need a good talking to/and help

Posts: 4,260
5/28/12 1:16 P

You don't have to give up carbs entirely, but you do need to find your level for success. And regard the higher carb stuff as special treats instead of five servings a day. Half an apple instead of two apples and a banana.

If you find that wheat affects you badly, just go with that. You don't need it, and you don't need a doctor's permission to quit eating it.

current weight: 229.5

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135

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Posts: 632
5/27/12 4:29 P

I would say your body is very insulin resistant right now and for that reason is responding well to Atkins. Eventually Atkins includes fruits, sweet potatoes, etc. I believe if you continue on his plan the weight will melt off.

Edited by: MICHELLEXXXX at: 5/27/2012 (16:30)

current weight: 99.0

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Posts: 2,738
5/27/12 12:56 P

1. Have you talked with your doctor about your problem with wheat? You may have a wheat allergy or strong sensitivity to gluten. It would probably help you to get that checked out and get an official diagnosis of that problem if that, indeed, is what you have.

2. It sounds to me as if you already know what works for you -- but you are having trouble accepting it. Yes, some of us can't eat as many carbs as others. For some of us, the "normal" range of carbs recommended by SparkPeople is too high. We do better on a lower amount. That's OK. Use that information to plan accordingly.

3. For most of us who live a low-carb or moderate-carb lifestyle, we find that we can have a few more carbs if they come with lots of fiber that slows down their absorption. So we can have some fruit and vegetables -- maybe even some whole grain products. We just avoid the low fiber, high glycemic index carbs and lower our overall total consumption. You have to experiment a little (and track religiously) to figure out the exact levels that will work best for you.

4. I strongly suggest you check out some of the low-carb teams here on SparkPeople to give you a more positive perspective of low-carb and moderate-carb lifestyles. Not only will you get find information there, you will find people there who are being successful with their lower-carb approach. I think that would help you develop a long term plan that you could feel optimistic about adopting for the long term.

current weight: 152.4

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5/27/12 11:36 A

Calorie in, calories out WORKS. However no part of "calories in, calories out" should involve exercising "like a madwoman". Every healthy lifestyle should include some physical activity- preferably some cardio and some strength- in an appropriate amount. Re-gaining the weight is a sign that you're no longer creating a calorie deficit- either you're eating more than you're burning or you're burning less than you think. (Of course, it's also what happens to most people when they think "weight loss! yay!" and go back to their old habits...)

If wheat disagrees with your stomach then get your carbs from other sources. Eat enough carbs so that you fall within the range recommended by Spark. You can eat at the low end of that carb range if you want, no problem. Eat at the higher end of the fat and protein range if it makes you feel better. Just make sure you've set up your program properly so that Spark knows your current weight, your goal weight, and your weekly calorie burn THROUGH CARDIO. This IS calories in, calories out, and it works.

current weight: 122.0

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Posts: 397
5/27/12 8:55 A

You can eat fruits and veggies..these are good carbs. If you are carb sensitive, just cut in half your carbs and stay away from too many wheat products . I can't do too many carbs so I just reduced my carb intake about 40-50% a day. I eat plenty of veggies and a couple servings of fruit a day. My main carbs are oatmeal in the morning and brown rice in the evening. Make sure I'm getting enough protein and fat each day too.

current weight: 272.0

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Posts: 5,216
5/27/12 7:53 A

I EAT WHAT I WANT BUT USE PORTION CONTROL ! IF I CAN'T USE PORTION CONTROL I LEAVE IT ALONE !

Pounds lost: 22.9

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Posts: 2,089
5/27/12 7:09 A

Have you been tracking, and measuring consciously?

Really, as already said; there's no quick fix.

I, too, have an issue with high carb consumption - but mainly the baked goods and high starches; rather than the carbs of veggies.

Also, regarding the processed foods - I've started tracking salt, and realized that there are a lot of grams of sodium in those (as well as many cheese products).

So, I've been trying to balance my menu based on the Spark People suggestions, without obsessing over one thing or the other - just being conscientious about looking over my menu - especially trying to balance the proteins, carbs, fat and fibre into an appropriate range.

I hope you can manage to hit your ideal balance in order to make it a healthy lifestyle.

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5/27/12 6:29 A

Oh I know there is no quick fix. I know it's a life style. I guess I am just struggling with what is the best life style change for me. I know the low cal/low fat way of eating is just not going to work for me. Tried it so many times. You are definitely right about processed foods. Whole foods are the way to go for sure. Whole grains are not an option for me. They upset my stomach so bad. And if I start eating wheat I will gain weight like crazy.

current weight: 165.0

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Posts: 5,321
5/26/12 10:28 P

if you are looking for a quick fix you are looking in the wrong place. it's a live style change and not a diet. Carbs are not the enemy.........if you eat them right. There are good carbs...like whole grains and fruits and veggies. I do a low fat, low sugar ,low salt eating style and I do a clean diet.........no processed foods if I can help it. I also don't give up the things I like I just put them into my eating plan in small doses once in a great while so I don't feel like I have to give up anything.

current weight: 117.0

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Posts: 4
5/26/12 9:18 P

I have tried the "low fat-low cal" with no luck really. Tried the calories in, calories out method (exercised like a mad woman for three months straight) lost 5 pounds just to regain it. Went "low carb" and I actually lost 10 pounds and as long as I don't even LOOK at a potato I can keep it off pretty well. I need to drop another 20 pounds. Here's the thing....I just can't believe that I should be afraid of eating apples, sweet potatoes, squash and higher carb fruits and veggies!!! I will say that low carbing has taught me how carb sensitive I am. Also any amount of wheat just does me in. I bloat for two days after eating it. I have bought and read so many nutrition books in the last few months that it's not even funny. I need to hear from people who can give me a little direction. I know there is no "magic bullet" But....am I missing something?

current weight: 165.0

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