Question:
Can Carbs ever possibly kick start weight loss again?

This is going to sound crazy, and I know carbs are supposed to be the enemy, but I've noticed several times that if I eat a slice of toast one day, the next day I am down in weight? Is this just coincidence or can a few extra carbs jump start the weight loss? I know this goes against everything I've heard - just wondering if anyone else has noticed this?    — Kim B (posted on October 5, 2003)

October 5, 2003
I wonder if when we eat the carbs we are just boosting up our calories and that is why the weight loss kicks in. If I am slowing down I cut carbs but add more calories and fat (through protein) and start losing. I have started what I though was a more maintenance diet by just eating when I am hungry but sticking to 40 or less carbs per day. I am sure that my calories have increased by as much as 300 per day and wouldn't you know it I am losing weight like crazy. I think that if we are eating more protein than carbs then your theory is probably correct but I think it is the calories and not the carbs. If you were eating more carbs than protein I would bet that it would not work so well. The reason that I do not eat carbs is just that I personally cannot handle them. They make me moody and bloated and set me off on my next binge. I know that they are part of a healthy diet for many of us but I have come to the conclusion that I will mostly be avoiding them forever.
   — Carol S.

October 5, 2003
I asked a very similar question not to long ago. I do the same thing. My weight loss does not seem to be affected by the low carb/high protein thing. I can go for days when I'm on a plateau and eat high protein, no carbs and not lose a pound, then add back some carbs and the scale moves downward again. I think it just depends on your body chemistry, everyone agreed that the best thing to do is whatever works for you. Good luck, Jen
   — Jennifer C.

October 5, 2003
Pre surgery I had to change up my weight loss plan every 6-8 weeks. Once I was on a plan longer than that, it would simply stop working for me. I have a feeling that it will work the same way for me post surgery once my weight loss stops completely but I haven't really figured that out yet.
   — susanje

October 5, 2003
I really find it hard to suscribe to the "Carbs are Evil" school of thought. I think they are part of a BALANCED diet. I do however east smart carbs and what I mean by that is I only eat whole wheat, nothing white or fried. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and how else are we to achieve that if we don't eat carbs? I know a lot of people wont agree with me, but my diet of lean meats, whole wheats fruits and veggies has served me very well not only in weight loss but in my level of energy which hasn't dipped at all since my surgery over 3 months ago.
   — Sarah S.

October 5, 2003
Well I had just the opposite happen the past few days. Since surgery I have been pretty good abotu doing high protein, low carbs. I went to see a dietician last week and she said I need less protein and higher carbs, so I followed her advice for a week. I gained two pounds, even though I was only eating less than 1,000 calories per day. Yesterday I decided to go back to less than 30 grams of carbs, and low and behold I dropped that 2 lbs this morning!
   — Barbara C.

October 5, 2003
Kim, I will tell you that I believe its healthy to jump start your weight loss by shaking it up a bit. A lb is a lb, its 3000 calories, plain and simple, its still about taking in less than you put out! But, carbs do make you hungrier and crave more carbs. I can tell you this as I am 14 mos out and 2 mos ago, i decided to jon Jevvy Criag to shake up my metabolism a bit, I had regained 5-7lbs. Well, I ate 1200 calories a day (good #) but I ate about 60g of protein and 135g of carbs. I could barely eat all the food. The variety was nice on jenny Criag, and I lose 7lbs in 5 days. but, you know what? I WAS HUNGRY ENOUGH TO EAT A HORSE! So, you need to decided which route you want to take. Good Luck. . Heather Open RNY 8-15-03 305/183/150
   — heathercross