Who here is on a low-carb diet?
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ExLimey
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I follow a diabetic diet so my carb intake is low but not non-existent. I can have the equivalent of 2 servings (15 grams each) for Breakfast and 3 for lunch and dinner.
It really sucks because I love bread and pasta but I found a good magazine that gives all the diabetic exchanges (Taste of Home's Light & Tasty).
I don't generally count too many of the carbs in the fruit I eat. Although I generally stay away from grapes and all citrus. Usually an apple with breakfast and a fruit cup with lunch.
I'm not diabetic but I follow reduced carbs for weight reasons. I've managed to keep the weight off for a couple of years and it's become more of a lifestyle than a diet that I go on and off.
You also have to really watch the low fat stuff because it's usually loaded with carbs. I don't really watch fat intake much because I eat so much less than I used to that it can't added up to all that much.
I do still cheat though.
It really sucks because I love bread and pasta but I found a good magazine that gives all the diabetic exchanges (Taste of Home's Light & Tasty).
I don't generally count too many of the carbs in the fruit I eat. Although I generally stay away from grapes and all citrus. Usually an apple with breakfast and a fruit cup with lunch.
I'm not diabetic but I follow reduced carbs for weight reasons. I've managed to keep the weight off for a couple of years and it's become more of a lifestyle than a diet that I go on and off.
You also have to really watch the low fat stuff because it's usually loaded with carbs. I don't really watch fat intake much because I eat so much less than I used to that it can't added up to all that much.
I do still cheat though.
Calamity Jane
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I'm on one. I'm following the 'Carbohydrate Addict's Diet' because it doesn't require me to really figure anything out (measuring grams of carbs, etc)
I simple eat little to no carbs for two meals a day (no snacks) and then I eat a 'reward meal' that includes carbs in proportion to protein, etc.
I've also done a low carb diet which required counting carb grams (up to 30 a day was allowed) but it quickly became a pain in the ass and I felt really deprived. With the reward meal, I can eat as many grams as I want as long as I'm balancing them with the other food groups, and I don't exceed a one hour 'eating limit'.
I've been on this one a week,and I've lost 5 pounds. hte weight loss slows after awhile, as with anything, but it's the most worthwhile thing I've done to lose weight.
When I was on the more restricted one, I lost 37 pounds in the first month, but still had a hard time staying on it.
I'm also taking some herbal life supplements that help your body process carbs. I've only been on them a few days, so I don't know if they're helping or not.
If you do decide to go on one of the diets, be prepared for A LOT of people to tell you that it's very unhealthy. (Nevermind the fact taht diabetics eat that way everyday of their lives.)
I simple eat little to no carbs for two meals a day (no snacks) and then I eat a 'reward meal' that includes carbs in proportion to protein, etc.
I've also done a low carb diet which required counting carb grams (up to 30 a day was allowed) but it quickly became a pain in the ass and I felt really deprived. With the reward meal, I can eat as many grams as I want as long as I'm balancing them with the other food groups, and I don't exceed a one hour 'eating limit'.
I've been on this one a week,and I've lost 5 pounds. hte weight loss slows after awhile, as with anything, but it's the most worthwhile thing I've done to lose weight.
When I was on the more restricted one, I lost 37 pounds in the first month, but still had a hard time staying on it.
I'm also taking some herbal life supplements that help your body process carbs. I've only been on them a few days, so I don't know if they're helping or not.
If you do decide to go on one of the diets, be prepared for A LOT of people to tell you that it's very unhealthy. (Nevermind the fact taht diabetics eat that way everyday of their lives.)
Nigel
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lilminx said:
I am. Started last week.
I allow myself 35 grams **(thanks for the correction, PC) of carbs a day. Yes, fruits and veggies count...I don't eat fruits, because of the high carb content...and I have to be careful about what veggies I eat (carrots are high in carbs...)
My guidelines were kind of cobbled together from both the Atkins diet and a book ...umm..can't remember the name...something like "The Carbohydrate Addict's...somethingorother. The authors are married doctors with the last name Eades.
When on the low carb diet, your body needs potassium supplements.....I reccomend them.
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lilminx
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I'm on Body For Life right now and I'm supposed to be eating 6 small meals a day that consist of a serving of carbs and a serving of protien- veggies with two of the meals.
I've been pretty much following it, but I still feel like I'm eating too many carbs- at least ones in bread form.
I was wondering if it's better to be eating fruits and beans as carbs instead of whole grains.
*edited for typos
I've been pretty much following it, but I still feel like I'm eating too many carbs- at least ones in bread form.
I was wondering if it's better to be eating fruits and beans as carbs instead of whole grains.
*edited for typos
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Problem Child
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Re: Re: Who here is on a low-carb diet?
Nigel, I think you mean 35 grams, not milligrams.
Nigel said:I am. Started last week.
I allow myself 35 milligrams of carbs a day. Yes, fruits and veggies count...I don't eat fruits, because of the high carb content...and I have to be careful about what veggies I eat (carrots are high in carbs...)
My guidelines were kind of cobbled together from both the Atkins diet and a book ...umm..can't remember the name...something like "The Carbohydrate Addict's...somethingorother. The authors are married doctors with the last name Eades.
When on the low carb diet, your body needs potassium supplements.....I reccomend them.
Nigel, I think you mean 35 grams, not milligrams.
Calamity Jane
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Emerald_eyed said:
No, it doesn't sound healthy on the face of it, but I felt healthy, I listened very closely to my body, and I didn't take anything to extremes. I've always lost weight very quickly when I change my eating habits, so for me, it wasn't really a concern.
lilminx said:
Fruits and beans are probably a better choise than breads and pastas. With beans you're also getting protein, and the fruits give you added vitamins. My general rule when craving carbs is to stay away from anything white, yellow or orange, as they usually have the most sugars in them.
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sunstruck
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All carbs are not evil. Avoid white flour and simple sugars and you will be fine. Eat whole grain breads and veggies.
Also beware of "Fat Free" and "Low Fat" products. Check the sugar content. They usually up it to improve the flavor and sugar turns to fat in a heart beat if you're not physically active.
All things in moderation and you'll be great.
Also beware of "Fat Free" and "Low Fat" products. Check the sugar content. They usually up it to improve the flavor and sugar turns to fat in a heart beat if you're not physically active.
All things in moderation and you'll be great.
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kotori
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I am. I did consult a doctor before hand. I lost 90 pounds in the first six months, and have been at a plateau over the last five. But I just cut out the "simple carbs" bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. I look at the info on the sides of packages and try to make "smart choices" but I'm not a slave to counting. And I also started exercizing, which helped. When I went back to my doctor, he was shocked. My blood work was great: bad cholestrol down, good cholestrol up, blood pressure perfect. And I think that as it's now almost one year since starting, I've really changed my eating habits to the point where it's just not an issue--I eat what I want, and heavy carbs isn't what I want.
Now if I could just give up smoking (again), I could live forever.
Now if I could just give up smoking (again), I could live forever.
Minkey Boodle
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It's important to make sure you're getting enough glycogen into your bloodstream because your brain and muscles don't work well without it. If you're gonna go low-carb, you need some simple sugars...especially if you exercise regularly.
When there isn't enough glycogen in the body, it will convert fat and the protiens that you eat into energy. This isn't as efficient an energy source as carbs, but it works.
Eat lots and lots of fruit and vegetables.
When there isn't enough glycogen in the body, it will convert fat and the protiens that you eat into energy. This isn't as efficient an energy source as carbs, but it works.
Eat lots and lots of fruit and vegetables.
lilminx
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Holy shit- you used to be heavy? I would have never known it.kotori said:
I'm doing a bit better with the carbs- trying to cut down on bread, pita, melba toast, english muffins, etc (they're the bane of my existence), but I'm not sure I should be eating the other stuff that's considered carbs. I rarely eat pasta anymore and only eat rice when it goes with the dish I'm eating (like chili). Potatoes are a rarity with me too.
PCG, of course the fruits I like are white, yellow and orange- LOL.
superlittlegirl
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I am, or I'm trying to be.
I'm addicted to sugar, so in an effort to kick the habit, I'm loosely following a reduced carbs diet. I include a substantial serving of protein in my meals each day (approx. 2 or 3 oz. in each meal), where previously I'd only eat meat products a few times a week. I'm also shifting from refined carbs (white foods) to unrefined carbs (brown foods). I'm drinking water instead of the sodas I used to subsist on. My energy levels are way up, I'm not craving sugar like I was before, and I'm less moody.
I don't really feel like I need to lose any weight, so that's not the goal of this shift. However, I have found that I have more energy and motivation to be active, so it may happen as a side effect. We shall see.
I'm addicted to sugar, so in an effort to kick the habit, I'm loosely following a reduced carbs diet. I include a substantial serving of protein in my meals each day (approx. 2 or 3 oz. in each meal), where previously I'd only eat meat products a few times a week. I'm also shifting from refined carbs (white foods) to unrefined carbs (brown foods). I'm drinking water instead of the sodas I used to subsist on. My energy levels are way up, I'm not craving sugar like I was before, and I'm less moody.
I don't really feel like I need to lose any weight, so that's not the goal of this shift. However, I have found that I have more energy and motivation to be active, so it may happen as a side effect. We shall see.
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If you're interested in the Atkins low-carb diet, try this website:
www.atkinsfriends.com
The bulletin board is designed exactly like this one, and there are lots of beginner threads that answer all your questions about how to do a low carb diet.
They also have a chat room like the one here at lit, a recipe exchange section, and many other features I think you'll enjoy.
xan
www.atkinsfriends.com
The bulletin board is designed exactly like this one, and there are lots of beginner threads that answer all your questions about how to do a low carb diet.
They also have a chat room like the one here at lit, a recipe exchange section, and many other features I think you'll enjoy.
xan
Dillinger
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Atkins.
http://www.atkinsdiet.com - started it about 3 years ago and lost quite a lot of weight. I just went back on it to finally get rid of what remains.
Right now I'm on "Induction" where I limit myself to 20 carbs a day. As I move out of induction I gradually add 5 carbs a day till I find the right amount for me where I can continue to lose weight (or maintain my weight) and not gain. That should then become my lifestyle. The amount differs per person but can be quite liberal depending on your metabolism and how much you exercise.
As you know I've also been working out almost every day for the last couple of years. This past month I've increased the amount of work outs as well (prior to the holidays I had been travelling so much that I both neglected watching my food intake and neglected my regular work outs).
I highly recommend the latest, updated, version of the Atkins book - "Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution"
http://www.atkinsdiet.com - started it about 3 years ago and lost quite a lot of weight. I just went back on it to finally get rid of what remains.
Right now I'm on "Induction" where I limit myself to 20 carbs a day. As I move out of induction I gradually add 5 carbs a day till I find the right amount for me where I can continue to lose weight (or maintain my weight) and not gain. That should then become my lifestyle. The amount differs per person but can be quite liberal depending on your metabolism and how much you exercise.
As you know I've also been working out almost every day for the last couple of years. This past month I've increased the amount of work outs as well (prior to the holidays I had been travelling so much that I both neglected watching my food intake and neglected my regular work outs).
I highly recommend the latest, updated, version of the Atkins book - "Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution"
lilminx
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Thank you for the sites and the info. I was looking at the Atkins board and some of the info. My BMI is 23, which is considered healthy, but I know I can look better. However, I was looking at the carb values for foods, and I honestly wouldn't know what the fuck to eat if I cut down to 30 g of carbs daily.
What the hell do you eat? I have a hard enough time finding healthy protiens to eat 5-6 times a day!
What the hell do you eat? I have a hard enough time finding healthy protiens to eat 5-6 times a day!
red_rose
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I am not a big fan of the Atkin's Diet. Aside from having to do the carb-counting, it was far too difficult for me - a carb-o-holic - to simply drop them almost altogether. I was absolutely miserable.
My dad found a wonderful diet that doesn't seem to get as much coverage as I think it should - it's called The Sugar Buster's Diet. (They have books and cookbooks out to help explain everything.)
The difference between Sugar Buster's and Atkin's is that SB allows you to eat carbs - the right ones. It teaches you to stay away from processed foods and to read labels to make sure you're not being snowballed into thinking you're eating the right foods. The books also give you great ideas for meals and snacks.
I stuck with it for 3 months (a few years back) and lost 30lbs. It's not as drastic as other no-carb/low-carb diets, but it really teaches you behavioral changes rather than just giving you a diet to follow for x number of months. (The only reason I've gained any weight in the past year was because I completely abandoned healthy eating and wasn't getting any exercise. Heh. Needless to say, I'm back on track. lol)
I really think you should check it out if you get a chance.
My dad found a wonderful diet that doesn't seem to get as much coverage as I think it should - it's called The Sugar Buster's Diet. (They have books and cookbooks out to help explain everything.)
The difference between Sugar Buster's and Atkin's is that SB allows you to eat carbs - the right ones. It teaches you to stay away from processed foods and to read labels to make sure you're not being snowballed into thinking you're eating the right foods. The books also give you great ideas for meals and snacks.
I stuck with it for 3 months (a few years back) and lost 30lbs. It's not as drastic as other no-carb/low-carb diets, but it really teaches you behavioral changes rather than just giving you a diet to follow for x number of months. (The only reason I've gained any weight in the past year was because I completely abandoned healthy eating and wasn't getting any exercise. Heh. Needless to say, I'm back on track. lol)
I really think you should check it out if you get a chance.
seXieleXie
trouble
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i'm diabetic, so when i'm being good (not this weekend) i eat very little carbs. it's impossible to be healthy and cut carbs from your diet completely. the idea is to get your carbs from the right place: whole grains, whole fruits and veggies. the staples of a diabetic diet are vegetables. i eat a lot of salad.
teddybear4play
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Essentially, meat and fish with one salad to start, then increasing the amount of veggies and nuts as you go along.lilminx said:
Atkins even says himself in New Diet Revolution that it's not exactly a diet for vegetarians, so if you don't like eating meat, you may want to find something else.
And Minkey, where did you hear that?
TB4p
