This page has everything you need to know about how to start a low-carb diet and the best low-carb recipe for beginners.
Living low-carb has numerous health benefits, but how do you start? How do you even begin to ditch the carbs from your daily life? Let me guide you through some easy steps so it's not so daunting.
Jump to:
- What is a low-carb or keto diet?
- What's the easiest way to start?
- How does the low-carb diet work?
- Why are low-carb diets so amazing? - What are the health benefits
- How do carbs affect blood sugars?
- How many carbs should you have each day?
- FREE keto caclulator
- What are the best healthy easy low-carb recipes?
- The easiest way to start your low-carb and keto diet
- 4-Week QUICKSTART
- 💬 Comments
If you are new here, you may want to read the keto glossary to help you understand keto words, keto acronyms, and keto slang.
What is a low-carb or keto diet?
Have you heard about low-carb and keto diets and want to know how to start?
The low-carb diet and keto diet are easy.
You will become a fat burner, not a sugar burner.
You will eat amazing, nutritious, delicious whole foods that are lower in carbs, plenty of quality protein, and yummy healthy fats (but not too much, that's a myth, and I'll tell you why).
What's the easiest way to start?
Are you ready to start a low-carb or keto diet?
I want to make sure you have everything you need.
I always send new subscribers my FREE 5-day meal plan and shopping list. It's the easiest way to start FAST.
My mission is simple, to make low-carb and keto easy, delicious, and affordable for the whole family.
How does the low-carb diet work?
When your body is fuelled by a low-carb diet, it switches from using glucose as its energy source to burning fat more efficiently.
When you lower your dietary carbohydrates, you begin to use your glycogen stores and lower your insulin levels (the energy storage hormone).
When you increase your intake of healthy fats, you are satiated for longer which helps regulate your appetite and sustains you for longer.
You can then achieve stable lower blood glucose levels and your body will switch from being a sugar burner to a fat burner.
Why are low-carb diets so amazing? - What are the health benefits
Studies have shown that a low-carb diet may help in numerous ways.
These can include rapid and sustained fat loss, increased and sustained energy, reduced inflammation, less intestinal distress, improved mental clarity, improved cholesterol profile, stable blood sugar levels, and more.
The low-carb diet can help to reverse insulin resistance, an unhealthy metabolic state at the root of many modern chronic diseases. It does this in part by lowering high insulin and blood sugar levels, as well as stabilise blood sugar swings.
These reasons alone make the low-carb diet a great choice for those who are trying to improve their health.
- Of all the weight-loss dietary interventions, research studies using low-carb interventions lost greater weight (and fat) than participants on low-fat interventions. (1)
- By lowering carbohydrate intake, blood sugars are controlled and insulin levels are minimised. This is incredibly beneficial for those with diabetes (type one or two) and those with insulin resistance.
- Low-carb diets normalise appetite, in part by minimising blood sugar swings which often lead to cravings. (2)
- Low-carb diets have a beneficial impact on a whole host of heart disease risk factors such as reduced inflammation, reduced triglycerides, increased HDL, just to name a few.
If you are new here, you may wish to understand all the advantages of living low-carb and to understand why low-carb has become so popular over recent years.
How do carbs affect blood sugars?
So you truly understand how much everyday foods affect our blood sugars, take a look at these 7 charts (spoiler alert - you will never see carbs in the same way again after seeing these).
What Do You Eat On A Low-Carb Diet?
If you are wondering what can you eat on a low-carb diet or keto diet, don’t worry. There is absolutely no deprivation in living a keto lifestyle. We live like kings!
We base all our meals on whole food that is lower in carbs, moderate to high protein, and high in healthy fats. Think meat and simple veggies with some healthy fat thrown in for good measure. It really is that simple!!!
Your daily diet will begin to include the following whole foods. No more junk food. No more sugar. No more grains. Only healthy oils and fats.
But don't worry, keep reading because I will show you stepwise exactly how to get rid of sugar and junk food ... the easy way!
COOKBOOKS - MEAL PLANS - PANTRY
What Are The Worst Carbs That I Should Give Up First On A Low-Carb Diet?
It may seem daunting how to start changing you and your families way of eating. It doesn't have to be. Discover how to make easy low-carb swaps and start swapping one meal or one snack at a time. Every change you make gets you a step closer to being healthier.
The easiest way to start is to change your breakfast.
Enjoying a nutrient-dense low-carb breakfast will stop your usual morning sugar roller coaster and keep you satiated until lunchtime.
So no more mid-morning slumps, no more reaching for the nearest chocolate cake or granola bar.
Now improve your dinners, and your lunches can be leftovers. It's that simple.
"Aim for progress, not perfection"
Next, stop or swap your snacks. Snacks can add up to a fourth meal, and most snacks are ultra-processed, high-carb, high-sugar with unhealthy fats and oils.
Each meal you have which is a good choice is one less bad meal. Ditch the processed carbs!
What Is The Easiest Way To Start A Low-Carb Diet? - The Stepwise Method
STEPWISE METHOD: Below is the 5 things you should begin to cut from your diet.
- All sugar-sweetened beverages - Don't drink your sugar! Reduce then stop fizzy drinks, fruit juice, flavoured milk and energy drinks - they are ALL liquid sugar in a bottle. For most people, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is the number one source of sugar in their diet.
- Sweets, confectionary, sugary treats - replace then remove. Make lower carb versions of your usual sweet treats, candy and ice-cream and begin to enjoy high-cacao low-sugar chocolate as you stop the sugary chocolate.
- Baking, cakes, biscuits, pastries - regular baking is a toxic combination of processed high-carb, high-sugar, and high unhealthy fats. Learn to make delicious sugar-free baking and banish the beige.
- Cereal and granola - These are generally highly processed, high in sugar and fortified. It will make you have a sugar crash later in the morning and not fulfil you. Breakfast cereals are more akin to desserts these days rather than a hearty way to start the day.
- Sugar and flour - if you give up these 2 things, you will improve your health, weight and nutrition beyond belief. People may say it is restrictive and you are giving up entire food groups, but what you are giving up is food products. It's only because flour and sugar are found in so many products that giving them up appears to be restrictive. Even just 10 years ago, many of these products weren't available. Supermarkets looked very different from how they do now.
READ LABELS - you must become a label reading ninja. Read the BACK of the package (nutrition label) not the front (marketing). Don't worry, once you get the hang of it, you'll instinctively know what you can and cannot buy.
What Carbs Should You Eat/Avoid/Sometimes Eat When You Start A Low-Carb Diet?
What to eat on a low-carb diet?
The easiest way is to get started is to grab a copy of the Low-Carb Starter Pack which has 25 easy recipes for beginners, a meal plan, a shopping list, a progress tracker, and simple guides.
- Meat - all types of beef, pork, chicken, lamb etc. Do not trim the fat and keep the skin on the chicken - yay -
- Fish - all types especially those high in Omega 3 such as salmon, mussels, tuna, sardines …
- Vegetables - all types that are grown above the ground. Leafy greens, spinach, silverbeet, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, avocados, courgettes, aubergines, capsicums, mushrooms, lettuce …..
- Cheese - choose the full-fat varieties.
- Cream - full fat, double, whipping.
- Full fat milk - avoid all flavoured milk and avoid any milk in large quantities because even though it may only contain 4-5% carbs, it is easy to drink a 250ml serving which equates to 12.5g carbs. No more milky lattes or cappuccinos.
- Nuts and seeds - a great snack but just watch yourself not to overindulge, especially on higher-carb nuts such as cashews. In addition, many nuts are high in omega 6 which is pro-inflammatory. The best high-protein nuts are almonds or wlanuts.
- Eggs - there is no limit on eggs, go for it!
- Fruit - it's best to choose low-sugar, low-carb, nutrient-dense berries such as blueberries, blackberries etc. Serve with double cream, natural unsweetened yoghurt or coconut cream to ensure you are satiated for longer.
- Fats - use healthy fats such as butter, olive oil, coconut oil, lard, avocado oil, macadamia oil.
What to avoid on a low-carb diet?
- All processed sugar drinks - this includes fizzy drinks, flavoured milk, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit smoothies and even fruit juices which are incredibly high in natural sugars.
- All cakes, biscuits, jams, sweets.
- Seed Oils - Stop using oils such as sunflower, canola, corn, soy or margarine. They are high in inflammatory Omega 6, ultra-processed, bleached, deodorised, unstable and easily oxidised.
- All cereals - if you look at most cereal/granola packets, they contain anywhere from 50%-80% carbs. No wonder they are known as CEREAL KILLERS!!!
- Bread, pasta, potatoes, sugar etc. There is no nutritional value in these foods. You may argue that there are fibre and B group vitamins, true, but you gain more fibre and vitamins by increasing your vegetable intake and stopping the leaky gut that wheat creates which also reduces your vitamin/nutrient absorption. There is no known bread or pasta deficiency!
- Fruit - is something that should be limited. Why? Because it's natures candy. Yes, whole fruit has vitamins, fibre and phytonutrients, but nothing that you can't achieve from your increased low-starch veggie intake. Choose nutrient-dense, low-sugar fruits such as berries. Fruit such as pineapple, mango, grapes and especially dried fruits, should be avoided. They have an incredibly high glycaemic index, which will make your insulin spike (and begin storing fat). "If you are overweight, fruit is not your friend".
- ALL fruit juices - whole fruit is self-limiting, fruit juice is not. A glass of orange juice is not the same as the goodness from 6 oranges, it is the same as the sugar from 6 oranges. And fruit smoothies aren't any better. They can contain up to 35 teaspoons of sugar.
- All wheat products and grains - have a high GI, raise your blood sugar and increase appetite. Avoid all grains including wheat, oats, barley, spelt, sorghum.
- Pasta - high in carbohydrates and offer minimal nutrition.
- Rice - of very little nutritional value. Generally used to bulk out a meal. Try substituting rice for more vegetables or cauliflower rice. it's a win-win.
- Rice crackers - although they are marketed as healthy because they are low-fat, rice crackers/wafers are almost 80% carbs and incredibly processed. Avoid.
- Diet or low-fat products - check the labels and you will see how processed and higher in carbs they are compared to their regular version e.g, low-fat cream cheese can be up to 15% carbs, whereas the regular is only 4%.
What food can you enjoy sometimes on a low-carb diet?
If you don't have weight to lose, are metabolically healthy and all your blood results are within your goal, you may occasionally enjoy the following.
- Alcohol - avoid cocktails, beer and sweet wines or liqueurs.
- Dark chocolate - avoid high-sugar chocolate and instead choose high % cacao chocolates that are generally lower in sugar and carbs. Avoid low-carb bars and sugar-free chocolate, they often contain sweeteners that still raise blood sugars.
- Low-carb baking - part of the ethos of going low carb is to give up the sweet treats, but when the need arises, best to make it a low-carb recipe
- Potatoes and starchy vegetables - if you can tolerate a moderate level of carbs, some choose to include some of the more nutrients dense highly coloured starchy vegetables such as carrots, beetroot or sweet potato. But it must be in limited quantities. However, most choose to avoid all starchy vegetables until they are at goal weight.
How many carbs should you have each day?
How many carbs you consume each day will be dictated by your health goals and carbohydrate tolerance.
Generally, a low-carb diet is considered to be:
- <100g/day = moderate low-carb
- <50g/day = low-carb
- <20g/day = keto
Many readers like to begin by simply reducing their carbs to a level that is sustainable and weight loss still occurs.
All the nutrition panels in my recipes are guides only. There are so many variables with different brands that you choose so if your carb requirement is strict, please calculate your own for accuracy.
From the examples below, you can choose your own weekly meal plan. It will take some time to adjust your appetite, but believe me, it will change. In the meantime, if you are hungry, increase your healthy fats at each meal.
FREE keto caclulator
If you are confused with how many carbs to limit yourself to, or how much protein, then use the FREE keto calculator to set your goals and limits.
Once you have your goals set, and you know how to read food labels, you can begin to count your carbs.
What are the best healthy easy low-carb recipes?
Low-Carb Breakfast Recipes
- The Ultimate Low-Carb Breakfast Cookbook
- Chaffles - with a FREE cookbook
- Grain-Free Granola,
- Chocolate Grain-Free Granola
- Cinnamon crunch
- Low carb yoghurt, berries, nut muesli, coconut cream
- 2 slices bacon, eggs, spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, capsicums
- Scrambled eggs with cheese and full-fat milk
- Omelette with any vegetable leftover from last nights dinner
- Chocolate green smoothie
- Berry smoothie with coconut cream
- Low-carb waffles
Low-Carb Lunch Recipes
- The Ultimate Low-Carb Lunchbox Cookbook - BUY NOW
- Last nights leftovers are KING!
- Paleo scotch eggs
- Bacon-wrapped meatloaf leftovers
- Crustless bacon and egg pie
- Salmon crustless quiche
- Rice-free sushi
- Salmon zoodles
- Easy egg salad
Low-Carb Dinner Recipes
- Low-Carb Family Meals Cookbook
- Quality meat and plenty of low-starch vegetables and healthy fats such as butter or cream cheese on the table to encourage children to eat their vegetables. Add cheese or creamy sauces to steaks, grated cheese onto broccoli, hollandaise sauce, cream sauces.
- Instant Pot chilli
- Fat Head pizza
- Cheeseburger casserole
- Make your regular family recipes, but remove the high-carb side dishes. Remove rice and add a double helping of vegetables to the mix. Make meatballs and zoodles. Roast dinner but without the potatoes. Lasagne but use zucchini slices instead of lasagne sheets. So many options.
- Fish, fish, fish. The oilier the better to increase your omega 3 and essential fatty acids for brain power, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines.
- Chicken nuggets with a crunchy tasty coating
- Burgers - homemade and no bun. Add a salad, avocado, cheese, mustard and mayo.
Low-Carb Snack Recipes
- The Ultimate Low-Carb Cookbook Bundle
- Children love a low-carb snack tray.
- Coffee made with full-fat cream.
- Cheese
- A small handful of nuts (not cashews)
- Solidified coconut cream from the fridge. Enjoy a spoon or two to keep hunger at bay (or add cocoa powder and stevia for a quick chocolate fix).
- Very dark chocolate - the higher % the better.
- Boiled eggs.
- Cheese or pate on cucumber slices instead of crackers
- Canned/tinned tuna in olive oil.
- Pork crackle/crackling.
- Beef jerky/Biltong.
- 35 BEST low-carb snack recipes - all under 10g net carbs
Do the best you can, as often as you can.
The easiest way to start your low-carb and keto diet
Start to re-think your regular meals.
Begin to ask yourself how can you remove the high-carb side dishes?
What can you replace or remove?
It's as simple as that.
- You can still enjoy your regular roast dinner, just remove the bread, potatoes, root vegetables and enjoy non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and spinach instead.
- Instead of crumbed fish and chips have grilled salmon on a salad with a lemon dressing.
- Have a hamburger but not the bread bun, load it up with veggies and cheese.
- Instead of a sandwich, enjoy your usual fillings on a salad or wrapped in nori (seaweed) sheet, wrapped in slices of ham or other deli meats.
- And instead of cheesecake with a biscuit base and sugar-laden filling, have a base made of ground almonds topped with cream, cream cheese, and berry filling.
What To Do If Weight Loss Stops?
Congratulate yourself on how far you have come then let me help you figure out what is going wrong.
The longer you live on whole food that is lower in carbs, you will feel so amazing that you won't want little slip-ups anymore.
There are many factors that may need to be addressed:
- Is carb creep happening?
- Do you need to start intermittent fasting?
- Do you need to stop snacking?
- Are your measurements reducing but the scales aren't moving?
4-Week QUICKSTART
Want to change your eating? It just got easier… Ditch The Carbs 4-week QUICKSTART is open.
EVERY lesson has a purpose and EVERY lesson could be your lightbulb moment.
Weekly lessons, mini-challenges, and guest experts.
Retha Finerty
I agree with you
Teena
Thiis website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found
something that helped me. Cheers!
Alicia
I was fortunate enough to discover this website and couldn't be more grateful to you Libby for providing this in depth level of help/resources! Speaks a lot to your genuine desire to educate others. I recently started eating only from home for weight loss purposes - as eating out has been a nasty habit of mine - and I've been especially enjoying the recipes on the site.
Rebeca
you've done a really good post congratulation!
bigpond login
Mostly I like your Blog. Basically your way of writing skills are amazing. I have been thinking about this ever since I read this blog. Just wanted to mention keep up the great work! Thank you so much for Keep sharing.
Daniel K. Voyles
The Low-Carb Ketogenic diet is probably the most wanted diet Solution I have run across yet. The basics on how to start a low-carb diet is just exactly as shown above: A 7-Day Low-Carb Meal Plan & Shopping List, A support group, what to eat and what to avoid and a sometimes foods list, but most of all is the Low-carb easy healthy recipes.
Daniel K. Voyles
Hello Libby, I really do enjoy all of the hard work you have put into this website. I have read a lot of your Keto and low carb articles and have really gotten a lot out information of them which has helped me because I am a diabetic and you have given me some great ideas to work with so I thank you very much for every thing.
Daniel K. Voyles
Hello Libby, I am doing the low carb lifestyle system because I am a diabetic and the low carb keto dieting has done wonders for me. I have a terrible sweet tooth problem that the low carb keto dieting system has really helped me with. I do enjoy the low carb desserts and fat bombs. You have a great website here and thank you for all of your information you have given us.
Kim
Hi Libby, Am trying to live a low carb lifestyle but finding it a bit challenging as a vegetarian (was even vegan for a year). Have been using this website for dessert recipes as I am still cursed with a sweet tooth. Noticed (with horror) yesterday that the low carb desserts and fat bombs are not to be eaten daily (have been eating them to curb sweet cravings after meals). How to curb this tendency? Any suggestions specific to vegetarian diets? Not sure how tofu fits in and can hardly look at an egg these days as I've eaten so many in recent years (lacto-ovo vegetarian).
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Hi Kim, it can be hard to give up the sweet things and don't worry, you are not alone as most people tend to rely on low-carb sweet treats at the beginning. And that's to be expected as you are trying to come off the sugar and high-carb junk foods, so low-carb sweets are an awesome stepping stone. But the longer you live low-carb try to slowly cut back on how much you rely on sweet foods and always try to choose savoury dishes or snacks instead. This is what I teach in my 4-week course, the stepwise approach really does work (you can see more details here). As for being a vegetarian, I am developing more recipes as quickly as I can as I seem to have a big following from low-carb vegetarians. I love baked eggplant with cauliflower couscous, curry cauliflower rice, and all my vegetable dishes are on this page. Some are side dishes so may have bacon, so simply omit that and it's another recipe for your repertoire.
Mary White
Hi Libby, I really appreciate all the science on this website; I've just read the coconut flour vs almond flour article. I have a partial bag of almond flour, that will be my last one. I'd like to begin using coconut flour recipes, and I have some favorite recipes that use coconut flour already so maybe it won't be so hard for me to convert.
Thanks for all the great information and the recipes.
best wishes
bmblack
Good Morning - I am a subscriber of your newsletter/updates. I recently joined WW on-line and recently have been very sick. BP started to rise, something I have never had to worry about, hopefully the medication. Any way, my doctor suggested low carb/atkins diet to jumpstart my need to lose 30 lbs. All is so confusing!!! I have cancelled my WW subscription, not doing well with that and really can't afford to continue. Anyway, what is the difference in your plan and Atkins. As I said, all confusing. Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I too have been a yo-yo dieter for decades and I ended up paying WW to actually put ON weight. Then I discovered LCHF and well ... the rest is history as they say. The main difference between Atkins and LCHF is Atkins never really focussed on whole foods (just think of their range of shakes, bars, candy etc) they are also reported to eat much higher protein and most of their phases aren't actually keto, more of a low-carb "ish" plan and may include some sugars and grains. Why not join the FREE support group (no money required) and learn all the tips and tricks and my stepwise method to get you back on track. Welcome aboard!
Bonnie
Libby, how many carbs would you suggest starting with. Thank you!!!!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
That would depend on where you are starting from and your health goals. The general guidance is even lowering your carbs, cutting out all sugar and junk food is beneficial. Typically, <100g carbs/day = moderate low-carb, <50g carbs/day = low-carb, <20g carbs/day = keto. I hope that helps. Good luck, you'll love this way of life 🙂
Kelly
Hi Libby, can you recommend an MCT Oil please? I've been looking on iHerb but with all the variety I am totally confused... Thanks!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I personally don't use it and don't see the need for it. I would rather enjoy the fat that comes with my meal rather than adding it to a drink for the sake of reaching a daily fat goal. Fat should be enjoyed until full, not a target we have to reach.
Kelly Johnson
Hi Libby. I'm unsure if I should include xanthan gum and whey protein in my "pantry essentials"; I can't see that you suggest them but have noticed other sites recipes contain them occasionally. What do you think?
Also, which of your two plain breads (almond or coconut) would you recommend for the "man" who I'm weaning off bread; which one rises more? I've made your 3 seed but it is too small for sandwiches.
Thanks for your time, love your work!
Regards, Kelly.
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I do have xanthan gum but have found it tricky to work with so I don't consider it an "essential" pantry item, especially for beginners. I don't use whey protein, I am of the opinion they are too ultra-processed so I personally avoid protein powders (eggs are real food and cheaper 😉 ).
Kelly
Thanks Libby! (I couldn't work out the point of the protein powder anyway... :-))
Kelly
Oh, and how about my bread question please? Sorry.... Many thanks.
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Apologies, I missed that one. I love my almond flour bread recipe. It is the closest thing to regular bread. It won't rise as much as bread because there is no yeast or gluten, but it's pretty darn yummy. Especially toasted with butter.
Lou
Super low carb or Carb free are the only diet that worked me and it was HARD...I became a raging beast during the 1st 2 weeks. But for 3 months straight, I lost about 30lbs. Unfortunately my weight all came back and then some when I started going back to school and eating carbs again due to stress and lack of prepping ahead of time. Now I definitely want to go back and stay low carb as much as possible. Reading this is helping to motivate me 🙂 thank you.
Dennis
BHB salts are a very useful tool to calm the hangry beast and establish appetite control. If you use 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp of the powder in 4 oz of water when you feel inappropriately hungry, it will raise your blood ketone concentration enough to satisfy your hypothalamus for at least a couple of hours. The brand called KetoCaNa has the best taste in my experience for an individual product, though I now use a 50/50 blend of that plus another ketone salt preparation called Nutricost Ketone Salts, both available from Amazon.com. The blend tones down the acidity of the KetoCaNa product and provides the best overall taste to my palate. You won't need it every day, only when you feel like you need appetite control.
prasad
Hey this is good stuff and I am so impressed with this article. And it is very helpful for us. When I try to lose weight it is the best way after reading this guide.
sachin
thanks for sharing these greate tips.
misty
I'm Glad I stumbled upon this! I've been considering attempting a low carb diet for a while in order to lose some weight, and this page has had some helpful information regarding that. I decided I'm going to start after the new year once I can get the stuff I'll need
konfetti
Hi!
I'm just starting LCHF, and your website has been so helpful already!
I was wondering what your recommended carb-, fat-, protein- and calorie-intake is? I'm 5.5 ft and 155 lbs. I want to get down to 140. (sorry if you say this on your website, but I couldn't find it).
Thanks!
Melinda Chester
I have tried to sign up for the emails and the free download of information and have not received any acknowledgement or emails. Please advise
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I can see you are in my email system, and all the emails have been delivered, but unopened. Go and check your junk folders in case it has ended up in there? Then add my email address to your address book so I always end up in your inbox from now on 🙂
Melinda
I have checked my junk folders and have not received anything. I am going to sign up again, not sure why it is not coming through.
kat
I am trying to lose a few kilograms of fat as soon as possible. will I lose weight if I just cut out basic carbs such as bread, pasta, rice, potato's? and if I will, how much and how fast do you think I will lose?
Tarry
Hi. I am new here and I want to start this diet. I have a nexplanon implant. I haven't gained weight since I had it inserted 3 months ago. Will it stall my progress of losing weight?
Casey Furnish
What did you say you use now instead of My Fitness Pal? Can't seem to locate it. Very interested in trying this!! I can see now that I'm not only addicted to sugar & chocolate, but also to carbs in general! Bummer!! Thanks for all your help & guidance!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
I don't track anything for myself, but I use cronometer.com to calculate the nutrition panels here. Far more accurate than MFP. If you are new, come and join my closed Facebook group. See you there.
Elizabeth
I'm excited to start a low carb lifestyle! I recently got diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and hope this will not only help me lose weight, but help with my PCOS as well. 🙂
Kesh
Hi Elizabeth. I was also diagnosed with PCOS 7 weeks ago. I started following a low carb diet and I realised that what you put into your body makes such a big difference. No bloated tummy, higher energy levels and my skin has changed for the better.
It is also important to have water with your meals and throughout the day. This helped me reduce my cravings and kept me going. Dark chocolate is my treat now and again.
I have lost 4.7kg in 7 weeks.
Planning your meals is the key to success for this diet!
kait
where did you get your information for what not to, and what to eat for your low carb diet?
Jayne
I too have PCOS and am looking to do low carb. Here's to hoping the best for both of us!
Kim
Hello!
I'm looking to get healthier and drop some pounds before my vacation coming up in 9 weeks. Will low carb really help drop your weight? Just seems that it goes against everything we have been taught, but I guess that's why the other way doesnt work. Is there information on where the the low carb scientifically works? Or the science behind it?
Thanks!!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Yes, yes, yes it works. Just take a look at my testimonials page and join my closed group to see all the amazing changes happening to everyone who lies this way. This may also be another page you may wish to read. I understand it takes a huge mind shift to change what we have been believed, but trust me, it is the healthiest and most nutritious way to live.
Laurie
Hi my name is Laurie yes low carb works I have been on a low carb diet for 8 weeks now started beginning of March my weight was 163 lbs. I now weigh 149 lbs. and I hope to be at 130-135 lbs. by sometime in July then say there. This diet if you follow it right you will be healthy and many pounds lighter its the carbs that we over eat that pack on the pounds. Just check out the low carb sites they will guide you I say at below 50 carbs a day if you eat the right foods meat,oils, veggies and fruit you will not be hungry one other thing eat only when hungry. Good Luck.
Lisa
Watch a documentary entitled, The Perfect Human Diet. It is what finally convinced me low carb is the way to go.
Angela
I am grateful for stumbling upon this website...I think my biggest challenge will be removing my favorite International Delight Coffee creamer from my daily cup of coffee...I can do that gradually. I am glad that you stress “STRIVE FOR IMPROVEMENT, NOT PERFECTION”...that's real life. I do have weight loss goals but my main goal is to avoid Type 2 diabetes. Thankfully I have been working out regularly since the beginning of the year. Again many thanks I will be visiting your site often. God Bless you!
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Angel I am so happy you are here. 🙂
Karen
Has anyone every tried adding extract flavouring to your cream for those of use that love flavoured creamers in our coffee. The options of flavours are endless........use mint, with some form of sweetener and voila!!! Flavoured creamer (without all the extra carbs)!!!
Alice
HI there,
I am starting on low carbs as I have been advised that my body doesn't deal well with carbs and I am at risk of diabetes. I also need to lose weight. I understand your principles of 'doing the best you can', avoiding processed foods etc, but wondered if there is a general rule of thumb to go by when reading food labels, such as aiming for food with no more than 2% carbs?
I'm also slightly scared by how unusual it feels to try and add extra fat to my diet, and I am worried I might get the carb thing wrong, just ending up eating masses of calories and gaining weight.
Thanks for any thoughts you may have!
Alice
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Many people starting out go by the rule of 5g carbs per 100g. I totally empathise with you about fearing the fat. I slowly reduced my carb and slowly increased my healthy fats until I got to a comfortable level (which may be different for everyone). Don't overdo the fat, we want to be using our bodies fat stores, but we do need to eat enough to keep us full and keep the carbs away. So eat healthy fat until full, eat meals until no longer hungry, and remove processed food from your diet and you almost become low carb by default.
Laurie
Does this lowcarb eating work if you take hormone pills.really need to know this before starting.
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
You really need to ask your doctor for medical advice but what I can say is most people here have experienced amazing reduction in their symptoms of menopause and other hormonal issues such as PCOS.
Dell
I am new to the low carb way of eatting. I am having to make a change due to diabetes 2 levels. I have always fallen back on breads, sweets. But I have to do this for me. My health. How many carbs can I have a day to lose weight? And what's the typical weight loss?
Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com
Even beginning to drop your carbs is beneficial, how much and how quickly you do it will depend on medication. This is a great article form Diet Doctor "How to start low carb with diabetes medications".