Help / advice / would be really appreciated...

jodiex92
jodiex92 Posts: 56 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi, firstly i'm 5'8 135lbs and 23% bodyfat so a healthy weight but I would like to lose bodyfat to look more lean/ripped

I'm kind of stuck in a rut. I have always had good eating habits and enjoy fruit, veg and cook my own meals etc. However a few months back I tried a 'low carb' approach which has led me to binge sometimes 2 days a week (I previously never had this) and its for foods like chocolate, sugary etc. (also unlike me as i've always been more prone to wanting fruit, yoghurt rather than junk) I will just add that low carb was only protein, veg and good fats. (and when low carb I only get to 1000 cals if that)

and then because i've 'binged' I go back to low carb for a solid 5-6days then it happens again. So now i'm stuck in a rut :( as it seems if I go back to eating grains (I have always used wholemeal anyway) I feel like I shouldn't be.
One thing that i do like about 'low carb' is that i eat more protein (which i need more of as i weight train) but it seems like just as i'm getting somewhere it happens again. My training routine is really good aswell so I know this is holding me back.

any thoughts/ advice?
Thanks

Replies

  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    Is there any medical reason why you need to go low carb?

    If not, it doesn't really give you any benefits. It seems it's making it harder for you. Just watch your cals, create a deficit, and lift heavy to lose that excess body fat, then eat a surplus while lifting heavy to build the muscle. Repeat.

    Don't overcomplicate this.
  • jodiex92
    jodiex92 Posts: 56 Member
    No, infact i've always been fine off carbs as I use brown rice, quiona, couscous etc. I just feel like now i've started 'low carb' i'm stuck? and because it led to binging I feel to make up for it by going drastic with 'low carb'
    But it's actually back-tracked me more in the long run. So, would you add back in healthy grains and fruits?
    A trainer actually suggested low carb to me which is why I followed it, they really insist that its the best for fat burning but to me it doesn't seem right.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    No, infact i've always been fine off carbs as I use brown rice, quiona, couscous etc. I just feel like now i've started 'low carb' i'm stuck? and because it led to binging I feel to make up for it by going drastic with 'low carb'
    But it's actually back-tracked me more in the long run. So, would you add back in healthy grains and fruits?
    A trainer actually suggested low carb to me which is why I followed it, they really insist that its the best for fat burning but to me it doesn't seem right.

    Really, for most of us, its about the calories for weight loss. Low carb, paleo, etc, are just means to get to that goal. Everyone finds different ways easier or harder. It seems low carb isn't right for you. Try two weeks of normal carbs, making a calorie deficit, lifting, and trying to not stress as much and enjoy it. Worked wonders for me.
  • jodiex92
    jodiex92 Posts: 56 Member
    Ye, that's what I thought but then I listened as I thought seems i'm already quite lean I may need to go extreme to get to were I want to be.
    Thanks for the reply, I will try a normal balance for 2 weeks :smile:
  • jodiex92
    jodiex92 Posts: 56 Member
    BUMP
    anyone else have any opinions/advice on this?
  • qtiekiki
    qtiekiki Posts: 1,480 Member
    If going low carb leads you to binge, then why follow it? The cravings could be your body telling you that you need some nutrients that you are not getting enough of. Also when on low carb, you need to make sure you get enough protein, so your body don't start breaking down muscles. Our body need carbs to function, so I, personally, don't agree with going low carbs. That's just my opinion.
  • jodiex92
    jodiex92 Posts: 56 Member
    True, I guess i'm just waiting for the answer I already know. I need to get all this out of my head and follow a healthy balanced diet and let my workouts take care of the extra I want to lose.
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