Are carbs really bad?

[fererro]

I'm trying to loose a couple of pounds but am struggling on what to eat. There are so many opinions out there today that carbs are bad, you can't lose weight while eating pasta, etc. But then I see people on slimming world who live on carbs and have amazing weightlosses!

I am a vegetarian so carbs are a big part of my diet, my typical meals consist of home made quorn spaghetti Bolognese, cottage pie, pasta bakes, chilli and rice and things like that.

So I guess my question is, can you still eat pasta around 3 times a week and still lose weight?

[ChocOrCheese]

Yes, of course, so long as you are able to control the calories you consume. Personally I find restricting carbs helps me because my willpower where they are concerned is low and I could happily eat a bucket of spaghetti.

[Boobiliboobiliboo]

I’m a veggie low carber. I don’t Find it hard.

[Boobiliboobiliboo]

Swap spaghetti for courgetti, mashed cauli instead of potato, cauli rice, fat head pizza dough is amazing.

[mooncuplanding]

Try low carb if you are struggling to lose weight by calorie counting...you'll be amazed!

[PurpleDaisies]

Eating carbs is absolutely fine. Just measure so you’re not eating big portions.

[SherbetSaucer]

Don’t be afraid of carbs. Every cell in our bodies runs on glucose. The human body responds best to a high-carb low fat diet! I’ve lost a ton of weight since eating this way (plant-based). I’m lean as a bean at 8 stone 7lbs. Used to be 14st 10lbs!

My diet consists of grains, pasta, sweet potatoes, legumes, beans, fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds (in small amounts). I don’t calorie count at all!

[Boobiliboobiliboo]

The human body responds best to a high-carb low fat diet! I’ve lost a ton of weight since eating this way (plant-based)

Current science suggests otherwise.

[canyon2000]

I eat loads of carbs and still lose weight. I do weigh out my portions though!

[WhisperingJesse]

The thing is, you can't just think of 'carbs' as all the same. Generally, 'white' carbs should be reduced or avoided completely, but whole grain or fruit/veg carbs are fine. Eat real unprocessed foods and you won't have to worry about what's high and what's low.

[MyOtherProfile]

I lost weight easily on low carb. Carbs carry lots of calories so if you can fill up on veg or protein chances are you will eat less calories. I also found I didn't feel hungry because protein makes you feel fuller. Carbs make me want to eat more.

[Crazzzycat]

Of course! I’ve lost three stone this year, eating a diet with plenty of carbs.

A low carb diet may help you lose weight a little faster, but it’s not necessarily healthier. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are not uncommon on low carb diets, so I really don’t think low carb diets are some kind of holy grail!

[ViciousTrollop]

I find that my body functions completely differently, in all positive ways, when I eliminate refined carbs (white bread/cake/pastry/pasta/rice/crisps/crap chocolate). I also don't eat fruit because I don't like it (too sweet) but more than make up for it with veg.

I don't get the highs and slumps in energy. My blood sugar is totally stable.

I am 100% satiated with high protein/moderate fat meals and don't crave anything in between.

My skin, hair, nails are infinitely better.

My mood/MH is also hugely improved.

Same for bowels 🤐

I don't follow strict keto as am put off by the high fat but instead eat mostly lean meat/fish/seafood, most veg, eggs, nuts/seeds etc/small amounts of cheese/Greek yoghurt/dark chocolate. More of a hunter gatherer diet.

Oh and the weight fell off me, 2.5 stone which I've kept off.

Obviously I still have occasional cheat meals for special occasions etc but get back on the wagon straight after.

[MyOtherProfile]

Vicious that's exactly what I found. Losing weight has always been tough but when I cut carbs my appetite also dropped.

[fererro]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think I am going to lower my carb intake, I'll still eat them but just not as much.

The only problem is that I feel if I have a meal without carbs I don't feel like it fills me up as much. Does anyone have any low carb vegetarian meal suggestions? I like the idea of using courgette instead of spaghetti like a previous poster suggested.

[Boobiliboobiliboo]

The only problem is that I feel if I have a meal without carbs I don't feel like it fills me up as much.

That will change.

Meals I love:

Veggie fry up - 2 quorn sausages, 2 eggs, couple of spoons of baked beans,mushrooms

Veggie scramble: mushrooms, red peppers, chilli flakes fried together then a couple of whisked eggs on top and scrambled together. Top with grated cheese.

Butternut squash, chick pea and spinach curry (with some onion and curry paste plus water) over cauliflower rice.

Cheese omelette with coleslaw (white cabbage and mayo with black pepper).

Butternut squash steak with chimichanga sauce and green veg.

Veggie burger in a oopsie roll with all the toppings.

Roasted veg with chilli flakes and goats cheese.

Cauliflower cheese (really cheesy) with green beans and brocolli.

Lentil, red pepper and spring onion salad with feta cheese and balsamic dressing.

[fererro]

@Boobiliboobiliboo thank you so much, there's some lovely sounding recipes there which I'm definitely gonna try (especially the butternut squash curry mmmm)