I just ate a piece of toast and remembered the days I thought I may never eat bread again.
by "penguincakes" at Flickr
You see, in my fitQuest journey, I have encountered several “food predators.” One of them is the low carb theory.
I was exposed to low carb eating through magazines promoting Hollywood fitness secrets, by following “figure athletes” and bodybuilders on the web, and through regular conversations with people who had tried it.
I was looking for the magic silver bullet that would make me lean, strong and healthy. If eliminating carbohydrates from my meals would make me shed the extra pounds from my thighs, then I would do it!
I tried it for about a month, and it was not fun… in fact, it was miserable.
Any type of eating out or socializing was a challenge and a tease. I never felt satisfied after eating, and my experience with food cravings went to another level – you’ll understand what I mean if you’ve ever been there.
To make matters worse, at the end of that month, I wasn’t even any leaner, stronger, or healthier!
But here is why I am glad I tested this food “rule”:
- As I learned to pay attention to carbohydrates, I found that I had been eating WAY more carbs than my body needed. This helped me balance my nutrition after my low-carb experience.
- I can now relate to those who have tried low-carb eating, whether it worked for them or not.
- I learned that it is not a super-secret magic fat loss weapon, contrary to how I have seen it marketed.
- I experienced a way of eating that did not feel natural or simple – which helped me recognize what did work for me once I found it.
I am so glad low-carb isn’t the magic cure – because if it was, I wouldn’t have just enjoyed my piece of toast (topped generously with almond butter and a drizzle of honey).
Oh the joy! 
Now that I know that I can achieve and maintain a lean, strong body while still eating carbohydrates – even bread – I can add carbs to my fitQuest goodie bag!
How about you?
- Have you lost weight while still eating carbs?
- Have you lost weight while eliminating carbs?
- What do you believe about carbs and fat loss?