Can I eat sugary and carby garbage foods?

[Wardrobe]

Dear folks,

Can I have a insanely sugary or carby dessert now and then, like a peach cobbler or a banana split? Or is that going to immediately clog my arteries or cause some other unhealthy reaction due to some chemistry issue I'm not aware of? When I add carbs, must they be healthy carbs only?

My issue is that I keep losing weight. I've added pieces of bread and bowls of rice (in moderation). But I'm still creeping downwards. I was wondering if I could have one of those sinful desserts now and then.

[caverjen]

I would say occasionally it would not be a problem in itself. However it may trigger cravings. Also some people find that occasionally turns into frequently turns into daily. Make sure your rice is brown rice (not instant) and your bread is 100% whole wheat. If not, you might as well eat sugar. Good luck maintaining!

Jen

[Zuleikaa]

You might look into incorporating CAD rules for an occassional planned treat.

[Anleigh]

I would be so afraid it would lead to cravings I don't want. Its bad enough, for me, trying to keep a handle on the "legal treats". Once I reached goal I continued to lose too. I think it is all in trying to find ones CCL and yet, fear of increasing those good carb levels. I think I have arrived and don't intend to eat the "trashy stuff" as you call it. Good luck.

[angelpaws8]

I dont see how you can expect to maintain a "lifestyle" of low carb without ever eating certain foods that you enjoy again. The whole idea is to not feel deprived. So I would suggest that you go right ahead and enjoy a treat once in a while. I dont think it would do any harm and would probably do you some good actually (mentally).

[Kathy54]

Hi welcome to the thread.
You know yourself best, so if you think you can have a really all out treat, and not tip off other cravings then fine. Just remember to have a controlled serving, not a honking big one, drink extra water, get right back on the plan the same day!

You mentioned adding carbs, did you add any during OWL or did you do induction all the way?
There is a good thread here about adding carbs during OWl, Maint, ect It's worth a read.

Also someone said
your bread is 100% whole wheat.

It's just as bad as white, that should be "Whole Grain" big differance :agree:

Cheers Kathy

[Wardrobe]

Dear folks,

Thanks for your many responses, which are very helpful. Someone asked if I added carbs during OWL. I started with a week or two of strict induction. I feel into a pattern of losing about 2 pounds per week. After the start, I added carbs not precisely but just as I felt I wanted to (berries, nuts, large vegetable servings, and so forth, though not peas and carrots) yet continued to lose 2 pounds per week.

Upon reaching goal weight, I added more of the heavy carbs: a bowl of rice or a large slice of bread with a meal. Also, I don't worry about eating in restaurants that use sauces and treatments that probably violate low-carb principles. I am still losing, so I realize I can add more carbs yet.

Upon reading your answers, I believe I am overly cautious about doing ANYTHING that could push my weight upwards. So though I think I've added a LOT of carbs, and I get nervous if I eat a piece of bread, the reality is probably that I've added only a small amount of carbs.

Also, thanks for the reminder about the difference in bread types. My usual "crime" is to eat a large piece of Italian or French white bread at a restaurant, the kind they put on the table before the meal arrives.

I'll continue to play with different combinations, and also take another look at Atkins for Life. Thanks again to all.

[Justjen72]

I do have an occasional dessert about twice a month. It has not adversely effected me.

[mio1996]

I guess it all depends on how strong your addiction to sugar is. For me, one bite of anything sugary turns into a day-long (or worse) frenzy.

[adkpam]

I find that I will now take a small brownie, like at an office party, and get sick of it after two bites. So I can have my brownie and not eat it, too.
Unfortunately ice cream tastes as good as it ever did!

[DianaO]

I haven't yet... I am still trying to lose a bit more. I think it would scare me

[SarahO]

From October until a couple of weeks ago I was having a high carb meal once every week or two. I haven't had any problems with it triggering cravings and didn't gain (except for temporary water weight) because of it. I'm being more strict again because I have a big event in May that I want to look my best for, but it's nice to know that I can have more options -- if my friends all want to go out for pizza I can go too, that sort of thing -- without bloating up or going out of control.

Your mileage may vary of course, but I would try it and see how it goes.

[adkpam]

Well, I have to add in here that I had a bit of a carb fest with DH for his birthday...fries AND a piece of pie...and I felt okay, but TIRED. Dang, slept three extra hours last night!

I want my energy back. I'll remember next time it really does make a difference to me now.

[rachelratz]

Since I never had a craving for candy, ice cream, cake, etc. my bain was always pasta and starch. I have not tasted cake, pie and ice cream for over four years now. I do have pasta ( I had macaroni salad tonight for dinner) and starch. I now eat more starch then I used to. I don't gain anymore, I continue to burn fat instead of carbs. If you feel you want more sweets, increase the excercise. The Atkins pyramid shows forbidden foods if you excercise more.