No keto, low carb just what fits in calorie goal?

MeganReid1991 · November 2018

Okay so I guess I’m just doubting myself, I need to hear some success stories of people that haven’t done keto, intermittent fasting, low carb, Paleo.
While I do tend to stay away from a lot of white carbs and of course I try to eat as much fruit and veggies as possible sometimes I eat a hotdog for lunch because well I have 6 kids...
& it works for me.
But it’s hard to stay in the donwhat works for you mind set when your constantly seeing other people doing all these different stuff.
For me I just know I couldn’t do keto or any of those other things long term.

kshama2001 · November 2018

Stick around - the majority of us haven't done named diets like keto, intermittent fasting, low carb, Paleo. If that helps people create a calorie deficit, great, but named diets like that are not necessary for weight loss.

I belonged to a friend's Keto FB group for a while because there were some interesting recipes, but eventually shut off notifications for it.

deannalfisher · November 2018

i'm maintaining quite happily at 165lbs and just starting a short focused cut - no low carb (in fact, even now i'd say i'm on the higher carb side); higher protein (125g) and moderate fat (my higher calorie days at 2400ish and low are 2000) - based on where I was, that is a deficit of 600ish a day from where i was a month ago

quiksylver296 · November 2018

cwolfman13 · November 2018

kshama2001 wrote: »

Stick around - the majority of us haven't done named diets like keto, intermittent fasting, low carb, Paleo. If that helps people create a calorie deficit, great, but named diets like that are not necessary for weight loss.

I belonged to a friend's Keto FB group for a while because there were some interesting recipes, but eventually shut off notifications for it.

This is how any and all diet plans work...they can help to create a calorie deficit, but certainly aren't necessary to lose weight. I lost 40 Lbs sticking to my calorie targets. I did develop healthier eating habits along the way...but I still did and do eat pizza, bratts, pub grub, etc.

Calories are by and large what matter for weight management.

GottaBurnEmAll · November 2018

Well, I IF, but I did it even when I was obese. It has nothing to do with weight loss, it's just that I'm not hungry until somewhere between 10:00-12:00.

Other than that, I've lost 90 pounds and have kept it off without restricting food groups.

Panini911 · November 2018

Me! I lost 100lbs (twice, sadly) using NONE of those. Most rencently i lost 30 or so pounds (at least i stopped before gaining another 100!). I tracked calories and ate foods i liked and that kept me satisfied.

I eat carbs! and i don't fast.

kgeyser · November 2018

I'm not sure why what or how other people eat seems to bring up people's insecurities or puts them on the defensive about their own approach. I'm not saying this is specific to you, it's trend I've observed over time around food; you generally don't see many people worrying about their workout being wrong because someone else prefers to run marathons. There's something about food that seems to get to people.

I don't follow a diet "plan," but it seems like I naturally prefer to eat lower carb (<150g). The only reason I noticed this is from logging my food, and someone pointing out the average carb intake. I can't even fathom that amount of carbs regularly. Somewhere out there, there's someone who thinks eating that few carbs is odd and can't fathom eating so few. That's fine, they weren't invited over for dinner anyway.

You already know the key here is to figure out what works for you, and here's the secret: Even the people who follow a "named" diet tweak it for what works for them and their lifestyle. I have a friend who eats paleo during the week, but she eases up on the rules a bit on weekends and ignores them for special events. She's happy with how she eats and doesn't care if someone thinks she isn't "paleo enough" to call her diet paleo. Don't worry about what someone else might think, do what makes you happy.

You don't have to follow a named diet to use the pieces that will be beneficial to you. Take whatever will help you and leave the rest.

JLHuntah · November 2018

What a refreshing post! I'm tired of constantly trying out new ways to eat, especially since I like ALL the food. I just ate a bag of Lays Baked chips and a bowl of soup. Know what? 300 Cal lunch. it really is about portion sizes (which is my issue). I do find however that i can beat cravings by making sure I include Fat/Protein and the right carbs into my meals.

martaindale · November 2018

Me too! No named diet and no "off-limits" foods. This is a long-term diet adjustment for me, not a quick weight loss tool. Also, nothing makes you want something more than being told you can't have it!! That said, my diet is pretty light on the simple carbs. This is mostly a product of trying to be calorie efficient. Simple carbs are just not very filling for the calorie count so I tend to stick to more veggies, protein, etc so that I can feel satisfied and maintain a deficit while I am trying to lose. About 1 day a week I have a meal with bread or pasta, something super carby and that has quickly become enough to keep me from craving that sort of food for the rest of the week.

kimny72 · November 2018

I do my best to hit my protein and fiber goals, and am always trying to eat more veggies, but otherwise I just... eat and log, log and eat. I don't worry about clean or carbs or what time it is. I lost 20 lbs and have kept it off for a couple of years. It just got cold here and I'm wanting potatoes so I'm planning on eating as many roasted potatoes as I can fit in my dinner calories with some protein for the foreseeable future

And having pizza on Friday.

Phoebe5164 · November 2018

Putting labels on everything is the name of the game these days.... I eat less then 100 carbs because our bodies turn them into sugar which I choose to not eat . If you feel good eating chips and junk? Do it , it’s your body . I only have one goal and that’s to be healthy on the inside .. and to do this I’ll skip the empty calories, but you do you and I’ll do me 😊have a nice day guys !!

Spliner1969 · November 2018

It's less important how you choose to create your calorie deficit than it is for you to create a calorie deficit to lose weight. In the end it matters very little what you eat, calories mean everything. But if Atkins, Keto, IF, whatever makes you happy and you can sustain it then that's exactly what you should do.

Everyone has an opinion (you'll find no shortage of them on these boards), and I'm a big fan of 'you do you' and 'I'll do me'. So if one of those alternate diets help you stay satiated while you stay at a calorie deficit and don't cause you to eat unhealthy then go for it.

kshama2001 wrote: »

mbaker566 · November 2018

i've done just eating what i'd like in my calorie allotment. i often have ice cream or dessert for dinner. sometimes i have cake for breakfast.
i lost 50lbs. i gained much of it back when i stopped tracking what i was eating and stopped moving as much(double whammy)
now i've lost 20 doing the same
eat what makes you happy. eat what makes you feel full and satisfied.

mmapags · November 2018

Lost 40 lbs just eating less and moving more.

janejellyroll · November 2018

I did it. I focused on generally getting enough protein and fat. Other than that, I just ate what I liked within the context of my calorie goal. I eat what makes me feel happy, satisfied, and energized. Lost over 40 pounds and have been maintaining that weight loss since late 2015.

tbright1965 · November 2018

MeganReid1991 wrote: »

Okay so I guess I’m just doubting myself, I need to hear some success stories of people that haven’t done keto, intermittent fasting, low carb, Paleo.
While I do tend to stay away from a lot of white carbs and of course I try to eat as much fruit and veggies as possible sometimes I eat a hotdog for lunch because well I have 6 kids...
& it works for me.
But it’s hard to stay in the donwhat works for you mind set when your constantly seeing other people doing all these different stuff.
For me I just know I couldn’t do keto or any of those other things long term.

Yep, I do lower than the SAD with respect to carbs, but I still have between 150 and 200g per day to get my 2025 calories.

I'm about 30-40% carbs and similar for fat and protein.

I've lost 50 pounds since February.

Debagain55 · November 2018

Back to MFP for now. I've always had a struggle with the last 20lbs. I lost it, found it, and now at 63 it's hard to lose it. I think at this point in my life, losing it would be nice but the biggest issue is health. I'm a pretty healthy person and want to stay that way. Eating right, moving, sleeping, stressfree is the way. My Papa had Alzheimers and I've been researching that. A horrible way to go. I don't want to lose my mind before my bod. Keto is awesome for the brain. Just finished my 3rd book on brain health. Sugar is by far the worst thing you can do, nutritionally, for your brain. I say, do your own thing, for me it's more than weight. Will I cheat? Absolutley! But, not often.

kami3006 · November 2018

I focused on accurately hitting my calories. I lost 25 lbs around five years ago and have run a couple bulk/cut cycles and maintained all by focusing on calories. I have a varied diet and enjoy what I want in moderation. The only macro I focus on is protein. I usually hit my fat minimum easily and let my carbs fall where they will.

maureenkhilde · November 2018

Lower Carb = Lower ACI which is the rolling 3 month blood glucose reading. Critical number for type 2 Diabetics. To lose weight totally agree it is a calorie deficit that makes it happen. But if I just had the deficit and did not change what I ate as a diabetic it would impact me. Therefore I go with a Low Carb, but not high fat.

nvmomketo · November 2018

I'm keto for health and appetite suppression, but I had hot dogs today (I have 3 kids). Well, it was 3 bratwurst/smokies for dinner, just no bun...

If keto works for you, great. If you have another weight loss method that works well for you, great. Do whatever works for you, and aim to eat healthfully.

apullum · November 2018

I’ve never followed a named diet for weight loss. I’m vegetarian because I want to be, not because I think it does anything for weight loss. It absolutely does not do anything special for weight loss. I was an obese vegetarian and am now a thin vegetarian. You lose weight when you eat fewer calories than your body burns, regardless of what foods those calories come from.

I eat relatively high carb because vegetarian proteins often have carbs, because I need the fuel as an endurance runner, and also because I really love chocolate. I eat chocolate every day and fit it into my calorie goal. I lost 100 pounds and have been maintaining in my optimal BMI range for over a year.

JBanx256 · November 2018

I don't do keto, low-carb, paleo, etc...I think it's going alright for me so far (pretty proud of progress)

CharlieBeansmomTracey · November 2018

I do IF too BUT, Ive always done it as Im not a breakfast eater. Ive done it for 3+ decades even before I knew I was fasting or that what I was doing was fasting.Ive lost,gained and maintained doing IF so it definitely for me isnt for weight loss,it just works with me and when I feel the hungriest(which 99% of the time is after noon). I have to eat a low fat diet due to a health issue, too much fat for me is a no no. I still ate what I wanted when losing weight just less of it. I still do an am maintaining my weight. I make things fit, of course I have my days when I do go over but I try to get back on track the next day.

Cahgetsfit · November 2018

carbs are life. I eat at a deficit, I lose weight. I eat more carbs than anything else (once I hit my protein target, the rest is fair game)

when I eat like an idiot, I gain weight. carbs or not.

it's just what people are happy with really. Oh - and the caloric deficit.

thisPGHlife · November 2018

So far I've lost a little over 50 pounds with just eating less. I usually try to go for nutrient dense foods because they are more filling for me. I usually also try to focus on getting enough fat and protein which is more filling for me. I don't try and do low carb but I try for lower because it's usually not as filling for me. However, I will be the last person to give up good pizza! Most days I shoot for 150 but I usually end up over shooting. Some days by a lot.

It really is individual. If you find carbs are more filling for your, go for. I would say that you'll want to make sure that you're getting enough protein and fat since they are necessary for muscle maintenance/production and hormone regulation, but feel free to enjoy the carbs. I know some people do really well on keto, others do well on Paleo or other WOE. Awesome! For me they let to more disordered eating. Different things work for different people but the one thing that works for everyone, barring medical issues, is caloric deficit for weight loss. Good luck!

lemurcat2 · November 2018

MeganReid1991 wrote: »

Okay so I guess I’m just doubting myself, I need to hear some success stories of people that haven’t done keto, intermittent fasting, low carb, Paleo.
While I do tend to stay away from a lot of white carbs and of course I try to eat as much fruit and veggies as possible sometimes I eat a hotdog for lunch because well I have 6 kids...
& it works for me.
But it’s hard to stay in the donwhat works for you mind set when your constantly seeing other people doing all these different stuff.
For me I just know I couldn’t do keto or any of those other things long term.

If you know you couldn't do it long term, then it sounds like you are being smart and doing what works for you.

I lost 90 lbs eating at a variety of carb levels, but not keto. I tried keto for a while for fun when maintaining and found it too restrictive for me -- it cut out foods I love and think are healthy, as well as just limiting options. I now tend to be kind of low carb when trying to lose (I'm currently trying to get back to my lowest weight and below), and moderate carb when maintaining (100-120 when losing, around 150 when maintaining, although I don't really worry about either, it's just how I tend to eat, since I like more protein and fat).

The only reason I'd worry about macros (assuming enough protein) is if you aren't feeling satisfied on your current diet. Then I'd change it up to see if it helps.

TLBentley1 · November 2018

I love the comments above! The calorie deficit works! I think its about finding the sweet spot. Where you're feeding your body enough not to feel threatened, the rest is finding what you and your body agree you can eat. I love bread but bread doesn't love me, my hands swell especially if I mix it with protein, no hot dogs a a bun for me!

Thanks for your post though, makes me feel better about my eat my calories, don't over indulge and keep pushing mantra I've recently adopted.

cathipa · November 2018

The first 20 pounds I lost was done with just calorie counting. I weighed my food and logged everything I ate. The last 40 have been with not just calorie counting, but specific macros for my goals and activity (IIFYM).

Hybridchld · November 2018

I've lost over 100lbs in two years just counting calories and exercising, you don't need to stick to any set diet you just need to find what works for you!

psuLemon · November 2018

I just focused on calories and protein. Lost and kept of 50 lbs for 6 years

Probably averaged 250-350g of carbs too

No keto, low carb just what fits in calorie goal?

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