To carb or not to carb

[Kindle 8,667]

In general, I always go for Protein first and I drink a 30-40g Protein smoothie everyday. Other than that I don't track or measure anything, but I know I eat plenty of carbs......milk, 100% fruit juices, whole grain bars, bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, peaches, mango, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, craisins, sesame sticks, whole grain bread, quinoa, potatoes, Beans, corn, peas, Cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, granola, etc. on a daily basis. If given a choice between a sugar free/no calorie drink or the real thing, I take the real thing because I don't like the taste of artificial sweeteners. And I go out of my way to specifically eat things high in Fiber.

The only things I really limit are Pasta and rice (because I get too full and can't eat the "good stuff"), alcohol and sweets. But I have had ice cream, cake, muffins, Cookies, toffee, chocolate, pie, whiskey, wine, vodka, tequila, etc...... In moderation and without guilt. At 9 pounds below goal and still losing, I can honestly say in my case, carbs are not evil.

Edited September 19, 2014 by Kindle

[LeanerLena5426 61]

Learn moderation, not abstinence!

Sorry slasherms, I disagree. I don't think many people on here are advocating no veggies, even if they're following a low carb plan. For most people, their surgeons told them to do Protein first; subsequently, that's what most people do. So you talk about carbs--as in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains--being good, but in your example of people avoiding carbs you name crackers and red wine. I haven't come across anyone in any of the forums advocating a 100% Protein, zero carb diet. The "low carbers" seem to be advocating not eating processed carbs like white flour and sugar--but even the "carbers" seem to avoid!

As for your last statement, here's why I disagree. If you can handle moderation, then my hat's off to you! I'm jealous. Me? I've learned that I cannot handle it. I've learned a lot about myself through this journey, and one of the things I've realized is that the whole reason I got WLS is so I could eat whatever foods I wanted without being fat. Moderation, small portions of the foods that I loved without guilt or shame or overeating, was my DREAM. But it's taken a long time for me to realize that that's never going to happen for me. I'm more of a food addict type, and when I eat certain things like sugar, it causes intense cravings and a desire for more and more. Then I overeat, regret it, feel ashamed, eat more, hate myself for eating something "bad", etc. Same cycle as before my surgery! Just smaller portions and a lower weight. It's taken a long time for me to come to terms with the fact that for me, moderation doesn't work.

But I've also learned that everyone's different. Just because moderation doesn't work for me doesn't mean it's not right for others. I am so jealous of the people who can indulge at a party without spinning into a shame-filled cycle and weeks of bingeing (like me!). I wish! I'm glad you have no issues with carbs and think everyone should strive for moderation, but I don't think it's right to put that on everyone. People need to do what's right for them, and everyone's different.

By the way, I eat about 3 cups of raw and/or steamed veggies a day. Absolutely no added sugar, not even on my birthday.