF (Most of my diet is carbs due to my Esan Nigerian ethnicity; the traditional diet is carb heavy) because that won't go well but I am too curious for my own good curious.
I think low carb can be demonized partially because people don't want to restrict carbs because they don't believe the end result is worth it for them. Carbs taste good, and not many people want to give it up carby foods unless there is a very good reason to do so.
I think some people may see it as a bit of an attack on their dietary choices too. Some might feel that their carb heavy diet is is being judged negatively and may feel the need to defend it.
Or I could be wrong.
As another said, ketosis and ketoacidosis are very different things. Most people will experience mild ketosis, even on a higher carb diet, if they have a fast at all (like 8-10 hours of not eating at night). Ketosis occurs when one's glucose needs are not being met. The body will oxidize fat to meet those needs instead. If one is low carb for a length of time, your minimum glucose needs can decreases by well over half. If you eat not enough carbs to meet that, your body will make glucose through gluconeogenesis.
Endurance athletes do benefit from a ketogenic diet, which is very low carb (under 50g of carbs per day - low carb is considered to be under 100-150g carbs), because they will not ever "hit the wall"/ "bonk". Those athletes will have a steadier source of energy. There is no point where the brain will provide symptoms of fatigue, light headedness, weakness and hunger, because the brain is largely using fat for fuel already.
Conversely, if you are an athlete in an explosive sport like power lifting or 100m sprint, you may find you have a slight disadvantage without a glucose reliance.
For weight loss, LCHF can be helpful because it can reduce appetite and cravings, and seems to help some (mainly those with insulin resistance) to lose weight a small bit faster (like 6 lbs over a year). Not everyone experiences this, but for those of us who do and were battling hunger, reactive hypoglycemia and the 3 o'clock nap cravings, a LCHF is great!
For health, LCHF can have a lot of benefits too (barring those with familial hypercholesterolemia). Many will experience improved lipid panels, reduced CAD, improvement of some autoimmune disease symptoms, improved cognition, better hormone levels, and steadier energy. Those who benefit the most are usually those with insulin resistance (T2D, prediabetes, PCOS, NAFLD, Alzheimer's) or other conditions associated with IR like CVD.
I've been LCHF for almost two years, and mostly ketogenic during that time. It really helped with weight loss and my health. Its a really good fit for me.
I do miss sweets sometimes, but not NEARLY as much as I missed them while eating them regularly. If I ate something sweet every day, or even a baked good, I thought of sweets much more than I ever do now. It's easier to abstain, for me, than moderate.13 -
I lost weight a couple of times on Atkins, which is a low carb diet. I liked the quick start, which was very motivating, even though it was mostly water (14 lbs. the first two weeks). It was very simple to follow, being mostly meat, eggs and vegetables. My husband liked it, a lot, since it had all his favorite foods (except for ice cream) and it was great for his blood sugar. However, for me it wasn't long term sustainable. I don't like meat and eggs enough to live on them forever, without starches to balance them. I like fruit and cereal. So while I lost 30-50 lbs on the diet, I always gained it back afterwards, because I ended up eating all the foods I had missed while losing weight.2
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GoCleanGoLean wrote: »So it seems like low carb isn't very healthy because it makes people go into keto, yaddy yaddy ya.
But if this true, if low carb isn't healthy and it causes all sort of health problems, why do so many people go on low carb diets/start a low carb lifestyle?
I guess what I'm trying to ask is: just how bad is the LCHF diet? I feel like it's been demonized, but I don't know how accurate the demonization is.
Does anybody have personal experience with LCHF? I'm not planning on trying LCHF (Most of my diet is carbs due to my Esan Nigerian ethnicity; the traditional diet is carb heavy) because that won't go well but I am too curious for my own good curious.
I assume by this post you don't know anything about low carb high fat. Ketosis is not unhealthy. It is, quite simply, the process of switching your body from running on sugar (carbs) to running on fat. There are many many studies to show how beneficial LCHF can be. I have not heard of LCHF causing ANY health problems, and in fact it is very effective in treating many things.
I have been LCHF for 4 years (in Ketosis - not to be confused with ketoacidosis which is not good). Benefits include:
1. Ability to control my hunger and stick to it for 4 years - after 25 years of failing at simple calorie restriction resulting in binge eating and huge weight gain.
2. 80lb weight loss
3. Much less join inflammation (this happened within a couple of weeks of switching to LCHF - not a result of subsequent weight loss)
4. Reduction in instances and severity of migraines
5. Diagnosed with pre-diabetes at 38 and now free and clear of any blood sugar issues
6. Clear thinking and full of energy
7. Not constantly thinking about food and on the verge of caving and eating all the things (see #1, can't stress this strongly enough - would never have been able to be successful without eating this way).
8. Able to eat butter, bacon and eggs, a big juicy steak, avocados and cream and cheese and still lose weight.
9. Great, clear skin
I'd encourage you to do some research if you're interested in the facts. Self-education is a powerful thing.9 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »There's nothing inherently unhealthy about a keto diet. I personally wouldn't choose it unless I had to as per some medical condition. IMO, it's completely unnecessary for losing weight and way too restrictive to do "recreationally" for weight loss.
This. I don't think keto/low carb is bad or unhealthy, just unnecessary. Some people really enjoy doing it though, so good for them figuring out what works for them
edit: unnecessary, barring a medical condition.1 -
They probably do it because they think they have to suffer to lose weight.5
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I have been doing LCHF for a year and have lost 120 pounds. NO side effects, no suffering. My brother in law tried it with no side effects and he lost 30 pounds which is what he wanted. My brothers gf is doing it and has lost 25 or 30 pounds without side effects. My son started less than 2 weeks ago and has lost over 10 pounds, no side effects. Dont believe everything you hear. We have been brain washed to think there is only one way to eat. I tried it at the suggestion of a friend and it works for me because i can reduce calories and not feel hungry the way i have in the past when i tried to cut calories and ate the "normal" way.6
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GoCleanGoLean wrote: »amyinthetardis1231 wrote: »Ketosis is different from ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition related to diabetes, ketosis is just burning fat for fuel. It is not inherently unhealthy unless you have a preexisting condition that would be adversely affected. Many people, myself included, do LCHF because we find fat satiating, making it easier to stay in a deficit and lose weight. I also find it helpful to keep my blood sugar more level instead of going on the post-carb rollet coaster.
Whaaa?????? Well talk about a paradigm shift. I thought ketosis was when your body is feeding off of ketones and you're LITERALLY DYING ON THE INSIDE
But I must have been mistaken. Thank you for being so knowledgeable.
Ketosis is the body's natural reaction to produce energy from fat as opposed to producing energy from sugar... it happens every time there is not enough glucose present (saved) in the liver, muscles and food consumed to keep the body functioning. Ketoacidosis is a condition that can only occur in Type-1 diabetics (whose body doesn't produce any insulin) and is not a concern for people outside of that community.
actually type 2s can end up with ketoacidosis.but its not as common as it is in type 1s2 -
Low carb is the only thing that has ever worked for me. Steadily losing 1-2lbs a week since I started in Dec. Blood work looks great. Feel great. Never been happier.8
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LcHf has the potential to save the health of millions of people who can not eat simple sugars and high glycemic carbs sensibly.....if only people would try this.
My LcHf way of eating works for me because I am an Abstainer, high glycemic carbs were not foods I was able to eat in moderation.
It's my decision to eat & enjoy Brussel sprouts, kale, spinach, salad greens, radishes, ginger, leeks and many other fresh vegetables as well as blueberries, strawberries, avocado and many other fruits. Of course all meats are also acceptable as well as butter & olive oil. This is a partial list of the delicious foods I eat for nourishment and enjoyment.
My height is only 5'1" and I just wasn't willing to see my weight climb to 140, 150 or likely even higher. For those like me, Abstainers rather than moderators, this WOE is a blessing and a gift. ....simply put; it's effective for fat burning and weight control.
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I do the opposite. I eat a high carb vegan diet, low in fat. I get to eat tons of food and always feel full. The main thing thats important is eating WHOLE FOODS and nothing processed. Whatever diet helps you eat whole foods is the best diet for you5
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I am a Keto'er....I have lost 96 lbs ...I love this way of eating ....Wish people wouldn't knock it until they tried it or researched it9
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I've tried different things over the years. I have MS and PCOS with insulin resistance, along with some issues with low BP/vasovagal problems. Both my parents are diabetic and at one point I had prediabetes and high triglycerides. I reversed the latter on a low carb/low fat diet.
More recently I had gained some weight after a medication change. I heard that keto/LCHF can be good for people with PCOS so I decided to try it. I also read the book The Wahls Protocol and the dr (who has MS herself) recommends paleo and a form of keto for MS patients as well.
Benefits I noticed:
* Better satiety which helped with adherence
* I was no longer constantly hungry or dealing with carb cravings
* Acid reflux and other GI issues calmed way down.
* Easier weight loss (previously I'd been struggling to lose at the same calorie level with different macros)
* Joint pain I'd been dealing with dramatically decreased.
* Cycles got more regular/normal (related to the PCOS).
* No more blood sugar swings or dips in blood pressure.
My blood work looks great and my PCP, cardiologist, MS specialist and gynecologist are all supportive. A my PCP said, "What you're doing is working; keep it up!" I reached goal weight a year ago but I feel so much better when I eat this way, I'm planning to stick with it unless that changes!
I don't think it's for everyone but a number of low carbers have found it helpful for epilepsy or other neurological issues, autoimmune conditions, diabetes and other insulin issues, PCOS, and some other conditions.7 -
I think when people think of carbs they think of breads, baked goods, pizzas and donuts. Those arent real carbs. Real carbs are fruit, veg, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and other grains. If you eat carbs in their whole form without blending them, refining them or adding sugars and salt, they will not make you ravenous. They will fuel you and make you happy3
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Because diabetes. And because I now take NO meds for my diabetes. Losing 50 lbs and setting carbs as 30% of my calorie goal helps me to keep my sugar in check. I personally don't want to set my carbs any lower.
Everything boils down to personal choice and what YOU find sustainable.
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I've done Keto a few times because I've seen lots of success stories where people didn't count calories, but it's not sustainable for me because I like a lot of volume when I eat. That makes it hard because you have to severely restrict veggies and fruit due to their carb content. I could (and do) easily eat several cups of broccoli for under 100 cals but it would be over half the day of carbs:( and love an apple as a snack for less than 100 cals but more than a full day's worth of carbs! So, you end up eating more fat which may satiate some people but not particularly for me. As a short female at 5'0 I just found it hard to stay at the calories I need to be at without being able to use the amount of veg I typically like bulk my meals with.2
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RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »I think when people think of carbs they think of breads, baked goods, pizzas and donuts. Those arent real carbs. Real carbs are fruit, veg, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and other grains. If you eat carbs in their whole form without blending them, refining them or adding sugars and salt, they will not make you ravenous. They will fuel you and make you happy
Sorry, but this is not true of everyone. If it works for you, that's great, but don't assume yours is the only correct way to eat. It does not matter to my insulin resistance if it's a piece of fruit, quinoa, or bread--any of those will spike my blood sugar and I'll be starving and get the shakes within an hour. I do not have those problems on a low carb diet. Your way would not work for me, and maybe mine would not work for you. There is no one right way to eat.8 -
amyinthetardis1231 wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »I think when people think of carbs they think of breads, baked goods, pizzas and donuts. Those arent real carbs. Real carbs are fruit, veg, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and other grains. If you eat carbs in their whole form without blending them, refining them or adding sugars and salt, they will not make you ravenous. They will fuel you and make you happy
Sorry, but this is not true of everyone. If it works for you, that's great, but don't assume yours is the only correct way to eat. It does not matter to my insulin resistance if it's a piece of fruit, quinoa, or bread--any of those will spike my blood sugar and I'll be starving and get the shakes within an hour. I do not have those problems on a low carb diet. Your way would not work for me, and maybe mine would not work for you. There is no one right way to eat.amyinthetardis1231 wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »I think when people think of carbs they think of breads, baked goods, pizzas and donuts. Those arent real carbs. Real carbs are fruit, veg, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and other grains. If you eat carbs in their whole form without blending them, refining them or adding sugars and salt, they will not make you ravenous. They will fuel you and make you happy
Sorry, but this is not true of everyone. If it works for you, that's great, but don't assume yours is the only correct way to eat. It does not matter to my insulin resistance if it's a piece of fruit, quinoa, or bread--any of those will spike my blood sugar and I'll be starving and get the shakes within an hour. I do not have those problems on a low carb diet. Your way would not work for me, and maybe mine would not work for you. There is no one right way to eat.
Well, for one- I didnt say that there was one right way for everyone. But to bring it to the science, a plant-based diet free of oil, low in fat, and free of salt, oil and sugar (SOS,) is the only diet in the world that has ever reversed diabetes. Check out Dr.Neal Bernard an T. Colin Cambell. The thing is, you cnt keep eating fat and animal products if you want the whole foods plant based diet to work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktQzM2IA-qU 3
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