Carbs vs Calories vs Fat for weight/fat loss page

[Mikee5]

I don't do well physically and mentally on VLC but it's the only time I've seen real results in terms of weight loss, even consuming 2000+ cals a day with 160g+ fat. I haven't experimented with my fat intake and have kept it consistent despite slightly increasing carbs (still low carb) and experiencing, of course, temporary water retention and even some fat gain.

I was low cal on high carb but still 15lbs heavier.

What is generally the best balance for optimal weight loss? Are carb refeeds/cycling efficient? What are your individual experiences?

[dkJames]

My experience:
- First, go VLC (grain free / sugar and starch free / legume free as a minimum, fruits out as well when really VLC) and no veg oil for a few months. It should take care of the bulk body fat (aka visceral fat).
- Then, if everything went well, you should be much closer to ideal weight and not hungry most of the time. That's when you switch to one meal a day. The idea is to stay on low insulin levels and rely on your fat store for 20 hours every day. During your single meal, preferably in early evening, eat whatever you want that covers your energy needs but stick to primal nutritious food.

Results are really good on that WOE. Work out fasted several times a week and once in a while like every 2 weeks, skip a meal (44 hours fast).

[loafingcactus]

So there is really no population evidence for a particular carb level being more effective for weight loss. As a VLC person, I think there is usefulness in that you are not hungry, but the fact is that my weight loss is exactly what the BodyBugg computer model predicts for my total calories. For my wellness (energy and mental acuity) I find re-feeds are necessary. But again, none of this is any kind of magic that bursts me out of what a computer model would have me losing based on gross calories.

[magicmerl]

So there is really no population evidence for a particular carb level being more effective for weight loss. As a VLC person, I think there is usefulness in that you are not hungry, but the fact is that my weight loss is exactly what the BodyBugg computer model predicts for my total calories. For my wellness (energy and mental acuity) I find re-feeds are necessary. But again, none of this is any kind of magic that bursts me out of what a computer model would have me losing based on gross calories.

In fact, pretty much ALL of the population evidence is of people eating lots of starches and doing well.

Rice is your friend.

[Mikee5]

So there is really no population evidence for a particular carb level being more effective for weight loss. As a VLC person, I think there is usefulness in that you are not hungry, but the fact is that my weight loss is exactly what the BodyBugg computer model predicts for my total calories. For my wellness (energy and mental acuity) I find re-feeds are necessary. But again, none of this is any kind of magic that bursts me out of what a computer model would have me losing based on gross calories.

Can you share an example of your refeed days? Thanks!

[loafingcactus]

I don't think my refeed is anything to emulate, but here is an example that fixed my head- regular day of eating, plus:
-an Odwalla c-monster
-a plate of sushi
-a brownie with frosting
For me, it is adding high sugar and simple carbs.

[Neckhammer]

My experience:
- First, go VLC (grain free / sugar and starch free / legume free as a minimum, fruits out as well when really VLC) and no veg oil for a few months. It should take care of the bulk body fat (aka visceral fat).
- Then, if everything went well, you should be much closer to ideal weight and not hungry most of the time. That's when you switch to one meal a day. The idea is to stay on low insulin levels and rely on your fat store for 20 hours every day. During your single meal, preferably in early evening, eat whatever you want that covers your energy needs but stick to primal nutritious food.

Results are really good on that WOE. Work out fasted several times a week and once in a while like every 2 weeks, skip a meal (44 hours fast).

This is good stuff. A low insulin diet has shown to be excellent for health, but you can achieve that with IF or LCHF.