Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

[illy]

I wonder - is there such a thing as too FEW carbs? The only thing I am having a tough time with in my induction is eating enough, particularly at breakfast. I honestly doubt that I am getting even 10 carbs a day. There are things I want to eat, and if I can't have them I lose my appetite altogether. It's almost like I am a 4 year old pouting over having it my way or not at all.

I have shrunk my portions to the point where with one hamburger patty I am almost uncomfortably full.

I did just try the mock danish and it was a really nice change from my normal dinner of chicken or a hamburger patty. I think the boredom I am experiencing is much worse than cutting out carbs. Once I zapped them out, I don't really want anything. I have to make myself eat.

Anyone have suggestions?

[Sweet_Sadie]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

I just wanted to say that someone will know how to answer your question about the carbs because I'm not sure.

I do know that you have to drink the water to flush your system so make sure you do that.

[Sweet_Sadie]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

I just saw another thread that addresses the too few carbs... click this link ok
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ad.php?t=33085

[Laker75]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

Hi Illy!

Wait a minute, I think I know that 4 year old. She's me!!! Or she was... Now I am more excited about my food choices and look forward to my meals, but it did take some time and sulking to get over myself and see the variety I have before me. As long as I'm still craving sweets, that is it - I want nothing else. As soon as those cravings pass, I'm normal and can eat what I crave; healthy, whole foods.

Do you like to cook? If so, try experimenting with some fresh produce and meats at your grocery store. Look into spices (check out their carb counts, though... those garlic and onion powders are sure loaded with em...) and merinades you can get at your butcher counter. I really like cooking my meats and veggies in mike's red hot merinades (and to think I never tolerated spicy foods before), especailly zucchini and chicken dishes.

Okay, that's my advice. Wait it out. You'll find yourself just as excited as we are about our food choices. I'm sure you've checked out the recipe sections on the board, but there are many more out there. Linda's low carb is one of my faves. Google it or check around here for the site, I don't know it off hand.

Good luck!!!

S.

[not2late]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

At least 50% of your daily carbs should be from vegetables. And there are about 54 vegetables on the food lists for you to choose from.

The problem when you decrease the carbs too much is that you have to begin eating more protein or fat in order to meet your daily energy needs. Since most people find drinking a 1/4 cup of olive oil displeasing, they tend to eat more protein.

The problem with that is 58% of the protein we eat is converted to glucose (sugar) by our bodies. So if you overeat protein you make your own carbs. Excess sugar is converted to either glycogen or fat. In other words, if you eat 100 grams (about 3 ounces) of extra protein, your body will make 58 grams of sugar from it. So it really defeats the whole "low carb" thing.

So it's really a balance of protein, carb and fat. Protein calories throughout Atkins remains about about 30-35% of your total daily calorie intake.

Yeah, some people eat more. And will post that they eat "alot" of meat and have had no problems with their weight loss. That's possible because either they have a Criticial CArbohydrate Losing Level greater than 20 or they exercise enough to use up that "excess" glucose they are getting from their "alot" of meat or a combination of both.

You might want to post your daily menues in the "Review My Menu" forum for the folks there to look at.

[boonie stomper]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

Try dividing up your menu into 3- 5 portions of 2-3 grams carbs each, with some protein, fat & vegetable in each. Pay no regard to whether it is breakfast lunch dinner or snack - just eat periodically the whole time you are awake. For instance, you can have a couple carbs in the morning with a bit of celery & cream cheese and an egg, a snack of olives and ham, lunch of tuna with mayo on lettuce, a snack of salsa & bacon, supper of stir fry with meat... you vary the combinations and just eat a little at a time.

[illy]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

Thanks, everyone. I haven't been careful about eating throughout the day because I'm not getting hungry. That's a good and a bad thing all in one, I guess. I know that I have to eat throughout the day, but I just keep forgetting. Maybe if I keep things at my desk I will remember. I only leave my desk for bathroom breaks (thanks, my friend water) and running back & forth between printers, copiers and the warehouse. I rarely take a lunch break.

On the upside, today makes 8 full days on Atkins and I have lost 11 pounds as of this evening.

[IrishIrish]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

It is important to remember that Atkins is a nutritional approach to teach us a way of eating for life and not an event focused diet. Through Induction and the future phases, you'll learn to eat nutritiously. Additionally, shortchanging yourself on meals may cause spikes in blood sugar and actually may interfere with successful weight loss over time.

[kkat55]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

Just in case you haven't seen this yet, here are some GREAT recipes: http://users3.ev1.net/~fontlady/induction_menus/induction_menus.html

Best wishes on your journey to good health!!

[illy]

Re: Is there such a thing as too FEW carbs?

Yeah, I understand that I should be eating more. I'm not working through lunch because i'm trying to lost weight faster. I think it's just my body adjusting to food it's not used to - again. I don't remember going through this 5 years ago, though.

I have found some things I really like. That's a good thing