Hi! I was hoping to find some fellow Low-carbers in here and maybe we could share some tips and give each other support in our weight loss journeys!

  After doing Weight Watchers forever, having my blood levels, thyroid and everything else checked out that came back normal and still not losing any weight, I've decided to try doing a low-carb diet and see how I do.  I'm definitely a sugar addict and when I count up my carbs from before, (writing everything down) I was eating more than 500 in a day! 

   So now I've cut down to between 150- 180 a day and I feel great!  I've only been on  it for a week now, but I'm already sleeping better and the headaches are gone.  I've got energy now and while I did go through some sugar withdrawal, my moodiness and irritability has abated as well.

  I'm actually not eating all day long, going from salty to sweet to sweet to whatever I was craving, and I'm eating healthy, sensible meals.   I'm not cutting out carbs altogether, because I can't live without bread, but just cutting back has helped.

   I write down everything I put in my mouth, and keep a diary of how many carbs I eat. 

 Does anyone have any good snacks/meal ideas to share?

Congrats on working towards losing weight.  I have been working on a decent low-carb that I can live with for a while now.

Are you still eating fruits and whole grains? 

My favorite grain is quinoa.  It's high protein complex carb, and it's very easy to make.  It has a nutty flavor to it, but you can make a pilaf with it using broth and veggies if the taste isn't towards your liking.  

I love having fruit all the time for my sweet tooth.  I always pair it with protein such as apples and peanut butter or a pear and a cheese stick. 

My biggest challenge was catching all the stuff that has high fructose corn syrup in it.  That stuff is just too sweet for me and sets off my sweet tooth.

Send me a PM if you want some more advice/support.  I've lost 20lbs and have another 20 to go.  I am always looking for support because I have none at home.

Good luck.

Hi, I am doing the Dukan DIet. Its freanch, but you cen get a book. Its a low carb, but still very doable and low fat so, it wont clog up your artheries.

I basically need to start a low carb diet too.  I have fibromyalgia and need to change things.  I don't even know where to start!  I love carbs SO much-how can I possibly do this?!

I started slowly cutting carbs, and I've been successful.  Here's what I did.

Start by keeping a log of everything you eat for a week.  Then, identify a carb that you eat about once a day.  For example, if you eat frosted flakes every morning switch to eggs or oatmeal.  Or switch a bag of potato chips with apples and peanut butter.

Eat the same substitution for that carb for 2 weeks and keep the food journal going.  Don't feel bad if you eat that particular carb just do better the next day.

 After 2 weeks or whenever you're ready, switch out another carb with either protein, whole grain, fruits and veggies.  Also, start getting the carbs you don't want to eat out of the house. 

Good luck.  Hope this helps.

I have been trying to be low carb for some time now.  The Southbeach diet book has lots of good information on the science of the success of this diet.  I never went into Phase I where you cut out all fruits and carbs and alcoholic bevs for 2 - 3 weeks.  I knew that would not work for me.  I have been successful with just sticking with my own version of phase II.  Make sure you have a protien with any carbs you eat so that  your body absorbs it more slowly, eat smaller portions and don't go really long stretches without eating something to help avoid binging.

I definately feel loads better on the days that I am successful.  I lost 12 pounds last year and have a goal of 20 this year.  The best part is I am keeping them off and don't feel like I am depriving myself.  As someone who has yo yo dieted all her life this is a MAJOR accomplishment!

I read labels for carbs on everything now and am very concious of portion size which helps tremendously.  Also don't beat yourself up if you indulge every now and then.  Just get back on track the next day.  That is big for me!!

Hope this was helpful.

Louise