Have you had Low-Carb success?

245

Replies

  • southernyankee716
    southernyankee716 Posts: 201
    I have PCOS as well. Several years ago, my doctor suggested I follow the South Beach Diet plan, so I did. I followed it by the book and lost 30lbs in 30 months. Of course, I can't say if the weight loss was 100% due to the diet. I was also taking Metformin which probably aided in the loss.

    Almost immediately following my weight loss, I became pregnant. I ended up moving to another state and my new doctor told me I shouldn't restrict my carbs. I didn't go crazy with them but I did have regular cravings for egg, ham and cheese sandwiches. Any way, I ended up gaining 90lbs. I lost 30 almost immediately (partly because I had a lot of extra amniotic fluid).

    As much as I know the SBD would help me lose weight the fastest, I know it's not something I could maintain indefinitely. I've cut back my carbs a lot since joining MFP. I've only lost 10lbs so far, but it's 10lbs more then I've been able to lose in the past 3 years.
  • 30yearssincebikini
    30yearssincebikini Posts: 261
    Hi. I love the low carb diet I am on. (Atkin's) I have been on it for a week, and after the first four days, I lost seven pounds. Then I started eating those atkins bars and snacks and although they are supposed to be ok on the atkin's diet, they have sugar alcohols in them which others have said will stall weight loss. Sugar alcohol is present in artificial sweeteners like Truvia, stevia etc. So I went to the atkins site and read an article called "How to do the atkin's diet the right way" and it told me that the carbs I need (20 g per day) should come mostly from vegetables. 12 to 15 carbs per day should come from veggies. So, I cut out anything with aritificial sweeteners in it and started to eat more veggies and I am starting to lose again, rapidly. You just have to study the foods you can eat on the atkin's site and really stick with it. It works. Good luck!



    Yeah be careful with those low-carb bars. A carb is a carb and you should count it. My progress really seemed to stall when I tried those things.

    Yeah, I learned the hard way! I always counted the net carbs from everything, even the bars, but the weight stalled when I ate the bars because of the sweeteners(sugar alcohol). So I get my carbs mostly from veggies now and the weight is falling off.
  • robot_potato
    robot_potato Posts: 1,535 Member
    I do not go over my carb allowance, but I try not to be too far under either. Sometimes I only use half as I am more concerned about having enough fiber & protein. I don't do anything that I can't continue doing long term. Diets usually help only as long as you continue them. Lifestyle changes are longterm and more achievable.
  • elfo
    elfo Posts: 353 Member
    I am on the Dukan Diet-- I've lost 20lbs in 9 weeks!!! Here's my blog if you are interested. I have a weigh-in page where you can check my progress.

    http://me-on-dukan.blogspot.com/
  • dancing_cat
    dancing_cat Posts: 92 Member
    I always used to think a calorie was a calorie and as I'd successfully lost weight without low-carbing that it was all nonsense.

    However 6 months ago I was persuaded to try low-carb for 30 days staring pretty low (20gs or so a day, then increasing after each set of 10 days). Day 1 was fine, on day 2 I felt awful, tired and lethagic and by day 3 I was having the strongest sugar cravings ever!!! However I was determined to give it a go and after 7/8 days I suddenly had more energy and my appetite was under control.

    Now I've noticed that carbs that don't satiate my appetite in the same way a protein heavy meal would. If I go out for friends for lunch and have pizza then I feel letharic in the afternoon and hungry in an hour. Lots of carbs just seem to fuel my appetite which probably explains why before I started my weight loss plan I found it easy to go out for pizza for lunch and by mid afternoon I'd be craving a muffin or biscuits because I was hungry again. So now I try to avoid carbs at lunch if I don't want to have the munchies all afternoon!
  • dothiseveryday
    dothiseveryday Posts: 4
    On a complete whim I find myself setting out to low carb it for a few weeks to see what results I can get. My young adult daughter is toying with the idea so I decided to jump in and hope she follows. Now I have to figure out what this means for my food choices! Yikes! I tried the Atkins site to log food but kept thinking it's so much easier on MFP so I'm back here.
    I already blew today with my early morning mocha but sticking it out for the day anyway. I think I will go cold turkey and just give up the caffeine for a bit, if I can handle it. My co-workers may protest! haha.
    Speaking of, a co-worker lost 13 lbs in 2 weeks a month or so ago doing Atkins, now she has switched over to Weight Watchers. She doesn't have much to lose and has done Atkins in the past. But it did put it in the back of my mind... so here I go. I hope to gain inspiration here and give some too when I figure out what I'm doing.
    Best wishes to you all.... I hope that it works for each of us!
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,292 Member
    I lost 8 lbs in two weeks following south beach. But I love my carbs. So I've decided to still watch out not to eat too many, but quit the rigidness of it. I can't say whiter I've gained anything back yet - I only decided this yesterday...
    My hubby didn't follow it 100%, put on weight and developed a real bad temper. Added carbs back in, like normal, and went back to his usual self.
    The brain apparently needs glucose for self control...
  • kfox15
    kfox15 Posts: 97 Member
    I'm curious as to what everyone's idea of low carb is? Right now I'm doing (trying) 40% carb, 40% protein, and 20% fat which is a bit off from the 40/30/30 I've seen recomended but I've upped the protein because I lift heavy. I make sure that the was majority of my carbs come from whole wheat, slow release carbs. For example, my kashi oatmeal has 33g of carbs which apparently is more than some diets allow in an entire day! So am am curious what %'s are you talking about when you say low carb and do you consider the difference between white bread and whole wheat or oatmeal vs. sugary cereal?
  • shakybabe
    shakybabe Posts: 1,578 Member
    I went low carb/wheat free end of last august and lost 18lb in the next 2 months after it only losing 3 lbs a month since June when I started seriously trying to lose weight and calorie count.

    I have hypothyroidism and read that often people with this have problems with processing wheat (also nuts and I already had a nut allergy) so I cut bread, pasta, also rice and potatoes for first month (yes I know they don't contain wheat!) and all breakfast cereals/grains. I had one treat meal a week where I allowed a mini yorkshire pudding with sunday dinner and a couple of roasties.

    By xmas I was allowing two treat meals a week and still losing and allowing gluten free bread 1-2 times a week. I have still occasionally have treat meal like spag bol or shepherds pie with lot of potato or allow white rice instead of cauliflower whizzed up in place of rice.

    I also do have other breakfast cereals now but non-wheat based, for me I think too much wheat was the issue rather than all processed carbs. so I'll stay mainly wheat free now, but potatoes and rice will be coming back into my diet a couple of times a week.

    I think exercise is important too, I've managed to build up the amount and types of exercise I can do so a few treat meals a week can be easily worked off
  • Therdigh
    Therdigh Posts: 28 Member
    I think low carb success depends on one's individual makeup. I have tried it and found that I lose double the weight in a week with the same amount of calories if I focus on cutting the carbs. I also feel completely bloat free and energized. Only down fall, I love bread so I usually cant maintain the low carb lifestyle.
  • dothiseveryday
    dothiseveryday Posts: 4
    I'm curious as to what everyone's idea of low carb is? Right now I'm doing (trying) 40% carb, 40% protein, and 20% fat which is a bit off from the 40/30/30 I've seen recomended but I've upped the protein because I lift heavy. I make sure that the was majority of my carbs come from whole wheat, slow release carbs. For example, my kashi oatmeal has 33g of carbs which apparently is more than some diets allow in an entire day! So am am curious what %'s are you talking about when you say low carb and do you consider the difference between white bread and whole wheat or oatmeal vs. sugary cereal?
    On Atkins the 1st phase is 20-25g of carbs per day.
  • kfox15
    kfox15 Posts: 97 Member
    I'm curious as to what everyone's idea of low carb is? Right now I'm doing (trying) 40% carb, 40% protein, and 20% fat which is a bit off from the 40/30/30 I've seen recomended but I've upped the protein because I lift heavy. I make sure that the was majority of my carbs come from whole wheat, slow release carbs. For example, my kashi oatmeal has 33g of carbs which apparently is more than some diets allow in an entire day! So am am curious what %'s are you talking about when you say low carb and do you consider the difference between white bread and whole wheat or oatmeal vs. sugary cereal?
    On Atkins the 1st phase is 20-25g of carbs per day.

    OMG how do you even eat veggies on that?! I rely so much on whole grains to help me feel full and power my day, I don't know how people do it! I guess to each his own...
  • sssygirl
    sssygirl Posts: 55 Member
    I have found that I am have to be careful with Carbs. I think it just depends on the person. I tend to gain weight when I have more refined carbs. I cannot have cereal, then a sandwich, then pasta in a day. I definitely need to be smart about it. I am also finding out that the more I eat veggies and fruits and lean meats/fish..I am able to enjoy Carbs a little more. And I do not crave them as much.

    I think if you just are careful about how many you are eating in a day..it will help. I definitely do not suggest Atkins. If you are going to do a low Carb...South Beach Diet is a great one to go on. Phase 1 is pretty strict, but I think Phase 2 is a great way to live all the time. Its being mindful of what you put in your body.

    It takes time to figure that out.
  • sauerkrautpolka
    sauerkrautpolka Posts: 266 Member
    I've been doing low-carb off and on for about 9 years now. Am currently back doing it again (I agree it's a lifestyle change, it's just hard for me to stick to for long periods of times, so I allow myself some breaks here and there). So far I've lost almost 50lbs this time around (restarted back in June of last year, but took a 3+month break at the end of the year for vacation/holidays). I have PCOS and this way of eating works best for me.
  • Sageyoku
    Sageyoku Posts: 77 Member
    I'd just like to say that, from personal experience and in my non-specialist opinion,
    one should take a moment to consider the 'downsides' of high protein diets before diving in :)

    I'm referring mostly to:

    - constipation: a legitimately uncomfortable, awful and sometimes serious medical issue that can result from a high-protein diet
    - added expense: meats are more expensive than carbs, usually
    - fat and sodium content: they can sneak up on you :)

    For many people, the pros of high protein TOTALLY outweigh the cons, so if you don't agree with this post I understand.
    Just throwing it out there!
  • sabinecbauer
    sabinecbauer Posts: 250 Member
    Hi all,

    I would love to hear your first-hand accounts of low-carb dieting success. I know that a lot of people on this site believe that "a calorie is a calorie' or that the simple rule of "calories in < calories out" is the key to weight loss, but I believe that there are exceptions to these rules and that insulin resistance and carb/sugar addiction may be major players in my weight issues.

    Have you had success with low-carb dieting? How did it affect your energy levels? What types of foods did you eat? How did your weight loss on a low-carb diet compare to your attempts on other diets? I am looking for the inside scoop on a low-carb lifestyle. Please share!

    If you're interested in trying it, I'd strongly recommend you try The 17 Day Diet. It is moderately low-carb, in that it allows fruit and some higher carb vegetables during the first, strictest 17 day cycle and doesn't send you on a fat binge. During the two following cycles carbs (specifically starches) are gradually being phased in again, which not only prevents the weight gain people mentioned, but also keeps you from plateauing and ensures that you end up with a very healthy, very balanced way of eating.

    I've been on it for over a month now, and I'm very happy with the results, not least because I'm actually losing weight, which I hadn't been able to do for over a year now. The first, protein-heavy cycle also nips cravings in the bud, which obviously is a huge advantage.
  • sabinecbauer
    sabinecbauer Posts: 250 Member
    Sugar alcohol is present in artificial sweeteners like Truvia, stevia etc.

    Sorry, but you're misinformed. Truvia, or rather stevia (Truvia is merely the name of a brand of stevia) is a *natural* completely calorie- and carb-free sweetener. It's made from the leaves of a South American plant.

    The sugar alcohol you're referring to is maltitol. Maltitol syrup, which has app. 2/3 of the carbs and glycemic load of sugar, is used in sugar-free bars and similar products. It's also absorbed further down in your digestive tract, which basically means that your body won't absorb carbs at the same rate as it would with sugar. Coupled to this is a known side-effect of maltitol: if you have too much of it, you may end up with a ripe case of diarrhea.
  • msstuard
    msstuard Posts: 131 Member
    I do a very loose mix of Atkins and South Beach, I don't call it a diet its a lifestyle change,

    I think it is up to you, I have lost over 85 lbs. since May 2011 on low carb and a lot of increased activity. when I say low carbs I mean no junk i.e.: no sugar, no white bread no white flower no white rice, no potatoes, no pasta. and for the most part no fruits. Primarily I live on lean meats some dairy and vegetables. Also on vitamin and mineral supplements.

    as long as I keep most of my calories in fat and protein I am almost never hungry. And have much more energy than I have had in a long long time, I don't know if thats the vitamins or the protein and fat. Most of my calories also come in the first half of the day. Obviously if you don't stick with it it will not work but thats not the diets fault. it has to be a life style change.

    I really believe cutting out the trash from your diet will help a lot. It can be hard, I live three blocks from one of the best Italian Bakeries in the state. You have to trust me when I tell you if you hold off and only have that special treat on a really special occasion it really does taste soooo much better.

    Good Luck. Hope what ever you choose works great for you.
  • msstuard
    msstuard Posts: 131 Member
    Living low carb I can agree with constapation or going the opposite way can be an issue. But there is the other option of adding in whole grains and high bran. In moderation. The biggest part is cutting out the overly processed and junk carbs. Rule of thumb nothing white and no sugars.
  • ployjoy
    ployjoy Posts: 45
    I have lived a low-carb lifestyle since August of last year. I went from Atkins-style low carb (<100g/day) to a stricter style found in the induction phase (<20g/day). I have noticed skyrocketed improvements in terms of my energy levels. It affects my lifts, but as of recently I have been making consistent gains as well as increased longevity in regards to cardio health. I'll be transparent here when I say - I do however do carb up days before my rugby games (especially since we are going to playoffs, whoohoo!), but other than than I try to be as strict as possible to stay in ketosis. My max limit is <50g/day, or <100g/day if I have practice. I have tried Dukan before, and it left me feeling uncomfortable and hungry, whereas now I get a majority of my carbs from fat and I feel satisfied even with smaller portions. Generally I eat less. Generally I feel better. I'm like me, but 2.0!

    Plus I get to eat stuff like this:

    ajSI2.jpg
    Bahn Mi Canape!

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    Cranberry Gorgonzola Salmon Burger
    with Cauliflower Mash and Asparagus with Bacon Remoulade

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    Italian Sausage Zucchini Boat

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