Is it possible to successfully lowcarb on mainly Fast Food? You opinions needed!

[SlimWithin26]

So forgive me for my random thoughts, but I was wondering so I am going to ask (going under the impression of that saying about "there's no such thing a stupid question LOL")

So...I was wondering if you think its possible to lowcarb successfully using mainly "Fast Food" (e.g. McDonalds, Wendy's Burger King bunless burgers, salad. Ruby Tuesday steak and lobster tails w/ broccoli & mashed cauliflower), etc.

I know ideally one should cook as often as possible but if thats not feasible, do you think a person can still successfully lose weight lowcarbing on Fast Food?

You're expertise/opinions are greatly appreciated.

[can't weight]

Theoretically I would say it is possible- and there are many who probably do. I mean- I just like to have more control over what I'm eating. Fast food is profitable only because they use the cheapest possible ingredients. Also some fast food burgers do have hidden fillers- even though they say filler free. Check their nutritional facts to see- if the beef patty alone has carbs then there is probably filler lurking about. (See McDonalds quarter pounder with cheese).

I also think it depends on whether you are doing this for weightloss or health or both. There are a lot of foods that can be prepared in advance, store well and are portable. Keep in mind you should get a good variety of veggies in too.

I also imagine it would be more economical to cook then eat most of your meals at a fast food restaurant.

I guess what I'm saying is just because you can doesn't mean you should... but ofcourse just my humble opinion.

[adiasmc1]

Sure it's possible, it just might not be that healthy if that was the only thing you are eating.

Lots of people, me included, eat fast food occasionally or maybe 1-2x a week, and still lose weight.

[clackley]

Yup, I think there was a movie called fat head (?) who did this for a month....

[DC12]

Yes, if you can afford it. I don't like to cook much except for holidays so I eat a lot of fast food and if I could afford a steak from Outback or Texas Roadhouse more than once a week, I would be there more often. If you're not a big cook and you feel like the only way to stay on program is to cook, you aren't going to last long. Do what you need to do to get where you want to be, even if that mean making your own rules to get healthy. I would just make sure to double check and make sure what you're eating is legal.

[AngieCakes]

Its possible. Rip the bun off or order a salad.

The only 'fast food' i've had on this woe is Chipotle. I had a burrito bowl, no beans and no rice. Double meat. Cost me a cool $10... won't be doing that again

My main source of food before changing my lifestyle was fast food. Chinese, burgers, fried chicken dinners, mexican, etc. I would go out to eat with co-workers at lunch, not feel like cooking when I got home and so, went out for take out again. Fast food was a big part of why I maintained almost 200 pounds for so long. I made a conscious decision to stay away from fast food, even if there are ways to do it low-carb style. It was just a personal thing for me. But it is possible to LC while eating on the fly.

[brandy998]

I think you would have to be very cautious...

For example, the mayonnaise McDonald's uses has carbs. For all I know their mustard might as well! The cheese slices are processed cheese and as such definitely contain carbs. If you get a steak at Ruby Tuesday or somewhere like that, how do you know that they did not sprinkle on some grill seasoning containing sugar? IHOP has pancake batter in their eggs and omelettes to make them fluffy. I have *heard* that some of the fast food patties are injected with solution containing carbs for flavor purposes but I don't know if that is true. I know the chicken is injected with solution without a doubt but don't know if said solution contains carbs. All in all, it is very difficult, in my opinion, to make sure you know how many carbs you are ingesting if you do not prepare the food yourself. That said, the other day I was in a hurry and had two buck doubles from BK with mustard and pickles only (no bun of course!).

[Minnas]

Lose some weight? Absolutely!

Successfully low carb? No.

Just my opinion but I would think relying almost solely on fast food would become tedious and boring not to mention the constant temptation of smelling french fries or what not. Successful low carbing to me means building a new life that teaches you how to eat a new way and live a new way. It is about much more than weight loss. You can to rebuild your life while you are doing that so you can sustain the weight loss. What happens when you don't have to or want to live on fast food burgers anymore? You won't know what to do.

Losing weight without also gaining the life you will need to support the weight loss is pointless. No, actually its destructive. Better to stay fat.

[peanutte]

I made a conscious decision to stay away from fast food, even if there are ways to do it low-carb style. It was just a personal thing for me.

Me too.

[Tori]

The first time I did Atkins 72 back in 1999-2000 I lived on about 90% fast food, being a full-time student with a 2 yr old, 8 yr old, working part-time and single. I lost 50 lbs in 7 months eating grilled chicken salads and bunless bacon cheeseburgers!

[Strawberry]

I think its possible.... but one thing to be careful of is that restaurant food tends to be very large portion sizes and very high in calories, even if its lowcarb.

Also, restaurants frequently brine their meats in sugary marinades or add sugar to salad dressings... so you may think you are making a great choice, thats actually not so great. I highly recommend looking up online menu nutrition information for restaurants before you go.

[Missouri_Librarian]

I think it would totally depend on where you go....I would do lots of research and find out exactly what I was eating and the carb count before I went....You can get most info online these days...I got a big surprise one day when I looked up Wendys baconator..I USED to love those until I looked online and found out the new applewood bacon they are using has sugar and carbs,,what a rude awakening for me....like others mentioned I would be highly informed before i ate out...I always check before I go anywhere if I know I am going somewhere....good luck...

[can't weight]

Originally Posted by Minnas

I would think relying almost solely on fast food would become tedious and boring not to mention the constant temptation of smelling french fries or what not. Successful low carbing to me means building a new life that teaches you how to eat a new way and live a new way.

I absolutely agree. I think you have to decide to change your life. Fast food/convenience eating got a lot of us over weight and unhealthy. You don't want to trade one way of unhealthy eating for another- even if you can lose weight doing it. You deserve good wholesome foods. Aren't you worth the time to prepare meals? Can you really eat fast food for the rest of your life?

I don't know what your schedule is like- maybe it is jam packed- or this is just a temporary idea? Most people can spare a few hours a week to prepare foods in advance. Chicken, tuna, egg salads take no time at all. Homemade beef patties can be made and frozen. Grill chicken breasts and slice them up for salads. You can pre chop veggies and buy loose salad greens so salads can be put together in a snap. Make big batches of delicious creamy soups and freeze in individual portions.

[Capt. Carnivore]

It could be done but I wouldn't call it successful. As previously mentioned, many fast food items are injected as well as being of the poorest quality meats available for human consumption.

In a rare pinch, when it's fast food or starve, I'll opt for Subway and get a salad with a scoop of tuna on it... the worst part of that whole meal is the soybean oil used in the mayo for the tuna... but it beats starving.

[only35]

I did Atkins for years in my 20s getting take out from the Hamburger place next door for dinner almost every week night, but it wasn't really "fast food"...not like McDs or something. They had great chicken salads and fajita salads and taco salads. Plus burger patties if I felt like it. I'd eat 1/2 one night and the rest the next night.

Sometimes I miss the simplicity of being single!

[LCWizard]

Yes, it can be done. i knew a guy that lost a 100lbs in a year and ate McDonalds everyday for lunch. Possible yes, but didn't work in the long term.

[MsWoods]

I honestly don't think you could be successful long term eating only fast food. I eat my share when I don't feel like cooking but I retain water a lot because fast food is so sodium filled.

It's easier to pick one day a week and cook a bunch of crap so you don't have to cook all week.

[SlimWithin26]

I really appreciate your responses. I don't plan to eat at fast food restaurants everyday. As I mentioned in my previous post, it was just a random thought that came in my head "a what if" and I decided to ask.

I am glad that it was reiterated on how important it is to cook your own foods whenever possible but know that there are some "semi-good" choices if I am in a bind.

Because I woke up this morning and decided that I was going to start lowcarbing. So I didnt have any time to prepare anything.

So I went to my cafe at work and bought 2 real eggs and 2 strips of bacon. For lunch I went Ruby Tuesdays. I did access their menu online prior to ordering and got the steak and broccoli.

At dinner, I will have tuna fish and a salad because I am doing a sleep study tonight so wont have time to cook.

Just wanted to make sure I wasnt truly sabotaging myself by eating a Ruby Tuesdays since I was in a crunch today.

Thanks again.

[lowcarbie]

Originally Posted by SlimWithin26

I really appreciate your responses. I don't plan to eat at fast food restaurants everyday. As I mentioned in my previous post, it was just a random thought that came in my head "a what if" and I decided to ask.

I am glad that it was reiterated on how important it is to cook your own foods whenever possible but know that there are some "semi-good" choices if I am in a bind.

Because I woke up this morning and decided that I was going to start lowcarbing. So I didnt have any time to prepare anything.

So I went to my cafe at work and bought 2 real eggs and 2 strips of bacon. For lunch I went Ruby Tuesdays. I did access their menu online prior to ordering and got the steak and broccoli.

At dinner, I will have tuna fish and a salad because I am doing a sleep study tonight so wont have time to cook.

Just wanted to make sure I wasnt truly sabotaging myself by eating a Ruby Tuesdays since I was in a crunch today.

Thanks again.

I go to Mc donald's and get the side salads and that is inexpensive and they don't add anything to the lettuce that isn't supposed to be there.

[JustCallMeAmy]

you *could* but who would want to?! low carb eating is also for health, and eating fast food on a daily basis isn't conducive to good health imo.

it CAN be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle as an occasional treat if done correctly, but everyday? no way!!

[ljguitar]

Hi Slimw/i…

I could. Have done it on extended road trips before.

[jessrose18]

I have also ordered a chipotle salad which means they put the lettuce on the bottom of the bowl w/ cheese, sourcream, and double meat it works in a pinch. I have also ordered bk doubles and pulled off the buns when we are in the car and need something to eat. I don't know of much else out there thats fast food, any other suggestions from people would be great.

[sugarless4life]

Originally Posted by JustCallMeAmy

you *could* but who would want to?! low carb eating is also for health, and eating fast food on a daily basis isn't conducive to good health imo.

it CAN be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle as an occasional treat if done correctly, but everyday? no way!!

Take it from Amy. Her success speaks for itself.

Betty

[Missouri_Librarian]

Originally Posted by SlimWithin26

I really appreciate your responses. I don't plan to eat at fast food restaurants everyday. As I mentioned in my previous post, it was just a random thought that came in my head "a what if" and I decided to ask.

I am glad that it was reiterated on how important it is to cook your own foods whenever possible but know that there are some "semi-good" choices if I am in a bind.

Because I woke up this morning and decided that I was going to start lowcarbing. So I didnt have any time to prepare anything.

So I went to my cafe at work and bought 2 real eggs and 2 strips of bacon. For lunch I went Ruby Tuesdays. I did access their menu online prior to ordering and got the steak and broccoli.

At dinner, I will have tuna fish and a salad because I am doing a sleep study tonight so wont have time to cook.

Just wanted to make sure I wasnt truly sabotaging myself by eating a Ruby Tuesdays since I was in a crunch today.

Thanks again.

not to pry, but you mentioned you were going in for a sleep study....how did that go?...how was it??/...I am going in next week for one due to waking up daily with headaches...just curious how your experience went...

[jezzie]

Originally Posted by SlimWithin26

do you think a person can still successfully lose weight lowcarbing on Fast Food?

Lose weight? Of course. Enjoy it? Probably.

You can only find out for yourself if it works 'for you'.
Like most people I'm only an expert on my own eating.

.

[SlimBy2011]

Yes.
Bunless Burgers
Double Down - KFC
Most fried chicken has 4-8 carbs a peice
Taco Salad (minus the beans and shell)
Eggs, Sausage and Cheese - What A Burger
Wendy's Chili (small minus the crackers)
8 shrimp from Long John Silvers
Lemon Pepper Hot Wings

I did it the first time I did low carb and lost 62 pounds, so yep, it sure is.

[Atkins Chick]

The amount of time it takes to sit in a drive thru, you could go into a grocery store and get something there. I sometimes will pick up celery and sour cream (my favorite snack) with a 1/4 pound of roast beef from the deli and a few slices of munster cheese. Just a thought

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by SlimWithin26

...I know ideally one should cook as often as possible but if thats not feasible, do you think a person can still successfully lose weight lowcarbing on Fast Food?

Hi again Slim…
I’ve read through the posts thus far, and I’m going to step out on a limb here and offer this opinion:
I think one could eat from the restaurants you listed all the time and be as healthy as people who shop at health food stores, organic farmer's markets, grow their own food, and fix everything at home.

I’ve watched restaurants (including McD's) prepare my food, and their grills are as clean (probably cleaner) as mine, their meat is as good as mine, their hands are as clean as mine.

I’ve found no reason to think the food I’ve bought at Carl's Jr or Burger King or Chili's or Waffle House or Ruby Tuesdays or the steaks I get at the local Mexican Restaurant are not as good as mine at home.

And restaurant broccoli we get is as fresh as ours, and steamed just as well as we steam it. Their sautéd vegetables are incredible (at least where we order them). And a Mongolian Grill is a special treasure trove for low carb fast food...

Ruby Tuesday's mashed garlic cauliflower is sensational! And their butter tastes just like mine, and the sour cream - well it's sour cream. Their steaks and lobster divine and properly prepared. Salads prepped at the restaurants we go to is fresher than our week old lettuce at home.

I’ve watched Golden Corral servers put out raw and steamed broccoli, grill steaks, and keep the salad flowing with much more efficiency as I do at home. There are abundant and good/safe low carb choices from they and other buffets.

The taco salads we get from Taco John's with pico de gayo and peel the shells off of taste just like ours we fix at our house.

I don't think it's fair to assume that food which is fixed in fast food restaurants is inferior to what I fix at home.

Some of us are buying organic eggs, vegetables, fruit, and only grass fed meat etc. and are convinced it's the healthiest way for people to eat, but I don't think the vast majority of us who low carb are shopping and eating this way.

And in fact, most of us eating regular food are far healthier than we were before eating flour and sugar driven foods.

I don't think you can prove that organic home prepped foods are causing superior losses or health for forum participants compared to the diets of those of us here who are shopping at normal stores, and eating regular meats and vegetables from Safeway, Albertson's, Ralph's, Costco, Sam's Club or Walmart.

I prefer not to eat out all the time, because of cost and because the menu would be boring.
There is just not the variety offered in restaurants (especially the fast food kind) that there is from cooking at home. I mean, how many ways can you order and peel a burger? And salads are salads everywhere...

I’d miss the Dreamfields Pasta, the homemade yogurt, the sugar free treats I permit myself (jello, ice cream and occasional candy), the sugar free hot chocolate, the gourmet cheeses, Ghee, Chia, and several other things which provide a lot of variety in my diet.

[jemmi]

I don't know how wide spread El Pollo Loco restaurants are, but when I'm out and unable to eat at home, nor brought something with me, I buy their chicken and a small salad. I don't eat at fast food places often, but sure appreciate that they are there when I need them in a pinch.

For burgers, I ask for "protein-style or low-carb style" and they leave the bun off and wrap it in lettuce leaves. I also tell them to leave off any spreads or catsup, etc., but that mustard and mayo are fine.

When I had a hectic work schedule, I ended up having to frequent fast-food places more often than currently, but I still lost fine...27 lbs. in 3 months.

[HerBoudoir]

I think it's a good idea to ALWAYS have an idea of foods you can grab on the go when you have to and places you can go eat out on plan. This helps keep you out of trouble when you forgot your lunch or are having one of "those" days.

That said...I'm bored with eating out. There's only certain things from certain places that I'll eat; in general what I eat is a striped down no frills meal of grilled meat and a plain salad. No sauces, no questionable fillings, no crap. Booooring. But it's safe.

If I cook at home - my options are a lot more varied for staying on plan. I can be a lot more creative, have a sauce sometimes (because I made it, I know what's in it!), play around with fillings, etc.

I believe that long term success - not short term weight loss - depends on me being willing to plan meals out ahead of time, being able to cook things that I really enjoy, and having a pantry from which I can always pull together something good.