How Low is 'Low Carb'

KLK1986
KLK1986 Posts: 89
edited November 9 in Social Groups
I'm just curious...how many grams of carbs is everyone aiming for on a daily basis?

I know there is a wide range that can be considered low carb - some people go 30g a day low, and others (like me) consider 100g a day low (because we're coming from a history of consuming upwards of 250g a day).

Replies

  • Alamano
    Alamano Posts: 13 Member
    I'm shooting for Atkins induction levels of 20 grams per day. I'm also a former 250 + grams a day consumer of carbs. In fact, after endless hours researching it on the internet, I'd go so far as to say that I'm a recovering Carboholic! :wink:
  • Bevkus
    Bevkus Posts: 274 Member
    I have removed all cereal, pasta, bread, rice, potatoes from my diet..except for one small indulgence. I don't really watch the carb count in anything else I eat...which is mostly protein, veggies and one or two small yogurts a day. By doing this, I easily keep my total carbs to less than 80 on most days
  • rb16fitness
    rb16fitness Posts: 236 Member
    I'm generally staying under 50g per day, at that level I can stay within my calorie allowance without feeling hungry or deprived.
  • Laura_beau
    Laura_beau Posts: 1,029 Member
    Low carbing isnt a 'one size fits all' way of life- what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. We all have different metabolisms and metabolic resistence.

    Coming down from 250>g per day to <20g per day is a huge drop and drastic diet change, so I would play around with grammage (not really scientific terminology......) see how you feel after cutting out refined carbs and processed foods- if 100g works for you and you can lose weight at that level, stick with it.

    If it's not working for you then try reducing by a little bit, and so on.....

    Make sure you eat enough calories too, and ensure you are eating plenty of veggies and/or taking a multivitamin.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    Im one of the folks who is under an Endocrinologist's care - Ive been advised for my individual circumstances, to have no more than 1600 calories per day, no more than 120g of healthy carbohydrates daily. Each meal should be a minimum 25g but no more than 40g for carbs.

    Ive learned a few 'quirks' that my body throws at me when I vary a few things so I make the necessary adjustments where needed.

    I have completely eliminated all potatoes, rice, pasta, corn, breads*, flours that are highly bleached and processed.

    I have found a low-carb alternative bread made by a company out of Massachusetts called "Josephs". I am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE with their Low Carb Flax-Oat-Wheat pita pockets. Each whole pocket is only 8g carbs (4g net), it doesnt taste horrible at all, in fact when I use one to make a personal pizza, they crisp up NICELY in the oven just like a regular pizza dough. Ive used them 'quesadilla' style - and when I do a light pan-fry with some olive-oil spray, I get that AWESOME light crunch that you normally would get from regular tortillas...

    The only hitch with those is that I cant have more than one per day. And, that is ok... problem is some of the preservatives they have no choice but to put in them where they are low carb. Having one, I do not have a reaction. Having MORE than one, my lips start to get PAINFULLY raw, split open and bleed.... so, when I have them, I make sure its one hell of a meal! LOL!
  • Stephie_J
    Stephie_J Posts: 260 Member
    I try to aim for 30g carbs per day but I rarely hit 20g. I did Low Carb last year and lost weight nearly every week. I LOVE all the high carb foods but have found following low carb easy as eating protein fills you up! :)
  • carolann_22
    carolann_22 Posts: 364 Member
    I lose better if I stay under 40 NET carbs. I've been experimenting to find my sweet spot, and that works for me.
  • dennydifferent
    dennydifferent Posts: 135 Member
    The honest truth- I've stopped counting carbs. I just stay away from grains, potatoes and sugar, including fruit. I eat meat, veg, dairy and nuts. At a guess I think I'm around 40 t0 60g carbs a day, but honestly I don't know. It's become more about avoiding what makes me sick (wheat, starch, fructose) than it is about hitting a numbers target.
  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    I aim for anywhere between 30g and 50g. Usually, it's closer to 30g unless I go crazy with the avocados. om nom nom.
  • I'm looking for my "sweet spot" right now too having been on 20-25 carbs for 5 weeks. I'm adding in some more veggies/fruits but am hesitant to go higher than 35 at this time.
  • wren176
    wren176 Posts: 148 Member
    I'm in the 50 and under crowd. When I am really being strict 1 or 2 days a week i try to stay under 30. This has worked well for me. 3 pounds or more a week. Everyone is different though.
  • dennydifferent
    dennydifferent Posts: 135 Member
    Logged my food for the first time in ages and came in around 30g/CHO. So lower than I thought!
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