Carb Cycling- An Experiment Gone Right!

[destynee1 417]

I don't consider this a 'fad' diet. I mean.. I guess you can.. but the way I see it, it's another option for someone out there that might not use it as a fad diet and more as a lifestyle change. It's a great thing to tweek. It's definitely something I can easily live with also. Just like the low carb diet, that can be a 'fad' diet as well. To many it's just a way of life.

I however have found, for my body .. doing 5 low carb 2 high carb works awesome for me. I was a bit naughty during the holidays.. next year I will control myself more. Lifestyle changes and mind games is something definitely hard to get down.. everyday I learn something better to help myself. I went to my surgeon and told them how bad I was .. I admit I was ashamed.. but they said, you still lost weight from the last time we saw you.. you're doing good.. I said, ya but I know I could have done a lot better. Her words were encouraging and let me know, we are not all going to be perfect, she said work with what works best for you.. holidays will be there every year, you will have to deal with them. You can have.. just don't go crazy. lol

As far as low carb days.. I agree Missy.. it is hard to get those calories in!! meat and veggies! and I stay satisfied .. I usually get in around 500-700 calories.

[nurse535 30]

Thanks for that calculator link! I think that will be very helpful!

[Lapbandster 496]

Can those of you who are having success with this post some sample menus of what your days look like? Or list the low-carb foods you eat? Thanks!

High carb days are filled with high fiber foods like

Whole wheat breads/crackers

Fruits like apples and vegetables like fresh peppers and salads, etc.

Raisin bran/oatmeal

Morningstar patties

Nuts

Raisins

Low carb days:

meats (grilled hot dogs hamburgers/hamburgers/ chicken breast)

Cheeses, like low fat string cheese (1-2 of these make a great snack)

Fish (I only like tuna)

Morningstar grillers (5g of carbs per burger)

I'm always looking for new foods/ideas but this is what I usually eat

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Well here's something interesting I learned today!

I don't know if this is in Chris' book and I just missed it (I admit to not reading thoroughly), but when you're counting carbs you shouldn't count Fiber. That's why you see Atkins products on the grocery store shelves say "net carbs" but their nutritional info shows more carbs, It's because it's not counting fiber in your total.

The reason is, fiber doesn't effect the glycemic index, aka your blood sugar. In fact, your body needs fiber. Not only is it good for you and your bowels, it's also bulky and helps keep you full.

So...an example. Today is a low carb day for me. I've had:

41.6g Carbs

-5.8g Fiber

35.8 Net Carbs

So my carbs counted towards my daily allowance would be 35.8.

Just thought I'd share my latest research!

[2012 359]

Good, I was afraid you were going to say the opposite . I'm not doing this yet as my plateau finally broke after a month with a 5.5 loss (woohoo ), but my nutritionist has always used the net carb number which really helps when my max daily allowance is only 60 .

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Good, I was afraid you were going to say the opposite . I'm not doing this yet as my plateau finally broke after a month with a 5.5 loss (woohoo ), but my nutritionist has always used the net carb number which really helps when my max daily allowance is only 60 .

Does your nutritionist figure net carbs the same way? Subtracting Fiber?

See I normally don't do low carb, so this is all big learning process for me.

[2012 359]

Yes, she has me subtract Fiber and you can subtract sugar alcohols from the carbs to get your net carbs. Our bodies do not absorb sugar alcohols (hence people get diarrhea when they have too much, been there done that). Atkins does it the same way, they deduct fiber and sugar alcohols from the carbs, that's why the yummy bars they have such low net carbs.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Yes, she has me subtract fiber and you can subtract sugar alcohols from the carbs to get your net carbs. Our bodies do not absorb sugar alcohols (hence people get diarrhea when they have too much, been there done that). Atkins does it the same way, they deduct fiber and sugar alcohols from the carbs, that's why the yummy bars they have such low net carbs.

Ohhh that makes sense!! I read about the alcohols but didn't entirely "get it", but now I do. Thank you!!

I actually bought a box of Peanut Butter chocolate Atkins bars for a snack and they're super good. (Gosh I really need a fill, I'm so freaking hungry lol)

[2012 359]

I only buy them on occasion because they are a little too good . If you are looking for a Protein Bar Questbars are really good and the numbers on them are really good, high fiber content. They are a little pricey, but I can never find bars with less than 25-30 carbs each.

[Wendy0513 38]

I only buy them on occasion because they are a little too good . If you are looking for a Protein Bar Questbars are really good and the numbers on them are really good' date=' high Fiber content. They are a little pricey, but I can never find bars with less than 25-30 carbs each.[/quote']

2012 - are the Quest bars the new ones that "hungry girl" is touting? Where do you find them?

[2012 359]

I'm not sure Wendy, I know of Hungry Girl, but I don't watch her often, so she may have. I have found them sold individually at GNC, but once you find the ones you like, you can get boxes of them at Amazon and Vitamin Shoppe. On Amazon, they even have a mix box, personally I have not found a flavor I did not like. You can also put them in the microwave for a few seconds and they taste like a cookie from the oven . And I don't work for these people, just Googled the heck out of looking for a Protein bar I could use, haha.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I just looked at their website, they look SO GOOD! I'm totally going to GNC to try some!

[2012 359]

I hope you like them! I just ordered some tonight from Vitamin Shoppe. I had also found this Protein bar recipe on youtube that you guys may be interested in, I have not tried it yet, but the carbs are only 16.9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Qby2ZfwA4. If you click on the show more, it breaks down the nut values.

[hely88 883]

How do you carb cycle when only eating 3half cup meals?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

How do you carb cycle when only eating 3half cup meals?

Actually my surgeon says 1 cup or less per meal, and I do it by alternating high and low carb days. Today is a low carb day for me.

I'll only be carb cycling until Tuesday when I get a fill. I've been carb cycling again for the last week to break a plateau (which it did).