POLL: How many of you focus on a "low fat" or a "low carb" diet?

1. 74

   Abby Campbellposted 11 years ago

   POLL: How many of you focus on a "low fat" or a "low carb" diet?
   
   As a nutritionist who is doing a bit of research, I'm taking a poll. Your diet doesn't necessarily have to be a weight or fat loss diet. I'm just curious as to whether you usually eat "low fat" or "low carb." If you do either, please explain why you eat this way.
   
   

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   JamiJayposted 11 years ago

   I eat a low fat diet because I was just recently diagnosed with IBS and eating fat makes me very sick and gives me severe stomach pains. If I eat low fat I do not have to worry about this because fat is the biggest trigger to my IBS (it took me many months to find my personal triggers to my abdominal pains). I also have to avoid sugar and gassy food such as cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and peas.

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for responding, JamiJay. I have heard that IBS can be painful. I'm so glad you figured out what the triggers are. Do 'essential' fatty acids such as olive oil, fish oil, and avocados trigger your symptoms as well?

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      JamiJayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The essential fatty acids do bother me in abundance, but if I eat a little per day it doesn't bother me as much. I do put a little avocado OR olive oil (raw) on my salad and it will be fine. My medicine tends to help a little but it is expensive.

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's good to know. Thank you for sharing with me, JamiJay. :-)

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   Faith Reaperposted 11 years ago

   My husband and I just really started to focus on eating a low fat, and especially low carb diet, as my husband was diagnosed as pre-diabetic.  We found out really fast that there are a ton of carbs in almost all foods that are processed no doubt!!!  So, it has been just fish, meat and steamed veggies for us now.  It takes getting used to, as we love pasta and garlic bread!!!  : (   
   
   My husband has already started to slim down just that fast.

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   1. 74

      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, it's amazing how many carbs are in processed foods... usually 'empty' calories too, Faith. I'm so glad you and your hubby are focusing on more healthy eating. Do you still include 'essential' fatty acids in your diet such as Omega-3s?

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      Faith Reaperposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, we try to include the essential fatty acids too!

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   CalebSparksposted 11 years ago

   My wife and I generally try to eat healthy. Personally, I would say I focus more on a low fat diet rather than low carb. Lately I've been replacing higher fat content foods (including highly processed) with more veggies, meat, greek yogurt, etc. FRESH food is the best!

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   1. 74

      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, Caleb, in that 'FRESH food' is the best. It usually contains the highest nutrient content which is ultimately better for your body. Since you are more 'low-fat,' do you focus at all on getting in 'essential' fats such as Omega-3s?

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      CalebSparksposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't consistently, but I do take fish oil at times.

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   3. 74

      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Fish oil has so many benefits... glad to know you take it occasionally, Caleb. Thank you for sharing with me. :-)

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5. 0

   KFushaposted 11 years ago

   I don't really pay attention to my "fat" intake, but I try to consume the majority of my carbohydrates early in the morning. Therefore, I can burn off that energy throughout the day.

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering, KFusha. It's amazing how many calories are in starchy carbohydrates. If not utilized properly, they can pack on body fat quickly.

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   jaydeneposted 11 years ago

   I do pay attention to what i eat, and i am very fat conscious, meaning  i do not eat foods with  high fat contents.   My weight is good,  but i avoid fatty foods and gravitate to fruits and vegetables.    Cholesterol is deadly and causes heart attacks and strokes.

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   1. 74

      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for replying, Jaydene. Fruits and veggies are so important for health as they contain most of the nutrients our bodies need. Do you get any type of 'essential' fats in your diet such as Omega-3s?

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   connorjposted 11 years ago

   
   
   For moi after providing my DNA for some kind of analysis, if I may add at a rather significant expense I have been instructed to reduce carbs and maintain my relatively low fat intake. I am not obese yet if I could not exercise I believe I would quickly gain weight/fat...

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing, Connor. I hope all is well with your health. Most labs can be expensive, but DNA tests are so much more. Being active is so important for all of us - even those who are 'skinny.' From your picture, I see that you are active.

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      connorjposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Dear Abby!
      If I don't run, walk and skate I know I will be in trouble as I have reached 26 for the 2nd time. I employ a cheap physical trainer to assist me. Her name is Molly, a 4 legged canine.We have something in common, I too married a Campbell.

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      LOL, Connor. Molly sounds like a great physical trainer. Everyone should have one like her! My Campbell clan is mostly from the Washington, DC, and Maryland area. Of course, that would be on my husband's side too. Maybe there's some relation?

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      connorjposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes all is well with my health, thanks for asking. My wife's Campbell Clan roots are from Upper NY state; however, deeper roots are both from Scotland and Ireland. What do you think about the link between cancer and carbs. Reduce carbs reverse cancer

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   tsmogposted 11 years ago

   Great question Abby. Let me try to explain and then make of what lands like salt thrown over the shoulder being what lands stays. First, that will be an activity for this self next week. I will be designing a nutrition plan to follow this next couple of months anyway.
   
   First and foremost is I have a diagnosis of diabetes type II. Carb count is paramount with figuring stuff out regarding glucose levels. I shoot for 45 - 60 carbs for the three main meals and 15 - 20 carbs for snacks between.
   
   I kind'a follow the Metabolic typing diet and am a protein type. Personal study seems to show that bears true with energy levels. A contrast occurs with most are carb types, yet protein works well with the diabetes seeking calories for energy.
   
   I lean (a giggle here) toward low fat unless seeking comfort foods. A different thing all together. I tend not to eat red meats much for a few years now. Chicken and fish mainly. More whey protein drinks as source, yet that contradicts the Metabolic Typing diet recommendations. I seek the tradition of the Marine Corps then saying "Improvise."
   
   So for me the magic formula is:
   Major meal = 45 - 60 carbs leaning more to 45. Protein as much as I like and fits. Fats low generally.
   
   Adjustments with example. When stressed with a work day and it is meal time (by nature I eat out somehow and someway) I head either to a grocery store as drive time allows or to the corner 7-11 or AM/PM.
   
   Grab a muscle milk = about 25g protein / 10g fat / 10g carb
   Grab corn nuts = 1oz bag = 20g carbs
   Grab a banana (medium) = near to 25 carbs (Measure from thumb to little finger hand spread = near to 7" or same - same every time)
   
   There you have a meal on the run. If apples are available grab a small to medium for a snack mid afternoon. If looking for comfort grab something with oatmeal and raisins. If cookies try to get a single large one = 1/2. Quaker bar works easiest if there = 20g carb.
   
   If I am low on energy I cheat like crazy and get a Giant Slim Jim for the fats = 12g / protein = 6g. Add Cashews 1oz = 10g fat / 5 protein / 10 carb. Add a banana = 25g carb. Toss in an oatmeal bar = 20g carb and I have a meal that seems to work better for energy peaking near 4 - 5 pm with a 12 - 1 lunch hour. I still grab an apple but I will buy a sugar free sport drink with a vitamin boost or a sugar free 5-hr energy drink.
   
   If all is okay, then a cheese enchilada with a chicken taco, frijoles & rice and only eat half portion of each of the latter.
   
   tim

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing, Tim. Type 2 diabetes is definitely controllable with diet (as you probably already know). Is this a new diagnosis, and have you seen a nutritionist yet? Or, are you planning to do it all on your own?

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      tsmogposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Dxd = 10 yrs ago. Nutritionist friends = 2 with near same philosophy. My challenge is budget vs. habits. Change of lifestyle today. Goal is to move to Sweden. Wellness 1st. More Education 2nd. Alone? Not really. I am zero pointing to a start point.

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   3. 74

      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Tim, it sounds like you have a good lifestyle going for you. I hope you are able to rid yourself of diabetes altogether. Sweden sounds absolutely wonderful!

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   Larry Wallposted 11 years ago

   I concentrate on a low carb diet, which my default can lead to a low fat diet. I do this because I was diagnosed as a Type II Diabetic several years ago I lost 30 pounds, gain back 10, and my numbers have been better than normal since then. However, because of the diagnosis, I now have another pre-existing condition which makes it impossible to get decent insurance.
   
   I have written several hubs about this so I will not go into detail here.

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      Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for sharing, Larry. Yes, I have read some of your answers and hubs. Insurance is definitely not cheap, that's for sure! I don't know how much Omega-3 you get in your diet, but it is wonderful for anti-inflammatory conditions.

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10. 74

    dorothy0328posted 11 years ago

    I wouldn't consider myself strictly limited to any of them however I do try to eat healthy and get the recommended daily value of things such as fruits grains and vegetables. If I had to choose I would say lower cholestrol or fat.

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       Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, Dorothy. I appreciate your reply. :-)

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    brakel2posted 11 years ago

    I Try to eat no bad fat and to limit saturated fat. I know low carb is good, but giving up some carbs becomes difficult for me. I think the Meditteranian diet is good. I try to eat healthy food, a difficult task with additives that are not good for the body. I am addicted to frozen yogurt so must moderate my intake.

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       Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for answering, brakel2. The Mediterranean way of eating is very good for health. Low carb is good too, depending on your goals. Even with that, we must replenish our glycogen levels to keep thyroid and metabolism healthy. :-)

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    Be Like Waterposted 9 years ago

    I try to keep my fat intake to a minimum. I eat eggs though (with yolk), which is supposed to be the good fat.
    I eat rice for lunch, so I am consuming lots of carbs.
    Although, thanks to my hyperactive metabolism I don't gain fat (for now), but I still maintain a healthy diet to prepare for the future, when my metabolism won't be as reliable as it is now.

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