New here... what plan do YOU follow?
spartangirl79
Posts: 277 Member
Hello everyone! I'm glad to find this forum, a "safe" place to talk about low carb without getting flamed! :explode:
Just curious what plans you are each following? Are you on a doctor-designed program, Atkins, South Beach, something else?
I recently started following the Metabolism Miracle book and so far, so good (4.6lbs lost the first week, just starting week two). After reading this book, I felt like it was written just for me. Not only did it explain my inability to lose weight (and my extreme talent at gaining! LOL) over the past seven years, it explained a host of other symptoms -- lack of energy, depression, fatigue, joint pain, etc. that didn't respond to normal treatments.
Since going low carb, have you noticed improvement in symptoms that are not weight related?
I also have endometriosis and I found two diets (one cut out dairy -- not gonna happen!) that are supposed to help, and the Metabolism Miracle was one of them.
I seem to be averaging about 100 carbs a day (including my carbs from veggies), so it's not as low as Atkins, but it seems to be working for me.
Have a great day everyone! :flowerforyou:
Just curious what plans you are each following? Are you on a doctor-designed program, Atkins, South Beach, something else?
I recently started following the Metabolism Miracle book and so far, so good (4.6lbs lost the first week, just starting week two). After reading this book, I felt like it was written just for me. Not only did it explain my inability to lose weight (and my extreme talent at gaining! LOL) over the past seven years, it explained a host of other symptoms -- lack of energy, depression, fatigue, joint pain, etc. that didn't respond to normal treatments.
Since going low carb, have you noticed improvement in symptoms that are not weight related?
I also have endometriosis and I found two diets (one cut out dairy -- not gonna happen!) that are supposed to help, and the Metabolism Miracle was one of them.
I seem to be averaging about 100 carbs a day (including my carbs from veggies), so it's not as low as Atkins, but it seems to be working for me.
Have a great day everyone! :flowerforyou:
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Replies
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Hello. Yes this is definitely a place to be low carb and not be harassed about it. Welcome!
I am doing Atkins. Just starting week 2 of the induction phase MFP just counting calories, but hit a plateau and stayed there for 2 months. Then I lost my motivation for a while. I decided to start Atkins in order to kickstart my weight loss again and I'm so glad I did.
Sounds like you're off to a great start with Metabolism Miracle. I've never heard of it, but apparently its working really well for you.
Congrats!
I sent you a friend request in case you need some more low carbers for support. I know I could use some more support myself.0 -
Not following a specific plan.... trying to eat under 50 a day. I usually come in around 30. Just started - week #2! Feel free to add me - my diary is open
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erm, double posted. weird.0
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i do modified atkins induction ~ 20 grams a day from veggies, dairy and nuts only..
as long as i'm in ketosis i'm happy.0 -
I'm pretty sure I'm not low enough to be going into ketosis, but I don't know if I need it. As long as this keeps working I'll just stick with it. 0
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Fast-5 with Low Carb High Fat0
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I'm trying to stick with 50 g carbs or less per day with healthy fats.
I do not use artificial sweeteners either.
I just feel so much better when I eat low carb.
I do need to get in more veggies though--sometimes I'm REALLY good at but I've been slacking lately!0 -
Atkins plan here with intermittent fasting. I am trying to follow my hunger signals and not the clock.0
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Im doing a ketogenic diet which is basicly the atkins induction phase less then 20g of carbs a day. I have tried every diet known to man out there etc and this is the only diet that has worked for me Before Keto I had crushing depression for years was on medication that didnt help/caused weight gains etc. Since switching to this diet my life has been given back to me and I am not deppressed, I actually have energy, and I am ACTUALLY starting to like myself for the first time in 30 years ! 0
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I aim for 50g a day of mostly unprocessed carbs. I was on 30g a day but don't think anything below 50g makes a big difference to the weight loss for me.
I avoid processed foods, sugars and all grains as I still have a couple of lbs to lose. I'll be adding in legumes once I hit my optimum and trying to find out what my carb tolerance is.
And I drink red wine by the bottle on a disgustingly regular basis.0 -
I am some what following South Beach. I am currantly around 60 grams of carbs a day. This seems to be a good area for me. I am staying away from pasta, potatos, bread and rice. Sweets small amount once in a blue moon. I think the best thing for me is to always have water with me and a small amount of nuts at all times. This keeps me from making bad dissions which happen from time to time. I too drink wine a little more than I should however I am still losing.0
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And I drink red wine by the bottle on a disgustingly regular basis.
That is outstanding. :drinker:0 -
Very nice to read your responses, thank you.
I'm still learning about all this but so far I am really liking how my plan makes me feel. More energy, clearer thinking, etc. I am averaging about 100g (not net, but total) a day including those from veggies etc. No fruits, but I am not big on fruits to begin with.
I am wondering (and I admit I have not read the Atkins book nor have I ever dabbled in low carb land before) about ketosis and how low one needs to be on carbs to experience it, and if I even need to. The program I am on doesn't mention it, as you are allowed/encouraged to have a specific number of carbs every 5 hours (and you are not required to count those in veggies, cheese, etc.). I need to learn more about this... but, if this plan does work for me I guess I don't need to worry about it.0 -
Very nice to read your responses, thank you.
I'm still learning about all this but so far I am really liking how my plan makes me feel. More energy, clearer thinking, etc. I am averaging about 100g (not net, but total) a day including those from veggies etc. No fruits, but I am not big on fruits to begin with.
I am wondering (and I admit I have not read the Atkins book nor have I ever dabbled in low carb land before) about ketosis and how low one needs to be on carbs to experience it, and if I even need to. The program I am on doesn't mention it, as you are allowed/encouraged to have a specific number of carbs every 5 hours (and you are not required to count those in veggies, cheese, etc.). I need to learn more about this... but, if this plan does work for me I guess I don't need to worry about it.
Being in ketosis is like being pregnant, either you are or you aren't. Higher levels of ketosis mean nothing except you might be dehydrated. You should shot for any level that turns your stick pink.0 -
I'm a nurse who is always trying to get my diabetic patients to eat less carbs- and I want to see how really difficult it is. Got the Atkins book this week, decided that ketosis was definitely not my style but that decreasing carbs to ~25 per meal was. Amazingly, in the 4 days between weigh in's, I've seen the scale drop 1.5 lbs! (I eat quite a bit of trash!)
Breakfast this AM was a 3 egg frittata I shared with my husband with onion, yellow pepper, mushrooms, ham and cheddar cheese, with a couple of tablespoons of fresh salsa on top. Coffee with a teeny splash of cream, and a piece of gluten-free bread (Schar multigrain GF, looks like 11 net carbs a slice) and a half a pat of butter (I'm on a statin, and exercise daily, but having cream and butter- even in small amounts, is going to make me twitch a little until I have a lipid panel run again!) :noway:
Planning my barbecue for this evening's 4th celebration- and if I can't have a hamburger bun, well then I guess, I'll just have to have a little steak! Good luck, all- so glad I found the myfitnesspal app to help me track everything!0 -
Very nice to read your responses, thank you.
I'm still learning about all this but so far I am really liking how my plan makes me feel. More energy, clearer thinking, etc. I am averaging about 100g (not net, but total) a day including those from veggies etc. No fruits, but I am not big on fruits to begin with.
I am wondering (and I admit I have not read the Atkins book nor have I ever dabbled in low carb land before) about ketosis and how low one needs to be on carbs to experience it, and if I even need to. The program I am on doesn't mention it, as you are allowed/encouraged to have a specific number of carbs every 5 hours (and you are not required to count those in veggies, cheese, etc.). I need to learn more about this... but, if this plan does work for me I guess I don't need to worry about it.
Being in ketosis is like being pregnant, either you are or you aren't. Higher levels of ketosis mean nothing except you might be dehydrated. You should shot for any level that turns your stick pink.
I don't even have the sticks or really know much about it. I thought it was exclusive to VLC plans and that a plan like mine wouldn't necessarily result in ketosis. Just curious, was all. :flowerforyou:0 -
That is outstanding. :drinker:
Why thank you, I try to eat well during the day and cut myself some slack in the evening.
I could doubtless sprint towards optimal health by substituting in some camomile tea but this has one subtle drawback ... it's camomile tea and not red wine. 0 -
New to this board too. I've decided to try south beach because I really think my problem is my insulin level. I'm really a sugar addict and I'd like to break the addiction! I'm open to suggestions.
Theresa0 -
I started low carbing last year on Atkins. I think if you are brand new to Low carbing, reading the books/reasearching online on different plans (Atkins, south beach, Dukan, Paleo, Keto) is a good first step. That way you can see which appeals most to your tastes/lifestyle.
One I got a good grasp on which foods I can eat/ which to avoid and my limits I pretty much made up my own plan. I wont lie, I have fallen off the wagon a couple of times (going on my holidays, Christmas) but I havent beat myself up over it and got back on it!
I try to eat under 50g carbs per day, eat nuts, eat berries, eat loads of green veggies, drink alcohol, drink coffee.... drink plenty of water, high protein, moderate fat, lots of nice cheeses, lots of herbs, spices and I get creative with cooking and experiment with low carb recipes from around the world.
Best of luck
) 0 -
Im probably one of the few.... Im under medical supervision with the same doctors I work with professionally.
Im on a low-carb restriction (no more than 120g daily) with a food elimination list as well. No breads, pasta, rice, flours, corn (but in cases where Im making roux, I can use all-natural whole wheat where its so little in amount to work with.)
Im "exploring" the "Eat More To Weigh Less" concept where I have a high BMR reading (1895). Purchased a copy of the New Rules of Lifting Weights for Women while Im required to be off my feet until my next Podiatrist appointment comes (another doctor affiliated with my line of work).
Low-carb-anything has actually been around a very long time... in fact patients who are diabetics are placed on low carb intakes because of the effects they have on blood sugar and insulin.
All these radicals/grumpy folks who think they have become ***cough cough*** 'experts' and think this is not a lifestyle change and a fad diet are definitely ignorant, misinformed people who clearly have never been affected in any medical-related manner that would require a change.
Meanwhile, Im a LC'er for PCOS, Hyperinsulinemia, Syndrome X (Endo just cant figure out how extreme just yet), of course -> obesity, etc. Im one of the lucky ones who works in healthcare with the same doctors treating me. Its actually nice because I can grab all the free advice I can and such.
I was actually once part of a study with a Dermatologist (a really good friend as well) about the effects of dairy in patients with insulin resistance - IT WAS FASCINATING. I was part of the group who abstained from Dairy for one full year - my group of 12 unfortunately became a group of 2 for the first six months (the others couldnt comply). The remaining individual gave up because it was really driving her crazy not being able to have any dairy while participating. I ended up being the sole result for the non-dairy group. In that time, my Derma became my best friend. Had my last visit with him about two weeks ago, and he gave me a hug telling me he was going to miss me - damnit he made me cry! lol....
I 'swim' the boards hoping to find others who have been targeted and attacked for choosing any of the low-carb-related lifestyles and encourage them to come over if they want to feel like they have a non-judgemental place to chat and feel like they really have a support group. Im proud to say that we have a great group of people - Laura and I do our best to stay on top of things despite our significant difference in demographic (UK vs NH-USA)... but one thing is for sure..... we got our food porn going on BIG TIME here in LC-world for sure! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!!!0 -
I don't necessarily follow any one plan; I kind of mixed some of them. I've read Atkins, but I never went down to only 20g carbs a day (I play rugby, I need a few more carbs!), but I've done 30-80 (I aim for 50-60 most days, but sometimes cycle higher when I'm more active and lower when I'm not active at all). I follow closer to a Primal/Perfect Health Diet WOE (not Paleo, as I still eat dairy, though trying to cut back), but I don't eat all grass-fed meats or all-organic produce (though they would be ideal, I haven't gotten there yet). Gluten/grain/legume/sugar-free and as free of processed fillers as possible, and try to do lower omega-6 foods (so I try to avoid anything with vegetable oils - commercial mayos, salad dressings, peanuts/PB, are all high omega-6). Atkins still allows a lot of those, whereas Primal/Paleo does not. I was going to say fructose-free as well, but I do lower as I still have berries and bananas sometimes. Closer to the Perfect Health Diet, but I don't eat as many carbs as they allow (though possibly once I get to maintenance). I sometimes do "safe starches" (Primal/PHD terminology), white rice, sweet potatoes, fruits I mentioned above when my activity level is higher.0
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I don't follow a specific plan, but I try to stay under 50 carbs a day. I might actually switch over to Atkins induction next week just as a change.0
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Im probably one of the few.... Im under medical supervision with the same doctors I work with professionally.
Im on a low-carb restriction (no more than 120g daily) with a food elimination list as well. No breads, pasta, rice, flours, corn (but in cases where Im making roux, I can use all-natural whole wheat where its so little in amount to work with.)
Im "exploring" the "Eat More To Weigh Less" concept where I have a high BMR reading (1895). Purchased a copy of the New Rules of Lifting Weights for Women while Im required to be off my feet until my next Podiatrist appointment comes (another doctor affiliated with my line of work).
Low-carb-anything has actually been around a very long time... in fact patients who are diabetics are placed on low carb intakes because of the effects they have on blood sugar and insulin.
All these radicals/grumpy folks who think they have become ***cough cough*** 'experts' and think this is not a lifestyle change and a fad diet are definitely ignorant, misinformed people who clearly have never been affected in any medical-related manner that would require a change.
Meanwhile, Im a LC'er for PCOS, Hyperinsulinemia, Syndrome X (Endo just cant figure out how extreme just yet), of course -> obesity, etc. Im one of the lucky ones who works in healthcare with the same doctors treating me. Its actually nice because I can grab all the free advice I can and such.
I was actually once part of a study with a Dermatologist (a really good friend as well) about the effects of dairy in patients with insulin resistance - IT WAS FASCINATING. I was part of the group who abstained from Dairy for one full year - my group of 12 unfortunately became a group of 2 for the first six months (the others couldnt comply). The remaining individual gave up because it was really driving her crazy not being able to have any dairy while participating. I ended up being the sole result for the non-dairy group. In that time, my Derma became my best friend. Had my last visit with him about two weeks ago, and he gave me a hug telling me he was going to miss me - damnit he made me cry! lol....
I 'swim' the boards hoping to find others who have been targeted and attacked for choosing any of the low-carb-related lifestyles and encourage them to come over if they want to feel like they have a non-judgemental place to chat and feel like they really have a support group. Im proud to say that we have a great group of people - Laura and I do our best to stay on top of things despite our significant difference in demographic (UK vs NH-USA)... but one thing is for sure..... we got our food porn going on BIG TIME here in LC-world for sure! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!!!!
Goodness, I wish I lived where you live/work and had access to your doctors. I have been trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my crazy bod for years now and if one more doctor tells me to eat 1200 calories a day and "here, take these diet pills/antidepressants" I might go on a murderous rampage.
I'm really hoping this low-moderate carb plan is going to be my answer... I do feel much better already, even after two weeks. And I'm not even doing VLC.0 -
No specific plan just keep net carbs twenty to thirty per day and cals at 1200-1400 per day. This has worked for me better than anything else0
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Goodness, I wish I lived where you live/work and had access to your doctors. I have been trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my crazy bod for years now and if one more doctor tells me to eat 1200 calories a day and "here, take these diet pills/antidepressants" I might go on a murderous rampage.
I'm really hoping this low-moderate carb plan is going to be my answer... I do feel much better already, even after two weeks. And I'm not even doing VLC.
Im going to be very blunt, if I had the first-hand knowledge back when I was pregnant in 1992/1993, I could have had my OBGYN by his balls with the medical board of ethics and compliance. I went undiagnosed with gestational diabetes, I damn near died just being pregnant and all I got from him was "do you even care about this baby?" - I couldnt keep my blood pressure down despite every damn piece of food that was logged in my journal. And for an 18 year old, I actually did make healthy choices.
My health got so bad that I was wheeled in for emergency C-Section.
I was never meant to have kids based on the other clinicians who were present in the OR. I was an extreme medical case that they just couldnt figure out.
Fastforward to the end of 1995, and after I completed my medical training, I realized they never ordered the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).... I was so angry.... At that point on, I started researching into doctors more and more and learning about what the extent of their licensing involves, I learned also what my rights are as a patient as well. I have a background in nursing, medical assisting and have an advanced medical background in over 30+ specialties of medicine. I use my knowledge to help battle these insurance companies when they 'misbehave' (LOL)...my clinicals come into play when I do appeals. I love my work and I gotta tell you: knowledge is power.
Sometimes you have to do alot of research when the lousy doctors fail on you.
The last Endocrinologist I met with, I told him he ought to go back to China where he came from, because there was NO WAY IN HELL, I would ever consider Bariatric Surgery, after he had asked me if I would consider it. His thinking process was that of his Chinese Medical training, nothing stemming from the remainder of his training here in the States. When I fired him, I learned they hired another Endo from India who has worked in five countries specializing in women with PCOS, Insulin Resistance, metabolic disorders in women with PCOS... I told them "Ill give her a try but the minute I hear bariatric surgery, Im done"...
One year later, Ive got 53lbs off. My A1C is sustaining at 5.2, my total cholesterol is sustaining at 117............ the mystery is what type of metabolic disorder I have... she isnt sure. But, I know Ive got the right Endo this time.0 -
Goodness, I wish I lived where you live/work and had access to your doctors. I have been trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my crazy bod for years now and if one more doctor tells me to eat 1200 calories a day and "here, take these diet pills/antidepressants" I might go on a murderous rampage.
I'm really hoping this low-moderate carb plan is going to be my answer... I do feel much better already, even after two weeks. And I'm not even doing VLC.
Im going to be very blunt, if I had the first-hand knowledge back when I was pregnant in 1992/1993, I could have had my OBGYN by his balls with the medical board of ethics and compliance. I went undiagnosed with gestational diabetes, I damn near died just being pregnant and all I got from him was "do you even care about this baby?" - I couldnt keep my blood pressure down despite every damn piece of food that was logged in my journal. And for an 18 year old, I actually did make healthy choices.
My health got so bad that I was wheeled in for emergency C-Section.
I was never meant to have kids based on the other clinicians who were present in the OR. I was an extreme medical case that they just couldnt figure out.
Fastforward to the end of 1995, and after I completed my medical training, I realized they never ordered the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).... I was so angry.... At that point on, I started researching into doctors more and more and learning about what the extent of their licensing involves, I learned also what my rights are as a patient as well. I have a background in nursing, medical assisting and have an advanced medical background in over 30+ specialties of medicine. I use my knowledge to help battle these insurance companies when they 'misbehave' (LOL)...my clinicals come into play when I do appeals. I love my work and I gotta tell you: knowledge is power.
Sometimes you have to do alot of research when the lousy doctors fail on you.
The last Endocrinologist I met with, I told him he ought to go back to China where he came from, because there was NO WAY IN HELL, I would ever consider Bariatric Surgery, after he had asked me if I would consider it. His thinking process was that of his Chinese Medical training, nothing stemming from the remainder of his training here in the States. When I fired him, I learned they hired another Endo from India who has worked in five countries specializing in women with PCOS, Insulin Resistance, metabolic disorders in women with PCOS... I told them "Ill give her a try but the minute I hear bariatric surgery, Im done"...
One year later, Ive got 53lbs off. My A1C is sustaining at 5.2, my total cholesterol is sustaining at 117............ the mystery is what type of metabolic disorder I have... she isnt sure. But, I know Ive got the right Endo this time.
Just... WOW. And good for you for knowing your **** and sticking to your guns. I am at the point where I'm going to start burning herbs and chanting with crystals instead of taking time off work to meet yet another doctor that turns out to be a total idiot.
I'm so freaking sick of doctors myself that this eating plan is my last resort to treat a multitude of symptoms... I tried a new OBGYN and her solution to solve my endometriosis was "have a kid". No joke. She suggested it three times after I clearly told her I have no plans to ever have children. Yet apparently eating low carb is helpful for endo, when I told her about my failures at traditional diet and exercise programs, she said "just keep doing it," and I said "even if it doesn't work?" and she said "well, it's better than not doing it." Super freaking helpful.
I can't get an endocrinologist to see me. I've been told by both in town that nothing is wrong with me, that based on my test results my symptoms must be coming from depression or some other mystery ailment. So, I suppose, if they aren't open to treating symptoms rather than test printouts, I don't want to see them anyway. But, that exhausts my options on that front.
Here's hoping this new way of eating will help all of us who need help and aren't getting answers from our doctors!0 -
I just avoid anything that is starchy or sugary. My carb intake is normally less than 100g per day. I workout regularly and am losing at a steady pace of 5 lbs. a month. My goal is to lose and keep off 30lbs.0
