Low Carb Success Anyone?????

I am a fan of the original Atkins LC when followed correctly by his original guidelines.

Visit 'Team Keto' here on SP. A wonderful, supportive group that also provides a lot of information...follow this link:

www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_individ
ual.asp

www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5N7x8TQrt8
Ken Berry M.D. on Youtube has over a million subs. He has a lot of information on KETO.

Edited by: JIBBIE49 at: 2/7/2020 (21:03)

I am on day 12 of a 21 day sugar detox. I am surprised that I have not cheated. I am down 14 pounds and do not feel deprived. I plan on continuing this in a modified version. If I want a treat I will eat it, just a small amount and not as often

I also agree with Keto/Low Carb. I've been on it for 13 months and maintaining a 20-25 pound gradual loss.

Highly recommend it. My Dr suggested it years ago and was thrilled with results.... my numbers are great. His advice is to keep on doing what I'm doing because it looks good on me!

Woohoo! Check out the Keto groups here on SP

I lost a lot of weight on LCHF, under 20 g of carbs.. about 120 lbs.. in the past 8 years, I followed it enough to stay off my diabetes meds, but I gained weight back, and the past several years, I have hovered from 260-290, which is better, but at 5'6", I could easily be 160, so 260, sounds better than 360, but I am halfway there, and still morbidly obese.

At the end of summer, I joined a keto page, here on SP.. 8/25 was my start date.. going from LC, with cheats 2-4 meals a week... to keto, and actually upping fat, and dropping protein. I was eating 160-180 g of protein, and now eat 60-80 g, and I feel less bloated.

My fat went very high.. over 200 g a day, and my calories are over 2000 every day now.. 2200 is my goal, but some days, I go over by a few hundred calories.

I was not really thinking of this as weight loss, although I was aware I was losing, and at times quickly. I went back to look at my start post, and that is 124 days as of today, and I didn't remember my (re ) start weight, but it was 289.. at the end of a large binge. So my initial weight loss was water weight, and I never thought of it as being as impressive as the 120 lbs. I lost in a year. Back then, I counted it..lol.

I am down 51.2 overall.. even if some is water weight, it's pretty good. I would say it was a success.. more importantly, I feel better.. more energy, and not bloated.

Both diets are low carb, and I have had success twice, but keto is much easier to follow. In 124 days, I had 1 cheat meal. Consistency matters, because when you cheat, aches, and lethargy return immediately, and you stop exercising.. if this happens twice a week, you rarely feel great, even if you are losing weight.

LC didn't have enough guidance for me.. stay below 20 g of carbs.. so I ate a lot of meat, and eggs. Still eat the eggs, but only the yolks. The meat is now cut from 2 lbs. a day, to 12 ozs. at most. With few carbs, you have fat and protein.. but LC left that up to the dieter, and we have all been told that fat is bad for decades.. so I ate fowl, and occasionally red meat or fish, thinking it was good protein

The lean to high fat was reduced, because of all we heard about fat being bad. We would only go so far.. if you eat 5% carbs.. and then stop at 60% fat, because that is as far as you dare to go ( double the RDA!! ).. you are stuck with 35% protein. At 2000 calories, that is 700 calories, or 175 grams.. that is a LOT of meat and eggs! More, if you get protein from less concentrated forms of proteins.

Keto limited protein, and the result was very high fat in my diet.. they steered me to fat, and away from tons of protein, and the result has been amazing, particularly in how I feel. I am back at the gym 4 days a week, and walk all the time now.

I would recommend keto, over LC without direction.. details matter, and just eating anything with fat and protein in it, is pretty vague, and can lead to pitfalls.

I was looking for information on the Keto diet, this is a great thread.

I'm doing Keto and tracking what I eat daily and it has really helped. I use a lot of the receipts that can be found on Pinterest. They have receipts for bread, waffles, all types of sweets and even chips. It has really helped me.

www.npr.org/2018/12/12/676169439/the-truth
-about-carbs-and-calories

A good article on the different ways different types of carbs (sugars, starches, fibers) act in and on our bodily systems, and while not specifically touting low carb, it does legitimize minimizing sugars and starches in favor of whole grains, limited carbs, and putting insulin-spiking items at the end of the meal to help limit their impact.

Using Grey Sheet in Greysheeters Anonymous. No grains, only vegetables (no starchy vegetables like corn or potatoes), proteins, and four tbsp fat a day. Love it. Absolutely love it. Cravings are gone. I feel great. The support is so nice. I lost 20 lbs. in 45 days. I only weigh the first of each month, so I'll see what it is December 1st.

Edited by: BECCACOZZIE at: 11/9/2019 (22:40)

I was eating fast food and cokes as my main source of food for years. Then in June I started a low carb, "Keto" diet. The results have been great. I have lost 60 pounds and am starting to go back to the gym and expect to lose another 75.

I bought a small erasable board to put on my fridge to track my carbs. I found it real easy to keep track this way and have stayed between 20-40 grams. I did away with all sugary drinks and now drink water or flavored sparkling water. I have also found that there are many keto foods that can help keep the carbs down.

I feel the diet helps me to stay motivated, and I cannot complain about the results. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Edited by: DRAY127 at: 9/26/2019 (18:35)

Just a few months ago I was still saying "I love carbs too much to go on Keto." and "Carbs make life worth living"

But I knew I had to do something, and my husband was enthusiastic about intermittent fasting. He was starting to edge into prediabetes. So to support him, I drastically cut carbs, increased healthy fats, and eliminated sugar altogether.

The first weeks were rough. I was dizzy, lightheaded, and wondered if this would worth it. The hardest part was eliminating snacks. I used to have morning and afternoon snacks every day.

Within a few weeks, I transformed my diet and went from 5 meals a day to two meals a day. I feel great. I've lost 40 pounds and can do so much more than I could when I was heavier.

Carbs aren't worth it. Do I still like the idea of a King's Hawaiian roll or a piece of cake? Sure! But I'm training my body to be less and less attracted to foods that are too sweet.

I think the most important thing is to read a lot, watch a lot of videos, and design a program that works for you. Not everybody has the same preferences, the same nutritional needs, the same caloric needs. People can get really judgmental about are you doing it "right" or are you eating enough, or are you eating too much. Find what works for you and stick to it.

I have been following a ketogenic lifestyle for 2.5 years. My body loves it! I have crohns and this menu being anti-inflammatory is awesome! For the first time in my life I feel like I am in control. I sleep better-no aches and pains-a clear mind- feel alter-not tired all the time-all my blood work is finally normal-bonus weight loss of 45 pounds and have been able to maintain for 2 years. Not all cancer cell but some need sugar to grow.. if I have those cells
I AM NOT FEEDING THEM!

I hope you find the menu that works for you!
Keto on!
Keto Strong!

Keto eating plan along with Intermittent Fasting since April 16th, so almost 5 months. I have lost 45 pounds and feel amazing. I was skeptical until I did my research and found the science behind the Ketogenic diet pretty amazing. I looked into it for the weight loss aspect of it but then finding out all of the health benefits of it almost make the weight loss an added benefit instead of the main goal. Here is a list of some credible Keto sources on YouTube to help with your own research:

Dr. Annette Bosworth
Dr. Ken Berry
Dr. Eric Berg

Hope this information helps someone!

OTAKUGIRL78 - that is amazing! Well done, you!

I found out in March I have retinal damage due to high blood sugar so I had a huge wake up call. I started low carb and lost 35 pounds. I gave up all sugar, wheat, and starchy bread. I also ate next to no fruit but plenty of good veggies!

I found a low carb grocery in my area that does prepared keto meals that are just order as many as you need as often as you need (no contracts since it's just a grocery) and they deliver to your door. Real food! And the food is AMAZING! I've been doing that for two weeks now (though this weekend I ate out Fri Sat and Sun still keto though!) I have lost another 14 pounds! Holy cow... so close to 50 pounds down.

I watched my hubby and friends eat candy, chips, poutine, pancakes, and have drinks all things I would have caved in as a "just for the weekend" in all the years of all the other "diets" I didn't even have a craving! Not one! I am amazed at how easy this is, how good the food tastes, and how much I just want to keep on going.

I had heard about it and been skeptical in the past but after reading many National Institute for health articles and trying it for myself I think this will be a lifestyle for me! I have seen less people give up keto than any other "diet" and they've all loved it and been super successful!

I can't wait to lose the next 100 pounds I still have to go!

Oh I also noticed something REALLY interesting about me being at 263 now vrs me at 263 in the past. My clothes are MUCH smaller and my body appears smaller now vrs then. I'm not 100% sure why. I know keto burns fat as fuel so I can't help but wonder if in the past I lost more muscle mass from dieting but this time I have lost more fat. Muscle weighs more than fat but I am smaller... just an interesting observation!

I have started low carbs high fat "keto" diet about a month ago. I've lost 10lbs but the main thing is my A1C went from 7.3 to 5.9. I am now in the normal range for diabetes.

I am truly finding that this diet is easier than I thought and once I detoxed from sugar I'm doing much better. Now working on the weight. Only have 25 to 30 grams of carbs per day.

I do well with a balanced gram diet, so approximately 100 grams each, carbs, fat and protein a day. It makes it easy to track, is enough carbs to keep me happy and the food is tasty enough that I can lose weight.

I have cut back my carbs in the last 10 days. My carbs have not been any higher than 58 g of carbs a day. Being a type 1 diabetic, the effect on my blood sugar
has been fantastic. I wear a CGM and my graph is close to a straight line.
Low carb dieting is NOT easy,but that straight on my blood sugar is a great reward.
If my Blood Sugar starts getting I suspend my pump. I have cut back my insulin rates twice so far. I have been a type 1 for 58 years and wish I had started this a long time ago.

Low carb sounds good but I’m not sure if I’m ready. Can I cut back gradually? Does that help at all?

Thank you everyone for this wonderful thread. I am an out of control diabetic. I am reading as much I can about Low Carb woe and it does seem like it has been very successful for many. I was afraid about the monotony being a bit hard to upkeep. I was also worried about finding the right ratio. I see now that it could be trial and error. Lots of questions answered here. I need to do some cabinet cleaning now!

Praise,

I'm a T2 Diabetic and for me I find following a lower carb plan seems to help my numbers stay in check. How low is low, it's something you'll need to see what works. We are so different, but I have seen success. Currently it seems like I'm getting good mileage out of 50-60 a day, sometimes alittle higher. I am tracking so I can see what works. Stay the course.

I've done it all. Started w W/30 (which isn't necessarily low carb), then progressed to Paleo (pretty much the same but less restrictive) and Primal (same), incorporated IF. Lost 15 lbs on W/30 and prolly another 5 after that spanning several months. Then went on Keto and blam nothing. No results of any kind, either S or NS. For months. Gradually slipped off the wagon and gained all that weight back and then some (couple of hiking injuries in a row didn't help...I was rendered sedentary for 6 months at the same time).

I have a history of eating disorders in my troubled youth, and I discovered that as I was doing these restrictive eating plans my relationship with food tanked and I was back in hyper-control mode.

So, all that put together, lchf was not a good strategy for me. I have seen LOTS of other people have fabulous long-term results, so I'm not saying I'm a standard case. Just didn't work for me.

Now I'm following more of a Mediterrranean style plan, which I love. Releasing about 1/2 pound a week -- 7 pounds since I joined Spark in June. What I find intereresting is that even though i am not watching carbs at all, I tend to always eat below 150, which in Primal is considered the max...

Also, because of injuries and illness, especially a recent hip injury (being stupid on a fence with my horse), I am yet again on exercise restriction. Doing the stretches and strengthening stuff my PT assigns plus very gentle yin and restorative yoga. Not huge calorie burners. But I still find it easy on this way of eating to stay within my range, and the weight is coming off slowly but surely.

So I guess you could say even though I'm not doing low carb intentionally, I'm having low carb success. Real food and cooking at home is my thing. That's what works for me.

Edited by: APPYMAMA22 at: 8/12/2019 (18:02)

I have been doing low carb (50-60 daily) since the end of March. I have lost 30lbs. Weight loss has slowed but I figure slow and steady wins the race. I am ok with losing 0.5-1 lb a week. I find persistence is the key! Keep chugging away one day at a time!

I'm just starting out and working hard to reduce my carbs intake. I'm a diabetic too working to lose 60 pounds.

It's been a bit over a year since I went very low carb. I have lost over 100 pounds in that time frame.

Started low carbs and no added sugar about a month ago.
No longer suffering from processed food disease.

Still moving towards my weight goal and I can see light at the end of my tunnel.

i was on low carb for 2 years before my surgery in April. and it really worked for me, i ate mostly protein, fats and fruits and for carbs had whole grains and no carbs at all for dinner

I am low-ish carb, eat real food, mostly plants and some fish.

I have been doing low carb high fat. It works for me. When I have done it, I have been successful. I’ve done it off and on for years and now I am on it again. I have lost 11ish pounds since I started on 7/1/19. I have a progressive disease called lipedema which is very diet and exercise resistant. Low carb high fat is the only way I have found that works for me.
Karen

Edited by: VTMAID at: 8/3/2019 (16:50)

Low carb, but not Keto. I find the lower carbs, combined with low sodium and minimum processed sugar is a lifestyle I can live with for the long haul. Keto was not that for me.

I felt deprived while on Keto, but the lower carb style of eating with more Whole Foods and less processed foods is a really good way to live.

Dh and I have been Keto since Jan 1. He has lost about 40#, is off insulin and his cholesterol is normal again. I am down 62# and am only 15# from goal. I am 62; hubby is 70.



Edited by: 62ANDWINNING at: 7/26/2019 (08:17)

I'm a Type 2 since 1998. A very low carb diet has kept me off all the nasty expensive diabetes meds.

It is wonderful to see how a ketogenic lifestyle has helped many of you! I have a good friend in sparks--that he Doctor told her several years ago to start keto; she suffered grand mal seizures and had a seizure nearly every day, sometimes several. (No doubt this would have eventually killed her) …….Long story short, since keto, the seizures stopped altogether! …. {A doctor once created it for those w/ epilepsy---but as a bonus, it helped masses!! …….. It is the best way to avert diabetes I can think of!
I started only 3 months ago, lost my sugar cravings, and have lost 20# so far and 2 sizes!! .. I feel better and move better! My husband was so impressed, he joined me!! … His doctor was impressed at last visit!

ketogenic life style working on 3 years.. helps with my crohns and bonus 45 lbs gone!

I eat a diet that is heavier on protein and salads and lower in carbs to meet low glycemic index goals. My carbs come mainly from fruits and less from bread or cereal or pasta, though I do eat some of all of those things as well. It works very well for me and keeps my blood sugar at healthy levels.

I would listen to anyone working on their own 1/4 acre. I would listen to anyone working on their own ten acres.

Wallyworld. Lol

I have been following a ketogenic life style for over 2 years. It works for me. it helps with my Crohn's and the bonus of -45 pounds. Love this life!

I'm at the beginning and have lost some water weight. I'm liking it; my carb cravings are down. I need to do the turtle thing and keep on, and on, and on.....

I started keto almost 3 months ago; have lost 20 pounds--bought two new skorts--TWO sizes smaller than usual. Had to get rid of lots of clothes that were falling off me. I love keto--no longer hungry---and now burning fat instead of sugar. DONE with sugar; have not had a vanilla latte since beginning-not really missing either.

Its a good one. I have lost 36 lbs on it and still going.

I have had a lot of success eating a lower carb diet over the last 10+ years.

I eat vegetables, meats, fats, some fruit and dark chocolate. Unprocessed and preservative free. And it's changed my life!

I think my diet can best be described as a High Fat/ Moderate Protein/ Lower Carb diet with a Primal/Paleo/Atkins influence. I get 90% my carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits so that in itself makes me low carb compared to the SAD. I can be anywhere from 50-150g of carbs a day depending on activity level and what's in season.

Blood sugar regulation is really important to me as diabetes runs in my family. I try to keep my blood sugar levels as low as possible. I have been able to lower my A1C eating a lower carb diet.

I am a cyclist and if I am very active I do eat more carbohydrates than when I’m sitting around. I look at it like I’ve ‘earned’ the carbohydrates with exercise. On the agenda today I am going for a long cross country mountain bike ride for 2-ish hours and then I am playing soccer this evening. So I will be eating more carbs than on a day where I sit around the house doing nothing.

Today I have eaten.

Coffee - 2 cups with 3 tbsps heavy whipping cream

Breakfast - 2 eggs (cooked in bacon fat), 1 piece of gf toast with butter, 3/4 cup yogurt with a small banana and chia seeds.

Decaf Coffee - 1 cup with 1.5 tbsps heavy whipping cream

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE - 104 minutes, 20.76 kms biked, 592 calories burned

After bike snack - peanut butter filled clif bar, apple

Decaf Coffee - 1 cup with 1.5 tbsps heavy whipping cream

Lunch - 3/4 cup broccoli, 1 small carrot, 1 radish, 3/4 cup chicken, 1.25 cups homemade french fries

SOCCER - 66 minutes played, 4.1 kms ran, 317 calories burned

Dinner - 2 pieces gf pizza, 3/4 cup broccoli, 1/4 cup carrots, 1 radish, 1/3 cup chicken, berry ice cream (1/4 of a banana, 1/4 cup each frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, 1 raw egg)

Decaf Coffee - 1 cup with 1.5 tbsps heavy whipping cream


So clearly I’m not Keto but I do eat lower carb.



Edited by: JUSTEATREALFOOD at: 7/7/2019 (22:42)

I've lost 70 lbs. since going Keto a year ago. I'm sure I would have lost a lot more, but I've been on and off intermittently and haven't been as consistent as I should. Still, I can't complain, and since I re-committed last week, I'm down another 10 lbs. I plan to stay the course till I reach my goal this time - another 70 lbs to go. I also found I not only eventually lost my cravings, but even my appetite completely on some days, which made it possible (and easy) to practice intermittent fasting during those times I was stuck on a plateau and I needed a boost. One thing is true about Keto - you do have to plan meals and balance macros to make sure you stay in Ketosis to maximize fat burn and weight loss. Spark People is perfect for helping me track that. It's also vital to drink lots of water to help keep your system moving. Keto may not work for everyone. It can get a bit repetitive. But it's worked the best for me, and I plan to stay low carb even after I reach my goal.

Weight Watchers had a plan several years ago called Core. Those on the plan (me) could eat rice, pasta or potatoes for one meal in the day. Bread was not considered Core so you had to count points if you ate it. I ate bread very seldom opting instead for lettuce wraps. Creamed soups were also a no no. I lost 20 pounds when on that plan and then I left the eating pattern when I left WW.
I am back on that type of low carb plan and am experiencing weight loss. I don't track total carbs I may eat in a day, but find this way of eating is an easy no count way at least for me. And it is so true - it's a lifestyle...not a diet.

This month I'm "working" on cutting on carbs. July 1; 42%, July 2, 50%. Although I don't use sugar or substitute, carbs is found in my daily meal - so have to find where carbs are= cereal? carrots? I read my nutritional report daily. A Spark friend is the one who started this as his goal for July so 3 of us are doing this...

Cauliflower rice is my go-to favorite. I buy frozen cauliflower (much less work than regular and easier to keep around). Couple of sprays of olive oil (ends up being 3-4 g), diced whole onion, let that cook until it browns/ caramelizes, then add some fresh ginger, saute for a few minutes. Cauliflower can go right in the food processor frozen, or can be rinsed in warmer water for 30 seconds then added... whir until riced, add to onion ginger and cook until the moisture is significantly reduced. Salt to taste. Half a cup serving for 35 calories.

I'm not exactly trying to do low carb, but most days I end up coming in very low at the end of my range, somewhere between 135- 160 g of carbs. I grew up eating a protein a starch and a vegetable but nowadays my starches are more likely to be another vegetable, a black bean pasta, or a very high-quality carb like sweet potato or quinoa. I do think this way of eating has helped me stay within calorie range... I've lost ~20 lbs without a lot of drama this way.

Like others on this thread I don't bother with low-carb products. It's much cheaper and more sustainable to eat real food, not too much, mostly plants (Michael Pollan) and find ways to season your veggies that appeal to your tastes. I heard about nutritional yeast on this board and it's been a game changer for me - I put it on everything!

I read The New Atkins For A New You this week end and want to start in Phase one.
I have about 50 pounds to lose and I am prediabetic. I really want this to work.

Yay, got my first 3month A1C results... 5.8 down from 7! Lost 20lbs too😁

YES I think Sparkpeople and Atkins/low carb are the perfect combination. I have lost 33# on Atkins.

Yes

Yes, I used The Master Key for Curing Diabetes and I lost 65lbs. I lowered my A1C from 10.2 to 5.7. I don't eat sugar, grains or dairy. It is based on cutting foods out that cause inflammation in the body. I eat lower carb fruits and use stevia instead of sugar.

Yes! Keto/Atkins has helped me lose 25lbs since I started in mid-March. I thought I’d never be able to do without carbs and sugar since being diagnosed with pre-diabetes but I don’t have any cravings and when I do eat regular bread etc. I feel bloated and uncomfortable. Also increasing exercise really helps. I walk briskly 5 days a week for 30-45 minutes.

Yes to DietDoctor.com!!

I've found the trick is to try new recipes and find things you just enjoy.

Since going Keto I don't have cravings anymore. I get satisfied with meals I never thought possible! And I truly can't imagine going back to my old eating habits! I see those foods and think, no way!!

Time... it takes time to adjust! But if you stick with it... so rewarding!!!

"Another one is: Eat real food; don't waste your money on items touted as being "low carb" breads or baked goods, bars, etc. If you read the ingredients most of them can't even be pronounced."
- Message Posted by: BLESSOME - 6/19/2019

Worth repeating.

I,m pretty new at this but my plan is simple. Avoid all white carbs. So nothing made with processed white flour. And no carbs after 5 p.m. in the past month have lost about 15 lbs.

If you haven't tried Shirataki (Pasta Zero) yet give them a try. It is a great way to have pasta without having pasta!

Dietdoctor.com

Yes

Well said, everyone!

I love the low carb way of life and have seen more health related success than weight loss, but that's because I had to take a detour for a while and that was my primary focus. Now that I'm back on the path for losing rather than trying to sort things out, I'm seeing a downward trend again.

One of my favorite suggestions is: Make your library your best friend; Take a look at all the low carb authored cook books or "low carb explained" kinds of book and check out those that appeal to you. Then, if you really, really like them, try a half price book shop for purchasing.

Another one is: Eat real food; don't waste your money on items touted as being "low carb" breads or baked goods, bars, etc. If you read the ingredients most of them can't even be pronounced.

As you clear out the carbage, your palate will change and you'll probably find you'll be better able to appreciate flavors, herbs, spices and dishes, in general.

I like Sugar Free Mom, I breathe I'm hungry and All day I dream of food for recipes; sometimes Delish but I really prefer to toss things together using ingredients I've come to love and taste great combined.

Lots of reliable sites out there for research and recipes.

Best wishes & success!!

Tip: understand why it works. I found that learning about blood sugar stabilization was a huge help for me.

Lost 100 lbs 10 years ago. And have kept it off. Low carb is a life style change not just a diet.

Wow...great advice there URBAN!
I am an experienced low carbing Sparkie and I learned from you.
This is what I love about SP...constantly seeing things from new perspectives and learning!


Edited by: MEADSBAY at: 6/18/2019 (17:28)

While I don't follow a true "low carb" way of eating, I do know lots of folks who do and I quite often cook for them. My favourite source of recipes and suggestions is: www.dietdoctor.com/

There are also lots of helpful and knowledgeable folks following various lower carb plans who can be found in the Spark Team "Living Low Carb (Atkins and other Plans)": www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_individ
ual.asp?gid=482

As for "tips", the best thing that I can tell you is to spend a bit of time analyzing your own flavour and food preferences, what times of day you prefer what types of foods (when you prefer "sweet" to when you prefer "savoury"), and what your own health goals are. By keeping to your own preferences in flavours and timing, you are far more likely to be satisfied and be able to stick with it for the long-term.

I also strongly suggest that you first focus on finding a couple of simple meals that you really like, that are really easy for you to put together, and that you can have on "stand-by" for the days that are just too busy for anything but "tried and true". Those are the days where lots of us fall back on our "old normal" purely because we don't have the mental or physical or emotional energy to do something new or different. Having some freezer meals made up, or some really easy options that you know that you love, will let you get through those crazy busy days with your "new normal" and not a lot of extra stress and effort.

When it comes to your preferences in flavours and timing, an example would be if you like a "sweet" breakfast, then switching to bacon and eggs likely isn't going to leave you satisfied. Instead, you could choose a plain omelet and top it with some almond butter and berries and either some plain Greek yogurt or some unsweetened whipped cream (add in some cinnamon and vanilla for more "sweet"). For a satisfying "sweet" snack, look at recipes using avocado and chia and flaxseed to make "puddings", or whip together some plain Greek yogurt with avocado and plain cocoa powder and use it to top an almond flour "waffle" or as a dip with some almond flour "crackers".

If you have always felt that dinner isn't complete without a "starch", then suddenly dropping all potatoes / breads / pasta and expecting to be satisfied isn't likely to work. Start experimenting with lower carb options such as roasted radishes or turnips or rutabaga fries as your "starch" - or use a spiralizer to make vegetable "noodles" - or try out some of the lower carb "bread" recipes.

Look at various oils for different flavourings (I'm a huge fan of toasted sesame oil - drizzling it on top or mixing it in), and definitely check out low carb vegetarian sites for some fabulous recipes that use more nuts, seeds, and plant fats --- which can give you some much-needed variety in your meals.

Realistically, if you approach it with a sense of adventure and the idea of exploring to find new foods that you truly love --- and match that with satisfying your own flavour preferences and timing --- then you are far more likely to stay with it because you WANT to. It is the changes that make us happier that we keep, so focus on finding options that you look forward to having.

Have fun!

Favorite low carb meals, snacks, and tips to stay on track for success.

Edited by: FUTUREWIFEY19 at: 6/17/2019 (11:04)