Question:
Has anyone experienced an opposite reaction to the typical eating plan?

I am 7 months out, down 85 lbs (which I'm thrilled with) however, along the way, like all of us I've hit some major plateaus. When I get to these plateaus, I start closely watching everything, I up my protein, up my water, exercise more, and cut way back on my carbs (no potatoes, crackers, just meat & veggies - and carbs are my evil) I do this religiously for weeks and nothing moves, then I get frustrated and irritated and start eating the carbs again, and not watching my diet as well, and I lose. Years ago, I lost over 100 lbs on the infamous low fat, high carb diet (less than 10 grams of fat - I know dangerous) but I never hit these kind of plateaus. Has anyone else been like this, or found that their body didn't react to things the way other peoples do? As long as I keep taking my protein and vitamins, is it okay to ignore the low carb thing?    — Jennifer C. (posted on August 29, 2003)

August 29, 2003
I say if your body talks to you , listen.
   — **willow**

August 29, 2003
Jennifer, I too have lost weight on your typical low fat high fiber/carb diet so if you are having success with it than I think you should continue. Just be careful that you don't fill up on the carbs so that you are not hungry for your protein and I think you should be fine. Also, just make sure you don't find yourself munching on carbs like chips and such, that's my evil. LOL. I find that I have to completely cut them out or I will eat way too many but if it's working for you than I think you've figured out your own solution. Good luck and congrats on the weight loss! Denise 280/177/150 - Open RNY 3/20/03
   — denisel

August 29, 2003
I agree that as long as you are getting all the protein you're supposed to, and taking your vitamins, then listen to what your body says. Carbs are not evil, per se. Our bodies need them and process them differently than they process protein, and differently than they process fats. Carbs affect insulin production and its myriad affects on fat storage/usage. Some people have problems keeping their carb levels in a range that doesn't cause problems with the insulin/fat storage thing, which is why most of us need to limit them. But, as long as you don't have a bad reaction from the diet you described, I can't imagine why you shouldn't do it.
   — Vespa R.

August 29, 2003
Carbs are important! My easy to follow rule is "protein first". I eat two to three ounces of protein FIRST and then my veggies or salad. IF there is any 'room' or desire for more, I finish up with a small bite or two or three of potatoes or rice or pasta or, better yet, fresh fruit! As wise posters have said, listen to your body and if what you are doing makes you feel good and you are doing good...keep up that good work! (Open RNY 10/30/02 minus 189 lbs.)
   — Ginger M.

August 29, 2003
Yes, I have noticed a couple of times that when I ate a really bad food, like Zingers or Twinkies, the next day, I was losing weight again. It's not a theory that I want to keep testing though. :)
   — joeandteri