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Low/Less Carbs: suggestions? Advice?

T

tac138777

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So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Ask you doctor, putz.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Unlike Floridafan, I won't call you names, but yes...you should consult your doctor.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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The keto diet is not easy and very binary, you either are or aren't getting into ketosis. If you aren't, and are consuming so many calories from fats, it may make things worse.

I would talk to your PCM, but also find out your blood type; it can determine what works for you more than you might think.

I would also suggest looking into a modified keto diet (like carbs in your dinner) since you mentioned combat sports (I assume you roll in the evenings) and weights. Your grip stregth is higher in the evenings and that's when you need the glycogen reserves for explosive movements.

Edit: Also look into intermittent fasting perhaps. I've had great results only eating (and drinks) between 11:00 - 19:00, takes two weeks to get used to not having breakfast. Not recommended if you have anxiety issues or diabetes.
 
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Mycroft said:
Unlike Floridafan, I won't call you names, but yes...you should consult your doctor.
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Is there a specific reason? Other than no, you don’t have advice.
 
Spartacus FPV said:
The keto diet is not easy and very binary, you either are or aren't getting into ketosis. If you aren't, and are consuming so many calories from fats, it may make things worse.

I would talk to your PCM, but also find out your blood type; it can determine what works for you more than you might think.

I would also suggest looking into a modified keto diet (like carbs in your dinner) since you mentioned combat sports (I assume you roll in the evenings) and weights. Your grip stregth is higher in the evenings and that's when you need the glycogen reserves for explosive movements.

Edit: Also look into intermittent fasting perhaps. I've had great results only eating (and drinks) between 11:00 - 19:00, takes two weeks to get used to not having breakfast. Not recommended if you have anxiety issues or diabetes.
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Thank you. :)

I am consulting my doctor. But I like to have more information before I go in. :)
 
The key to reduce weight isnt about carbs, its about portions. Eat a balanced meal (low fat, avoid processed stuff like soda, white flour, and junk food) and only have moderate portions is the key.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Lots of meat with salads.

You feel full when you have had enough fat. You can eat sugar/carbs for ever and not feel full.
 
Tim the plumber said:

Lots of meat with salads.

You feel full when you have had enough fat. You can eat sugar/carbs for ever and not feel full.
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Yep. Turkey, chicken, fish, and some steak.

Salads, peppers, and onions. Asparagus too. And broccoli.
 
PoS said:
The key to reduce weight isnt about carbs, its about portions. Eat a balanced meal (low fat, avoid processed stuff like soda, white flour, and junk food) and only have moderate portions is the key.
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A lot of the stuff you listed is very high in carbs. And my understanding is that the body holds those longer (depending on body type). So a big guy like me will hold carbs and store them easier. But a small person won’t.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Look at the Atkins program. It's high protein, low carb. I am just starting it so I will let you know how it works.
I just had some blood work completed so after a few months I will be able to compare and see how things are doing.

Here is the web site if interested: https://www.atkins.com/

Good luck
 
tac138777 said:
A lot of the stuff you listed is very high in carbs. And my understanding is that the body holds those longer (depending on body type). So a big guy like me will hold carbs and store them easier. But a small person won’t.
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No, carbs should be no more than 25% of what should be on your plate. 50% ought to be fruits and veggies and 25% low fat meat. One medium sized plate per meal and no snacks. I guarantee you'll lose weight if you match your portions with exercise.
 
tac138777 said:
A lot of the stuff you listed is very high in carbs. And my understanding is that the body holds those longer (depending on body type). So a big guy like me will hold carbs and store them easier. But a small person won’t.
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Not sure if bigger guys really hold on to carbs. The real problem, in my opinion, is that simple carbs don't fill you up. At least they never do for me. A simple test is to sit down with something that is universally known to be junk food and then something universally considered healthy. Lets say donuts and chicken breast. If you are a big guy with a big appetite (not judging btw, I've had to watch my weight and when I'm on a tear can put away a ****load of junk food) then you might be able to put down 4 donuts easily. I've seen guys eat more than 6. Now if you figure out the calories on 6 donuts and convert that to an equal amount of chicken breast, I bet they couldn't, or at least it would be incredibly difficult, sit down and eat those same calories in chicken breast or in any lean meat. And if they did they'd be full for the rest of the day, where as after eating 4 donuts they'll be hungry again in a few hours, or even stay hungry because those simple carbs just create more cravings.

That's why I avoid them except for special occasions. No soda ever, piece of pie at holiday functions, piece of cake at birthday parties, a burger and beer when I'm out with the guys doing something. But my typical day consists of eggs or oatmeal for breakfast (good size portions), lean meat with a salad or vegetable for lunch, lean meat with a salad or vegetable for dinner. For snacks either apples, veggies and home made hummus, cottage cheese (very typical for me, fills you up) etc. Also, we will fix red beans or pinto beans (or any other kind of bean) once a week. I just don't eat them with rice. They have lots of carbs, but they aren't simple carbs like sugar. They don't spike your insulin and fill you up alot.

As you can see, it's not a "low carb" or "keto" diet. But it avoids things that don't fill me up. I don't have craving for sugar and junk food all day.
 
tac138777 said:
Is there a specific reason? Other than no, you don’t have advice.
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You say you are a big guy and that you lead a very active lifestyle. You understand, it seems, that your lifestyle requires carbs. You should get expert advice on what is the proper balance and how to achieve it.
 
tac138777 said:
Yep. Turkey, chicken, fish, and some steak.

Salads, peppers, and onions. Asparagus too. And broccoli.
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Yeah, pretend you are a hunter with a land of plenty of animals and vegetables but not the potatoes or mass wheat fields.

And don't drink beer. You will have to be on the gin and tonic from now on.

And oddly, make sure you are getting some sunshine. Having a vitamin D deficency will leave you constantly peckish and listless. You can't ever eat enough D. You make it in your skin from sunshine.
 
The "key" to losing weight is.........................................exercise.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Try following the diet, to the T that Bariatric Sleeve Patients follow. Seriously.
 
I recommend looking into Paleo if you are active. I don't really do anything other than lift, but the difference in energy levels I have experienced under Paleo vs Keto is really obvious to me. Limiting carbs and sugar is the easiest way to drop weight.
 
Cut sugar, that should help a great deal. Not only adding sugar in recipes but food that contains high sugar. There's no risk and great reward. Stevia is an alternative, although I usually just use honey. Alcohol, enriched bread flower...things like this, from what I've read, break down in your body like sugar, so those are bad too.

Here are some of the foods and drinks I use:

Drinks: Powerade Zero (no calories), Crystal Light Sweet Tea (5 calories per serving). I'm sure someone here will claim these will give you cancer, but I simply can't drink water. And Unsweetened, Vanilla Almond Milk (30 calories per serving)

Foods:
-Salmon - one of the best foods you can eat, I have it with Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Chipotle sauce, which isn't very good for you but it's a small serving
-Rotisserie Chickens - No prep, delicious, healthy.
-Fruits, vegetables - obvious reasons. Many people who give up sugar get their sugar fix the natural way, through fruits
-Almonds - Another very healthy food
-Carbmaster yogurt (Kroger brand) - Very low carb yogurt, I put strawberries and or bluberries in
-Cut apples and hummus

Also, I know salads sound boring, but many restaurants offer tasty, healthy salads. I've had probably 30 Greek Salads w/ Chicken from a local restaurant around here over the past 3 months because they're so good.

Anyway, good luck with your diet. And of course exercise. If you don't exercise much, start out slow and don't burn yourself out. I'm in pretty good shape but I'm going for a walk in a little while today just because my body has been burning out due to pushing it hard lately. Do what you can. And please, please consider yoga.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Honestly, I don't buy into the whole low-carb thing. Energy is energy, and if you're taking in too much of it, then your body is going to convert it to stored fat. Different people are going to use up different types of energy at different efficiencies, but even if you're better off cutting out the carbs, it's not going to matter if you're compensating for the calorie-loss with fat.

I've never been a huge guy, but I've always had a gut, and have tried dieting off-and-on ever since I was a teen. I'm thirty-three right now, about forty lbs lighter than I was this time last year, and the only thing I'm doing differently is that I'm counting calories. I try not to take in anymore than 1400 a day, but I'll go lower than what's reccomended.

Most of the weight that I had lost was lost in the first few weeks. It's been a very annoying slow trickle from then on. I'll feel like I'm not losing anything, or not losing fast enough, stop counting calories for about a week, and then end up gaining about ten pounds. There's also the occasion where I'll treat myself to a twelve-pack (okay, maybe I do have a bit of a carb issue) and that will always put me over budget.

Thing is, my twelve-pack of Steel Reserve is about 2660 calories. The beer alone will cause me to gain weight even before I put any actual food in my belly, and I get 'the muchies' whenver I drink (which often results in me creating some sort of abomination in the kitchen.) My sister and mother are big advocates of cutting out carbs, but when they list items like bread and pasta, what I'm hearing is that they're cutting out calorie-dense foods without realizing it.

Vegetables? Not so much. It's carbs, but a 12-oz bag of broccoli or similar item is going to be a little over a hundred calories. There's this cheese . . . product they sell at the grocery store that I frequent that's only 33 calories a slice. It's not the greatest, but it makes a modest bowl of brussels sprouts a bit more paltable.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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I know someone pursuing the Keto diet and its TOUGH. You HAVE to read the label on EVERYTHING as some beverages and foods will surprise you. The goal is to trigger your body to burn fat and that is a real challenge.

Suggestions? Take vitamins, minerals, aminos and electrolytes so your body doesn't weaken. Remember, the Keto diet is NOT about calories. So do NOT try to otherwise diet. Eat all the other foods - meat, eggs, anything allowed - as much as you want. Watch your beverages, fruits and it is very hard for most to give up bread and starches. Others can surprise you like tomatoes and other fruits that contain a great deal of sugar.

While cheating a little is part of every successful diet, unless you ROUTINELY get below the VERY low carb count, you will NOT trigger your body to burn fat. Close enough isn't good enough. You MUST get below the threshold. When you do, you will go thru a temporary unpleasant transition period. However IF you can do it, the pounds will come off - and quickly.
 
tac138777 said:
So I’m a big guy. I’ve been trying to cut carbs. I’ve done a lot of reading and it is the best course of action based on my body type. I’m not looking to go into a Keto diet necessarily. I understand that it is risky. And of course? I do need the carbs as well. But I’m wondering if anyone has success with this particular area. Especially if you are a larger framed individual who is involved in more pbysically intense sports (combat sports, weights, and so on).
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Have eggs as a late meal - they're very low in carbs, and they've got protein to help your body do its repair at night.

Bacon has a lot of fat and protein - and zero carbs. Fish has protein and fat - and zero carbs.

Avoid potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread.

Try Zucchini Noodles - you can buy one of these veggie noodle-slicers really cheap, and easily make veggie noodles. The texture of Zucchini Noodles is very similar to pasta noodles and is very satisfying in its own way. You can sautee them - even pickle them in a pickle jar. Zucchini and cucumbers have zero carbs and zero calories - you could eat that stuff all day and never get fat.

Blackberries are the fruit with the lowest amount of carbs (maybe Mulberries are lower)

Best to do not just diet, but also exercise. Join a gym, and after the first few weeks of soreness and exhaustion, you'll feel like a new man. Make sure you do a lot of cardio, but also some weights.
 
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