Low Carb verses Low Calorie? What's your opinion?
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mncardiojunkie
Posts: 307 Member
Hi everyone,
I'm sure that this subject has been reviewed prior to this posting, but I have a couple of questions that I am posing to people.
First the set up. I have been strictly low carb since 1998. I managed to loose a great deal of weight (60+) twice in my life on the Atkins Induction-old Atkins prior to 2002.
Since Sept 2008, I gained around 17-22 pounds and I have been working since Feb 2, 2009 to take it off. I have managed to take off around 14 pounds so far and it looks like I could at least stand to loose an additional 10 if not 15.
I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.
I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.
I started calorie counting and I am eating upwards of around 40-80 carbs a day. and up to 1600 calories a day. Highest net calorie intake is around 1000 daily. Calorie counting isn't restrictive, neither is carb counting but the two combined...well.........:huh:
As I drown on and on....I am at a plateau. I know that the Aktins-induction Lifestyle is a one time shot, I've been lucky to have two Induction periods.
What would you do????
Are there any of you who have attempted BOTH?
I cannot seem to get enough protein into my diet either and keep my calorie count down. :noway:
Where's the mad science here that works? Anyone have any enlightening tales of glory to share?
If any of you are now awake after reading this thread...I commend you!:yawn:
With kind regards and great expections.
Marie
I'm sure that this subject has been reviewed prior to this posting, but I have a couple of questions that I am posing to people.
First the set up. I have been strictly low carb since 1998. I managed to loose a great deal of weight (60+) twice in my life on the Atkins Induction-old Atkins prior to 2002.
Since Sept 2008, I gained around 17-22 pounds and I have been working since Feb 2, 2009 to take it off. I have managed to take off around 14 pounds so far and it looks like I could at least stand to loose an additional 10 if not 15.
I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.
I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.
I started calorie counting and I am eating upwards of around 40-80 carbs a day. and up to 1600 calories a day. Highest net calorie intake is around 1000 daily. Calorie counting isn't restrictive, neither is carb counting but the two combined...well.........:huh:
As I drown on and on....I am at a plateau. I know that the Aktins-induction Lifestyle is a one time shot, I've been lucky to have two Induction periods.
What would you do????
Are there any of you who have attempted BOTH?
I cannot seem to get enough protein into my diet either and keep my calorie count down. :noway:
Where's the mad science here that works? Anyone have any enlightening tales of glory to share?
If any of you are now awake after reading this thread...I commend you!:yawn:
With kind regards and great expections.
Marie
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Replies
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Hi everyone,
I'm sure that this subject has been reviewed prior to this posting, but I have a couple of questions that I am posing to people.
First the set up. I have been strictly low carb since 1998. I managed to loose a great deal of weight (60+) twice in my life on the Atkins Induction-old Atkins prior to 2002.
Since Sept 2008, I gained around 17-22 pounds and I have been working since Feb 2, 2009 to take it off. I have managed to take off around 14 pounds so far and it looks like I could at least stand to loose an additional 10 if not 15.
I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.
I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.
I started calorie counting and I am eating upwards of around 40-80 carbs a day. and up to 1600 calories a day. Highest net calorie intake is around 1000 daily. Calorie counting isn't restrictive, neither is carb counting but the two combined...well.........:huh:
As I drown on and on....I am at a plateau. I know that the Aktins-induction Lifestyle is a one time shot, I've been lucky to have two Induction periods.
What would you do????
Are there any of you who have attempted BOTH?
I cannot seem to get enough protein into my diet either and keep my calorie count down. :noway:
Where's the mad science here that works? Anyone have any enlightening tales of glory to share?
If any of you are now awake after reading this thread...I commend you!:yawn:
With kind regards and great expections.
Marie0 -
I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.
Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.0 -
I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.
Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.
Yah know, I know you're right about that. I am super frightened of eating more calories, even though I probably burn around 600-1000 calories at the gym. In fact, when as I count the calories and figure it out I should have lost around 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks, but only lost 1.5 pounds. It was mathematically impossible. How would you handle the calorie/calorie burning issue if you were me?
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your time.
Marie0 -
Have you ever tried just counting your carbs and not really worrying about calories? Usually calories naturally fall into place when you eat a lower-carb diet, granted you don't gorge. I think most women who follow low-carb have no troubles coming in at around 1400-1600 daily, which is a decent number whether you're counting carbs or calories. It sounds like you have a healthy plan going already, so maybe since you are close to your goal it might just take a bit longer than you're used to. Also, if you are familiar with Tom Venuto (you mentioned you are into lifting), he says that when looking to create a calorie deficit, cut the carbohydrates first to spare lean muscle mass. Good luck to you!0
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I've tried both, though not at the same time. I prefer low calorie for one simple reason: I like to eat whatever I want to eat.
Low carb limits what you can eat. Also after being on a low carb diet for a while, I noticed my breath would smell bad (normal side effect of the low-carb lifestyle) and my lower back hurt -- I have no idea why and probably should've seen a dr. about it.
With low calorie, sure you eat less, but you eat whatever you want. And, my breath is minty fresh. ha ha
One more thing... it is easier to balance calories burned vs. consumed (eating vs. exercise for example) than it is to measure carbs. I wouldn't know what to do if I at too many potatoes on a low-carb diet, but if it were low-calorie (and taking for granted that I'm watching other nutritional values) I could head out to the gym for a nice workout to offset my intake.0 -
The problem with low carb is you are really limited as to what you can eat. Low calorie, you choose the foods you love, in smaller portions. For me, it's easier because I find that when I deprive myself of the foods I love, I tend to get off track, over eat, and gain weight.0
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I think low-carb is criminalized too much; I guess it really depends what your goals are. Most people in bodybuilding generally do some sort of low- carb diet (or what the general masses would consider low carb) when they are in their cutting (fat loss) phase. Some even go to a Ketogenic diet (which is virtually no carbs). It's also a mindset; as with any nutrition program. You shouldn't think "I CAN'T have this, I feel so deprived" but really, "I DON'T eat this, because I like the way my body feels when I eat healthy foods." Lower carb nutrition plans also eliminate a lot of cravings for many people, so they really don't even feel deprived.0
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I do low carb and low calorie BUT I dont ban foods from my diet I just hold off on them until I feel I can eat without over indulging. We dont realize we get a lot of carbs with other foods we dont need to have them in white bread,rice and pasta ..just my opinion...eat your greens hehhe:flowerforyou:0
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I think low-carb is criminalized too much; I guess it really depends what your goals are. Most people in bodybuilding generally do some sort of low- carb diet (or what the general masses would consider low carb) when they are in their cutting (fat loss) phase. Some even go to a Ketogenic diet (which is virtually no carbs). It's also a mindset; as with any nutrition program. You shouldn't think "I CAN'T have this, I feel so deprived" but really, "I DON'T eat this, because I like the way my body feels when I eat healthy foods." Lower carb nutrition plans also eliminate a lot of cravings for many people, so they really don't even feel deprived.
I agree. It's not hard for me to pass up processed or refined foods. I come from hippy parents, we didn't have any of that stuff in our house. I rarely crave ice cream, rice or potatoes when low-carbing it. It actually kills all cravings-you're right. It's easy to band foods for me as long as I don't feel like I'm starving.
I guess here's my fear and again, this is my fear....If I just go low carb, will it kill me because since I have been counting calories and carbs, the low carb diet does seem to be extremely caloric.
Would you just throw caution to the wind and go low carb for a couple of weeks?
Yeah, I'm extremely close to my goals. Next time, I will be watching the scales like a hawk. Two pounds over and it's back to the Atkins Induction. I gained weight in the last six months due to stress and a good old fashion 6 month carb bender.0 -
I think low-carb is criminalized too much; I guess it really depends what your goals are. Most people in bodybuilding generally do some sort of low- carb diet (or what the general masses would consider low carb) when they are in their cutting (fat loss) phase. Some even go to a Ketogenic diet (which is virtually no carbs). It's also a mindset; as with any nutrition program. You shouldn't think "I CAN'T have this, I feel so deprived" but really, "I DON'T eat this, because I like the way my body feels when I eat healthy foods." Lower carb nutrition plans also eliminate a lot of cravings for many people, so they really don't even feel deprived.
The great thing about MFP is you can do what is right for you. Of course, we're not doctors (even if we claim to be, it is hard to double check ha ha), so you might check with yours for advice.
Above is a really good pro argument, and you'll hear lots of con arguments too. Do what is best for you and stay healthy.0 -
I won't comment on the low carb lifestyle.. although I know it's not for me!
What I do find alarming is that you like to lift weights and you're 149 lbs, but you're only eating 1000 calories per day... that's dangerously low. How can you really expect your muscles to get adequate fuel for repair on such minimal calories? No woman should eat less than 1200 (unless they are under the supervision of a specialist). You asked what we would do in your situation? Start by increasing your net calories by 100 for one week, add another 100 the next week and so on. It seems to me that you need more than 1000 calories a day before your body is going to be comfortable letting go of extra weight. Right now, it's probably convinced you're living in a time of famine and you work out hard on top of that.
I started at 1200 a day and for the first 3 weeks, I steadily lost weight. But then I hit a standstill and had to increase my calories in order to continue losing weight. Now I notice that I lose the most when I go over...
Don't be afraid to try it. Eventually your metabolism will catch on and it will be grateful for the extra fuel. Your body will finally start to let go of the extra when it feels you're no longer in danger of malnutrition...0 -
I tried low carb a few years back - lost 35 pounds quick but in the fourth month I really felt bad....I've been on low cal now since 1st of Sep and I feel great and I've lost more than with low carb. I think our bodies need more variety of nutrition than low carb can offer - or at least how I did it.
Your net calories should never be below that 1200 mark. If you are only netting 1000 per day - that could be the problem.
Yah know, I know you're right about that. I am super frightened of eating more calories, even though I probably burn around 600-1000 calories at the gym. In fact, when as I count the calories and figure it out I should have lost around 4 pounds in the last 2 weeks, but only lost 1.5 pounds. It was mathematically impossible. How would you handle the calorie/calorie burning issue if you were me?
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your time.
Marie
any changes you make can affect your weight - meaning adding calories after being on low carb - could you gain - yes but if you got your net to 1200 a day, I am pretty sure you'll be at a deficit still may not be 5 pounds a week but a pound a week in the right direction and eating healthy - what's wrong with that??
When I increased my calories, I started losing again - didn't gain but I've heard both ways. Let your body adjust don't give up.0 -
What I do find alarming is that you like to lift weights and you're 149 lbs, but you're only eating 1000 calories per day... that's dangerously low.
Good catch Miso! I need to take time to read these more carefully before I reply. Your advice is spot on and if anyone learns from this, it could result in a longer life. Stay healthy friends!0 -
Did you keep track of your calories at all when you first did low-carb? It seems that you had great success with it before. I have heard of the "Golden Shot" story with Atkins/low-carb, but I don't necessarily believe it. I'm sure there are thousands of people who re-induce/start over again after high-carb benders over the holidays/vacation, etc. It might make it harder to get going again, but that's really just true with any "diet", low cal or low carb. The point is really just to avoid treating any plan like a diet, and instead commit to a lifestyle change. I think that you'll find that it's easier to keep your calories in check than you think. It really is hard to overeat on meat, fish, and veggies. They're all pretty filling foods, and since you've been counting calories already, you have learned portion control (4 oz meat, 1 cup veggies, etc). As it's been said many times, it's "don't count calories" not "calories don't count." And of course, eating to satisfaction, not stuffed. If you're really concerned about the calories, you could forgo butter, cheese, cream and things like that, instead choosing lean proteins like chicken breast, sirloin, and fish.
As for low calorie plans, I think that most people following that are not very likely to be getting 90% of their calories from carbs either, because it just isn't satisfying and it's easier to overeat carbs (IMO). I'm by no means criminalizing carbs, but I bet that many people who cut calories do indeed end up cutting their carbs below what they had been eating.0 -
I don't know how much I can offer, as I'm pretty new to all of this!
My doctor originally put me on a low-carb diet and I could not do it! Yes, I did lose some weight, but I felt awful all the time, my blood sugar was all over the charts, and I ended up binging on carbs shortly after starting and losing weight. I say, try mixing it up a bit and seeing where that leads you! Good luck!0 -
I am partial to a "right carb" diet.
Veggetables, fruits, whole grains. NO WHITE FOOD.
I believe that whole grains are higher in Calories but they will keep you fuller , longer. Also, they are good for your over health.
Most low carb diets are high protein, like the Atkins. Also, when i read about the atkins diet it allowed me to eat hamburgers, bacon, BUTTER, Fried pork rines , etc. Thos items arent good for the heart and not good for the colon.
I am a South Beach dieter myself. Good fats, good carbs, exericse, plenty of water, and eating about 6 times a day.
It does have a 2 week no bread , no fruit plan, but that is just to get the dieter to stop craving sugar.
when you are eating 1-2 servings of fruit a day and 1 serving of bread/pasta/crackers that are whole wheat you will most likely lose 2 lbs a week.
I dont think you are eating enough, if you are hitting the gym that hard. You might not lose any weight either if you are lifting a lot, but you might be cutting your body fat %.0 -
I don't believe in eliminating/cutting back an entire food group...there are four food groups for a reason...but I get the frustration level of calorie counting...it takes longer and can be difficult...I'm struggling to get past my plateau and start losing again...0
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I don't believe that anyone should cut carbohydrates out of their diet. Your body NEEDS carbohydrates to function properly! In addition, excess protein causes stress on your kidneys and increases the amount of calcium your body loses. You stated yourself that your weight keeps fluctuating - that leads me to assume that low-carb dieting is not a permanent solution for weight loss!
Here's an article on the importance of carbs, protein, and fat:
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/handouts/macronutrients.htm
Here's another article from the American Heart Association on high-protein diets:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=112340 -
Counting Calories are the way to go, because Calories equal weight. If your only point is to lose weight, it doesn't matter if you eat x calories from snicker bars or x calories from vegetables or x calories from steak. You may feel more hungry if you only snicker bars, though.
Low-carb works because carbs spike our blood sugar, then we make too much insulin, which takes away all of our blood sugar and makes us feel hungry. If hunger isn't what is keeping you down, then counting carbs doesn't matter.
It's the type of carb that matters - after all, fruits and vegetables are carbs, as are nuts and beans. It's best to eat foods with a low glycemic index to keep your blood sugar from spiking. It also helps to prevent diabetes.
If you eat too many calories in protein, you will still gain weight - and too much protein is also not good for you, as it causes kidney stones and takes calcium away from your bones. It's a myth that you can eat all you want as long as your carb count is low - a Calorie is a Calorie is a Calorie.0 -
I have struggled with my weight all of my life and have yo-yoed from 200 to 100 to 190 to 165 to 209 to 145. Now I am stuck again at 161 after 6 weeks and losing about 14 pounds. I definitely appreciate those who are in the midst of a battle of 50 pounds or more. I have been there many many times.
I work out 4-6days a week. I am a weight lifter so 149 pounds I'm in a size 4. Right now I am in a size 8. So the scales really aren't accurate for me as my measured body weight at the gym is around 22%.
On no, who ever caught that did not have a good eye, they weren't paying attention.
The only foods that I cut out are processed flour, sugar, corn, white rice and potatoes. I did not know that they constitute a food group. I eat loads of good carbs; veggies, fruits, nuts and some whole grains and some beans (but I don't fancy the latter two). I really don't understand what healthy or important food group that I am cutting out.
But unfortunately due to my wordiness, what I was asking, got lost in translations. For every study that you can give me about the perils of low carb, I can give you a study about low calorie dieters failing 90% of the time-from reputable sources.
I have no desire for a Snickers bar, I crave no bread, not even a dark chocolate croissant. I am just at a plateau.
I was asking if I do both, how do I handle it? I can't seem to get the protein in on low calorie.
I understand that the South Beach Diet has very good results. I haven't the time to stop and eat that many times a day. I am lucky to get food in twice a day, with a protein shake from breakfast.
Thanks for clearly expressing your thoughts.
Kind regards
Marie0
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