Most people seem to think the secret is in the protein. Well... Actually... not so much. The real secret is in the fat.
This isn't a high protein, low carb diet. It's a high fat, low carb, moderate protein diet. So no, I'm not glutting myself on protein. The portions I'm eating are pretty much the same as before. In fact, it's not recommended that I should eat more protein than I ate before. On the contrary, I'm starting to eat less. (But I'll get to that.)
Instead, I'm increasing my intake of natural fats such as cream, butter (not a good idea for the lactose intolerant), olive oil, some nut oils, palm oils etc. while cutting out vegetable fats and oils like margarine, sunflower oil etc.
At the same time, I'm cutting out refined carbs and even whole grains and starches such as corn, wheat (ALL forms), potatoes etc. However, I'm still getting carbs in through vegetables and fruit. Just not in the huge amounts people assumed to be healthy, but isn't.
Does this mean I'm now stuffing my face with fats, putting undue pressure on my heart?
No. You see... you can't eat too much fat. I mean the moment you do, you start feeling nauseous. But you probably won't want to, since fat is in fact what satiates you when you eat. So when you eat healthy fats (and yes, I'm aware that a lot of people are screaming I'm not. But I am.), your body can actually be relied on to tell you exactly when you're no longer hungry.
And that's why I'm eating less.
Ever notice how that never quite seems to happen with bread? Yes people, before I cut out carbs, bread, not sweets, was my enemy. Because I was eating way too much of it, and didn't even know.
Usually when I mention that I cut refined carbs out, people usually act like I've gone insane. Like I've finally lost my senses in my quest for a healthy weight. Like.... mine is a sacrifice no one should make.
Thing is... I'm not suffering. I'm not hungry. I no longer have cravings gnawing at me as I go about my day. My energy no longer fluctuates. And yes, I'm losing weight.
I'd love to be able to update you on how much, but I actually forgot to weigh myself this morning. Yep. Forgot. See when I started with this grim determination to cut carbs and lose weight, I thought I needed to keep track of my weight every single day or else my cravings would take control and I'd start picking up again.
But no. I have no cravings. Sure, sometimes I feel like something sweet, but nothing that hot chocolate (sugar free) or warm milk with vanilla, stevia and butter (aka food of the gods) can't counter.
Still, some of you will want a number: so I'll just say that on Monday last week, I'd lost about 30 pounds. That's in a bit more than a month. And the best thing is that I probably won't pick it up, because I won't stop eating the way I am.
I've finally found a way of eating that's sustainable and healthy. And more than that, I'm going in for week seven and I feel amazing.
Anyone else try cutting carbs? How's it going?
