Question about carbs

[tafica]

Ok so from what I'm reading, you all pretty much have cut carbs out of your life post DS. And from my research I get that, that is a necessity. But did you just mercilessly stop craving carbs? That part worries me so much, cause I CRAVE carbs and sugar now, hence why I am in the position to need a DS. I mean seriously if you put a big juicy steak in front of me or a cupcake, I'm picking cupcake every time. Will me sugar cravings just disappear?

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

[Deleted]

Mar 24, 2014 16:03:46 GMT -5 tafica said:

Ok so from what I'm reading, you all pretty much have cut carbs out of your life post DS. And from my research I get that, that is a necessity. But did you just mercilessly stop craving carbs? That part worries me so much, cause I CRAVE carbs and sugar now, hence why I am in the position to need a DS. I mean seriously if you put a big juicy steak in front of me or a cupcake, I'm picking cupcake every time. Will me sugar cravings just disappear?

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

No, you don't eliminate carbs, I certainly haven't. I eat protein first and then carbs, but I will never eliminate an entire food group as it isn't healthy and is not long term sustainable.

Eating too many carbs can cause discomfort, especially early on, so your body will tell you what to eat and what to hold off on. Again you will have to focus on getting 150 carbs a day (once your are out 4 - 5 months) so for meals you will want to focus on getting 30-40 grams of protein before you eat any carbs. You can't let any non protein food keep you from getting in your protein.

[flslim]

Hi, I've been lurking for a while, but from what my NUT says, its protein first, then veggies, and carbs if space allows.  During the weight loss (before goal), I should aim for higher protein and lower carbs.

[bctarver4]

I had heard 50 grams of carbs but my surgeon really didn't say anything about them so i have been trying to limit them to 50 carbs a day during the weight loss period. But as i said it is just anecdotal information that i am basing this off of not info from a NUT or surgeon.

[goodkel]

Mar 24, 2014 16:03:46 GMT -5 tafica said:

Ok so from what I'm reading, you all pretty much have cut carbs out of your life post DS. And from my research I get that, that is a necessity. But did you just mercilessly stop craving carbs? That part worries me so much, cause I CRAVE carbs and sugar now, hence why I am in the position to need a DS. I mean seriously if you put a big juicy steak in front of me or a cupcake, I'm picking cupcake every time. Will me sugar cravings just disappear?

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

Your tastes may very well change and flour will probably prove to be painful to eat. You will wean yourself off of carbs. Some have a bit here and there, but they are best restricted to under 50 grams a day in your rapid weight loss window. They will always need to be watched carefully to maintain your loss, just like any other normal person.

flslim got it right on the money:

...its protein first, then veggies, and carbs if space allows. During the weight loss (before goal), I should aim for higher protein and lower carbs.

You should be too full on protein to have room or desire for even a bite of cupcake.

You will want to restrict your carbs to those on the lower end of the glycemic index, to avoid the sugar, and to whole grains.

Once you are satisfied with how you are losing, there is nothing wrong with a cupcake at a birthday party or a couple of cookies to celebrate the end of a successful day. But, from what I have seen, those who don't get a handle on their carbs either don't lose all the weight they desired or they regain beyond the usual bounce back.

You will be so over the moon about your weight loss, it will be easier to have an occasional flirtation with cupcakes rather a relationship.

[melanie74]

I am 10 weeks out and will say that I have always had a huge carb / sweet tooth. I know the worry of "will I eat that again?" But I will say that I have not been craving anything sweet since surgery. I am sure that will change with time, or so I have heard. I will say that when I was feeling a bit nauseous during the first month, sometimes I would crave a saltine or ritz cracker - would eat 1-2 and it killed the craving and helped with the nausea.

[goodkel]

Mar 24, 2014 18:03:10 GMT -5 melanie74 said:

I am 10 weeks out and will say that I have always had a huge carb / sweet tooth. I know the worry of "will I eat that again?" But I will say that I have not been craving anything sweet since surgery. I am sure that will change with time, or so I have heard. I will say that when I was feeling a bit nauseous during the first month, sometimes I would crave a saltine or ritz cracker - would eat 1-2 and it killed the craving and helped with the nausea.

Early post-op the protein rules are lax to cater to your freshly healing stomach. While it is still best to get in protein, scrambled eggs and the like, a Saltine or two is no problem if it eases your nausea. A teaspoon or two of peanut butter works, too.

If you are craving sweets, restrict yourself to the sugar free variety or try one of the low carb recipes for cookies, etc. on our recipe board.
Like the flourless peanut butter cookies here:
weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/201/flourless-peanut-butter-cookies

And the low carb brownies:
weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/1529/low-carb-brownies

Or the nutty chocolate chip Florentines:
weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/1040/nutty-chocolate-chip-florentines

Tons of guilt free, low carb treats to be found over there.

[tafica]

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

[goodkel]

Mar 24, 2014 19:14:01 GMT -5 tafica said:

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

They can and do sometimes change but there is no guarantee that they will or that any change will be permanent.

You will have to commit yourself to losing your sugar addiction.

Sugar puts you on a roller coaster. Gives you tons of energy for a short while and then drops you rapidly back down again, making you crave more sugar. Protein levels out your blood sugar and provides a more sustainable level of energy.

And, as I mentioned above, there are easy recipes to make your own low carb/sugar free sweet treats on our recipe board.

Have you considered therapy? The DS resets our metabolism to normal, but even normal weight people have to watch their sugar intake or they gain weight. Surgery fixes our bodies, but it does not fix our heads. Someone who can help you navigate giving up sugar would probably be necessary before you proceed with surgery, if you want to be successful.

They can help you recognize the triggers that make you reach for sugar and provide you with methods to substitute that unhealthy compulsion with positive behaviors. I have known many people who have been successful with the DS because they dealt with these issues before surgery.

[jpcello]

Mar 24, 2014 19:14:01 GMT -5 tafica said:

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

This isn't a diet. Can't give you a reassurance that your cravings will/can change but your priorities will change. Not sure when this happened for me but it does because this is your life. It's like nothing you have ever experienced before - it's not like any diet you've ever been on -- ever.

The surgery won't "fix" your love of bad food. But what the bad food does to your body may make you change your ways - or it may not. Any issues you have with food before surgery will still be there after surgery. They operate on your stomach not on your head. Definitely think about getting some help to work out these issues you have with food (and your family).

[teachermomolp]

I'm a cupcake girl myself, and I gotta tell ya, I have room for like seriously three bites of something. I want to heal and live so I am only eating protein right now. And I am/was a carb fanatic. First of all, I ate hidden wheat flour last week and boy did I pay so there will be no time soon that I will willingly ingest flour again. Too painful. You can eat whatever you want, but your health and comfort (and the comfort of those around you) may suffer. Anyway, right now, everything tastes so weird and sweet there is no way I could even fathom putting a cupcake in my mouth. It's the wildest thing I've ever experienced. To be full AND SATISFIED almost all of the time? AMAZING. This is not a diet- it's a LIFE CHANGER. That's why we do it, right?? Go for it!!!!

[ampt]

Mar 24, 2014 19:14:01 GMT -5 tafica said:

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

I have the same, exact fears. I am a huge sugar/candy junkie!! But, I see my husband (who had DS in January) cut out all the things that he loved (tortillas, bread, Red Bull, etc), and I have to BELIEVE there is hope for me, too. And, it most certainly is NOT the easy way out. MAJOR SURGERY is never easy.

[bctarver4]

Mar 25, 2014 12:53:05 GMT -5 ampt said:

Mar 24, 2014 19:14:01 GMT -5 tafica said:

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

I have the same, exact fears. I am a huge sugar/candy junkie!! But, I see my husband (who had DS in January) cut out all the things that he loved (tortillas, bread, Red Bull, etc), and I have to BELIEVE there is hope for me, too. And, it most certainly is NOT the easy way out. MAJOR SURGERY is never easy.

Your way more self disciplined them me babe you won't have any problems.

[bctarver4]

Mar 24, 2014 19:14:01 GMT -5 tafica said:

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

I had the same issues with lack of support from my mother and sisters. Luckily i have my lovely wife and her very supportive parents who are all for our decision and very supportive. I use to drink 6 red bulls a day before my surgery, your time in the hospital and recovery time while on the pain medication i think takes care of any withdraws whether it be caffeine or sugar. Before you know it your home and you are just working on finding your new normal that sugar or caffeine won't even register on your radar.

[tina9999]

Mar 24, 2014 19:14:01 GMT -5 tafica said:

I guess I'm just worried that after, I will sabotage myself and gain all my weight back. I have been successful in the past on loosing weight through various diets that restricted what I could eat. But I have never been successful on keeping weight off because I eventually get to a happy place and then gain it all back and then some. I have had serious sugar withdrawals on diets in the past that have caused terrible headaches and overall lethargy. I'm just really nervous and have been getting a lot of crap from family about being a quitter and saying that the surgery isn't gonna change my desire and love of bad foods, and that I am just trying to take the "easy" way out. They don't think I'm "fat" enough. I'm "only" 110-120 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure and joint and back pain so bad that I can hardly walk some days. As far as "easy" they obviously have no idea what they are talking about. I have done the research and I know what I'm in for. Just wanted some reassurance that my cravings can change.

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

I'm 4 months out. There is no such thing as the easy way out, because even though dropping the weight takes little effort compared to dieting, there are prices to pay all along the way.

Everything I thought about food...every emotional feeling I had about food changed. I'm a relatively unadverterous eater also - pretty much find something I like & I stick with it. But even so, it was where I found a tremendous amount of joy - in thinking about it, eating it, talking about it, anticipating it.

Honestly, I could care less whether I ever eat again. I am almost physically repulsed by most of the foods I used to crave. When I eat too much flour, my stomach immediately hurts, I get gas that stinks & follows me around & shit that will melt the porceline off my commode. Sweet foods leave a cloying film that is quite unpleasant in my mouth, so after a bite or so, I'm wondering why I'm eating it.

Apparently things change all along the way, so what is repulsive today may be delicious tomorrow. It's one of the interesting and maddening things about this journey. I know it's easy to tell you not to spend so much time worrying about your sweet cravings, but that's my advice to you.

Life after surgery for me was such a huge adjustment there just wasn't and still doesn't continue to be room for worrying about the past. If you're anything like me, you'll be focused on the here and now and either wondering how you ever got so lucky or figuring out how you're going to get through your current "price to pay".

[meq815]

^^^^^^^what she said.

Beautifully articulated, Tina!

[tafica]

Thank you all for your responses. Some of the early responses had me feeling like I was the only one who got to this place by eating carbs. I don't think I have an unhealthy relationship with food, but I do know that I am an emotional eater. And when things are bad I turn to carbs. But I feel better hearing that your priorities towards food shift and that is something that I feel like I will be able to embrace fully.

[Girlrocker]

Mar 24, 2014 16:03:46 GMT -5 tafica said:

Thank you all for your responses. Some of the early responses had me feeling like I was the only one who got to this place by eating carbs. I don't think I have an unhealthy relationship with food, but I do know that I am an emotional eater. And when things are bad I turn to carbs. But I feel better hearing that your priorities towards food shift and that is something that I feel like I will be able to embrace fully.

Welcome and glad you posted. A lot of good information here already. I am a carb addict, as in not just an over indulger - and for me it's savory starches - as in someone whose idea of the four food groups was bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. Lifelong struggle to learn how to manage it better. It's not something that ever goes away, and no bariatric surgery fixes carb issues or any emotional/compulsive food issues for that matter. That's the work we have to do and I did it with the help of therapy, to deal with what drove me me to eat. You have plenty of company with fellow emotional/compulsive/addictive eaters here! Right, not everyone who is obese has surgery for these reasons, but there's a lot of us who do.

There's a multi-step layer process to this - the early recovery time is more about healing from major surgery, takes usually up to 12 weeks so eating generally can be limited. What you can't tolerate early on often comes back later. Most of us follow a 50g carb guideline to maximize the first year losing window when our sleeves the tightest, our 'switch' giving us the metabolic reset the most efficient. The recovery and transition to food progression buys you a LOT of time to adjust.

The buzz word is 'sugar' - and that's the physical addiction part. Eat it and we crave it. Find alternatives to 'scratch the itch' and feel satisfied as a daily lifestyle, it helps the physical cravings...and the longer you do it, the more it become 'habit'. For people like 'us' who are pretty high up on the addiction meter, we really want to take advantage of the restriction of the first year post-op to make better food choices, get in the habit of reaching for new things. Basically, we get a new digestive system that doesn't know our old habits...so...don't teach it! And then, live a life in moderation, occasional treats. It's not about 'never' so much as not right now and not so much. Think Atkins/diabetic in terms of a lifestyle with the DS. Because the time comes farther down the line, when we can eat more, tolerate more, and we do have to be more mindful. So its important to use the early recovery time to maximize the loss, and get used to new 'tricks'. I've learned that a carb addiction becomes manageable, like a chronic illness, and the way to 'treat' it with food is we don't 'quit' carbs, but get them from better sources. That's when you'll hear the terms simple vs. complex carbs. Complex carbs are slow metabolizing, meaning they don't convert into sugar, the body actually uses them and breaks them down. So for the starches, many of us turn to non-gluten, white flour options like Udi's gluten free bread, low carb tortillas, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato. For sweets, same, go the sugar free/gluten free route, there are as noted lots of recipes here, and fortunately, we live in a world that's much more health conscious so there are a lot of great products to buy too.

You'll also have to see how you do with what does and doesn't agree with you. I guarantee you anyone watching you go through this process will no longer think anything is 'easy' about it, a quick fix. Glad you feel better,you're in a great place for support, stay with us!

[deedee484]

Ditto Tina!! Very well said!!

[goodkel]

Mar 25, 2014 18:05:22 GMT -5 tafica said:

Thank you all for your responses. Some of the early responses had me feeling like I was the only one who got to this place by eating carbs. I don't think I have an unhealthy relationship with food, but I do know that I am an emotional eater. And when things are bad I turn to carbs. But I feel better hearing that your priorities towards food shift and that is something that I feel like I will be able to embrace fully.

That is going to be your challenge, finding something healthy besides food to turn to when things are bad.
What is going to comfort you when you can't turn to food?

[PrettyGirlBounce]

Mar 25, 2014 18:06:17 GMT -5 Girlrocker said:

Mar 24, 2014 16:03:46 GMT -5 tafica said:

Thank you all for your responses. Some of the early responses had me feeling like I was the only one who got to this place by eating carbs. I don't think I have an unhealthy relationship with food, but I do know that I am an emotional eater. And when things are bad I turn to carbs. But I feel better hearing that your priorities towards food shift and that is something that I feel like I will be able to embrace fully.

Welcome and glad you posted. A lot of good information here already. I am a carb addict, as in not just an over indulger - and for me it's savory starches - as in someone whose idea of the four food groups was bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. Lifelong struggle to learn how to manage it better. It's not something that ever goes away, and no bariatric surgery fixes carb issues or any emotional/compulsive food issues for that matter. That's the work we have to do and I did it with the help of therapy, to deal with what drove me me to eat. You have plenty of company with fellow emotional/compulsive/addictive eaters here! Right, not everyone who is obese has surgery for these reasons, but there's a lot of us who do.

There's a multi-step layer process to this - the early recovery time is more about healing from major surgery, takes usually up to 12 weeks so eating generally can be limited. What you can't tolerate early on often comes back later. Most of us follow a 50g carb guideline to maximize the first year losing window when our sleeves the tightest, our 'switch' giving us the metabolic reset the most efficient. The recovery and transition to food progression buys you a LOT of time to adjust.

The buzz word is 'sugar' - and that's the physical addiction part. Eat it and we crave it. Find alternatives to 'scratch the itch' and feel satisfied as a daily lifestyle, it helps the physical cravings...and the longer you do it, the more it become 'habit'. For people like 'us' who are pretty high up on the addiction meter, we really want to take advantage of the restriction of the first year post-op to make better food choices, get in the habit of reaching for new things. Basically, we get a new digestive system that doesn't know our old habits...so...don't teach it! And then, live a life in moderation, occasional treats. It's not about 'never' so much as not right now and not so much. Think Atkins/diabetic in terms of a lifestyle with the DS. Because the time comes farther down the line, when we can eat more, tolerate more, and we do have to be more mindful. So its important to use the early recovery time to maximize the loss, and get used to new 'tricks'. I've learned that a carb addiction becomes manageable, like a chronic illness, and the way to 'treat' it with food is we don't 'quit' carbs, but get them from better sources. That's when you'll hear the terms simple vs. complex carbs. Complex carbs are slow metabolizing, meaning they don't convert into sugar, the body actually uses them and breaks them down. So for the starches, many of us turn to non-gluten, white flour options like Udi's gluten free bread, low carb tortillas, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato. For sweets, same, go the sugar free/gluten free route, there are as noted lots of recipes here, and fortunately, we live in a world that's much more health conscious so there are a lot of great products to buy too.

You'll also have to see how you do with what does and doesn't agree with you. I guarantee you anyone watching you go through this process will no longer think anything is 'easy' about it, a quick fix. Glad you feel better,you're in a great place for support, stay with us!

Great post Sharyl!!

"It's not about 'never' so much as not right now and not so much."

Brilliant. Totally sums it up for me.

[bboop]

Ditto what everybody else said. You will be forced to get a handle on your carbs. Even later you will still be forced to watch them. You will figure out what to "go to" to fill that emotional void. It could be something SF or exercise...there are a million ways to fill the void..and they are all healthy for a DSer.

You can try some of the bad things, too...but I don't recommend it.

[missdee1]

I definitely eat carbs!!! I have to or my body gets very weak. I prob have at least 50 a day.

[kennyk]

This is a perfect thread for this morning.
I am having a fat day. Scale is up. Attitudes suck. Cravings? Forget about it.

It is not about diets at this point. It is about healthy choices.
I am going to use myfitnesspal at least for today.
Every bite is going in. I also say I am sure I am having at least 50 carbs... Realisticly? I bet my estimations are off by 300% easy!
To many grab and go bullshit carbs here. A little cake, slice of toast or matzoh, regular spoon or 5 of regular strawberry preserves.
Why? Oh yeah cuz I am a fucking addict.
Kenny

[missdee1]

Well I have more like 50-100. Don't really have to keep count!

[Parousia]

Mar 24, 2014 16:43:12 GMT -5 @illinids said:

Mar 24, 2014 16:03:46 GMT -5 tafica said:

Ok so from what I'm reading, you all pretty much have cut carbs out of your life post DS. And from my research I get that, that is a necessity. But did you just mercilessly stop craving carbs? That part worries me so much, cause I CRAVE carbs and sugar now, hence why I am in the position to need a DS. I mean seriously if you put a big juicy steak in front of me or a cupcake, I'm picking cupcake every time. Will me sugar cravings just disappear?

Sent from my SM-N900T using proboards

No, you don't eliminate carbs, I certainly haven't. I eat protein first and then carbs, but I will never eliminate an entire food group as it isn't healthy and is not long term sustainable.

Eating too many carbs can cause discomfort, especially early on, so your body will tell you what to eat and what to hold off on. Again you will have to focus on getting 150 carbs a day (once your are out 4 - 5 months) so for meals you will want to focus on getting 30-40 grams of protein before you eat any carbs. You can't let any non protein food keep you from getting in your protein.

Scott, I presume you mean 150 g of protein a day, not of carbs?

[PrettyGirlBounce]

^^^ Yes he does indeed.

[Deleted]

Mar 26, 2014 23:58:59 GMT -5 Parousia said:

Mar 24, 2014 16:43:12 GMT -5 @illinids said:

No, you don't eliminate carbs, I certainly haven't. I eat protein first and then carbs, but I will never eliminate an entire food group as it isn't healthy and is not long term sustainable.

Eating too many carbs can cause discomfort, especially early on, so your body will tell you what to eat and what to hold off on. Again you will have to focus on getting 150 carbs a day (once your are out 4 - 5 months) so for meals you will want to focus on getting 30-40 grams of protein before you eat any carbs. You can't let any non protein food keep you from getting in your protein.

Scott, I presume you mean 150 g of protein a day, not of carbs?

Yes, thanks for the correction.

[goodkel]

Mar 26, 2014 7:41:11 GMT -5 missdee1 said:

Well I have more like 50-100. Don't really have to keep count!

That is a perfect amount. Good job!

Once I had my protein dialed in, the only thing I kept counting were the carbs. They are sneaky buggers and I do not want to gain weight.

A half a bun at lunch, a small cheddar biscuit at Red Lobster, and a bite or two of potatoes, combined with all the smaller amounts in protein bars, condiments and the like, put me way over what I should be consuming. Now ONE day of this is not an issue, but I have to be very careful to not make a habit of it or the pounds start coming on.

So, yes, you will need to watch your carbs for the rest of your life if you don't want to regain your weight or sabotage your weight loss window.
Just like normal people have to do.

[bctarver4]

Mar 27, 2014 12:01:21 GMT -5 @illinids said:

Mar 26, 2014 23:58:59 GMT -5 Parousia said:

Scott, I presume you mean 150 g of protein a day, not of carbs?

Yes, thanks for the correction.

I have only heard 100grams of protien are we suppose to try to get to 150grams? I already feel like i am eating to much to lose weight. I know that this is in my head but it is still there