+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: Struggling

  1. #1
    Low Carber Cisco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    West Fargo, ND
    Posts
    54
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Struggling

    Hi Gang. For me, everything about low carb has been hearts and roses. Since I started in September, I lost 30+ pounds. I was never hungry. I was close to my goal weight. Life was good. Then, I went to my yearly Dr. appointment and found out my cholestrol was up 30+ points. How did this happen when everything I've read about low carb said it would go down? I followed the program religiously. Why did everyone else's go down and mine went up? I'm not going to lie. I felt a little betrayed by everything I've read.

    I don't know what to do now. I've read up on diets for lowering cholesterol and what I'm supposed to do goes against my low carb rules. I have such a loyalty to low carb because it has changed the way I think about food and helped me realize how addicted to carbs I was. I feel betrayed by my body right now. Why is it that I finally found a WOL that works for my lifestyle and now I see that it's not healthy for me? Why did it make others more healthy but me LESS healhy?

    This couldn't have happened at a worse time. It's summer, lake time, more beer, less control. I just don't know what to do.

    Cisco (bummed, probably going to have a heart attack any minute...but skinnier) : (

  2. #2
    Rob
    Rob is offline
    Exalted With LCE
    Rob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Winston-salem, North carolina
    Posts
    15,226

    Default Re: Struggling

    I've heard of this happening in the short term but after a year things usually improve. What were the numbers? Ldl, hdl and total cholesterol? I would suggest that you use more monounsaturated fats like olive oil. Monounsturated fats are known to reduce ldl (bad cholesterol) and increase hdl (good). I'm not saying give up butter!
    Rob
    310/217.5/180
    Me, a skeptic? I trust you have proof

    ]

  3. #3
    LC Wolf

    LC Wolf Way Of Living Forever
    Shelleyg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    OOOOklahoma!
    Posts
    11,233
    Blog Entries
    9

    Default Re: Struggling

    Jody,
    Did you read our response to you in your *Cholesterol Shock* thread?
    It may be helpful to you.

    best wishes

    s
    Shelley


    Visit Kassie's Korner


    "A goal without a plan is just a wish."
    --Antoine de Saint Exupery

    I’m SOONER born,
    And SOONER bred,
    And when I die,
    I’ll be SOONER dead!
    GO SOONERS!
    I be ready for some football!

    One little walker-runner Dude for every 10 miles!

  4. #4
    Low Carber Cisco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    West Fargo, ND
    Posts
    54
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Struggling

    Yes, I did read your reply, Shelly and thanks for that. It's just so confusing to me, though. I read "Protein Power" and it talked a length about cholesterol and how this diet would make it go down. I just don't really understand what to do about fats. If I cut down on fats, like you have, then aren't I re-teaching my body not to burn fat? Doesn't that go against all things low carb?

    I've also thought about your advice about going to a dietician, but I'm pretty sure s/he would tell me to dump low carb and go back to low fat.

    What I'm trying now is no more than four eggs a week, smaller portions of meat and making myself add veggies to every meal. It doesn't help that I'm off work for the summer so all those nice chef salads in the deli at work aren't available. It doesn't help that I have to wait so long to test again.

    Anyway, thanks for being so helpful. I was just having a little pity party that night. I'm better now.

    Cisco

  5. #5
    LC Wolf

    LC Wolf Way Of Living Forever
    Shelleyg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    OOOOklahoma!
    Posts
    11,233
    Blog Entries
    9

    Default Re: Struggling

    If I cut down on fats, like you have, then aren't I re-teaching my body not to burn fat?
    Not necessarily. You are decreasing the amount of saturated fats,(whole milk cheeses, sour cream, fatty cuts of red meat) that raise LDL, while increasing the MUFA's(olive oil, nuts, salmon) which help promote HDL formation.
    Again, I would reiterate, for myself, due to my risk factors that I can not change, making these substitutions, is working for me.
    I would also say that my scenario is a-typical, and Dr Atkins had documented(great) results with his WOE.

    And, hey....make your own chef's salad! That's a great way to get *creative* with salad veggies!

    Again, I would never tell you to go against what your Physician prescribes, but perhaps you could ask to have another lipid panel drawn after you've had your new dietary changes in place for 6 months or so??? You might be able to see at that point if your labs are trending toward normal. Just a thought.

    best wishes to you!
    Last edited by Shelleyg; 06-04-2009 at 09:15 AM.
    Shelley


    Visit Kassie's Korner


    "A goal without a plan is just a wish."
    --Antoine de Saint Exupery

    I’m SOONER born,
    And SOONER bred,
    And when I die,
    I’ll be SOONER dead!
    GO SOONERS!
    I be ready for some football!

    One little walker-runner Dude for every 10 miles!

  6. #6
    LCE Newbie
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    39
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Struggling

    If you are low carbing you should not have to worry about foods like coconut, steak...on cholesterol because you are burning off the fat you eat. Now there are some people who over consume diary/red meat or maybe due to genetics that should limit cheese, cream, red meat to 6 oz. but I would not say stear clear of these foods.

    You can experiment on your own to find out what works for you!

  7. #7
    LC Lunatic
    Goddess's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    KS
    Posts
    6,914
    Blog Entries
    26

    Default Re: Struggling

    Cisco, I"m so sorry to hear about your disappointing test results! I'd be asking the same questions.

    I know you're working on your doc on this (as it should be), and I know I can't add to Shell's fine advice, other than to say hang in there and keep working on finding your own groove. On the plus side, however, eating more veggies overall pretty much is never a bad idea.

    Valerie- I think the issue is that Cisco felt she didn't have to worry about it - until her doctor determined there was a problem. While we definitely encourage people to experiment and find what fits them best, at LCE we absolutely do NOT advise folks to go against medical advice.
    ~goddess
    LC since 11/15/03
    ~over 100 lbs ago!~

  8. #8
    LCE Newbie
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    39
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Struggling

    Quote Originally Posted by Goddess View Post
    Cisco, I"m so sorry to hear about your disappointing test results! I'd be asking the same questions.

    I know you're working on your doc on this (as it should be), and I know I can't add to Shell's fine advice, other than to say hang in there and keep working on finding your own groove. On the plus side, however, eating more veggies overall pretty much is never a bad idea.

    Valerie- I think the issue is that Cisco felt she didn't have to worry about it - until her doctor determined there was a problem. While we definitely encourage people to experiment and find what fits them best, at LCE we absolutely do NOT advise folks to go against medical advice.

    Sorry, I thought I was just supporting Shelly's advice, maybe linguistics were lost in computer space but I absolutely did not say, "do not listen to medical advice". I said test it for yourself, meaning get retested in 6 months while finding "your groove" like both you and Shelly said.

    In my experience, there are people whose cholesterol goes down when they avoid dairy and limit red meat. I think it has a genetic component. It has not been studied yet. So, I cannot give a rationale.

    You can still have 1-2% fat mozzerella sticks...

    However, doctors who give this type of advice are not giving it based on a person who is burning ketones for energy. Its completely different than when following a high carb diet. High carb, high fat is a disaster and will absolutely kill.

    The issue of low carbers going to doctors who have no clue about the benefits of low carb diets is an issue. Maybe you can find a doctor through the Nutrition and Metabolism society, NMSociety Home Page that will be on the same page. There is a lot of research there maybe you can print it and bring it with you to your doctor so he has a better understanding of the biochemistry.

    I am so frustrated at doctors giving nutrition advice...I get a lot of people who are told to avoid eggs yolks. In our preactice we give a supplement called lecithin to bring down cholesterol. It is found in the yolk of an egg. Steak is 1/3 monounsaturated fat....I could go on but I'll spare you all.

    I hope I have not offended anyone. I would never tell anyone not to follow doctors advice but I would say, if you are unhappy with your doctor find another who is willing to help.
    Last edited by Low Carb Dietitian; 06-07-2009 at 10:33 AM.

  9. #9
    LC Lunatic
    Goddess's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    KS
    Posts
    6,914
    Blog Entries
    26

    Default Re: Struggling

    thanks for the clarification, valerie. and i share your frustration at what some of the docs say. it's just that as a peer support forum, we walk a sometimes fine line when folks are discussing medical issues. even if i think a doc is flat-out wrong, the most i am comfortable suggesting is getting a second opinion. but it's something we're very careful about, as i'm sure you understand.

    another thought for cisco- have you looked at the LC specialty products you're eating? i've been reminded recently how these products can really impact folks differently and if the rest of your eating is in order, that's another area to explore.
    ~goddess
    LC since 11/15/03
    ~over 100 lbs ago!~

  10. #10
    LC Lunatic
    barb keith's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Chicago area, USA
    Posts
    9,613

    Default Re: Struggling

    Might I suggest upping your fiber intake? You can do this by adding WAY more veggies, fruit and perhaps a fiber supplement, along with a tad more water intake.
    Barb
    174/154/135
    Atkins-3/14/03
    Knowledge is POWER
    ing the pounds off

  11. #11
    LCE Newbie
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    39
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Struggling

    Avocados have been found to lower cholesterol, increase HDL and lower LDL, they are loaded with fiber and monounsaturated fat, try 1/2 a day.

    You can also try supplements, ie lecithin granules, megapantethine, omega-3, why not speak with your doctor about the possibility of incorporating supplements as an option into your plan.

    This may help and the rise in cholesterol may just be temporary, why not ask to have it re-evaluated in another 3 months.

  12. #12
    Low Carber Cisco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    West Fargo, ND
    Posts
    54
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Struggling

    Thanks everyone, for your suggestions. I'm going to try everything you've suggested. I've decided I shouldn't just throw LC down the crapper. I think I've been doing a few things wrong...mostly the fiber thing and the "eat veggies" thing. Even though I thought it was cool that I could eat a steak and nothing else for a meal (and not be hungry), I guess, even though it helped me lose weight, I was doing it at the expense of my health (sigh). It's the old "there's no free lunch" thing all over again. I'm still trying to figure out what my own personal diet should be to maintain my new "skinny" self.

    Cisco

  13. #13
    LC Lunatic
    barb keith's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Chicago area, USA
    Posts
    9,613

    Default Re: Struggling

    Every time I read about the wonders of avocados I get a little thrill. I ADORE them and would eat 3/day if I could. I usually do pick 2 up whenever I go to the store. And DH doesn't like them, so I get to eat them allllllll to myself!!! YUMMMM! I like them right out of the skin with a sprinkle of lime juice and bit of salt or mashed and made into guacamole.......although I really don't have anything to eat the creamy delight with since most things crunchy and dippable are naughty, carby morsels. So I usually end up just slicing them and topping my salads with them or eating them as a side with my meal. Love, love, love them. I just wish I could grow a tree here in this Illinois habitat.
    Barb
    174/154/135
    Atkins-3/14/03
    Knowledge is POWER
    ing the pounds off

  14. #14
    LCE Newbie
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: Struggling

    I've heard that a vitamin B 12 with homocystiene supplement will work wonders. Maybe ask a pharmacist.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. struggling
    By lizard666999 in forum Ongoing Weight Loss
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 08-01-2005, 04:52 PM
  2. Struggling to eat enough
    By mdouhan in forum Low Carb Newbies
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 07-05-2005, 08:37 AM
  3. For those who may be struggling
    By peglyn in forum Ongoing Weight Loss
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 09-25-2004, 11:05 PM
  4. struggling and confused ....
    By cgilson269 in forum Low Carb Newbies
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 02-19-2004, 10:01 AM
  5. Really struggling with water....
    By MichelleinUtah in forum Ongoing Weight Loss
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-05-2003, 06:15 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

  • If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
  • "; for(var vi=0;vi0){location.replace('http://lowcarbeating.com/low-carb-diet-support/showthread.php?p='+cpostno);};} } if(typeof window.orig_onload == "function") window.orig_onload(); } //]]>