Do You Count?

Do you guys count your carbs? If so, do you count regular carbs or net carbs? How many are you eating? Also, do you count calories? If so, what is your target amount? My nutritionist said to only count protein, but I am a non-conformist! I am eating 650-1000 calories. I try to eat only good carbs. Most days it's between 50-75 of regular carbs--not net. (Maybe that's why I have slow weight loss?)

Wanda, I just met with my nutritionist she say don't worry about the calories ... just the protein (50 grams now) and to up my water to 80 ounces from 64 (because of working out) I was eatting a more carbs than i should have. I am all about PROTEIN now. Whatever works right? as far as carbs ... she has us follow the 10 % rule if you look at a lable the % of fat and the % of carbohydrates have to both be 5% or less. that is the rule of thumb If you want to read more on it and get the OH magazine ... Sharon George (that is my NUT) did an article in OH MAGAZINE about the 5% rule - I think 2 issues ago ... if you want it let me know and i'll scan and email it to you ... if you don't have it hope that helps, Britt

oooops its called the 5% rule not the 10% rule sorry about that!

Thanks, Britt. That rule will be helpful. I don't get the OH magazine but it sounds like I should. Thanks for offerring to send me a copy. I'm sending you my email address.

I don't count anything anymore... I do 3 supplements a day giving me 60 grams of protein and then whatever I eat on top of that. I did count my protein and calories for the first 2 months, but now I don't, maybe that is why I am losing so slow now... who knows... I have been on a muching cracker frenzy for the past few weeks so I am sure those carbs add up, and since I don't count them.... hmmmmm... Maybe I should stay away from my crackers for a few days... I am just craving salt soooo bad... and I never used to like salt.... You gave me something to think about... Thanks.... Shawn M.

I know some people count net carbs like on Atkins. Everyone that I've seen that does that seems to be over a year or two out. It just doesn't seem that we should have to work that hard at this stage of the game.

No you wouldn't think we should have to work that hard at this point, but I have been at a stall for about 3 weeks now... I have lost only 1 pound in the past 3 weeks... I thought I had broken that stall, but then it hasn't moved again... I think I am going to have to start using fitday again and tracking my intake... I didn't think I would have to do that so soon after my surgery.... I am so afraid of being the one that this surgery doesn't work for.... I can't stop at the point I am right now, I NEED the scale to keep moving.... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....... I did go shopping today and got some better snack choices for myself, like almonds and yogurt, hopefully that will kick the stall in the butt and get things moving again.... I just keep craving salt.. salt... salt..... I have never liked salt and now I can't get enough of it... why is that????? Sorry for rambling... I had to get that out.... Shawn M.

Shawn, I've noticed that I've had serious cravings for salt too. Not all the time but every once in awhile I really want it. That and I still crave super cold water constantly which is probably good since it makes me drink lots of water all day. I've never understood the relation between salt and dehydration except that if you have salt perhaps it makes your body soak up water easier??? Anyway there is some connection so perhaps that's why you're craving it because your body needs the help to absorb liquids better. Total guess but it might be worth researching...after all usually when you have cravings like that (unlike the ones where we crave sweets or fatty foods because our brain wants them) it's because your body is missing something it needs. Good luck breaking the stall and don't worry...you're not the one it won't work for...you're too concerned about doing it right to be that person. Corinna Q

Thanks Corinna.... Maybe I will ask my NUT about it next time I go in. (although that isn't for another 3 months now)... If you happen to find anything out about the cravings for salt let me know.... and Thanks again... Shawn M.

Corinna makes a good point -- that salt and dehydration could be related. Also, if you are eating a lot of salt it may be keeping extra fluids in your body slowing your weight loss. But on the bright side--at least you aren't craving sugar!