As many of you know, I was stuck for more than a month. I was monitoring my calories, getting in all my Protein and exercising, yet the scale didn't budge. I know, plateaus are normal, but they still suck. Around the time the plateau hit I also started taking birth control pills. I even gained 2 pounds, which for me was the deal breaker. I had to find a way to break the plateau and start losing again.

So I started researching. Low carb, high carb, no carb, etc. I see so many variations on here! What's right? What's wrong? I already knew it was a matter of choice without a clear right or wrong answer, but I also knew individual body needs also played a very big part in it. During my research I kept coming across something called carb cycling, so I decided to look more into it.

Carb cycling is essentially trying to optimize your metabolism by alternating high and low carb days. Body builders often do this to build muscle and burn fat before a contest but it's also very helpful for weight loss. Then one day I turned on Doctor Oz...and wouldn't you know it... it was an episode on carb cycling. Chris Powell, of The Biggest Loser, was on his show talking about he has all the contestants on the show carb cycle and how he does it. For me, this was the point I decided to give carb cycling a try.

Chris Powell's method is specifically for weight loss so I decided to go with his (there's many out there). He has an excellent book called “Choose to Lose: The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution”.

His theory: No carb diets don't work. It's not sustainable long term and eventually it significantly slows the metabolism. Worse, people who cut out carbs usually end up gaining all their weight back and then some when they do suddenly reintroduce carbs. Carbs are the energy block of the body and a long term lack of carbs will cause the thyroid to slow down significantly.

7 day diet/carb cycling: High carb day followed by low carb day, alternating daily. Start on a high carb day and always eat within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning. Always limit or omit carbs after 6pm.

All this is within your own personal daily calorie allowance.

High carb day/energy day:

• Preferably complex carbs. Protein, low fat. unlimited veggies.
  

Low carb day/burn day:

• A little carb in the morning to boost metabolism
  
• Cut carbs the rest of the day.
  
• Protien, healthy fats, unlimited veggies
  

3 of each/low carb and high carb. 7th day is cheat day

Cheat day:

• Boost calories to boost metabolism
  
• Boost to no more than 1000 extra calories a day
  
• Cheat at Breakfast and lunch, not dinner. 6-12pm “behave”
  
• Cheat at a table. Not in a car, or at a sofa, etc. No “hypno binging”
  
• No leftovers allowed.
  

Mind you, this is the short version of all this. If this interests you, I'd strongly suggest buying his book for a better understanding. It's very enlightening.

...So this is what I've done for the last week. I am very happy to say, carb cycling broke my plateau, despite still being on the birth control pill too. I lost 5.4 pounds this week!

I have decided I am going to continue to carb cycle. I am not a fan of the low carb days, but I am getting more used to them. Plus, I find my "carb cravings" have all but disappeared since starting this- something I didn't think possible.

For me, it's working. I just thought I'd share the results of my little self experiment

See that's so funny, because I'm just the opposite. The high carb days are a breeze for me but I struggle with the low carb ones big time. Just getting in enough calories on the low carb days is hard. It's just so filling and I have no appetite.

I agree about the band. I don't even attempt solid foods in the morning, I'm way too tight when I first wake up. By lunch I'm fine, but for breakfast I just have a protein shake.

What's weird is this: If I take a nap during the day, when I wake up, I'm super tight again. I've missed countless dinners because I took a late nap and couldn't eat when I woke up.

Maybe it has something to do with the sleeping that it allows the muscles to relax and contract.

Wow!! I need to do that..thank you

I've been considering this technique ever since I saw CP on Dr. Oz last week. I am new to lapband (banded 9/8/12) and am still leary to eat any kind of carb. Especially toast/bread. Now that I see all you having good results, I think I'm going to try it!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

It can't hurt to try! It's like I tell people all the time, the only way you can find out what works best for your own body is to experiment. Some do great on strictly low carbs, others do fine eating tons of carbs. Everyone's body and metabolism does well under different circumstances, the trick is finding the best one for you.

Im going to start tomorrow.. I will buy that book..im stuck and have not lost in 2 weeks..i work out 5 days a week.

Here is the link to Dr. Oz's episode that CP was on. He gives the basics here including the shopping list you would need! http://www.doctoroz.com/search?q1=carb+cycling

Good luck all!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using LapBandTalk

How are you all doing with your fat content on a high carb day? With dinner still left to be had today I am at 13g. I know the goal is to keep the fat content low on high carb days.

Here is where I am at so far without having dinner. I believe my Wife is planning bone pork chop a veggie and small starch for dinner.

Jim, on high carb day I usually am getting in anywhere between 18-25 grams of fat. On low carb day its usually anywhere between 25-35. One day I think I pulled in almost 40, but it was just the one day. I know I still have to adjust the carbs (its only been a week for me)

I found a listing of Low Carb Foods....

Proteins

Most proteins come from animal sources and are extremely low in carbohydrates. It's important to exercise some care in choosing processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages. Try to select processed meats with no added sugar and less than two grams of carbohydrates per serving, and overall try to limit intake of processed meats. Instead select protein sources like the following:

• Poultry
  
• Beef
  
• Lamb
  
• Pork products
  
• Seafood
  
• Eggs
  
• Game meats
  
• Unsweetened whey protein
  

Dairy

Most full-fat dairy is low in carbohydrates; however, you should limit quantities to one to two ounces daily.

• Heavy cream
  
• Full-fat cheeses
  
• Butter
  
• Full-fat sour cream
  
• Cream cheese
  

Vegetables

You can eat most vegetables in relatively unlimited amounts on a low-carbohydrate diet plan. It's best to avoid or minimize starchier vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, beets, peas and corn. Limit quantities if indicated below:

• Leafy greens
  
• Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli (in moderate amounts)
  
• Summer squashes such as zucchini and yellow squash
  
• Artichokes
  
• Peppers
  
• Onions (1/2 small onion)
  
• Sprouts
  
• Celery
  
• Mushrooms
  
• Asparagus
  
• Green beans
  
• Jicama
  
• Sea vegetables
  
• Leeks
  
• Eggplant
  
• Spaghetti squash
  
• Pumpkin
  
• Fruits
  
  Limited amounts of fruit can be part of a healthy low-carb diet plan. Limit daily intake if indicated:
  
  • Strawberries (one to two ounces)
    
  • Blueberries (one to two ounces)
    
  • Blackberries (one to two ounces)
    
  • Cantaloupe (one to two ounces)
    
  • Rhubarb
    
  • Peaches (1/2 peach)
    
  • Nectarines (1/2 nectarine)
    
  • Avocado
    
  • Tomatoes
    
  • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice
    
  • Olives (one to two ounces)
    

  Nuts and Seeds

  Nuts and seeds are great snack foods for low-carb diet plans; however, quantity matters. Limit daily intake to one to two ounces unless indicated otherwise. All nuts should be either raw or dry roasted, and beware of honey-roasted products or those that contain other added sugar.

  • Flax seed (two tablespoons)
    
  • Chia
    
  • Sunflower seeds
    
  • Cashews
    
  • Peanuts
    
  • Almonds
    
  • Unsweetened coconut (or coconut milk)
    
  • Macadamia nuts
    
  • Walnuts
    
  • Pecans
    
  • Pine nuts
    
  • Pistachios
    
  • Nut butter (one tablespoon)
    

  Herbs and Spices

  Herbs and spices are generally low-carbohydrate foods. Limit to one or two tablespoons. Below is a partial list of low-carbohydrate herbs and spices:

  • Basil
    
  • Oregano
    
  • Rosemary
    
  • Thyme
    
  • Garlic
    
  • Pepper
    
  • Cumin
    
  • Chili powder
    
  • Turmeric
    
  • Tarragon
    

  Fats

  Pure fats contain no carbohydrates. Consider one of these options:

  • Butter
    
  • Olive oil
    
  • Walnut oil
    
  • Coconut oil
    
  • Fish oil
    

  Sauces and Condiments

  If you use them in limited amounts, a number of jarred sauces can be part of a low-carbohydrate diet. Limit quantities if indicated below. Check for added sugar and avoid those that have sugar in any form.

  • Salsa (1/4 cup)
    
  • Marinara sauce (1/4 cup)
    
  • Hot sauce (two tablespoons)
    
  • Broth (two cups)
    
  • Mayonnaise (two tablespoons)
    
  • Salad dressing (two tablespoons)
    
  • Mustard (two teaspoons)
    
  • Tartar sauce (two tablespoons)
    
  • Vine gars
    

  Libations

  Limited amounts of alcoholic beverages can be part of a low-carbohydrate diet. It is important to note that the body processes alcohol differently than other nutrients, and this can cause blood sugar to be erratic. Limit alcohol intake to occasional drinks, and limit quantities as suggested below. Beware of mixers, which often contain high levels of sugar and carbohydrates.

  • Dry white wine (three ounces)
    
  • Dry red wine (three ounces)
    
  • Low-carbohydrate beer such as Michelob Ultra (one beer)
    
  • Hard liquor such as whiskey or vodka (one shot)
    

Thank you for this..im thinking of trying it...my scale isnt moving !!

Just finished logging in for today, my low carb day

1,002 calories

38g of carbs

53g of fat

94g of protein

Hope I did alright...

I went over my my 50g of fat limit...

Just finished logging in for today, my low carb day

1,002 calories

38g of carbs

53g of fat

94g of protein

Hope I did alright...

I went over my my 50g of fat limit...

You did good!!

Im just adding my two cents here. If you all wanted to diet why have the band. Why not let your band do what it's supposed to do. What happens when you quit the carb cycling you will gain weight back. Fast weight loss is not the idea of the band. The slower you lose the more easier it is to maintain and not gain back. Get your fills, eat portion control of everything because in order for your body to work properly you need protein, carbs and healthy fats. I just think your setting yourself up to fail here with this. Just my two cents but I think I have been banded long enough to know better. You all want to lose it fast and 1 its not healthy 2 diet gimmicks failed us before 3 why do you want to lose weight fast. When you stop the carb cycling you will be back to square one. You can not maintain weight loss doing this unless you do it forever which is not healthy. I have spoken. No bashing please Im just giving my opinion that's all

I hear what your saying Cheryl...

Im thinking of giving it a try because I have been doing portion control....keeping cal inder 1000 and exercizing and im stuck at 100 down...I think my body needs a kick in the butt......

well I think its fine temporarily but only a few weeks and no more then that. Fast weight loss causes problems believe me I know. You want to lose slow not fast in any weight loss.

Im just adding my two cents here. If you all wanted to diet why have the band. Why not let your band do what it's supposed to do. What happens when you quit the carb cycling you will gain weight back. Fast weight loss is not the idea of the band. The slower you lose the more easier it is to maintain and not gain back. Get your fills, eat portion control of everything because in order for your body to work properly you need protein, carbs and healthy fats. I just think your setting yourself up to fail here with this. Just my two cents but I think I have been banded long enough to know better. You all want to lose it fast and 1 its not healthy 2 diet gimmicks failed us before 3 why do you want to lose weight fast. When you stop the carb cycling you will be back to square one. You can not maintain weight loss doing this unless you do it forever which is not healthy. I have spoken. No bashing please Im just giving my opinion that's all

Because the reality is, you do have to watch what you eat to lose weight, band or not band. There is no difference between us carb cycling and so many on here on low carb all the time. I see TONS of posts about low carb bandsters, they can't have bread, can't have pasta, etc. That's fine if that's what works for them. This is no different.

It's called maximizing your food intake, in a healthy manner, to help your metabolism be at it's most effective. Stopping carb cycling won't make you stop losing nor will it result in gaining. You may go back to a plateau or you may lose slower, but again, that's no different than everyone doing low carb.

And actually, you can maintain weight loss with calorie control, regardless of what you did to lose the weight as long as it was done in a healthy manner. This isn't drugs or some fad, nor is it a gimmick, this is about making the most out of what you consume. We're losing weight eating healthy food- nothing else.

You're free to do what you like and lose as slow as you like, that's your right. However, I want this weight gone and I will take whatever healthy steps I can take to get rid it of as quickly and efficiently as I can.

Interesting.... but why would you gain weight back unless you overate. I eat around 1200 calories. I started the carb cycling and am still eating around 1200 calories on my high carb days and around 1000 on the low carb days. I am trying to incorporate band rules with the carb cycling. Hmmmmmmm food for thought?

And really.... if I can't eat ice cream and peanut butter cups... anyway you look at it (carb cycling or band rules).... it's a diet.

I do understand what you're saying. Not quite sure what I think yet of carb cycling, but gonna try it for a while. It's relativly simple.

TKW, you are correct, your caloric intake shouldn't change with carb cycling. My daily limits are the same they've always been. That hasn't changed. All that's changed is the fact I go low carb every other day. The high carb days I eat like I always have.

It's not for everyone- but then again neither is low carb all the time or high carb all the time. It's like I always say, everyone has to experiment to find what works best for them and their metabolism.