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Does low carb have to mean low fat?

googlegoss

Well-Known Member
Messages
195
Location
Redditch
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I am struggling with the fat of Atkins diet. Does it have to mean high fat? Or can we do a low fat diet with low carb and furthermore does it work in controlling your bgs and also aid weight loss?
 
Hi Sue,

In general low carb means (inevitably) higher fat, because you're going to have to eat higher proportions of protein and fat to compensate for the lower carb intake.
What do you mean you're struggling with the high fat - the idea of it or that it doesn't agree with you?
 
Any restriction in carbs will help with blood glucose, but to work as a weight reducing diet, low carb needs to be high fat. there's an explanation somewhere of how it works.
Hana
 
I found when I first started low carbing but didn't increase the fat and protein in my diet,that I lost loads of weight BUT I was losing lean muscle as well as fat and I felt weak and hungry as my body went into starvation mode,I then took the leap of faith after being inspired by others LCHF success stories and Increased the amount of fat and protein and changed the types of fats that I consumed and I feel loads better and and no longer feel hungry between meals and even though I probably consume more calories than I used to-I'm maintaining a healthy weight.
 
Thanks for replies. Have been doing the high fat but feel really knackered and wondered if it was because the diet was so high in fat. I am not hungry on the diet by any means but its hard work. Its finding different things to eat as well as it gets a bit boring especially at breakfast time.
 
You can have low-carb and low-fat, but than normally means low-calorie, which is a good way to lose weight in the short term, but it's not a great long term stratergy.

You can't easily bulk up with protein either, as excessive protein just creates glucose through gluconeogenesis, raising cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and potentially stressing your kidneys. There is some good evidence that suggests that your appetite is governed by the need to get exactly enough protein for structural and gluconeogenesis needs (if you are in ketosis), and to avoid protein toxicity by preventing you from consuming too much.

So in practical terms, sustainable low-carb means high-fat.
 

How high-fat? How long have you been doing it for? It takes at least 3 to 4 weeks to become "fat-adapted" and most people report a lack of energy during that time, the so called "low-carb fuel". Once you pass that there is a strong chance that you'll feel more energised once you're over it.

I ran a 10k PB this morning on nearly zero-carb. It works for sure.
 
Thanks borofergie, havent been doing it for that long but will carry on regardless - will get used to it. Just takes time.

Will scour net for new recipes so that I dont get bored. I made a bacon quiche today with cream eggs and cheese so have a few lunches for work already sorted.

Need to get some exercise in as well as dont do very much. Basically hate it. Have started walking to work weather permitting but that hasnt been very often lately. Got this week off so gonna take the time to plan some meals and find different things to eat. :thumbup:
 

It does take time, but seriously you will get used to it and wonder why your were ever such a carb addict. I could no more eat a load of carbs now than jump off the Tyne bridge, that is how used to a ultra low carb high fat diet I am. For supper tonight, I had pate, brie, kabanos sausage and a couple of small cherry toms, where would you find a way of eating that decadent that also allows you to lose weight? :lol:

I was an overweight T2 at diagnosis, I'm not any more. I am in the healthy BMI and fitter than I have been in around 10-15 years. Once you get the hang of this, it all so simply falls into place.
 
Thanks for the encouragement Defren. Its hard when my your other half is a twig and can eat what he likes and have two sons at home who both eat naughty things. I cook for us all so its very difficult to have something that fits in with them sometimes. Especially when they want fish and chips or something! I haven't given in to the naughties, have been very good, just gets me down occasionally. Think as well that it has a long time to sink in. Was diagnosed three months ago and think its only just sinking in so get a bit depressed sometimes but then guess that happens to a lot of people. Doesnt help when one of your sons tells you that you heading for a heart attack when he sees what I put into my quiche (doesnt stop him nicking some though, lol)

I have pate and have been having it on cucumber - its just a different way of thinking that time some getting your head around.
 
I would also suggest that you don't get too hung up on recipes. I spent quite a bit of time initially trying to find low carb ways of eating the things I missed, especially cakes and bread.

It can be simpler than that - I have the same meals as my family, but I don't have the rice or potatoes or pasta. I have more veg and I've added a couple of things that get cooked just for me - usually roasted swede or celeriac, red peppers, mushrooms.
I have a couple of tricks for breakfast (my special Almond Porridge or coconut pancakes) and I do my own shopping for lunch foods - such as falafels, greek yoghurt and cooked meats.

I have found that it's counter productive to try and make low carb cakes - it just makes me want real cake and I almost never eat bread.

There are benefits - I eat tons of cream, yoghurt, creme Fraiche and Jelly. I have lots of cheese and have bacon and eggs most mornings. I've lost so much weight I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe too.
 
Hi swimmer2, wasnt planning on looking for cake and dessert recipes, just something different for mealtimes. I can live without cakes etc. Just want to know that I am doing the right thing. I will keep you posted as to how I am getting on. Thanks again for everyones help, its all a learning curve.
 
I can heartily recommend Aubergine Lasagne - it's become my most favourite thing - even better than Jelly !
 
Defren said:
It does take time, but seriously you will get used to it and wonder why your were ever such a carb addict. I could no more eat a load of carbs now than jump off the Tyne bridge, that is how used to a ultra low carb high fat diet I am.
Click to expand...

How long did it take you to get like that Defren? Only I thought you were on an Optifast plan type diet up till two weeks ago? I didnt realise how quickly one can get used to such a change in diet.
 
Sid,Jo was using a ULC diet to reduce her BG's BEFORE she started the newcastle study diet.
 
Paul1976 said:
Sid,Jo was using a ULC diet to reduce her BG's BEFORE she started the newcastle study diet.
Click to expand...

Oh my mistake Paul, I thought she started the newcastle diet in April having only been diagnosed for a little over a month. :?
 
Hi swimmer2, would you please put your recipes for Almond Porridge and Aubergine Lasagne in the Low Carb Recipes section, thanks x
 
I will look forward to the almond porridge recipe - cant say the same about the aubergine thingy though - yuk! :roll:
 
I remember your struggles well,It's sadly true that there does seem to be people who'll do anything to pick holes in what we post!
 
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