50 grams of ALL carbs a day?

Question
Stacy, I am 55. Always been overweight, but not a big eater. Blamed it on a 'slow metabolism' but my thyroid and everything else checks out fine. I have tried cutting back on fats, gluten, carbs-which helped a bit,  then eating only low glycemic ones, then low glycemic and low calorie. Now that I am actually  counting grams of ALL carbs and staying under 50, I am seeing results. Even my big preggo looking belly is going down a bit!  Am I carb sensitive? There is diabetes in my family, but I dont have it. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Susan, I am happy that everything is well with you from a medical stand point with respect to diabetes and thyroid disease.  Getting to your goal weight will help prevent the onset of many diseases. The major problem with cutting back your carbs excessively is that you will see some results early on as you lose excess water weight.  It is very difficult to maintain that diet plan for a lifetime.  If you are unable to maintain a 50 g carb mealplan you will gain the weight back rather quickly.  The carbs in fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and have fiber which will help to keep you full.  As opposed to the carbs in a bag of chips which are filled with high fat, salt and calories.  Not all carbs are created equally.  Instead of getting stuck on grams of carbs look at your overall diet.  Choose foods that are good for you, eat in portions that are reasonable and appropriate and eat fruits and vegetables for snacks.  If you exercise and use portion control while making healthy choices the weight will come off without the focus being on counting grams. Good luck and feel well!

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