MAJOR OT- Anyone lost weight on low carb?

[AngelBabyJana]

DisneyDreamer - I can totally relate to what you are going though. However, it really does get easier as the days go by. I am a SAHM with three kids (plus we homeschool), so I know how hard it can be to "diet" while keeping up with the daily routine.

I've lost 20 lbs so far, but still have 50 lbs left to go. I've cut out sweets & sodas (I try to drink only water), and just mainly watch the portions on what I eat. I second what others have said - definitely keep a daily journal of your food intake, it really does help you to stay on track.

Also find some kind of exercise that is fun for you. I've started walking the track at the park every evening (usually 2 miles a day). The park that we go to has a playground in the middle of the track so my DH watches the kids while my oldest DD and I walk (her size 8 jeans are now baggy on her - she makes me sick, lol). I'm trying to get everyone into the habit of walking with me, but DH always gives in when the younger ones start begging to go to the playground (usually after the first 1/2 mile).

The hardest part for me was to stop the eating out & fast food. Sure we still eat out occasionally, but no where near as much as we used to. I do find it hard to cook healthy meals that the entire family will eat though ..... my kids still just want spaghetti, mac-n-cheese, chicken strips/mashed potatoes, etc.... It really is hard cooking these things, and then going to eat my "grilled chicken" by myself.

Oh and my wake up call was when my sister gave me an Old Navy gift card for Christmas. I took so many clothes into the dressing room to try on, and was just disgusted with how everything fit me. I ended up using the gift card to buy new clothes for the kids. I left that store knowing that I HAD to do something. Our Disney vacation is October 3-11th, so I am trying to use that as something to help keep me motivated.

I also agree that we need to start a new weight loss thread. It would help to talk to others going through the same thing, and be able to be there with encouragement & support for one another. Plus knowing that others were watching our progress might make us more "accountable."

 

[Enchanted3]

Hello! I lost 10 lbs since January. I have a wedding to stand in, in August. I want to lose 40 lbs by then but its so hard. The key is small healthy meals and exercise. When I exercise it comes off slowly. I have to exercise an hour and a half. I started 5 minutes on the treadmill and now I can do 30 minutes. I record a book on my ipod and listen away. My friend has dropped 30lbs since Jan and she is exercising 1-2 hours a day. She does not skip weekends. She is doing the South Beach diet. I just can't do that. I want to teach my self to eat healthy for the rest of my life. I hope this helps.

 

[RadioFanatic]

the low carb diet does work. finally, in August 2006, I realized I was tired of being fat, by April of 2007, I lost 110 pounds simply by doing low carbs and going to curves 5 days a week. then in May, I got pregnant and gained 90 of those pounds back. I had my son 2/08 and in a year, I lost the 90 pounds doing the low carbs again (I still haven't had time to get back to Curves). It can be done.

 

[quasar4legs]

Provided you reduce the number of calories and increase the exercise just about any diet will work.
The difficulty comes in whether you are making a lifestyle choice for the long term or just planning on losing weight and then going back to old eating habits.
One of the best things I did was see a dietician who helped me set up a lifetime eating plan that I can follow long term. She also ensured that I was getting sufficient nutrients, minerals etc as my long term goal was good health and not just the weight loss.

Good luck getting healthy and give that supportive hubby a big hug, he sounds terrrific.

 

[Enchanted3]

I don't sweat alot when exercising and I sometimes wonder if I am not working hard enough. My heart rate is up to where it should be but, I don't know if I am getting the benefits.

 

[kmcrews]

Low carb definately works. I lost 44 lbs doing the South Beach diet (13 of that came off in the first 2 weeks). It's hard in the beginning, but it gets much easier the longer you do it.

 

[cinderella73]

DisneyDreamer - I can totally relate to what you are going though. However, it really does get easier as the days go by. I am a SAHM with three kids (plus we homeschool), so I know how hard it can be to "diet" while keeping up with the daily routine.

I've lost 20 lbs so far, but still have 50 lbs left to go. I've cut out sweets & sodas (I try to drink only water), and just mainly watch the portions on what I eat. I second what others have said - definitely keep a daily journal of your food intake, it really does help you to stay on track.

Also find some kind of exercise that is fun for you. I've started walking the track at the park every evening (usually 2 miles a day). The park that we go to has a playground in the middle of the track so my DH watches the kids while my oldest DD and I walk (her size 8 jeans are now baggy on her - she makes me sick, lol). I'm trying to get everyone into the habit of walking with me, but DH always gives in when the younger ones start begging to go to the playground (usually after the first 1/2 mile).

The hardest part for me was to stop the eating out & fast food. Sure we still eat out occasionally, but no where near as much as we used to. I do find it hard to cook healthy meals that the entire family will eat though ..... my kids still just want spaghetti, mac-n-cheese, chicken strips/mashed potatoes, etc.... It really is hard cooking these things, and then going to eat my "grilled chicken" by myself.

Oh and my wake up call was when my sister gave me an Old Navy gift card for Christmas. I took so many clothes into the dressing room to try on, and was just disgusted with how everything fit me. I ended up using the gift card to buy new clothes for the kids. I left that store knowing that I HAD to do something. Our Disney vacation is October 3-11th, so I am trying to use that as something to help keep me motivated.

I also agree that we need to start a new weight loss thread. It would help to talk to others going through the same thing, and be able to be there with encouragement & support for one another. Plus knowing that others were watching our progress might make us more "accountable."

Same here! Three kids and I homeschool. Plus we moved here a few years ago and I hate it . Its so far from everything and small town life is not my thing. I miss the beach. I dont know many people here so I dont get out as much as I should.

Its hard when u feel overwhelmed and dont have the best outlets for stress . You are going to WDW close to when I am . I have a bit more to lose than you in order to get back to my old weight. But we are pretty much in the same boat. I am just so glad its getting warmer and I can get outside again. I am so over winter and grey skies!

I had to go buy clothes the other day and was so upset! If I cant buy what I like I would rather not get it. Nothing fit right. So I did the same thing and went and bought my skinny minnie daughter 3 bikini's . lol

We will get there though! It helps we all have planned trip dates. If I didnt have my trip planned I would not be doing as good.

 

[Kallista]

After my first pregnancy, I lost 22 pounds on Atkins and kept 18 of it off when I stopped Atkins. It took about 12 weeks.

 

[Faldred]

Does about 140 pounds or so count?

Yes, I've lost weight on low-carb, more so by far than anything else I've tired. I also put it all back on once I stopped eating "right". Now, I'm back on it again and almost down to my lowest post-college weight again.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

I lost 80lbs in 7mos on a Low Carb diet, it really works! With that being said, you must stay on it forever to maintain your weightloss. I went off and gained every pound back plus 20lbs. I have since became a vegetarian 3.5 years ago and I work out 5-7 times a week, I am much happier eating this way and it's so easy because its a lifestyle change. I do count calories and I don't eat any processed foods.

If you want long term weightloss, I don't think low carb is the way to go. If you want quick weightloss, it's great. Another thing, my cholesterol and blood pressure was elevated on Low Carb, I also had frequent heart palpitations, stayed constipated, and ketosis breath.

 

[DisneyDreamer04]

Well, I really dont know what to do at this point. This is day three, and I know you have all kinds of symptoms and withdrawals, but I feel absolute without a doubt horrible. Like I have been beat with a baseball bat or something? I am have having a major gag reflex to anything that is allowable to eat. I dont know what is going on wrong with me. I right now, feel like if this is how I am going to feel just give me the fat. I am not craving anything, I am not hungry, I just feel terrible. And to make matters worse my DH, is doing just fine. No symptoms of anything.

I do have a question, how hard is it really to make a lifestyle of it. I mean, I know that sounds like a stupid question, but I have been looking at some other low carb boards, and etc. And it seems like the majority of them lose lots of weight, yet they also seem to be going back thru induction?? So, somebody help me out here. I am finding mixed reviews, and I dont know what to do. Crap I would love to lose like I said 60-70 lbs, but at this point I would LOVE to just lose the 30.

I really want to lose this weight. I know that if I change the whole game plan to late, my DH wont want to switch to a different diet, or even continue this one.

 

[cinderella73]

Well, I really dont know what to do at this point. This is day three, and I know you have all kinds of symptoms and withdrawals, but I feel absolute without a doubt horrible. Like I have been beat with a baseball bat or something? I am have having a major gag reflex to anything that is allowable to eat. I dont know what is going on wrong with me. I right now, feel like if this is how I am going to feel just give me the fat. I am not craving anything, I am not hungry, I just feel terrible. And to make matters worse my DH, is doing just fine. No symptoms of anything.

I do have a question, how hard is it really to make a lifestyle of it. I mean, I know that sounds like a stupid question, but I have been looking at some other low carb boards, and etc. And it seems like the majority of them lose lots of weight, yet they also seem to be going back thru induction?? So, somebody help me out here. I am finding mixed reviews, and I dont know what to do. Crap I would love to lose like I said 60-70 lbs, but at this point I would LOVE to just lose the 30.

I really want to lose this weight. I know that if I change the whole game plan to late, my DH wont want to switch to a different diet, or even continue this one.

Thats why I dont reccomend doing a Atkins style diet. 1# Because its is NOT a lifestyle change and as soon as u go back u regain. #2 Because its so hard to stick to because after a few days the thought of meat cheese or eggs can gag u out. #3 Because there are better easier ways to lose that wont toture you.

I dont want to derail you if you want to stay on. BUt you can acheive the same goals you have by just eating healthy and avoiding sugar and " refined carbs" . You dont have to avoid carbs alltogether. Trying to do it is like setting yourself up to fail.

A lot of pervious posters mentioned losing weight the same way I would reccomend. Its what I am doing and I am doing well as well. And it is long term doable.

This is the easiest , healthiest and in reality fastest in the sense you dont end up quitting .
1 . Keep a food journal that lists all calories as you take them in. Its the OnLy way to really know how much you are taking in for certain.

2. Avoid refined carbs , Eat complex carbs

3. Count calories ( use a calorie calculator online to determine what u need to take in to lose and ow much you should expect per week)

4. Dont skip meals or it will harder to lose , eat 5 to 6 small meals a day. Keeps you metabolism going.

5. Exersize , do cardio to burn fat. BUt do intervels of fast with slow. If you go fast the whole way through you burn less fat. Do 30 seconds really hardcore then take it down slow for a minute then repeat.

6. Sleep and destress . If you stress out or loss sleep you activate a chemical in your brain that tells your body to store fat . Its almost like a survival thing when your body senses something wrong. Sleep also helps you feel less hungry they say. If you like yoga its excellent to destress.

7. Not something you have to do but I made a focus board with pictures of all the things I want to wear and do and how I want to look when I get to my goal. It helps me. Maybe put a picture of Disney on the fridge as silly as that sounds. Its a reminder of your goals.

* Sorry if I repeated any of this stuff. I cant remember what I posted before . Its been crazy here and I wanted to get a chance to respond before it got any worse! lol #6 right now is my enemy. I have a sick kid and I am exhausted!

 

[PaulaSue]

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.

Great info and it will get you on the start you need!

PS what part of PA are you. I'm in South Central and the middle of nowwhere to.

 

[Darcy03231]

Well, I really dont know what to do at this point. This is day three, and I know you have all kinds of symptoms and withdrawals, but I feel absolute without a doubt horrible. Like I have been beat with a baseball bat or something? I am have having a major gag reflex to anything that is allowable to eat. I dont know what is going on wrong with me. I right now, feel like if this is how I am going to feel just give me the fat. I am not craving anything, I am not hungry, I just feel terrible. And to make matters worse my DH, is doing just fine. No symptoms of anything.

I do have a question, how hard is it really to make a lifestyle of it. I mean, I know that sounds like a stupid question, but I have been looking at some other low carb boards, and etc. And it seems like the majority of them lose lots of weight, yet they also seem to be going back thru induction?? So, somebody help me out here. I am finding mixed reviews, and I dont know what to do. Crap I would love to lose like I said 60-70 lbs, but at this point I would LOVE to just lose the 30.

I really want to lose this weight. I know that if I change the whole game plan to late, my DH wont want to switch to a different diet, or even continue this one.

I posted earlier about my weight loss (I've kept 80 lbs off for 10 years and now my weight fluctuates between 5 -10 lbs up or down). I didn't do a low carb/no carb diet. I made a lifestyle change. In years of trying the low/no carb I found it didn't work for me. I lost weight and then gained it right back. As previously posted I started with a food journal. The first week I weighed everything and just wrote it all down. At the end of the week I tallied the calories and fat grams. OMG!!! That was an eye opener.

The second week I concentrated on cutting my portions back (mostly in half) and again kept weighing and writing everything down. I also started adding in some exercise. Gradually over time I started substituting things (ie water for soda, healthy snacks over chips, cookies, etc.) and increasing my exercise. I was kinda like the turtle, slow and steady. I didn't try to do it all at once. I found this method worked best for me. Instead of cutting out carbs, or whatever I've counted calories and fat grams.

Weight loss is really math. It's a matter of calories in and calories burned. When you burn more calories than what you take in you loose weight. While I won't say it was easy, I think it was easier than trying to completely cut out one food group. I did it gradually. The hardest thing for me was constantly weighing and measuring everything. I've gotten now so that I can eyeball it, but in the beginning it was tough. What I thought was a serving size was actually 2-4 servings!

I do weigh myself every week. If I found I've gained a few pounds its easier to get aggressive and take them off in a week or two than it is when they really creep on. I will say the holidays and winter really do me in. I love all the goodies and the comfort food when its cold and snowy (and I get lazy and not as consistent with the exercise).

Over the years I've bought several light cooking cook books and there are some really good recipes. I also find that eating in really helps. I work full time so I try to prep a lot of stuff on the weekends. I plan my meals, grocery shop and prepare as much as I can ahead of time. Another thing that helps is to keep precut, pre portioned healthy snacks around. I cut up celery, carrot sticks and cucumber slices and keep them in the fridge. That way its just as easy to grab that as it is some chips. Same with fruit. I love melon and just keep it cut up in the fridge.

One of the biggest things I found for me that helps is eating something every four hours and exercising twice a day for 30 minutes. Since I'm really trying to take off the few pounds (more like 8) I've regained over the winter (and I'd really like to loose another 20) I've started back into a stricter exercise/eating routine within the last 2 weeks.

Today's schedule was up at 6:30 am and ate a banana. 30 min on the cross trainer. Showered and got ready for work. I also drank 2 bottles of water from the time I got up until I left the house. At work at 10:30 I had a breakfast bar (I also allow myself one cup of coffee a day that I drink at work). I went home for lunch and had homemade vegetable soup and a turkey, lettuce and tomato wheat wrap w/fat free mayo. Had another bottle of water. Afternoon snack was a lowfat yogurt. Dinner tonight will be grilled boneless skinless chicken that's been marinading all day in a sesame/ginger marinade, 1/2 cup of pasta with a little olive oil/garlic, fresh green beans and salad with another bottle of water. Snack at night will be either fat free popcorn or carrot sticks/celery and I'll do another 30 min on the cross trainer with another bottle or two of water. I've gotten so I can all my vegetables without butter/salt (this was really hard at first. I started doing it one night a week for a week, then two, etc.) other than corn on the cob.

Sorry this is long. Hope it helps.