Can I just keep this as simple as possible

[DickieDonkey]

I no longer want to count calories/carbs and log everything or use a diet book with numerous rules. So I’ve read up on low carb and wonder if I just stick to one rule of ‘only eating food with 5% carbs or less’, will this work? Will I lose weight with this? Or can anyone recommend a simple book or rule that they use?

[HMArsey]

Are you still doing this, Donkey? I’m starting the 5% idea today. It’s the level of carbs that turn into sugar that matter, isn’t it?

[BIWI]

Come and join us on Bootcamp - we're half way through now but it really doesn't matter! No carb or calorie counting needed.

[silverystream]

I have low carbed and still ate fruit and veg. I just avoided / cut down on starchy carbs and processed sugar. Berry fruits aren't that high in carbs, neither is green veg or salad vegetables.

[myidentitymycrisis]

when I want to cut down carbs I ban crisps, pasta, rice, potatoes biscuits, and bread. I do eat an oat meusli in the morning, a salad with protein for lunch, and huge plate of veg and protein for supper. If I want a snack like crisps I allow myself a small bag of popcorn or eat a banana.

I find that I am full and getting good results quickly motivates me. I don't really crave sweet stuff when I'm on it.

I don't know if this is really low carbing as people talk about all the carbs in fruit and vegetables but I love them and it works for me.

[silverystream]

You should really see a difference, then.

[DickieDonkey]

Thanks, current diet is bad (bread, crisps, milkshakes) etc so I am going to start the 5% and less from tomorrow. One of my main problems is craving even though I fill up on crap so I’m his has got to help.

[silverystream]

You should if you have been eating lots of carbs but it is possible to plateau. If that happens just cut your portions down a bit. With any diet you really have to play it by ear. Weigh regularly and observe if any particular foodstuff causes you to retain or put weight on.

I have plateaued many times before but always solved it by checking calorie intake / cutting portions. And to be honest cutting the portion down slightly really is not that difficult. If I eat at the table in the usual way and have my usual coffee after dinner, I feel the same as if I've had a bigger meal.

The good thing about cutting carbs I have found is that food really satiates and you don't feel the same degree of hunger as when copious amounts of simple carbohydrates are eaten.