The next phase in my ttc plan! Low carb diet???

[CuddleBunny]

Good luck everyone!! I respect anyone who makes a diet wheter it's for weight loss or just for staying healthy!

I am of average weight (sometimes on the thin side) but have ALWAYS ate TONS of processed foods...anything from pizza rolls to toaster strudles...you name it lol. Since TTC I have been trying to eat healthier...by cutting out most freezer foods (it can get hard sometimes! lol!), taking vitamins daily, and making fresh juice smoothies from fresh fruit for breakfast, sometimes lunch!

While it's not a specific diet, I feel SO GOOD just by cutting out the majority of processed freezer foods and adding vitamins and fresh fruits & veggies to my diet. I am sure you girls will be feeling GREAT!! Good luck to all!

 

[ceejie]

I'm on my second day...not too bad so far. I feel kind of hungry, but full at the same time. I think it's just my body craving carbs.

I was actually reading about what to do if you get your BFP on a low carb diet. From what I can tell, you should start adding whole grains and maybe a very small amount of fruit, and continue to stay away from sugars & processed/white carbs.

I know the last couple times I've done this diet I lost 15 lbs in the first couple weeks. I started yesterday at 171.6 lbs. I usually sit at about 145 lbs, but gained quite a bit with my pregnancy/miscarriage...so hopefully if I can get back down to normal, I can get another BFP.

Good luck everyone!

 

[Delish]

When pregnant/breastfeeding it's best to do just the maintenance stage as low-carbing in those situations isn't fully researched. My personal feeling is it ought to be fine but I'd stick to maintenance to be safe. If you haven't reached that stage when you get your BFP then I'd add in lots of extra good carbs until you're not in ketosis anymore, everyone's personal tolerance level differs and I'm not sure what mine was now, but it seemed pretty high luckily!

I haven't started back on low-carbing yet but will be doing so next week. I really recommend anyone who hasn't read it yet, to get the Atkins book, I thought I understood what to do but realised when I read it I had no idea! And then sign up to a couple of active Atkins forums if you can, really helps to talk to the long-timers as well as those just starting out!

 

[Delish]

Oh oh nearly forgot - there's a brilliant recipe book, it's actually not for Atkins but it's a low-carb type diet and it practically changed my life, I never found much good stuff to make until I got it (apart form on US sites but I struggle with the conversions)! If anyone's interested I'll try and find the link for it. Good luck anyway ladies, I'll be joining you shedding those pounds soon I hope. x

 

[Sommerfugl]

Thanks for the thoughts on low carb when pregnant, I guess it makes sense really.

I'd like to make more of a conscious effort to eat well if I ever get pregnant again, I had a silly "gonna get fat anyway" attitude with #1. So I think the low carb 'lifestyle' but with whole grains and more veg and fruit would be good.

Day number two for me. I'm feeling less hungry already, which is good, and remembering some of the meals I used to have last time. It makes a nice change making different things for breakfast/lunch instead of the same old sandwich and cereal, kind of time consuming, though.

Hope everyone's doing well!

 

[ceejie]

I'm on day 3 and I'm down 4.8 lbs already. I know it's mostly water weight, because I don't have the carbs in my system to retain the water right now, but it is definitely motivating to see the numbers on the scale go down so quickly! Reminds me why I am doing this and why I need to stick to it!

 

[Sommerfugl]

I'm on day 3 and I'm down 4.8 lbs already. I know it's mostly water weight, because I don't have the carbs in my system to retain the water right now, but it is definitely motivating to see the numbers on the scale go down so quickly! Reminds me why I am doing this and why I need to stick to it!

Ooh wawwy, well done! Like you said, even if it's just water weight it's really encouraging. I've been on a horrible plateau for a while, whether I'm 'dieting' and always hungry or eating a lot of junk, my weight stays the same. Hoping I'll get some results soon to help me stick to it too!

Day 3 and the past two nights I've been dreaming I'm having carbs! I ordered some ketone sticks and they arrived today, I just took one and I'm pleasantly surprised to see I'm in ketosis already, woohoo.

Off for a walk to the supermarket now, to buy more cheese, as I managed to eat a whole triangle thing of brie cheese yesterday (well I had a bit of help)

 

[Delish]

Just popping back in to say I've started now! Started Saturday but the battery was dead on my scales and couldn't get a replacement anywhere until today *rolls eyes* but now I've got one, I just don't know what my start weight was.
Oh well... I feel my appetite's under much better control already. I am having the odd non-induction thing like berries as I know from last time I can tolerate them. Not counting carbs exactly either as don't have time, but I roughly know what I can have I think. If it doesn't work I'll have to get stricter!

ETA: Sommerfugl I nearly ate a whole triangle of Brie this weekend too... it's not as big as it looks, is my excuse!

 

[Sommerfugl]

hehe, I'm still on a crazy brie kick, it's lovely wrapped up in a lettuce leaf with olives and avocado. That sounds really weird, think I might have odd tastebuds?

I'm not literally counting carbs either, I don't want to get obsessive like I have with calorie counting in the past, but I think I'm hovering around 20. And I'm letting myself have raspberries too, not loads, but a few sprinkles on whipped cream.
It's going to be blackberry picking time soon anyway, I can't not go blackberry picking, they're everywhere!

 

[ceejie]

Just popping back in to say I've started now! Started Saturday but the battery was dead on my scales and couldn't get a replacement anywhere until today *rolls eyes* but now I've got one, I just don't know what my start weight was.
Oh well... I feel my appetite's under much better control already. I am having the odd non-induction thing like berries as I know from last time I can tolerate them. Not counting carbs exactly either as don't have time, but I roughly know what I can have I think. If it doesn't work I'll have to get stricter!

ETA: Sommerfugl I nearly ate a whole triangle of Brie this weekend too... it's not as big as it looks, is my excuse!

Way to go off to a good start!

I'm finding that my appetite is totally under control. I mean, I usually think about food all day long...what I will eat, when I will eat. And I usually have breakfast, then a couple hours later I am hungry again, but right now, I'm hardly ever actually hungry.

I'm not counting carbs either, just avoiding them as much as possible. I think I'm probably about 20-30g per day.

Good luck!

 

[luckyno.3]

I don't think low carb is very healthy. I personally just make sure the carbs I eat are healthy ones, like fruits and veggies, and whole-grain, otherwise I don't eat it. I don't do fad diets, I just eat clean.

 

[PandaLuv31]

I personally just make sure the carbs I eat are healthy ones, like fruits and veggies, and whole-grain, otherwise I don't eat it. I don't do fad diets, I just eat clean.

I agree with this and I have found just eating mostly healthy carbs and getting enough fiber in your diet really helps. I noticed your weight-loss ticker and wanted to congratulate you on your amazing weight loss so far! Three years ago, I also lost 60 lbs by calorie counting and exercise 3 times a week. I have been able to keep it off and I no longer count calories but I still have to watch what I eat (barely any processed foods) and exercise on a regular basis to maintain it. GL on your continuing journey!

 

[ceejie]

I don't think low carb is very healthy. I personally just make sure the carbs I eat are healthy ones, like fruits and veggies, and whole-grain, otherwise I don't eat it. I don't do fad diets, I just eat clean.

I know there is a lot of debate on this topic. But...this is what my doctor recommended for me, so I am trying it. The goal is to slowly introduce healthy carbs into the diet over time (you are allowed most vegetables right from the beginning). It's a low-carb not no-carb diet. I did a no-carb diet last year, I was weight training very heavily and my trainer put me on it. It was terrible and disgusting. I lost a lot of weight and gained a lot of muscle, but after 6 weeks I could barely function day-to-day.

As with most things, there is a lot of research for it, and a lot against it. But, right now I am giving it a shot as my FS recommended. Over the next month or two I hope to get to the phase where I am introducing whole grains and other "good carbs" which will bring me basically to the point you are talking about, eating clean.

 

[Delish]

ceejie is right, it's low-carb not no-carb. A basic part of it is starting off with lots of veggies and adding more, and then fruit & wholegrains as you go, people who criticize it generally don't actually realise any of that.
I believe 100% low-carb is the healthiest way to eat, you only have to look at the results of the past years of people being told to eat low fat to see that it doesn't work - we're a fatter nation than ever.

Sorry to go on, but it really bugs me when people jump on low-carbing without having researched it. I admit I was that way before I looked into it for myself!

 

[ceejie]

ceejie is right, it's low-carb not no-carb. A basic part of it is starting off with lots of veggies and adding more, and then fruit & wholegrains as you go, people who criticize it generally don't actually realise any of that.
I believe 100% low-carb is the healthiest way to eat, you only have to look at the results of the past years of people being told to eat low fat to see that it doesn't work - we're a fatter nation than ever.

Sorry to go on, but it really bugs me when people jump on low-carbing without having researched it. I admit I was that way before I looked into it for myself!

I completely agree with you. There is tons of research on it. I know a lot of people don't get it...my husband was really against it the first time I did it...but after he actually researched it he realized it wasn't what he thought it was. If you think about it, our ancestors survived mainly off meats, fruits & vegetables, and they didn't have all the refined sugars and things that are so prevalent nowadays.

I actually saw a study on the news a few weeks ago that is being done. They found that in mice a low carb diet reduces the risk of cancer. You can read about it here if you are interested in that sort of thing.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/14/low-carb-high-protein-die_n_876645.html

Plus, I know that different diets work for different people. I think it has a lot to do with body type and heritage. Some people may be better off counting calories, or eating low fat. I've done that for years and always struggled. I previously lost about 80 lbs on a very calorie restricted diet (less that 1000 cal per day), but for me, that is no longer working. I honestly think restricting my calories for years really screwed with my metabolism. You have to do what works for you.

I'm usually not one to rant or get involved in debates...but I just couldn't stay out of this one.

 

[2inlove04]

Bump

 

[2inlove04]

I restarted today and on top of only getting about 4.5 hrs of sleep last night Im beat to death literally this is going to be a long day! I'm ready for this Weight Loss.. I started back on Nov 29 I lost 32lbs and fell off around Easter this year so after much dragging of the feet and fat, here I am ready to get the rest of this weight off and get pregnant... I had a faint BFP on this past sunday and unless I am pregnant this weight loss is going to trigger my cycle. I always get a jump started period when I go on my strict low carb. Who is with me on becoming accountable for their actions and sticking on plan to conceive a sticky baby

 

[dianamherrera]

I tried this a few years ago. I never felt so horrible in my life. I was weak and exhausted all the time, no energy for anything. My mouth tasted like crap constantly. It's not for everyone, I suppose.

 

[Sommerfugl]

I was wondering how the low-carbing ladies were doing, was meaning to search for this thread.

2inlove, I can see that line, have you not tested again since? I hope this is your BFP!

How is every body else doing?

I low carbed for about 2 and half weeks, then got super strong cravings during my TWW and so had a week of eating lots of crap.
I started again before the beginning of this cycle and am glad to say I lost the weight I gained after caving, and a bit more.
I ovulated 'normally' last cycle which I'm hoping had something to do with the low carbing, and so hoping it'll help me ovulate normally this cycle too.

I got a bit worried that breaking a low carb diet in the luteal phase could mess up the chances of implantation or something? Like if the body has to readjust to the sudden increase in insulin everything might get knocked out of whack? I found nothing to support this worry, I was just over thinking. My pre-AF cravings have become really strong, I'm hoping I won't cave after ovulation this cycle too.

I have definitely noticed, after low carbing for a while and then a week off and back to low carbing, I definitely feel better in my self while low carbing, I have much more energy, I'm not so tired in the evening and I feel much less bloated. And it helps to control cravings too (if you ignore pre-AF cravings).

 

[2inlove04]

Yes I started on Nov 29 2010 and lost 32lbs within 6 weeks which was great, I had more energy and felt better overall.. I have been POAS like a mad woman since that faint BFP on sunday and sine then they have been BFK with the exception of last night I did a test and it was slight BFP but not enough to really see other than IRL.. I'm so sick to my stomach over this and ready to get this show on the road

I was just reading the other day about how low carb diets can help with fertility, especially ladies with PCOS. I read some very encouraging stories, so I decided I'm going to start low carbing if I'm not pregnant this cycle.

I did a low carb diet several years ago, I had a lot to lose back them and got great results from it.