Anyone else lose better on 30 carbs than 20?

mirroravoider · 01-10-2008, 10:40 PM

This is my reintroduction to low carbing after about 3 years, but last time I did not really start losing consistently until I brought my carb intake up to about 30g. My perfect balance was 30 carbs/1500 calories per day.

I was following Atkins induction recommendations for several (about 7) weeks, and lost only 10 lbs. At 30 carbs, lost about 2 lbs. a week.

It was actually someone on these boards who recommended this. I was reluctant, but it worked -- for me anyway. Anyone else?

flourchild · 01-10-2008, 11:05 PM

I do very well @ 20 carbs a day for awhile...but eventually need to up it to consistently lose. Seems counterintuitive but it's actually fairly common.

janamonkey · 01-10-2008, 11:35 PM

I do better, both with losing weight, and mentally when I eat more carbs

Especially from veggies.

Angel373 · 01-11-2008, 02:34 AM

Yup! I can never do 20 carbs. I do better with 30-40 carbs. Actually, what I've learned this week is that I seem to do better if I have a couple of higher carb days a week...like 75-100, and then the rest lower carb. I've lost 7 pounds since New Years.

Cablegriz · 01-11-2008, 03:05 AM

bump this is interesting, I want to see what more people have to say!

Nikixie · 01-11-2008, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angel373

Yup! I can never do 20 carbs. I do better with 30-40 carbs. Actually, what I've learned this week is that I seem to do better if I have a couple of higher carb days a week...like 75-100, and then the rest lower carb. I've lost 7 pounds since New Years.

I'm with you on this, but I can't do a couple days a week (it would turn into every day for me!) I do a couple days a months.

I also eat upwards of 40 carbs daily. Its the perfect balance for me so that I can function, not feel like garbage and still lose weight.

Niki

AllieCat0817 · 01-11-2008, 05:55 AM

I always did better on 30-40. I THRIVED on OWL. I know that a person who is hypothyroid needs @30 carbs to have good thyroid levels- so I think this is why I do better on more carbs.

BeThin · 01-11-2008, 06:37 AM

I don't know because I don't keep track of my carbs.. DO you journal what you eat each day to know this or are you guessing??

Perhaps I would do better if I wrote things down.

lisabinil · 01-11-2008, 06:52 AM

Yes definitely-I lose slowly and have tried about 3 times lowering my carbs to Induction levels-doesn't work for me. I lost 5 lbs last month with my carbs averaging 35-40 daily. My body seems to thrive on the added nutrition from yogurt, cottage cheese and veggies & low glycemic fruits. I'm with Allie here-I thrive better on OWL.

AnnaMtl · 01-11-2008, 07:31 AM

i lose very well on 20 carbs for short time, then I maintain for long, regardless of calories, then I would up my carbs to 30-60 and start to lose very well (calories wise), when i'll heat the plateau after 3-4 mnth i'm going to 20 or less...this seems only way to me to continue to lose...

Leo41 · 01-11-2008, 07:39 AM

I was yo-yo-ing for a while (I think it was creeping carbs), and I started following the principles of Protein Power with really good results--that's 30 carbs, but no more than 10 at any one meal. I find that focuses me on veggies without allowing me to overdo it (I have portion-control problems). That is, by limiting myself to 10 carbs, and the protein I need (about 35 g. per meal), I've found that the needed fats come naturally, and I'm eating more calories than usual yet losing steadily. I'm very sensitive to carbs, so I'm not tempted to go over the limit per meal.

AlittleStar · 01-11-2008, 07:49 AM

Leo41 - your experience is interesting. I think I should check out Protein Power. I have been strict with 20 carbs for the last week and havent lost a pound

Perhaps I need more carbs. - Thanks

Nursie_Stacie · 01-11-2008, 08:15 AM

I never did well on induction, I always lost better moving into owl. I occasionally drop my carbs to < 20 for 3-5 days if I have a few higher carb days and my weight loss became sluggish just to clean my system out and jump start. After your on owl for a while it gets harder and harder to drop carbs though.. I started today with induction level carbs to jump start my weight loss again and even after I ate my eggs and sausage all I could think about was those strawberries in fridge and some hot oatmeal

I need strength today!

yvonne326 · 01-11-2008, 08:18 AM

I went thru my diary from the first time and I did best at 35-40 carbs. After I finish induction I will slowly creep to that level IF I continue to lose. I have lost 2 lbs so far in the last 4 days so I am doing well (and this during TOM time!)

Tammy_girl12 · 01-11-2008, 08:21 AM

I find this an interesting topic. I do lose well with 20 carbs, but I do feel very restricted and look forward to upping my carbs. I need to have some yogurt, fruit, nuts and seed back into my diet one day SOON.

cheezwhiz · 01-11-2008, 09:28 AM

I think 20 vs 30 may have something to do with the fat. I always loose more when I up the % of fat.

Laura150 · 01-11-2008, 10:07 AM

WOW! Maybe this is my problem. I have been right on plan for 10 days and have only lost a few lbs. Interesting...

Laura

CurlsNCuffs · 01-11-2008, 10:19 AM

So do you up your veggies to up the carbs?

What does your menu look like for 30-40 carbs and still losing?

mirroravoider · 01-11-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurlsNCuffs

So do you up your veggies to up the carbs?

What does your menu look like for 30-40 carbs and still losing?

My 'additional' carbs come mostly from veggies, plus some occasional cottage cheese, yogurt, nuts... all GOOD carbs - no starchy stuff. I always keep mine under 40 (net).

Angel373 · 01-11-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezwhiz

I think 20 vs 30 may have something to do with the fat. I always loose more when I up the % of fat.

That's a good point. In addition to allowing for a few more carbs, I've also tried to keep my fat at 68% or higher, and my protein has gone down a little. I'm eating more like EFGT than Atkins. So that might be what works for me.

CherryCola · 01-11-2008, 03:45 PM

Yes! In fact every single time I drop back to Induction (usually to clean up some poorer eating choices in addition to shedding some poundage) I gain weight!

Add in some LC bread, yogurt, or the milk formerly known as CarbCountdown (chocolate flavor), the weight loss picks back up.

Skinnie Minnie · 01-12-2008, 07:57 AM

I'm just starting out, but I think that by eating 30 - 40 carbs I am better able to stick with it. I'm up to two weeks now, and I know that is because I am allowing myself more veggies, and some jerky at lunchtime. I think it's okay because I'm still losing!

I'm actually not really counting my carbs, but doing rough estimates I know I am not staying under 20.

LibertyJen · 01-12-2008, 08:46 AM

I am NOT the Dr. Atkins expert around here ... I have been reading his writings for the past ten years. I dont' think his intention was for you to stay in Induction for months and years on end. He wanted Induction to be the Jump Start ... I always tease myself that it is my jail sentence for not behaving: two weeks on Induction! Then work your way up the ladder... each week adding a new food group back in to see how your body will react. I always do better with my carb intake being 50-65 grams a day ... I don't feel restricted, I have a lot of variety to choose from, I have lots of energy ...

A lot of people are afraid to add more carbs in, but it is always interesting to find out how your body will react now to more veggies, or berries, or nuts, or yogurt. I find that if the cravings come back, I know I messed something up ... I go back to what worked yesterday or last week and then try again.

Honor your body and let it tell you what works for you ... not just what everyone else is doing. If you restrict yourself for too long you will give up ...

That's my two cents!

keysmee127 · 01-12-2008, 09:13 AM

I also do better on about 30-35 carbs. I just started back again on 1/09 and Im already down 1.5 lbs I do however watch my calories. I keep them at about 1200 or less. It works for me.

goodcelt · 01-12-2008, 09:20 AM

I am glad I read this thread. I have not cheated one iota; my exercising took a nosedive due to some stress, which totally wore me out. But I have not lost one single pound since November 17. I don't know what to do...I have lost a total of 11 inches since September (got measured at the gym two days ago) and that makes me happy. I'm going to have to go over my journal to see what to do.

cleochatra · 01-12-2008, 09:25 AM

I was thinking about this for a couple of days and have a theory on why losing on more carbs might mean greater success. I wonder if it could be because we're eating more calories by this time? Induction tends to suck the life out of people. Once you hit those 30 carbs, you're re-invigorating your psyche and your body by keeping it guesing.

FreeingMyself · 01-12-2008, 09:33 AM

I have recently upped my total carbs to 100g for the past couple weeks now. I am only intaking helahty whole grains,yogurt, small amt fruits and lots of veggies. I have lost 4 lbs in the past 8 days.
I should also mention that I have been running 5 times a week for the past 2 weeks and just felt horrid on to few carbs.
I have lowered my saturated fat and upped my poly and monunsaturated. I also keep my calories12-1300. It seems to be doing really well and I feel so healthy and unrestricted.
I do find that I am making wiser choices. (This mroning instead of a pancake for 14 carbs, I chose to have a healthy protein smoothie with blueberries and skim milk) I am eating every couple hours and I never feel hungry now or get the "bingy" feeling like I HAVE to have something.
I always got really "bingy" feeling on fewer carbs.
Just my experience so far!

pepperette · 01-12-2008, 09:35 AM

On the days I accidentally get under 30, I find I get cravings- for anything! I want to forage in the fridge. And I have had a couple blood sugar lows when I'm not "full enough" on carbs.

LibertyJen · 01-13-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleochatra

I was thinking about this for a couple of days and have a theory on why losing on more carbs might mean greater success. I wonder if it could be because we're eating more calories by this time? Induction tends to suck the life out of people. Once you hit those 30 carbs, you're re-invigorating your psyche and your body by keeping it guesing.

Cleo, I do think it has to do with CALORIE intake ... as well as the psychological impact of not Depriving ourselves ... that is why I get frustrated with people (like my DAD!) who think that they have to Induction-themselves to their goal weight. Yup, those 80 pounds he had lost are back with a vengence after four years. I wanna keep mine off for good!

Learn life lessons now, or life will teach them again!!!

01-10-2008, 10:40 PM	#1
mirroravoider Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 407 Gallery: mirroravoider Stats: 170/168/135 WOE: Atkinslike Start Date: Restart: 11/6/08	Anyone else lose better on 30 carbs than 20? This is my reintroduction to low carbing after about 3 years, but last time I did not really start losing consistently until I brought my carb intake up to about 30g. My perfect balance was 30 carbs/1500 calories per day. I was following Atkins induction recommendations for several (about 7) weeks, and lost only 10 lbs. At 30 carbs, lost about 2 lbs. a week. It was actually someone on these boards who recommended this. I was reluctant, but it worked -- for me anyway. Anyone else?

01-11-2008, 08:15 AM	#13
Nursie_Stacie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2006 Location: florida Posts: 1,156 Gallery: Nursie_Stacie Stats: 224/155/140 WOE: Atkins Tweeked 5'7 36 yrs old Start Date: 8/3/07 reinducted for 3rd and last time.	I never did well on induction, I always lost better moving into owl. I occasionally drop my carbs to < 20 for 3-5 days if I have a few higher carb days and my weight loss became sluggish just to clean my system out and jump start. After your on owl for a while it gets harder and harder to drop carbs though.. I started today with induction level carbs to jump start my weight loss again and even after I ate my eggs and sausage all I could think about was those strawberries in fridge and some hot oatmeal I need strength today! __________________ *Life isnt like a box of chocolates..its more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow !!" Before/ After pics http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/photop...111418/cat/500 http://www.myspace.com/StacieandBilly

01-12-2008, 08:46 AM	#23
LibertyJen Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northern Kentucky / Cincinnati Posts: 540 Blog Entries: 34 Gallery: LibertyJen Stats: 230 HW/ 197 (06/05/08) / 145 Age: 35 WOE: Wise Carb Eating with Nutritional Response Testing Start Date: Happy New Year 2008!	I am NOT the Dr. Atkins expert around here ... I have been reading his writings for the past ten years. I dont' think his intention was for you to stay in Induction for months and years on end. He wanted Induction to be the Jump Start ... I always tease myself that it is my jail sentence for not behaving: two weeks on Induction! Then work your way up the ladder... each week adding a new food group back in to see how your body will react. I always do better with my carb intake being 50-65 grams a day ... I don't feel restricted, I have a lot of variety to choose from, I have lots of energy ... A lot of people are afraid to add more carbs in, but it is always interesting to find out how your body will react now to more veggies, or berries, or nuts, or yogurt. I find that if the cravings come back, I know I messed something up ... I go back to what worked yesterday or last week and then try again. Honor your body and let it tell you what works for you ... not just what everyone else is doing. If you restrict yourself for too long you will give up ... That's my two cents! __________________ Do what is HARD and God will do the IMPOSSIBLE F 5'4" Mom to 3 kiddos ... Full time professional 2008 is the Year of Control!

01-12-2008, 09:20 AM	#25
goodcelt MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,091 Gallery: goodcelt Stats: 194/190/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 2/26/08	I am glad I read this thread. I have not cheated one iota; my exercising took a nosedive due to some stress, which totally wore me out. But I have not lost one single pound since November 17. I don't know what to do...I have lost a total of 11 inches since September (got measured at the gym two days ago) and that makes me happy. I'm going to have to go over my journal to see what to do. Last edited by goodcelt : 01-12-2008 at 09:21 AM. Reason: left stuff out

01-12-2008, 09:33 AM	#27
FreeingMyself Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Clayton, NY Posts: 523 Gallery: FreeingMyself Stats: 206(highest 270,size 22)/146-48/135(revised goal) WOE: Lower Carbs and resting for ovary's sake.. Start Date: June 25th, 2007	I have recently upped my total carbs to 100g for the past couple weeks now. I am only intaking helahty whole grains,yogurt, small amt fruits and lots of veggies. I have lost 4 lbs in the past 8 days. I should also mention that I have been running 5 times a week for the past 2 weeks and just felt horrid on to few carbs. I have lowered my saturated fat and upped my poly and monunsaturated. I also keep my calories12-1300. It seems to be doing really well and I feel so healthy and unrestricted. I do find that I am making wiser choices. (This mroning instead of a pancake for 14 carbs, I chose to have a healthy protein smoothie with blueberries and skim milk) I am eating every couple hours and I never feel hungry now or get the "bingy" feeling like I HAVE to have something. I always got really "bingy" feeling on fewer carbs. Just my experience so far! __________________ GOODBYE 150's!!!!!! ~Lack of will power has caused more failure than lack of intelligence or ability~ Flower Newhouse ~Hard work does not guarantee success, but no work guarantees failure~Fabregas

01-10-2008, 11:05 PM	#2
flourchild MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Near Haight & Ashbury Posts: 1,234 Gallery: flourchild Stats: Soy un perdedor...baby WOE: Atkins' OWL Start Date: '05	I do very well @ 20 carbs a day for awhile...but eventually need to up it to consistently lose. Seems counterintuitive but it's actually fairly common.

01-10-2008, 11:35 PM	#3
janamonkey Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 3,918 Gallery: janamonkey Stats: Not looking.	I do better, both with losing weight, and mentally when I eat more carbs Especially from veggies.

01-11-2008, 02:34 AM	#4
Angel373 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: California Bay Area Posts: 759 Gallery: Angel373 Stats: 290/240/150 WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: October 1, 2007	Yup! I can never do 20 carbs. I do better with 30-40 carbs. Actually, what I've learned this week is that I seem to do better if I have a couple of higher carb days a week...like 75-100, and then the rest lower carb. I've lost 7 pounds since New Years.

01-11-2008, 03:05 AM	#5
Cablegriz Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Wernersville, PA Posts: 624 Gallery: Cablegriz Stats: 210/204/140 WOE: Atkins Start Date: March 9, 2007	bump this is interesting, I want to see what more people have to say!

01-11-2008, 05:55 AM	#7
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,831 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/133.5/140 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	I always did better on 30-40. I THRIVED on OWL. I know that a person who is hypothyroid needs @30 carbs to have good thyroid levels- so I think this is why I do better on more carbs.

01-11-2008, 06:37 AM	#8
BeThin MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: WV Posts: 1,121 Gallery: BeThin Stats: 190/175/140 WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 2008	I don't know because I don't keep track of my carbs.. DO you journal what you eat each day to know this or are you guessing?? Perhaps I would do better if I wrote things down.

01-11-2008, 06:52 AM	#9
lisabinil Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: suburbs of Chicago Posts: 9,287 Gallery: lisabinil Stats: 214/185/180 287 in 00 WOE: higher carb Atkins for optimum health Start Date: SBD 3/5/07,Atkins 4/18/07	Yes definitely-I lose slowly and have tried about 3 times lowering my carbs to Induction levels-doesn't work for me. I lost 5 lbs last month with my carbs averaging 35-40 daily. My body seems to thrive on the added nutrition from yogurt, cottage cheese and veggies & low glycemic fruits. I'm with Allie here-I thrive better on OWL.

01-11-2008, 07:31 AM	#10
AnnaMtl Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 34 Gallery: AnnaMtl Stats: 168/147/135 WOE: Atkins Start Date: July, 2004	i lose very well on 20 carbs for short time, then I maintain for long, regardless of calories, then I would up my carbs to 30-60 and start to lose very well (calories wise), when i'll heat the plateau after 3-4 mnth i'm going to 20 or less...this seems only way to me to continue to lose...

01-11-2008, 07:39 AM	#11
Leo41 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 366 Gallery: Leo41	I was yo-yo-ing for a while (I think it was creeping carbs), and I started following the principles of Protein Power with really good results--that's 30 carbs, but no more than 10 at any one meal. I find that focuses me on veggies without allowing me to overdo it (I have portion-control problems). That is, by limiting myself to 10 carbs, and the protein I need (about 35 g. per meal), I've found that the needed fats come naturally, and I'm eating more calories than usual yet losing steadily. I'm very sensitive to carbs, so I'm not tempted to go over the limit per meal.

01-11-2008, 07:49 AM	#12
AlittleStar Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 739 Gallery: AlittleStar Stats: fullfat/lowfat/nonfat WOE: Atkins	Leo41 - your experience is interesting. I think I should check out Protein Power. I have been strict with 20 carbs for the last week and havent lost a pound Perhaps I need more carbs. - Thanks

01-11-2008, 08:18 AM	#14
yvonne326 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 17,304 Gallery: yvonne326 Stats: 192 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 9/8/08	I went thru my diary from the first time and I did best at 35-40 carbs. After I finish induction I will slowly creep to that level IF I continue to lose. I have lost 2 lbs so far in the last 4 days so I am doing well (and this during TOM time!)

01-11-2008, 08:21 AM	#15
Tammy_girl12 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CANADA Posts: 1,235 Gallery: Tammy_girl12 Stats: Pregnant!	I find this an interesting topic. I do lose well with 20 carbs, but I do feel very restricted and look forward to upping my carbs. I need to have some yogurt, fruit, nuts and seed back into my diet one day SOON.

01-11-2008, 09:28 AM	#16
cheezwhiz Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago, il Posts: 175 Gallery: cheezwhiz Stats: 219/142/145 WOE: atkins Start Date: June 2002	I think 20 vs 30 may have something to do with the fat. I always loose more when I up the % of fat.

01-11-2008, 10:07 AM	#17
Laura150 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 466 Gallery: Laura150	WOW! Maybe this is my problem. I have been right on plan for 10 days and have only lost a few lbs. Interesting... Laura

01-11-2008, 10:19 AM	#18
CurlsNCuffs MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,354 Gallery: CurlsNCuffs Stats: 240/147/125 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 2, 2003	So do you up your veggies to up the carbs? What does your menu look like for 30-40 carbs and still losing?

01-11-2008, 03:45 PM	#21
CherryCola MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,608 Gallery: CherryCola	Yes! In fact every single time I drop back to Induction (usually to clean up some poorer eating choices in addition to shedding some poundage) I gain weight! Add in some LC bread, yogurt, or the milk formerly known as CarbCountdown (chocolate flavor), the weight loss picks back up.

01-12-2008, 07:57 AM	#22
Skinnie Minnie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,103 Gallery: Skinnie Minnie Stats: 269/251/170 5' 11" WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 2008	I'm just starting out, but I think that by eating 30 - 40 carbs I am better able to stick with it. I'm up to two weeks now, and I know that is because I am allowing myself more veggies, and some jerky at lunchtime. I think it's okay because I'm still losing! I'm actually not really counting my carbs, but doing rough estimates I know I am not staying under 20.

01-12-2008, 09:13 AM	#24
keysmee127 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: bouse,az Posts: 213 Gallery: keysmee127 Stats: Really Fat/Fat/127 WOE: as low carb as i can Start Date: 01-02-2008	I also do better on about 30-35 carbs. I just started back again on 1/09 and Im already down 1.5 lbs I do however watch my calories. I keep them at about 1200 or less. It works for me.

01-12-2008, 09:25 AM	#26
cleochatra Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 7,885 Gallery: cleochatra Stats: 350/264/125 WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 1, 2008	I was thinking about this for a couple of days and have a theory on why losing on more carbs might mean greater success. I wonder if it could be because we're eating more calories by this time? Induction tends to suck the life out of people. Once you hit those 30 carbs, you're re-invigorating your psyche and your body by keeping it guesing.

01-12-2008, 09:35 AM	#28
pepperette MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Independence, MO. Posts: 1,236 Gallery: pepperette WOE: Low Carb only since 11/21/07	*On the days I accidentally get under 30, I find I get cravings- for anything! I want to forage in the fridge. And I have had a couple blood sugar lows when I'm not "full enough" on carbs.*