MAJOR OT- Anyone lost weight on low carb?

[DisneyDreamer04]

I know this isnt disney related, but in a way it sorta is... I am new on this board, and I may not even be able to post things like this?

I love my two children dearly, and trying to conceive them, carrying them, and so on has caused my body alot of damage. I also stay at home with my kiddo's, which is a job entirely in itself. But alot of days, I dont care what I look like, and lost the effort to even try. So, now I sit here bigger than I have ever been in life, discouraged, mad, and huge self estemm issues.

I have great support from my hubby, and he even says he will diet with me. So, we are attempting a low carb diet. This is only day 2 and I am telling you this no carb thing is pretty dang hard. I just dont want to give up, and I dont want to be heavy anymore. My kids need a momma who can play with them and not get tired, and a mom who isnt embarrassed of herself so bad that she wont go into the mall. We are planning a trip to WDW in the end of September, and I want our pictures to be happy ones, with me not constantly thinking great another fat picture.

Anyway, the point of this post was to ask if anyone has ever done good on this type of diet??? What amount of weight has anyone ever lost? What kind of timframe? Did you keep it off?

I have tried WW in the past, just to figure out how to manipulate the points, and it got really hard to do with a three year old, and an infant with tons of health issues, going back and forth to childrens hospitals.

I was just looking to see if anyone here has accomplished this diet, or even lost any weight on it? Cant wait to hear anyone results and thanks for reading my short novel.....

 

[scrapquitler]

My husband lost a ton of weight (over 50 lbs) on low carb. I did it too, but didn't lose as much, but I didn't stick it out as long as he did.

Here is the biggest thing I can tell you: IT GETS EASIER. The first week is really hard, but once you get past the first week or so, it gets much easier because you lose the cravings for the carby and sweet stuff, and you just aren't that hungry anymore.

 

[cinderella73]

First of all I wanted to tell u u are not alone. I am a stay at home mom with three kids who was thin my whole life. But rough spots in my marriage and now living in a rural area where most of friends are out of state has caused me to become depressed at time's and turn to food for comfort.

Let me start by saying that u are in the right place! I now use the Disboards for comfort a lot more than food. And once u get to know everyone on here and take a look around I am sure you will become as addicted as well. There are so many nice people on here that will help support your struggle and really listen with open ears . So anytime you feel need the vent or just talk just log on in and share with us. A lot of us know exactly how you feel.

If you read my trip report you will see I have had a few close calls with a certain weight loss shows and have a good friend who was on season 5 . I have met with Jillian Michaels and asked every question that could be asked. Let me tell you that her book is amazing in the sense it is inspirational as well as informative. Because 9/10 th's of this thing is emotional right? She really embraces the concept of " The Secret" and it really hits home.

First few days you have to deal with the physical withdrawl that your body goes through . Its like a drug addict quitting drugs ! lol Its stinks and its one of the hardest time's ( well that and when my mother visits ;>) . Its about more than willpower though . At first its a physical addiction. Its hard when u have kids but get the stuff out of ur house OR just buy what u are not tempted by.

If you dont physically have the food within reach then its get MUCH easier. Next stay distracted . Find things you can do that lift your spirits. Since food for most of us is a way to deal with feelings find another outlet. If your husband is bringing bad stuff in ( because u cant count on anyone but u) u can always lock him in the garage (okay maybe not) or if u are nice you can always just throw it out intill he gets the message . ( I know mine did this) I would literally have to throw stuff out and then break a raw egg onto it! lol I mean I am home there are cookies , thats easy math right?

I am going to WDW in September as well and plan on losing a LOT LOT of weight before then. I want to lose 2 to 4 pounds a week. If I didnt have a focus then I couldnt do it. I see myself visually in front of the castle looking like my old self again.

As far as pratical info goes I was told by Jillian to avoid refined carbs but to avoid toturing myself by saying " I can never have that again" . When u say that to yourself u can freak out a bit. Find ways to take your favorite foods and make them healthier or have them on a limited basis.

Right now based on everything I learned I am doing a lot of lean protein and complex carbs. Whole wheat instead of white etc.. Ronzoni makes a great whole wheat pasta and it tastes close to regular to me.

You totally do NOT have to do the atkins thing because #1 not many people can stick to that and #2 at the end of the day its calories that matter most. However the type of calories does affect how you feel . A lot of heavy people are actually malnourished. Try to get in ur fav healthy foods as much as possible and protein does help your blood sugars stay level.

Important even though its a big pain to me. KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL. I was told this many times and it wasnt intill I listened that I started to become clearly aware of what I was doing. It holds you accountable .

I dont know your height and weight but they have some great calculators online where u put in your height , weight , and activity level and it gives you the calories you need to lose weight. But keep in mind that if you exersize that you will lose even more than it says so dont undereat or u wont lose weight either! I have experiences that before. Better to work it off.

I am 5'8 and ( I will pm u my weight but not post it! lol) eating about 1,500 calories and doing exersize 2 times a day for 20 minutes each. They say that its better to do intervels rather than a hardcore workout. It burns 3 times more fat to run freally fast for 30 seconds and slow down for a minute to a relaxed pace and repeat for 15 to 30 minutes. Thats my program anyway you might not have as much as I do to lose.

Sorry to blab but this has been my life lately!
To summerize I would keep a journal , get Jillian's book , go low (er) calorie with mostly protien and complex carbs versus refined , do intervel cardio , and stay busy . I have lost 25 pounds so far and am moving foward at a steady pace . But I did allow myself a small piece of cake at my sons birthday otherwise I might have felt to tortured and cheated. After I had it I realized it wasnt that good and went on the exersize bike. If I hadnt allowed it I might have freaked out at being so restrained and cheated big time.

Dont be to hard on yourself . Thats why we women get so stressed out in the first place!

Also my mom lost a lot of weight doing gastric . She eats several small meals throughout the day. So I copy what she does. Gastic surgery is not what makes you lose weight its the way you HAVE to eat after. So anyone can have the same effects if they train their body to do the same things. My mom will eat mostly protein but also complex carbs and fruits and veggies. She avoids sugar as much as possible. ( my downfall) She lost 100 pounds less than a year and is doing great. She also measures all her food . So I started doing that as well. Measuring cups can help you know what u are really eating.

 

[disneymomofmyca]

Low carb WILL work every time, for every person if you follow the diet and stick with it. It just simply works because you are cutting out sugar for the most part and all white sugar. I used it to lose the dreaded baby weight and my mom has lost about 50 lbs and kept it off for a year. I no longer follow the strict diet like my mom because I watch my calories very closely so I don't have to count all my carbs. But my mom follow's it to a tee with great success and she loves how she looks and feels. I will say that you may be VERY crabby for the first 2 weeks while your body detoxes from sugar. If you are going to do it buy a book like Atkins or South Beach and read it through before you start. And consult your doctor.

 

[Darcy03231]

I have to echo keeping a food journal. What I did was:

For a full week I wrote down everything I ate. I had columns for the food, the amount (weight), calories and fat content. At the end of the week I was amazed at how much food I consumed that was high in calories/fat (junk). That was an eye opener right there.

I then set about making changes in both portion size and what I was eating. Want something sweet? Instead of candy, cookie, etc. I had some fresh melon, an apple, or some other fruit. Want something crunchy? Instead of chips I had carrot sticks/celery sticks with low fat ranch dressing (it helps to keep them precut up in the fridge so they're easily available). This isn't to say that I cut those things out completely, but I cut waaaaaay back using substitutes that were much healthier and better for me.

As the PP pointed out I started using whole wheat bread and pasta instead of white. I cut out soda and went to water (sometimes flavored with crystal light). I started buying the Hood Simply Smart milk (I can't tell the difference from regular).

I started exercising. I bought a cross trainer and really try to do thirty minutes in the morning and another thirty at night. When shopping I park my car as far away from the store as I can to increase my walking.

I eat every four hours. I have something within half an hour of getting up and then every four hours all day long. I find I don't eat nearly as much as I used to and over time my choices have gotten better.

Its been over ten years and I've kept 80 lbs off (I'd love to loose another 20-30 and am still trying). I eat everything, I just don't eat a lot of it and don't eat it every day (maybe have 1 cookie once a week type of thing). I find when I get to the gym and am faithful about using the weights in addition to the cardio the weight seems to come of and stay off better (lately I've been in a rut - I need to get myself back in gear).

Good luck!

 

[YoMickey]

I'm down 23 pounds since 1-18-09

I've fallen off the carb wagon a few times while out to dinner but for the most part It's been pretty easy to do.

The difference with this attempt is that I started lifting weights and running a few times a week. I'd say I've lost 23 and probably moved 5-8 pounds so it appears that I've lost more.

Good luck.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Yes, it works.. and once you get past for the first few weeks it gets easier..

I have lost 19 pounds between January and the beginning of March. My kids got sick 2 weeks ago and I went off the Wagon... I am getting back on it Monday. I need to go shopping and restock. Just keep it simple.. dont over think it.

Once I get going with it I do good. I once lost 40 pounds in 3 months on it and found out I was pregnant with my second child.
Becafefell with that.. it tends to stir things up lol

i love www.atkinsfriends.com for the message boards.

 

[mamarissa]

All I can add to what has been written previously is STAY STRONG! Day 2 is TOUGH! Day 1 you are still all excited for your "new lifestyle" and it doesn't really hit you until Day 2. Add in the caffeine withdrawal (I did South Beach, which has you cut out caffiene and I was/am ADDICTED to Pepsi) which gives you a terrible headache and all the classis drug withdrawal symtoms, and you have a recipe for failure. Just get threw the day and I PROMISE you will wake up on Day 4 and not even be hungry, let alone craving anything. Cutting out sugar (which is why you cut out carbs) flips a switch in your brain. All of of sudden, your head is CLEAR. You never feel that gross, bloated, disgusting feeling after eating a meal...in fact, if you start thinking about food as it is intended, as FUEL, you GET IT! You fill up your tank and you are good to go--it becomes your energy supply and you feel empowered after eating!

Believe me, I know all about emotional eating. I never "bouced back" after my 1st child's birth 9 years ago....I SNOWBALLED. Two more high risk pregnancies coupled with LOW self esteem was like a death sentence to me. I had lost myself. Food was something I didn't have to care about--I was too busy caring for 3 children and my husband. It didn't judge, it didn't talk back and it was EASY....but then I HATED myself. Everyone has a turning point in life where you have to say I AM WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN THIS!

Good luck in your journey!! STAY STRONG!!

 

[RN01]

You can loose weight with the low carb but remember you have to stick with it the rest of your life or you will gain it all back. I tried it a few years back. Lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks. But I gained it back just as soon as I ate carbs agains I have to agree with what Cinderella73 said. It has to be a complete lifestyle change. To me it's easier to eat healthy fruits and veggies, low fat proteins and whole wheat to keep the weight off. I lost 20 pounds this way and have kept it off for a year and a half. And don't forget to exercise!

 

[DisneyDreamer04]

Wow! That is all I can say. Thank you guys so much for your HONEST and very quick responses. I can not tell you how much it helps to hear other people story/situation. I will have to start a food diary. I havent done that, and I am right in the middle of sugar withdrawals. McDonald's french fries sound sooo yummy right now. Thank you Cinderella73 for making me feel ok enough to share things like this. I was totally unsure and shy about talking about it. I would like to lose about 60lbs.... Really more like 75!Ick! it makes me shudder to think I need to lose that much weight. Darcy 1st let me say, way to go for keeping the weight off, and that is an inspiration. MomofCA, for sure feel crabby.Scrapquilter, thanks for telling me this, because right now, I just dont see it. I keep thinking I was an idiot for trying this..
If I ever had the will power now is the time. Just one question what the heck do you do to go eat out?? I mean, so much has white carbs... If I could get 30-40lbs gone by the end of September when we go on our trip I would absolutely feel like a NEW person. It does feel good to know that your not the only mom on the block that has been here.

 

[DISNEYNV]

I think most moms, including SAHMs especially... Myself also included, tend to gain weight during and after their pregnancies and have a hard time taking it off! You are constantly on call 24/7 with the kid(so) and it can be very rewarding, but isolating and depressing as well. It is a demanding job, you don't get a break from and it is so much easier to grab snack foods or higher calorie stuff the kiddos are eating! I do not have much time during the day to exercise and after dinner, baths and bed I rather just veg out for a while in front of the TV or surf the DIS I have been trying not to eat the kids stuff, sweets, and have been making salads and healthy meals for us. My DH lost a lot of weight over the past year, but lucky thing has a fast metabolism, and I don't wish to be heavier than him! I was fairly thin most of my life as well and get very discouraged easily at the weight I have gained since getting pregnant with DD over six years ago. So you are not alone that's for sure!!! We should start a new thread... Support for DIS MOMS weight loss

 

[K and K's Mommy]

I lost 35 pounds with South Beach. It definitely gets easier!

Good luck!

 

[disneybridetobe]

Ohh I am right there with you! I'm also a SAHM, it's SO HARD to lose weight as a SAHM!!

I've lost a few lbs by cutting some things out-- like soda, fast food, potato chips, etc... but carbs are my weakness, and DH is a carb monster. It's really hard to do with DH snacking on cookies, reese's cups and junk like that. I just want to devour that bag of chex mix!

I've been trying to get pregnant (and stay pregnant) for over a year now, and I think if I don't lose weight, it won't happen. I have PCOS, and I think carbs are a big part of my problem. So, I need to do this for my health. I fell off the wagon and had Chick-Fil-A twice this weekend, ugh. I tried to behave and I didn't get any french fries, but I just couldn't go without the sweet tea.

I'm back on the wagon as of yesterday, and I just feel like there is very little in my house that I can guiltlessly eat. Everywhere you look--carb, carb, carb. Noodles- check. Pretzels- check. Spaghettios- check. Ramen noodles- check. It's like we don't buy anything but carbs. Like I said before, DH is a carb monster (a la cookie monster) and doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong with carbs... ugh. It's hard.

So today, I've eaten a banana, half of an orange, and a bowl of oatmeal. I'm absolutely ravenous. I just don't know what else to eat, and it's not like I can just quickly go out and grab a Whoppper, ya know? I just feel like I've totally hit a roadblock because I don't eat fish or eggs. (Think back to when you were pregnant and you smelled fish-- lol, that's how I feel about it all the time!) I'm tryiing to think of good protein snacks, but I haven't come up with much. But I'm going to do this! Alana needs a little sister!

Oh, and I totally think we need a "DISMoms trying to lose weight the low-carb way" thread!

 

[cinderella73]

Wow! That is all I can say. Thank you guys so much for your HONEST and very quick responses. I can not tell you how much it helps to hear other people story/situation. I will have to start a food diary. I havent done that, and I am right in the middle of sugar withdrawals. McDonald's french fries sound sooo yummy right now. Thank you Cinderella73 for making me feel ok enough to share things like this. I was totally unsure and shy about talking about it. I would like to lose about 60lbs.... Really more like 75!Ick! it makes me shudder to think I need to lose that much weight. Darcy 1st let me say, way to go for keeping the weight off, and that is an inspiration. MomofCA, for sure feel crabby.Scrapquilter, thanks for telling me this, because right now, I just dont see it. I keep thinking I was an idiot for trying this..
If I ever had the will power now is the time. Just one question what the heck do you do to go eat out?? I mean, so much has white carbs... If I could get 30-40lbs gone by the end of September when we go on our trip I would absolutely feel like a NEW person. It does feel good to know that your not the only mom on the block that has been here.

I end up in situations where I am out a LOT and I have a few planned food items that I know I can eat that wont take me off track.
Some examples"
Wendy's - Grilled chicken sand with tomato and lettuce ( no mayo) and a baked potato ( Chili is also only around 200 calories)

Mc D's - Grilled chicken sand or grilled chick wrap , for a side a small cup of icecream with no toppings ( It's low cal and I thinks its icemilk even) , or apple slices

Burger King- Harder for me here but the tenders are not to bad , salads not so great.. They do have apple's . Sometimes I get a chicken sandwhich and just wrap it in lettuce.

Ruby Tuesday's - They have a few great low carb dishes . They have mashed califlower that tastes like mashed potatos and is low carb and healthy.

Subway - Easy here.. You can get a whole wheat sub and load it up with veggies or lean meat's

Pizza Hut - Thin and crispy is pretty low calorie and not high in carbs add on veggies and its even better( no good if u are doing the 1st phase of atkins though)

Starbucks - they make a awesome low calorie frapp . I think its about 130 ( with no whip cream) Makes you feel like u just had a decadent dessert and filling.

Also I get (and store in my glove box) either print outs of the nutrition facts or pamphlets ( if they have them) . That way you never have to guess or stress out .

 

[Darcy03231]

Just one question what the heck do you do to go eat out?? I mean, so much has white carbs...

Some of my standbys are a grilled chicken breast w/rice or baked potato and a side salad w/vinegar & oil. I use very little oil on the salad and I only eat a small portion of the rice or baked potato. Baked or grilled fish with steamed vegetables w/rice or baked potato. Large salad with chicken or shrimp. Most restaurants now are used to people on diets or having dietary restrictions so are pretty accomodating. Some even have meals that will list the Weight Watcher points (Applebees is one) or a section of the menu that has their lighter offerings. Also, keep in mind that if you only eat out every now and then it won't hurt to have something you might be craving. The trick is to only eat those foods occasionally and not all the time. One of my big favorites, especially in the summer, is fried clams. I will have them, maybe once or twice a year and I order just a small portion of them. The only way to continue with a lifestyle change and stick to it is to reward yourself every now and then.

 

[Nazran]

I have had the most success doing low carb but as others have said... it is not a license to gorge yourselves on eggs, cheese, and steak. It is still calories in and calories out. Eating low carb can be very filling. Eat more protein and you feel fuller longer and eat less. However like most diets you can and will gain it all back. Usually faster too.

Excellent site for low carb recipes: http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/recipes.html

 

[DISNEYNV]

I try to limit carbs but not totally. I have a sweet tooth all the way so I try to skip them almost all together. I use splenda a lot with coffee (there is no way this momma is giving up her caffeine) and buy diet ice tea. I also buy the Smart Ones microwave meals for lunches and for DH to bring to work. Another brand I just tried that is good is Eating Right (I think that is the name). Also I make large portions when I cook. My DH takes leftovers to work and I heat them up for lunch after getting the kids theirs. We try not to do fast food, but I do give in to DDs Happy Meal please!!! I usually get a grilled snack wrap without any sauce on it and have a few of their fries.

Things I tend to cook on bulk include Rattatouille, chicken with curry over rice, stirfry ( chicken or pork), salmon fillets, soups with low sodium stock and turkey sandwichwraps, and chicken or turkey chilli. I love the Boca Burgers top especially the tomato basil ones. Of course my kids barely touch any of this so I have to make them seperate foods, which is not helpful either.

DH loggs all his meals and calories on his Ipod. I thought about doing this too to see how the calories really add up in a day!

Some days I feel I could eat a leaf of lettuce and gain a pound. It is harder to loose it as a women once you have kids and your matabolism changes with age. I have lost a few pounds over the past few weeks, but that belly bulge from my 9 pound DS is never going to go away. I just have to except the fact and do what I can to look good for myself, my kids and DH.

I love the saying... Eat to live; don't live to eat!
DU log

 

[delmar411]

I know someone mentioned that going low carb isn't a free for all to gorge but during the first 2weeks it is good plan to eat all you can. You should lose about 15lbs in the first 2weeks even eating pretty much non-stop. After the first two weeks of that kind of eating you will find yourself slowing down big time and not eating everything on your plate. Eventually you will go down to eating rather small portions of your meals.
I did phase 1 for 4mths straight and dropped 50lbs. I let up after 4mths and went back to minimal carb intake, increasing slowly. I kept the weight off until I was pregnant with my DD about 2yrs later.

It works though but you have to be dedicated to eating like that. I tried it again after I was a SAHM and found it wasn't working. I couldn't stock the fridge/pantry with carbs for the kids and not eat them myself. My younger DD is also a carb junkie and barely ever eats meat. Too bad I don't have her skinny genes to be able to pull that off! LOL

 

[geishagirl81]

To echo what others have posted, I have had great luck with low-carb diets. But I do a lower fat diet too. So instead of bacon burger and cheese patties, I'd have a grilled chicken breast. Sure, I'd splurge, as that kind of stuff was my "treat", but I couldn't justify cramming all of that cholestreol into my arteries, even if Atkins approved I lost 60 pounds in 4 months 5 years ago.

 

[DisneyDreamer04]

Let me say it again.


You guys are great!!! Y'all are being Very open and willing to share any stories and posts. I stepped away from the computer this afternoon to go run some errands, and came back and was just overwhelmed by all the nice and helpful responses.

Guys I am so right there with ya as to start a new weight loss
thread.. That would be great!

I have only had complex carbs (broccoli, lettuce) and maybe 4 cups total. Since yesterday everything else has been eggs, sausage, baked chicken, and a few pieces of bacon, and some cheese here and there. I hope that is okay? DisneyNV, I have an ipod how do you log your food, me and my DH both have one of those touches, and that would be great for us.

There are some many things y'all have said I am going to have to go back and take notes.

I have some shrimp for tomorrow nites dinner, and salmon for the next. Tonite I am going to try one of those recipes that was on the link you gave me NAZRAN. There are TONS of great sounding stuff on there.

Delmar411,I may try to stay on that induction for 2 months if it is working good for me. Seeing that I have ALOT to lose....

Oh, and I totally hear everybody on the whole carbs everywhere else and the sheer willpower it takes to stay away. How can ya feed a 15 month old graham crackers and not just want one??? Cruel Cruel Cruel. Then my constantly hungry 3 1/2 year old eats cereal for breakfast, grapes for a snack, slice of pizza for lunch, etc. etc.... Crud that is the hardest part.


Serious guys, I dont even know any of y'all, and maybe this is the no carb's hormone response of me talking, but I feel so close to you guys and I just want to really say thanks. I have been very low & lonely about all this(DH tries to get it, but just cant) and it makes me feel so good to know that complete strangers can be so nice and sharing. Thank you really.