Low carb, can’t believe how good I feel
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randielizabethwatts wrote: »Omg me too! It’s crazy! I have so much more energy and the bloat is gone. What is it that causes that?
CarboHYDRATES retain water in your body, just like sodium does. So the more carbs you consume, the more water you keep, which is what gives you the feeling of being bloated.10 -
I just stopped unhealthy carbs. No white bread, white rice, white potatoes, and processed sugar. Just eliminating these created it’s own deficit for me. This diet was recommended by my dr, because I’m insulin resistant, although my dr did not tell me what number to stay under.
I’ve not eliminated healthy carbs (oats, sweet potatoes, some honey), so I still eat plenty of carbs.
I'd be careful with the honey, 1 tablespoon is about 17 grams of carbs/sugar.5 -
Lillymoo01 wrote: »It’s amazing to me how many reject the idea of a low carb diet as healthy when everyone’s bodies react so positively to it (after the detox period). More energy, cleared skin, shinier hair, no hunger, regulated cycles for women, lower blood pressure, controlled/cured diabetes, and improves blood work. The body knows what it needs. Carbs aren’t bad for you but when eaten in the quantity that the American diet consumes it’s not natural.
It is amazing that some reject the idea that a low carb, especially keto is not healthy for everyone, even after the initial detox stage. Some can experience insomnia, decreased mental health, lethagy, hair loss, hunger, thyroid and kidney problems.... Some have great success with keto and to have found a diet that works so well for them is fantastic. Others have the opposite experience, not because they didn't do it right, but because it simply isn't right for them.
Also please don't assume what is and what is not natural. Blue zones, which have the healthiest people on this planet, follow mainly high carb, plant based diets.
Interestingly, a new study came out that linked moderate carb intake with better longevity. I haven't had the time to look at it closely yet, but the premise is interesting. I suspect this has to do with the extremes being harder to balance nutrition-wise although there could be some confounding factors. Of those who consumed low carb, those that used more plant-based sources of fat faired better. Like I said, I haven't had the time to read it closely so I can't vouch for its strength, but the premise is interesting.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30135-X/fulltext10 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »Lillymoo01 wrote: »It’s amazing to me how many reject the idea of a low carb diet as healthy when everyone’s bodies react so positively to it (after the detox period). More energy, cleared skin, shinier hair, no hunger, regulated cycles for women, lower blood pressure, controlled/cured diabetes, and improves blood work. The body knows what it needs. Carbs aren’t bad for you but when eaten in the quantity that the American diet consumes it’s not natural.
It is amazing that some reject the idea that a low carb, especially keto is not healthy for everyone, even after the initial detox stage. Some can experience insomnia, decreased mental health, lethagy, hair loss, hunger, thyroid and kidney problems.... Some have great success with keto and to have found a diet that works so well for them is fantastic. Others have the opposite experience, not because they didn't do it right, but because it simply isn't right for them.
Also please don't assume what is and what is not natural. Blue zones, which have the healthiest people on this planet, follow mainly high carb, plant based diets.
Interestingly, a new study came out that linked moderate carb intake with better longevity. I haven't had the time to look at it closely yet, but the premise is interesting. I suspect this has to do with the extremes being harder to balance nutrition-wise although there could be some confounding factors. Of those who consumed low carb, those that used more plant-based sources of fat faired better. Like I said, I haven't had the time to read it closely so I can't vouch for its strength, but the premise is interesting.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30135-X/fulltext
Those finding sum up what we already know about the diets of those in the blue zones. It does not surprise me that a diet high in animal fats results in a lower mortality rate either.5 -
I've been doing keto now since the beginning of June. I'm down almost 40lbs and feel fantastic. I had a couple carb meals, but always felt like xrap after. The non-weight related benefits are, I'm off all stomach meds. I had to take up to 4 zantac a day and now it's been over a month since I've needed even 1. My allergies have calmed down considerably. I used to take 2 extra strength allergy meds daily, now I take about 2 a week. My weather induced migraines have all but disappeared. I live surrounded in the great lakes, so low pressure comes frequently and I've not had a migraine through the sudden onset of storms that come and go for a few months now. I have more energy, find I need less sleep and I can walk for miles with no swelling or pain. So, I plan on remaining keto for life. I'm not going to say I'll never have carbs again, but it will be few and far in between.10
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I'm genuinely curious why, if a low-carb diet makes people feel so amazing, you don't see fewer people reverting to a higher-carb diet and regaining after weight loss? I believe that people have good experiences and that limiting carbs may be helping them control certain conditions (though I'd prefer hearing peoples' experiences after 3 years rather than 3 months). But it seems like most people are not willing to stick with it indefinitely.9
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I'm genuinely curious why, if a low-carb diet makes people feel so amazing, you don't see fewer people reverting to a higher-carb diet and regaining after weight loss? I believe that people have good experiences and that limiting carbs may be helping them control certain conditions (though I'd prefer hearing peoples' experiences after 3 years rather than 3 months). But it seems like most people are not willing to stick with it indefinitely.
In 3 years I'll come back and tell you how I still feel amazing. Like any way of life that has restrictions it's not easy. I still crave juicy hamburgers on garlic buns, homemade bread, cookies. I miss spaghetti and baked potatoes. I struggle all the time. Some people can keep with it and the majority cant. Many fo it for the weightloss and have no plan once goal is achieved.
Speaking for myself only: I've figured out my game plan moving forward after in 30lbs from now I've reached my goal. I know how I'm going to balance this to make it possible for life. I've seen many think that they can do low carb, reach their goals and then go back to have carbs in their diets. When they do, they gorge because of how much they missed it.
For myself even if I cheat a little it's a hamburger not the fries, I stay away from sweets because I know one taste will set me off. People need to be fully honest with themselves. You cant say I'll have these things that led me to lose weight in the first place and this time I'll be careful. That's a very short term plan. To make it long term I needed to know the truths about myself. No, I won't be able to eat carbs everyday again. It will put me right back where I was. So no, I won't fo that. My plan going forward is 1 carb meal a week. With my here and there cheat meals, I've proven to myself I can remain in control that way. Plus it gives me a taste of the things I miss. Can I eat a piece of chocolate again? Maybe someday, but right now I know my control isn't enough for that.
It's being honest with yourself, having a plan and remembering what brought you to low carb in the first place that will make someone successful with this long term.7 -
There is not really a one size fits all approach to healthy eating. A lot of people do really well on keto/low carb diets, but some don't. I am one of those people who do well.
Started easing into things in March, and am now doing full on keto. I'm down almost 50 lbs. Feel fantastic, sleep better, no bloat, and have not had to take allergy medicine (Claritin) in a few months. Cravings are practically nonexistent, even at that time of the month, and no more mood swings, which is wonderful! Most of the time, I try to stay below 30 total carbs (not net) per day.
If I decide I want a "cheat" day it's usually with extra veggies/salad, a diet soda or very occasionally, tater tots. Yes, I know those last two are not keto. But even on a "cheat" day, I generally don't go above 50 carbs. And I'd rather do that occasionally than feel deprived.
I really cheated for the first time last week - had a cupcake for a coworker's birthday. Wasn't over my calories for the day, but carb count was blown out of the water! Something like 150 carbs over my usual. I did not feel guilty about it at all. However, I felt physically awful for the rest of the day. My stomach did not like it! Lesson learned.6 -
Being a T2 diabetic, low carb is the way to go for me out of necessity. I know its good for me and after the cravings subside, I know I will feel amazing again. I think it can be hard, as a human being, to adopt a mindset that says you don't NEED the carbs when they taste SO good and are often an easy meal. But like any habit, you CAN kick it....I've done it before and I will do it again. But, unlike many, its not just a matter of feeling better....my life ultimately depends on it.2
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I was raised in the far North, and potatoes, noodles, bread etc were on the table at every meal. Through the years I learned to love, and live on, rice. I got to be a pretty fair baker and made some great bread. Now.....trying to lose some weight I've cut my carbs back to some point lower than the macros here on MFP suggest. I'd arm wrestle a bear for a big baked potato, dripping butter and grated cheese right now. But, I'm losing weight, down ten pounds in a month, and I've moved my belt in one notch. So, it's working. But, my advice is, if you walk past me with a baked potato, don't take your eyes off it, or me.
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Soooo many people coming into a success story like OP is trying to convert you. Can't yall just congratulate them, accept that all bodies have different chemistry with different foods? Lord.
Grats, OP! KEEP KICKING BUTT.
[edited by MFP Moderators]22 -
I'm keto of 4 years, and I love it! it's my lifestyle and I'd never look back.3
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if the discussion is about low carb.....i've also found that limiting the white flour carb products from my diet helps a lot with the way i feel. its about finding the balance that works for you. and i hate to say it, but i'm really finding that the weight control thing is about CICO....but you have to be able to eat some things you just want to.0
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I prefer losing weight while enjoying all foods in moderation... but maybe that's just me12
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Great discussion and VERY interesting info!0
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JustaJoe00 wrote: »if the discussion is about low carb.....i've also found that limiting the white flour carb products from my diet helps a lot with the way i feel. its about finding the balance that works for you. and i hate to say it, but i'm really finding that the weight control thing is about CICO....but you have to be able to eat some things you just want to.
I agree. I gained body fat on keto. But once I started calorie counting strictly with a food scale, I finally lost fat. But I still do keto. I’ve been keto 4+ years. I do it for reasons other than weight loss though. But I don’t do well if I “cheat” on keto, it just makes me crave more carbs and junk food. So I haven’t cheated on keto since 2016 and that has worked much better for me. Lots of keto “junk food” options anyways.4 -
Congrats to OP!
To put my 2 cents in.....
I started "keto" this year (mine is lazy keto, not strict). I didn't do it for weight loss.
My children made the comments about 3 days in "omg mum, that keto thing is working for you, you aren't so tired and you're actually motivated. OMG you're actually baking!". That's all the motivation I need to keep going.
I am sleeping better, I can focus a lot better with study and anxiety levels have buggered off.
I did the Carb Nite Solution back when I was powerlifting/bodysculpting and I really enjoyed it, so I still have some great low carb recipes from John Keifer (the man).
Also - a doco called 'the magic pill' is a great watch.7 -
None of this was true for me... did keto and low carb for months. It messed up my cycle and made my IBS symptoms much worse. I also lacked energy to lift (yes, I supplemented with electrolytes, increased sodium and took fish oils). It also increased my anxiety levels. I’m happier with a more balanced macro approach.It’s amazing to me how many reject the idea of a low carb diet as healthy when everyone’s bodies react so positively to it (after the detox period). More energy, cleared skin, shinier hair, no hunger, regulated cycles for women, lower blood pressure, controlled/cured diabetes, and improves blood work. The body knows what it needs. Carbs aren’t bad for you but when eaten in the quantity that the American diet consumes it’s not natural.
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It is such a hard thing to cut down on, but I feel amazing as well when I decrease the amount I consume. Carbs and soda are my weakness, and I feel like a totally different person when I intake less of them. Keep it up! 0
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I'll stick to my carbs after my long run, thank you very much
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