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

Sorry, I forgot to attach the file in the original posting,LOL

that looks yummy! always love seeing whatcha cooked!

Oh that looks so good! I'm trying that one too!

I'm starting cycling today...I had my free day yesterday...Saturday works much better for me...so low carb today and high carb tomorrow...wish me luck. I'm actually nervous..

I'm starting cycling today...I had my free day yesterday...Saturday works much better for me...so low carb today and high carb tomorrow...wish me luck. I'm actually nervous..

You'll do great, it's a lot easier than it looks. Once you get the hang of it it's like second nature.

I'm starting cycling today...I had my free day yesterday...Saturday works much better for me...so low carb today and high carb tomorrow...wish me luck. I'm actually nervous..

I'm on the same cycle as you. Today is my low carb day.

don't be nervous! we're all in this together, and ask any questions you have. I am actually starting the hang of this (I hope!) and finding it easier and easier.

Keep us updated on your progress!

I'm on low carbs today, too.

In fact, for dinner tonight I had the chicken breast cream cheese spinach roll ups that PattyGirl posted on this thread a couple pages back. It was soooo good!

I really need to get into recipes for this...those roll ups sound good. Any other quick, easy recipes that I can make several at a time Andre make for the next day or later in the week?

I really need to get into recipes for this...those roll ups sound good. Any other quick, easy recipes that I can make several at a time Andre make for the next day or later in the week?

I kinda suck at low carb days- I tend to eat the same things over and over. Lots of salad with meat and cheese in them, lots of various lunch meats with cream cheese concoctions wrapped in them, and lots of chicken and tuna salad wrapped in a piece of lettuce or cheese.

Those are the only "quick" stuff I eat on low carb days. Everything else requires cooking, like pork chops or a baked chicken breast.

I find it hard to get more than 600 cals in on low carb days. Today is the beginning of week 2. I'll do better this week than last. ><

I don't know if you have seen it, but they have sugar free peaches, pears, and fruit cocktail now, which become low carb since the sugar is splenda. Peaches and FF cottage cheese is really good, high protein and low carb.

Those are good starts Missy! For me I have my meats weighed and individually portioned. I love spinach so I'm thinking that could be one meal on low carb day. Then I have pea male bacon and those thin bagels that could toast up for breakfast with slice of tomato. Should work for both low carb no carb days....probably only be able to eat half of that sandwich. Or oatmeal and cottage cheese with cinnamon and sugar free syrup for breakfasts...

I find it hard to get more than 600 cals in on low carb days. Today is the beginning of week 2. I'll do better this week than last. ><

destynee, I'm a little worried about you starting this so soon, you were only banded on Oct 22, it's a time for healing, not losing weight. Have you talked with your surgeon about this? Would be interested in his input.

I'm going for my 6wk follow up tomorrow and hopefully my first fill.

Best wishes!

destynee, I'm a little worried about you starting this so soon, you were only banded on Oct 22, it's a time for healing, not losing weight. Have you talked with your surgeon about this? Would be interested in his input.

I'm going for my 6wk follow up tomorrow and hopefully my first fill.

Best wishes!

Thanks maddy, I've also thought about that too, I haven't spoken to him about it, I do have my first fill on the 28th, which is when I planned to discuss it with him. Also making an appt tomorrow with a nutritionist. My surgeons office have never really sat down with me and discussed anything about eatings, how many calories I should have etc.. so this weds I plan to ask a bunch of questions. I should have way before, I'm just kinda shyish in a way >< so I tend to not know what to ask or being self conscious asking questions. I am getting over this! Thanks for your concern Maddy.. I'll definitely talk to them about this and let ya know what I am told!

Also... Good luck and best wishes on your follow up appt!!