Carbs, no carbs....I’m so confused
Southpawcj
Posts: 12 Member
I am still pretty new to MFP premium. I am trying to get a good game plan and I am so confused. I know that low carb, high protein diets are what some people do while others say it’s all about calories. I’d surely welcome some thoughts and suggestions. Thanks so much!
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Replies
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Low carb diets are a way that some people use to help control their calories. Some people find it really easy to overeat carbs or they find that higher protein and higher fat diets are more filling to them. You are going to have to figure out what works for you. In the end it's still about calories.17
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Calories are what matter for weight loss.
Carbs do not cause you gain weight, a calorie surplus does!
Don't let the nay Sayers fool you into the hype. If you like eating low carb than that's great, do it! But don't buy into the hype. It's not magic. You still need to create a calorie deficit for weight loss. With that being said though - if you like low carb, go for it. But don't believe it's a magical weight loss solution. It's just a way of dieting. Any diet will work as long as you create a calorie deficit.10 -
Low carb diets are a way that some people use to help control their calories. Some people find it really easy to overeat carbs or they find that higher protein and higher fat diets are more filling to them. You are going to have to figure out what works for you. In the end it's still about calories.
That is very true. To lose weight you need a calorie deficit. Some, like me, find it very hard to lose weight if I eat a lot of carbs - I tend to overeat. I am also insulin resistant so lower carb improves my health and makes weight loss easier. For others, they prefer more carbs.
FYI, low carb diets are typically not high in protein but usually more moderate. Low carb is typically high fat.
Good luck.7 -
Anybody who tells you it's not about the calories should be ignored because they're peddling woo. Any diet which causes weight loss works by creating a calorie deficit, because it's the only way you can lose weight.
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Oh my stars! I never dreamed I’d get so much help and so quickly! I want to thank y’all so very much for your guidance! Y’all are great!4
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One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??2
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Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
You will pry my Diet Coke from my cold, dead hands.30 -
Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.8 -
I've lost weight on lo carb, however this was before MFP. I did not know how many calories I was eating. So when I started eating carbs again I gained because I was eating too many calories, not because it was "carbs" that I was eating. I'm currently eating everything (except for diary since I'm lactose intolerant) and tracking my calories and losing weight. I've lost 36 lbs. since the last week of June 2017 and I'm very happy with my progress. it is EASY. When you log your food and exercise on MFP you know what you should be eating in terms of calories. There is no guess work and hope that if you follow X diet that you lose weight (which you may not if you are still eating too many calories).
To me it has been a life saver to do this on MFP. I am 52 and was convinced I couldn't lose weight because I kept on cutting back on junk food and carbs the year before starting on MFP in June, and instead of losing I gained 10 lbs! I thought there was something wrong with me and my doctor ran a thyroid test. I am perfectly normal--I just was eating too many calories. Simple.6 -
Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
Unless you have a sensitivity to one of the ingredients in aspartame (and you'd know it if you do; I'm told it causes some pretty massive migraines), you'll probably drink enough to die of water toxicity before you have to worry about lethal amounts of artificial sweeteners.
Oh. Sorbitol's got a laxative effect on me, but that's generally more in sugar-free candies and gums than diet drinks.8 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
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I enjoy a diet soda every afternoon with my lunch. It's zero calories and tastes good, I get bored with plain water.
A well balanced diet with my plenty of nutrient dense foods still can make room for snacks and treats . If you want a regular pop , that is fine too. Just make room for it in your calorie allotment. I don't have much room so pick a diet soda instead.4 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
If this were true, I don't see why the ADA would recommend diet drinks for diabetics the way they do. Surely it would harm them? Which scientists believe this and through what kind of studies, because it's certainly not part of mainstream health advice15 -
diannethegeek wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
If this were true, I don't see why the ADA would recommend diet drinks for diabetics the way they do. Surely it would harm them? Which scientists believe this and through what kind of studies, because it's certainly not part of mainstream health advice
Wow! This is a very good point. I never thought about that as a counter to the argument but that makes a lot of sense. I have heard the myth about" it tricks your body into thinking sugar is incoming" but I never really thought about your statement as a counter to that myth. Very insightful.5 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
It is a bit misleading to say "scientists think". Some researchers have looked at some data and theorized perhaps that might happen. But considering diabetics are routinely encouraged to switch out regular soda for diet soda, and they are constantly monitoring their numbers, one would think there would be plenty of evidence if this really happens. And there isn't. Also, we have a pretty good handle on how the body monitors blood sugar levels and releases insulin, and it does not happen based on taste. Otherwise eating stuff like mint (which hits the sweet taste receptors on the tongue) would have the same effect.12 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
They may be a theory that espouses that but all the theories regarding diet beverages so far have shown nothing more than a corollary relationship between diet beverages and weight gain and nothing causative regarding insulin triggers or anything else. Correlation =/= causation.4 -
Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
Do a search in the forums for it. There have been numerous discussions.1 -
I’m blown away by all of the knowledge y’all have! I’m thankful I asked! I’m thinking I’m going to do the counting of calories and continue to enjoy a good diet Dr Pepper every morning but maybe skip the one with supper!5
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SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
It is a bit misleading to say "scientists think". Some researchers have looked at some data and theorized perhaps that might happen. But considering diabetics are routinely encouraged to switch out regular soda for diet soda, and they are constantly monitoring their numbers, one would think there would be plenty of evidence if this really happens. And there isn't. Also, we have a pretty good handle on how the body monitors blood sugar levels and releases insulin, and it does not happen based on taste. Otherwise eating stuff like mint (which hits the sweet taste receptors on the tongue) would have the same effect.
Agree!
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collectingblues wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
You will pry my Diet Coke from my cold, dead hands.
Ditto1 -
I don't care for diet soda at all because I hate the taste of it... But I do like those low-calorie powders that you put in your water to add flavor. My favorite is the TruLime brand, watermelon Fresca flavor.... it's absolutely the best. It's very very sweet though so a little package meant for 16 oz of water does probably about 32 to 36 ounces for me1
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Some diets will have people avoid certain types of foods to appeal to a particular audience. Like everyone said weight loss is about a calorie deficit and finding out what works for you may take some trial and error. Some people will prefer diets that eliminate certain foods that they tend to over eat because they are all or nothing people, some like that they don’t usual involve counting each calorie and just sticking to certain foods. The fad diets will come and go if your a carb lover and do low carb no carb that’s hard to sustain for the rest of your life and once you stop the diet most gain the weight back cause they didn’t learn how to moderate themselves.
I like tracking calories because there is no food I’m not allowed to eat. If there is a day where I want to eat a donut for breakfast I can as long as I plan it into my calories. The second I tell myself I can’t have that on my ‘diet’ it becomes all I can think about. Now that’s said I know if I eat nothing but junk food I will run out of calories for the day and be hungry and then I will end up going over my calories.1 -
100_PROOF_ wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Southpawcj wrote: »One quick question.....what are you thoughts on diet drinks/diet sodas??
They have no calories, so they have no bad effect on your weight loss.
Some people claim that the artificial sweeteners make them crave sugar and then they overeat, but I have not found that to be the case with me personally.
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
If this were true, I don't see why the ADA would recommend diet drinks for diabetics the way they do. Surely it would harm them? Which scientists believe this and through what kind of studies, because it's certainly not part of mainstream health advice
Wow! This is a very good point. I never thought about that as a counter to the argument but that makes a lot of sense. I have heard the myth about" it tricks your body into thinking sugar is incoming" but I never really thought about your statement as a counter to that myth. Very insightful.
Another thing, if the taste was the thing that determined insulin, then your insulin wouldn't rise with carb foods that aren't sweet.4 -
Scientists think the sweetness tricks your brain into releasing insulin anyway in preparation of the incoming sugar but then when it’s not there you just have extra insulin floating around which may or may not lead to insulin sensitivy. I’m sure having too many could be bad for this reason but if it’s something you like then having it in moderation probably won’t do any long term damage.
And I've used artificial sweeteners all over the place while losing weight as well as in maintenance. They've had zero impact. "May or may not lead..." is another way of saying "This is probably B.S...."4 -
I am trying the no carbs, it makes me actually crave bread, chips, bagels, pizza... Oh the pizza. What happened to me was I felt deprived, so then I binge on carbs. I have taken to LOW amounts of carbs, and they have to be worth it. Not a bag of chips, but a piece of freshly baked bread with olive oil. Is that martini I had going to derail my weight loss? No, but I do plan it into my eating for the week. People who are physically active, like myself, need a certain amount of carbs to be able to "run." There is science for everything, but it definitely individual. SO it is not less confusing, but the bottom line is, everyone who posted is correct. It is up to what works for you.2
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Just eat a balanced diet. Eat carbs, protein and fat. It's silly to restrict any of them.
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Southpawcj wrote: »I am still pretty new to MFP premium. I am trying to get a good game plan and I am so confused. I know that low carb, high protein diets are what some people do while others say it’s all about calories. I’d surely welcome some thoughts and suggestions. Thanks so much!
It's about calories either way...low carb is just one of many ways to control calories...when you substantially cut out an entire macro-nutrient, you're cutting out a lot of calories.2
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