Low carb vs Low cal?

Mrs.Sickles

New member
About a year ago, I tried a low carb diet but found it very hard to stick to as most of the things that I enjoy eating are carb-alicious! It made me feel down that I had to eat certain foods and had to stay away from certain foods. I wasnt low carb for very long because it was too hard for me.

I switched to a strict daily calorie limit and am not limiting myself to only certain kinds of food. I have been happy ever since. If I want a candy bar, no problem, i just know that that takes away from my daily calories. I don't feel deprived or hungry like I did on the low carb.

So I wanted to know other people's experience with low carb and low cal, especially the people who have tried both. Did anyone feel the same way I did on low carb? Is low cal working for you?

Thanks!
 
I lost about 20 pounds on atkins. I broke and gained twice that back. It was sickening how my cravings were for months after that. I always in the mindset of "i'll start tomorrow" and alot of days I woud plan for it, and the day before I'd go on binges with the mindset that "I won't be able to eat thes foods so I should get it out of my system now."

Thats never a good mindset to be in.

I've been counting calories for about a month now. I've lost a bit over 10 lbs and Its definitly the right way to go.

My friend did do atkins when he was 17, he lost an amazing amount of weight (I'd say around 60-90 lbs). He kept it off for 8 years too. I haven't seen him in a while so I don't know how he's doing now. I assume about the same in terms of weight.
 
Low carbs without proper cals doesn't work.

Proper cals without low carbs does work.

Calories are a fundamental variable that can't really be compared with carbs.

That said, each of us are a bit different. Where one person may fail miserably with low carbs, the next may have his or her best results yet.

Personally I've done both. I like carbs. But I seem to do better on a low carb regime.
 
I've done Atkins before. I did lose weight, but it didn't last. The carb cravings were quite over powering. I am now eating smaller portions (restricted calorie) and eating whole healthy foods. I could certainly eat a candy bar and make up for it by eating less later to save on the calories, but I would probably be hungry. I've found that by eating whole nutritious foods, I have much less cravings and a better feeling of satisfaction. There are times where I crave something that wouldn't be considered nutritious. Sometimes I give in, but sensibly. Other times I eat something like an apple and soon forget about the craving.
 
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