any low-carbs here?

[tkdan]

Just wanted to touch base with any other people that do a reduced carb type of lifestyle. I have found that I feel so much better when I stay within a certain carb/protein ratio.

[GiveLove]

tkdan, I have experimented with this but have never gotten it right.
It does feel better, but I'm never able to sustain it. Something's lacking for me.

What kind of ratios of carbs/protein/fat do you use?

[marty888]

Went I want to drop weight quick, I cut the carbs completely for a month seems to work well

[tkdan]

GL, I started by using a plan called protein power. There is a chart that calculates how much carbs/pro to use according to your weight. It is a bit more flexable than adkins. There is a two to four week period at a fairly low carb count, then that amount basically doubles and you stay at that till you reach your desired goal, then you take in the same amount of carbs as protein from there on. Fat is only cut back if a person is not losing at all. It was much easier than I expected. I have been doing it for about a year. It has become a habit and I do not even have to think about what I eat because it is just the way I always eat.

[mxchaos]

High carbs are bad for me they trough my body chemistry off so I stay away from them. Protein has help increase the number of good days I have. So for me I go by what my body is telling me.

[evmdimples]

Inspired by this thread and with the success a friend of mine has recently had with higher protein lower carb, I modified my diet this week and it's been going really well, weight wise and... now that I think about it, drink cravings. (I'm thinking eating this way is somehow helping me keep a regular exercise program as well.)

I bumped up the protein in my morning shake to 25 gm. I had been doing half of that trying to be frugal, but was hungry by mid morning. The 25 gr keeps me going well into midday. For my other meals I've cut out starches and am concentrating on protein, vegetables and fruit. I do find it somewhat challenging to eat this way as a partial vegetarian (I eat seafood).

I've been snacking on peanuts, peanut butter on apple slices, shrimp (I really liked that, but can get expensive, lol!)

Would be interested in hearing what others include in their diet as non-meat protein sources for meals and snacks.

[tkdan]

I do find it somewhat challenging to eat this way as a partial vegetarian (I eat seafood).

Would be interested in hearing what others include in their diet as non-meat protein sources for meals and snacks.

That can be tough when doing low-carb. Nuts, cheese, protien drinks, lots of tuna...
You're right it can get expensive, but eating healthy in general cost more. I consider it an investment in my future good health. Plus I feel better if I stay on plan. I'm not even close to being a partial vegetarian so I have a bit more flexability.

[marty888]

I would up my protein shakes 25g seems low to me I usually have 3 a day of about 40g, I would suggest tuna tuna and more tuna plus eggs eggs and more eggs.
Also be aware a lot of fruit in quite high in carbs

[JDSOBER]

I did the atkins diet about 3 years ago I lost 60 lbs in 3 months
sad part is everyone in my 2nd family at that time we shared duplex decided to do an intervention and had me eat a piece of bread... from that moment on the lbs came back just as quick as they went off. It was the first time I ever stuck to a diet that long. Now I just want to stop everything and do everything in moderation.

[evmdimples]

Thanks, great suggestions! And JDSober, I did Atkins once and same thing happened, lost quickly and just as quickly regained! I just need to find the proper balance between protein and carbs. As far as being more expensive to eat better, it dawned on me yesterday: what I don't spend on wine I can use on good foods! I've been treating myself to fancy imported waters. Now I can include better foods and still be within budget!

[historyteach]

Just my two cents on the "expensive" ideas being bandied about here.
Yes, healthy food can cost a bit more than the white bread, white pasta and potato chips junk we can buy for cheap.
But, when we cut *out* buying that crap, which is a nutritional disaster for our bodies, I find I actually *save* money on my grocery bill!

Fresh fruits and veggies in season is a bargain.
Lean meats on sale - watch the flyers and shop smart. If you have a freezer, it's even better. Buy ahead and buy large quantities.
Only buy what you plan to eat for the week. Plan your meals and snacks.
It doesn't have to cost alot to eat well.

Oh, and I prefer the Mayo Clinic food pyramid to the governments. It's healthier!
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2000-av/pyramid1.jpg
Note that the fruits and veggies are at the base, meaning that we eat more of these than anything else. Grains are next up the pyramid. That's the opposite of the government's pyramid. And it's healthier. Especially for those who are overweight to begin with, or have blood sugar issues.

We can eat well for less with planning, smart shopping and healthy eating.
If you're like me, though, it means overcoming a lifetime of learned behaviors. And that's the part that's not easy.

Shalom!

[Gypsy Feet]

The mayo clinic still has 4-8 servings of whole grains a day, I only eat whole wheat pasta or brown rice once a day. I recently started packing a salad of garbanzo beans (chick peas), romaine, tuna, tomato and black olives with rice vinegar for lunch instead of a sandwich. My sandwich was easier to eat while driving though, and I may have to go back. I also take hard boiled eggs and sometimes low fat cheese snacks, peanuts, and fruit.

[mxchaos]

Originally Posted by evmdimples

Inspired by this thread and with the success a friend of mine has recently had with higher protein lower carb, I modified my diet this week and it's been going really well, weight wise and... now that I think about it, drink cravings. (I'm thinking eating this way is somehow helping me keep a regular exercise program as well.)

I bumped up the protein in my morning shake to 25 gm. I had been doing half of that trying to be frugal, but was hungry by mid morning. The 25 gr keeps me going well into midday. For my other meals I've cut out starches and am concentrating on protein, vegetables and fruit. I do find it somewhat challenging to eat this way as a partial vegetarian (I eat seafood).

I've been snacking on peanuts, peanut butter on apple slices, shrimp (I really liked that, but can get expensive, lol!)

Would be interested in hearing what others include in their diet as non-meat protein sources for meals and snacks.

Almonds, walnuts, yogurt (Greek style), black beans and salsa are just some of my favorites.

[tjp613]

I used to be a die-hard low-carber..for 3 years...and had awesome results not only with my weight but with my general health. I've been hypoglycemic since I was 16 and felt 300% better on a low-carb diet...my lipid profiles were picture-perfect as well (age 48) where previously they were on the high side and getting worse every year.

But....eventually....I allowed carbs back into my life and found myself addicted to sugar and bread and french fries and crackers, blah blah blah.

Since I've been visiting here at SR and involved in Al-Anon, I've decided to kick my sugar and starch habit once again (part of cleaning up my side of the street!) and I"m on Day 3....and feeling strong! I "turned it over" and it's been so much easier this time.

Not everyone benefits from a low carb diet -- some people are not built that way, but I know without a doubt that I AM!

[marty888]

I always go low carb (actually no carbs for first 2 weeks) whenever I want to cut up.

[anvilhead]

wanted to revive this thread if i may as today was my official kick off on a restricted carb food plan!!! following the advice from the Ultimate Fat Burning Diet Primer by Paul Crane (oops, can i say that out loud?). the focus is primarily on the TYPE of carbs one avoids, rather than cutting out carbs altogether. looking at the Glycemic Index and staying on the low to moderate end of the scale. it makes SENSE for me....it's not that i have a terrible diet as it is, pretty healthy, pretty balanced, just a lot of it - which i blame entirely on my other half who has a hard time keeping weight ON. by adopting a "carb conscience" attitude, i won't be choking down rice cakes and gagging on tofu while he's enjoying "real" food - nor will HE have to adjust and live on lettuce! PERFECT.

so anyways, i wanted make it official, and hold myself accountable, and if there's a group that will hold my toes to the fire for me, it's SR!!! LOL

[arobert]

High carbs are bad for everyone they trough your body

[arobert]

Drink lot of water in a day to reduce them.

[daisy2]

I used to be really diehard low carber. I eat a more moderate version right now, but definately feel the healthiest when I avoid bread/pasta/corn & limit other grains as well. I also notice that when I am drinking, I crave bread/starch a lot more, and I end up gaining weight. part of my sober regimen right now is to pay attention more to what I am eating and go back to veggies, fish, beans & limit my grain intake again.

[tammy711]

Bad carbs make one crave sugar - and for alcoholics that often times means their alcohol of choice. When I went low-carb for about 6 months - I had more energy than ever. I still drank white wine on the diet, but often reducing or eliminating good nutritious food so that I could fit the carbs of the wine into my diet. :-(

[daisy2]

tammy that's a good point about bad carbs/sugar craving. at points in my life when I have had my longest sobriety are also times when I've had the best control of my nutrition & ate the least amount of sugar/excess carbs. I often theought that not drinking made me eat healthier but maybe eating healthier helped me not to drink. intersting idea.