Who has lost weight without restricting carbs?

245

Replies

  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    I have done both and lost weight doing both. I prefer low carb tho! It keeps me accountable if I avoid breads, pastas and sugar! I do eat carbs but only about 100 grams a day and protein 130-140 a day! Plus, I have IBS and it seems to help my stomach when I avoid starchy carbs! I do 40% protein, 30 carb, 30 fat!

    When I did a diet with carbs I lost (but not as fast) but the more carbs I ate the more I wanted!

    My carbs come from fruits, potatoes, and brown rice......No breads or pasta or sugar (except natural sugar)

    Regarless of what you choose, if you stick with it.....you will lose!
  • KavemanKarg
    KavemanKarg Posts: 266
    There is more then one road to china.

    I am reduced carb, but rarely "low carb' as most people consider it. I wake up in ketosis many days in a week, depending what carbs I ate and how much.

    Most days between 50 and 100 grams. To me, this is low carb compared to the recommendation we eat over 300 grams spouted by the USD of AGRICULTURE (Which for some reason gives out food advice instead of the surgeon general or the FDA).

    I notice I cannot post anything, even just diet advice that affects all forms of dieting, without it being attacked because I am a low carber and my signature states so. So I am sure you will find this is a heated issue.

    The most important thing in dieting is to see food as fuel, not pleasure.

    The 2nd is consistency.

    A bad diet plan plus consistency is infinitely better then a great diet plan and cheating all the time.
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    I lose weight when I eat at a deficit, low carb or high carb matters not to my body as far as weight loss goes.

    Same here. However, low carb makes me crabby. I love my carbs!
  • thesweatybetty
    thesweatybetty Posts: 107 Member
    Just curious. My trainer at my gym is pushing low-carbs for weigh loss, he swears by it. I'm going to try it but part of me is skeptical about whether I can keep it up long term. Any thoughts?

    ive lost 25 in about 8 weeks balancing my carb-protein ratio. usually hit around 20-25 g of each every meal (6 meals a day) my carbs consist of fruits, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potato, small russet potato.. things of that nature..
  • Daffodil64
    Daffodil64 Posts: 6
    You name it, I've tried it all. I lost 119 lbs on WW, but is eventually crept back up. This time I'm trying to go it by eating within my allotted calories. I still try to work in veggies and fruits, and do restrict my breads and sweets, but if it is something I really want, I try to make allowances for it and enjoy. So far, I have lost 22 lbs in just about 2 months. To me, that seems fine. During this time, I've celebrated birthdays with 2 of my sons, been to Church's Chicken a couple times, and also eaten Chinese once- made me sick though. LOL
    I am trying so hard not to put a time frame on this weight loss, and to really make it something I can live with long term. I'm sure others might do it differently, but I am having to do what works for me.
  • ignatiusreilly
    ignatiusreilly Posts: 411 Member
    My calories are about 50% carbs, and I've had no prolem losing 47 pounds in less than 5 months.
  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    I've lost 60 pounds so far this year without truly restricting carbs. I do, on most days, aim for the better carbs (fruits, veggies) rather than the not-so-great-for-you carbs (i.e., white bread, potatoes, rice, processed sugar)....but on most days, I'm eating way more carbs than any low carb diet would permit. I do still eat pizza once or twice a week, and sometimes other not so great carbs. Its nice to know that I can eat these carbs in moderation when I want..even if I choose to pass on them most of the time.

    on a related note, I did Atkins in 2005, lost 50 pounds and then realized I couldn't maintain a low carb lifestyle. I didn't have a good exit plan and gained all of the weight back, plus some, over the next few years.

    in short, you can lose weight doing low carb or not doing low carb. you should pick the nutrition plan that you believe you can stick with. personally, it was very difficult for me to pass on most fruits, pizza, pasta (even whole grain pasta) and I didn't really research an acceptable exit plan...nor was my mindset ready to transition to something else.
  • agugino
    agugino Posts: 119
    My husband restricted his carbs when trying to lose weight for the navy, and the weight practically fell off. He'd lose like 40 lbs in two weeks. But as soon as you start eating carbs again, it piles right back on. My advice to you is to decide how important carbs are to you. I personally love sugar, love fruits, and couldn't live without them. So I won't go that route, just watch my calories in and calories out and try to eat healthy carbs. If you don't mind giving up carbs for the rest of your life, then it's worth a shot.
  • MyCoachNYLA
    MyCoachNYLA Posts: 158 Member
    I did for my figure training and it gets you there quick fast and now, but if you are in it for the long haul and don't want to fall into any gymics, I suggest going with a 40/30/30 zone food plan (not diet).

    I know how to strip 8 pounds of fat off in 3 weeks, but would I do it again? NOT!

    The truth is that most people don't stay eating that way and eventually you will require the carbs needed to function, so I say - keep it simple. I would also consider shopping around for another trainer with a different mindset, personally. When a trainer comes at you with that old school way of thinking...it brews trouble to me.

    I never suggest low carb anything to my clients and I get results. My present client came to me at 245 pounds and she is now down to 160 pounds - and we did it over time with baby steps without a low carb gymic. She is now in a lifestyle change and a healthy pattern and she wants to show up on her own without me even having to motivate, which is a pleasure.

    I also have a couple who are maintaining a 65 pound fat loss for 4 years and they are not on a low carb food plan AND they are 68 and 70 years old!!! It is never too late for change.

    Good luck to you.
  • mrecker
    mrecker Posts: 34 Member
    All I did was focus on my caloric intake. I would occasionally try to have more protein, but didn't go out of my way.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I have lost weight without restricting carbs.
  • ivy2009
    ivy2009 Posts: 75
    Just eat a healthy diet in about the right recommended percentages of carbs, proteins and low/good fats.
  • jessicajane11
    jessicajane11 Posts: 10
    I don't avoid carbs but I stay aware of how many I eat. When I know I have a Volleyball or Hockey game I make sure to eat extra carbs, because I'm going to need the energy & extra to burn off! low carb "diets" (in my personal opinion) are a quick fix, unless you are one of few that can make it a life choice! & if you can, well good on yah! but your body needs carbs! moderation is key! My carb intake is good, it works for me. I don't think low carb does or doesn't work; you just need to find what works for you!
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    Most days between 50 and 100 grams. To me, this is low carb compared to the recommendation we eat over 300 grams spouted by the USD of AGRICULTURE (Which for some reason gives out food advice instead of the surgeon general or the FDA).

    I notice I cannot post anything, even just diet advice that affects all forms of dieting, without it being attacked because I am a low carber and my signature states so. So I am sure you will find this is a heated issue.

    The most important thing in dieting is to see food as fuel, not pleasure.

    SO TRUE!!!!!
  • questionablemethods
    questionablemethods Posts: 2,174 Member
    I don't worry about carbs, but I do think that they're naturally reduced when you're calorie counting.
    I was just going to say this. Even if you keep eating exactly the same foods that you were eating, but just choose smaller portions, you are restricting your carbohydrates (and fat and protein). But I suppose that isn't really what you are asking.

    I personally find that choosing protein and fat first and then adding carbohydrates in when they fit helps me feel less hungry while restricting calories thus making "willpower" less of a concern. I just don't think about wanting to eat all the time, which I tend to do when I opt primarily for carbohydrates in lieu of protein and fat (yes, even very high fiber, low GI carbs). Mine end up being around 80-100g/day on about 1400-1600 calories/day and feel that works well for me.
  • ivy2009
    ivy2009 Posts: 75
    I like your advice. You are right.
  • wackynunu
    wackynunu Posts: 103
    I eat carbs. Usually whole grains, but ocasionally white bread . Some people swear by the low carb plan and it works for them, but if you examine their caloric intake, I imagine it would be comperable to someone who has had success while being able to eat whatever type of food they wanted and just stay within their calorie goal. (I sure hope that makes sense)
  • meowow
    meowow Posts: 42 Member
    I don't really pay attention to carbs, and I've lost weight! I hear that really watching carbs can enhance your weight loss significantly, but when I've tried I had 0 energy and so unsatisfied! Maybe it's not the best diet for me! I don't eat meat/fish/flesh at all, which is a lot of what low-carb feasters feast upon! But, that is my experience with it. I lose about 1-2 a week just eating my calorie intake (healthy clean foods, but a lot of carbs..) and working out!
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    RAISES HAND WILDLY IN THE AIR!!!!!!!!

    I shed over 100 pounds, cut my body fat by more than 33%, and never restricted (or even counted) carbs.


    Healthy carbs like fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc. serve a purpose. They provide important nutrients that you CAN NOT get anywhere else.

    Nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks in sensible portions, plenty of water, and exercise.
  • lclarkjr
    lclarkjr Posts: 359 Member
    I don't do low carb because I actually want to have energy during my intense workouts. I can see it helping if you only want to lose in the short term, but if you are wanting to stay down at a healthy weight, it seems like the best thing is to just watch your overall calorie intake. Eat in moderation. Fuel your workouts.
  • Loreleismith62
    Loreleismith62 Posts: 1
    i have i do it by calorie. that way i can still have those thing i enjoy...just limited within my calories:drinker:
  • vegasaims
    vegasaims Posts: 128
    I follow what my dad and aunt have used. My dad is down 40lbs since March and my aunt is down 60lbs since February/March-ish. They still eat carbs, but they just monitor how many. My aunt followed a strict program, but my dad did it solo. His doctor told him to eat only 100g of carbs a day. He has been doing that ever since. He usually comes in lower than that. He has also been slowly incorporating some carbs and his weight has stayed the same. He is happy and is totally my inspiration.
  • strawberry1969
    strawberry1969 Posts: 1,476 Member
    i need high carbs because of an illness i have and have lost over 4 stone in total
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    My philosophy - I'm not willing to do anything to lose weight - that I'm not willing to do to maintain it. Low carb for life? Not happening.

    I'm trying to be "smarter" about the carbs I eat.
  • julie204
    julie204 Posts: 130
    cant say that i lower my carbs i just think you should have a balence all round just dont have big portions of pasta and rice etc the only carbs i do try and cut out or limit myself is bread cause if i eat to much of this the weight does go on i have been on these just protien diets and they make you feel ill best just to watch what your eating have lower fat and sugar rather than cut out the carbs my friend does a diet eating loads of pasta cous cous and veg . jacket potatoes fruit etc and she has lost 6 stone in a year so i just think all these diets .ie carb diet protien diet no carbs after 5 diet are all just fad diets the only way to lose weight is to control .what goes in your mouth and to exercise i would stay on here and count your calories.:smile:
  • cardbucfan
    cardbucfan Posts: 10,571 Member
    I have tried the low carb diet. For me and others, I know it was a TEMPORARY sucess. I'm not the kind of person who can live without bread and carbs for the rest of my life. In fact, there are some good carbs that your body needs! After I stopped, I gained all the weight back and thensome. So far, calorie counting has worked for me. I try and make sure to get the right nutrients by eating whole grains, etc.... but if I want a piece of Papa John's pizza, I know thats 370 calories a slice. I have become more and more aware using MFP on empty calories, and things that just simply wont fill me up. But if I was good all day, I don't mind having that slice of pizza as long as it goes under my calories. It makes it feel alot less restrictive, even if it sounds like its more restrictive having to count everything you put in your body. But the dedication towards calorie counting is what has made me lose the most so far. And I don't feel deprived of things I eat. I hope this helps!

    This right here!
  • ArtificiallyBalanced
    ArtificiallyBalanced Posts: 44
    Restricting carbs has to be the worst idea ever for LONG term weight loss. I didn't lose 110 pounds restricting carbs, I lost it by eating the RIGHT carbs. Oatmeal, whole grain bread, fruits, vegetables. No white bread or pasta or rice (not a fan of pasta or rice anyways) and i don't have much of a sugar/candy tooth. Of course I eat sugar sometimes but it's not my downfall. I usually eat most of my carbs throughout the day and actually crave protein and vegetables for dinner. If you want energy to work out, you need to eat good carbs. You can turn your focus on eating MORE protein and you will naturally eat less carbs, but don't restrict them. You know you'll end up wanting them more!
  • MrsWagz
    MrsWagz Posts: 41
    I hate diets that are restricted.. If someone says I can't have bread that will be all I will want!! I have had great sucess by learning how to eat balanced and reasonable meals without telling myself I can't have something.. I love sweets so it's nice to be able to make room for them so I don't feel deprived.. Have a wonderful day!:wink:
  • staceyseeger
    staceyseeger Posts: 778 Member
    My body has to have carbs to function. I tried South Beach & Atkins a few years ago & lost some, but I knew it could never be a lifestyle change.

    I managed to lose 50+ lbs without any carb restriction.
  • jennajava
    jennajava Posts: 2,176 Member
    I have lost 48 pounds. Calories are the key. Not carbs.
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