Whoever invented carbs should be shot

Hi Everyone,

Here is my carb situation...

In order to assist me with my weight loss and maintenance, and because I don't particularily like these foods that much anyway, and because I do better if I watch my carbs, I have eliminated, for the most part, the following from my diet:
-  bread, buns, rolls
-  pasta
-  potatoes
-  rice
-  cold cereals
-  muffins, bagels, cookies, cakes, pies
-  etc.

I just checked and I still eat below 100 carbs a day when I am losing, and I eat even more when I am maintaining... here are some of the carbs I eat on a daily basis:
-  oats
-  raisins
-  strawberry yogurt
-  cabbage
-  etc.

When I get back to goal, I will be upping my carbs a bit to maintain, and one of the first things I will be adding back in is tortillas.  I love them and miss them like crazy.  I also hope to add some more fruit into my plan.

I hope to be able to occasionally indulge in Chocolate and Cookies again, but I will need to get to know my body better and see what I can 'get away with', without gaining or binging.

So there you have it, this is what I do around carbs.  I don't appolgize for it, I don't brag about it, I don't give a hoot what anyone thinks about it.  It is what it is, and it works for me!

Hugs,

Cindy

I am really glad to hear/see other folks are doing something other than very low carb and being successful at it. I hope this type of discussion can continue.
While I believe some folks are very sensitive to carbs and may need to restrict them more than others I do not believe that is true for ALL or perhaps even for most.
The concern I have is that this board not become "single minded" in its message.

I think most of us are sensitive to carbs, though not all. And I think it gets to be more of a problem the farther out from surgery you are. During the first year I could eat carbs, granted in small amounts, with no problem. Now, if I eat them they trigger hunger and huge cravings.

You shouldn't feel defensive because you are in the minority, you should feel lucky. I remember the first year when I could still eat carbs, and I would love to have that luxury again!

I suspect the real reason you are noticing more "anti-carb" talk is that a lot of us are getting farther out from surgery and we have to be more careful. Plus many of us don't have the time or inclination to get the amount of physical activity you do- maybe if I could hike like you, I could include more carbs in my diet, but right now that is not going to happen. 

Thanks!  From Day 1 in this process I made the decision to go 'lower' carb rather than 'low' carb.  The reason I did this:
-  is because I did not want to go on another diet!!
-  I did not want to binge after I got to goal or on my way to goal
-  I wanted to lose slow and steady, instead of really fast like it is a race, that is my norm.  I lose easily...
-  I wanted to keep some carbs in and make changes I could live with for life
-  I loved Atkin's in the past and stayed on Induction far longer than I should have, because losing weight was always a race for me...  the problem was as soon as I got to goal, I struggled to maintain, did not know how to maintain, did not know how to bring the carbs back in, etc.
-  this time, I know what I am doing, I like what I am doing, and I am reading and reading and reading to be sure that I add back in the carbs I love gradually
-  For the 'unhealthy carbs' I will still eat them but not right now, during losing, and only in a very limited fashion, because things like chocolate, chips, and some cookies are my trigger foods and lead to binges and weight gain.  I will 'plan' these treats for specific times and amounts, and not bring them into my home overnight!

I am doing what works for me and I think that is key in this process.

Hugs,

Cindy

I agree with you and eat as you do.  However, I realize this doesn't work for everyone.  But it does for me!  I think our activity has something to do with it also.

Laura

@Laura.. definitely increased activity will burn off carbs and decrease insulin resistance.

Hi Cindy.. I know what you are doing is working for you and you have been very successful!  For me some of the "good" carbs you eat would make me crave some of the "bad" carbs on your list that you are trying to avoid.  It would totally make me have cravings and then I'd be into everything.  You are so lucky that it doesn't make you crave or binge. :)

Hi Sweets,

I am beginning to realize how fortunate I am.  It does make it easier for me...

I am so proud of the people that realize just what and how many carbs work for them.  Sticking to that has to be hard.  But I would bet, it is easier to completely avoid those carbs then to dabble with them.  For some, it seems, when they eat them it starts a whole vicious cycle.  If people learn what causes that, they can then learn to choose to stop the cycle.

I greatly admire the people that choose to do low carb in order to avoid the binge that will inevitably follow for them.  They are aware.  They are in control.  They are doing what it take for them.  They have found the key to success and I admire them for it.  If more people were aware of their bodies, habits and the results of carbs on their bodies, everyone could adjust accordingly... and determine how many carbs work for 'them' based on their history and experience.

You have and I have, and the amount of carbs are different for different reasons, and we are both successful because we are listening and learning about our bodies and reaction our personal reaction to carbs.

Good on us!!!

Hugs,

Cindy