I think I have a problem with carbs

[ysolde]

I know it sounds strange, but . . .

OK, here goes. I could live on nothing but carbs. The low-fat 90s were right up my alley. I love potatoes, rice, pasta, bread -- I found myself at KFC once, having the mashed potatoes and a biscuit, and nothing else!

After my "normal" meals, I tend to feel tired and a bit bloated. In the past, I could eat whatever I wanted, and never gained an ounce. In the last few years, the weight has been creeping up on me. I have tried Weight Watchers, and plateau after the first three weeks, only to gain it all back as soon as I go back to my "normal" eating habits.

I am not overweight -- yet. But I am getting to the high end of my normal weight range, and I don't feel comfortable there. I am also becoming aware that there is something unbalanced and unhealthy about the way I eat, and that the way I did Weight Watchers (eating very little so I could save up points for some ridiculous snack) was really unhealthy.

So, is it time for me to reassess what is on my plate, and really change my lifestyle and eating habits, for good? If so, where do I begin? Help me!!!! :eek:

[jennylou]

I love carbs.

I've tried WW and it just didn't work very well for me. I always felt hungry!

I started the SBD on Monday. So far, so good. Yesterday I weighed myself (yes, on the third day - bad, I know! ) and I had lost 5 pounds. In a nutshell, the first two weeks you detox your body of carbs. After that you enter phase 2 where you start adding good carbs back in (whole wheat pasta, wild rice, etc). There is a thread here with information on the South Beach Diet with some really good links in it to SBD websites/message boards. The message boards are really good because they have SBD friendly recipes and before and after photos of people (those always motivate me!).

Good luck. :)

[ysolde]

Thank you, jennylou! I am definiitely going to check out the SBD thread!

[Kimberland30]

I love carbs too. I did the SBD and it was good, but I can't do it again. :)

My suggestion is that if you can't cut out all carbs for a two week period, then don't. Every little bit helps. There are some simple things that you can do without going through the bread withdrawl (as I called it). You really have to do whatever you feel comfortable with.

- Drink diet sodas. It will take your body some getting used to, but I swear after drinking them for a while, you won't like the regular ones anymore. I like Sierra Mist Free. The lemon lime ones are the best I think (think Diet Mountain Dew).

- Don't eat any carbs 4 hours prior to going to bed. If you normally go to bed at 11, no carbs after 7.

- Twice a week, have a no-starch day. I'll start off with a banana and yogurt for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, and some meat and salad for dinner. Twice a week (or even 3 times) will make a difference.

- Limit carb intake. Instead of 3 pieces of pizza, have 2 and a salad. Have smaller portions of bread (one roll), mashed potatoes (one scoop full), etc.

- Try sugar free snacks. Sugar free jello and regular jello taste the exact same. Try sugar free candy (cream savers are my personal fav), popsicles, low carb ice cream, low carb chocolate. Every little bit helps!

- If you don't already, try to get a little exercise. A half hour of cardio three times a week will do wonders. It doesn't have to be a half hour at one time either, split it up if you have to. Add in extra "work outs" when you can...parking further away from doors, going up stairs instead of elevators, etc.

[Rose]

I agree with Kimberland. I lost 43 Lbs from cutting carbs, but I didn't really do the induction phase. It may take a bit longer, but it was easier to stick with. Now I have been able to add more healthy carbs in (and a few bad ones) without gaining it back.