"For me the results were temporary though, because it was sheer torture for me to avoid carbs."
**Probably not for everyone, especially because of an accustomed way of eating and training. You don't need to go low-carb to get great results, though, as we know from moderate carb diets such as the Zone, TAP, and Body Rx.
I was really strict, even going so far as to test my urine with keto-sticks to make sure that I was going into ketosis. It took me 3-4 days after my weekend "re-feed" to get back into ketosis.
**I wouldn't worry about being that exact. Too much work. One of the main benefits is the lowering of insulin levels, which even at relatively low levels start to inhibit lypolis (the release of stored fat for energy).
It was too stressful to maintain and I eventually dropped it. Only problem is that I had become accustomed to eating fatty foods that I had previously avoided and didn't want to give them up either. End result, I have struggled with my diet ever since, and that was years ago.
**That sucks. Fat's good, though, as you know. So is the problem with fatty foods the total calories or that it's "fat"? I'm guessing the first which does create an issue. A Med type diet with high-quality protein might be the best choice for you then.
I think that the South Beach version looks more maintainable since it seems to focus more on fresh veggies and unsaturated fats.
**Truth is, it's basically the same, it just emphasizes no saturated fat. But certainly, you SHOULD not avoid vegetables, even on a low-carb diet. I think that's a mistake many people make.
For me it is enough of a challenge just to make sure that I eat enough fresh veggies though. Last night, for example, I was really craving beer, and then later I was craving cookies. Instead I had a diet Mug Rootbeer, and later I had celery with natural peanut butter. So if I am eating more veggies that is good, but I don't want to give up my carbs.
**The thing is, a low-carb diet done right won't give you those cravings--although you probably have mental triggers that are an issue. I wouldn't beat yourself up about it. If I were you, I'd look to keep my insulin levels low during the day and if you want a "goodie" later on,then have it.
It would be too hard to prepare family meals for one thing. We are really working hard to instill good eating habits with our kids, and I am not about to put them on a ketogenic diet.
**There's no reason, too. I think mainly avoiding building meals around bread, potatoes, pasta, and rice is where most people go wrong. Can you eat those foods--certainly. But they should be small side dishes, not the main part of your diet. And you shouldn't eat high-glycemic carbs all day long or your insulin levels will stay elevated all day, making it difficult for you to burn fat.
Adam, do you know about children on diets like this? Do you have suggestions for how I would do this in my circumstances? I guess that my current diet would be more based on the Mediterrenean Food Pyramid. It is a little lower in carbs, but certainly not enough to get into ketosis.
**Sounds like a good diet. So is your problem cravings? The one thing about a very low-carb diet is that it seems most effective for people with a high-risk of metabolic syndrome (a propensity for abdominal fat is one sign). As far as low-carb for kids--I don't know. Like I said, I don' think there's any reason for it. Plus, if they're active, which I'm sure they are, they're burning plenty of calories anyway. Diet is the least of their worries--you're right to make sure it's balanced.
Hope you have a great weekend in NYC.
**Not weekend, work week. Uhhgg.
**I really hope I didn't offend anyone. My goal was to present research and an opposing view--not for the sake of it, but because it's counterintuitive to what we've all been taught. Right after grad school (a little over three years ago), I would have told you that low-carb diets were horrible in every way. So I've shifted my thoughts on it based on research as well as anecdotal evidence. It's just important that everyone have an open mind.
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