Can anyone help me? I'm afraid of fat

[Glendora]

Hi there...

I read the Curves book, which starts out much like Atkins (for 2 weeks only, however; then carbs go up to 40-60/day).

I go on a Curves forum and you're supposed to keep your fat DOWN. But here...I think it says you're supposed to keep the fat UP.

I'm distressed b/c I was just hitting a stride where I was loving this way of eating, I felt full & satisfied on about 1300-1500 calories a day (I'm exercising too, of course), and I did *not* feel restricted at all b/c I was eating such yummy foods.

But...doing FitDay.com, I realize I'm eating somewhere around 70-75% fat! And yes, I do eat vegetables, quite a bit of veggies, actually, but when you weigh (no pun intended) the *very* slight calories from veggies & no fat, vs. the much higher calories & fat in meats, eggs, cheese, etc., well...the veggies end up being a tiny sliver of the pie.

I am so distressed b/c I was just starting to think, for the first time ever, "This isn't a diet. I could do this forever."

Can anyone clear up the "fat factor" for me?

[Built]

Your fats are bang on for induction levels - anything OVER 65% of calories from fat is perfect.

And it really does work.

Oddly, it DOESN'T work NEARLY as well if you DON'T keep your fats high.

As you gradually increase your carbs a bit, your fats will drop down. This pretty much happens on its own, so relax unless you hit a bad stall. Meanwhile, enjoy your nice, healthy fats. Just avoid trans fats - they're the only killers.

:)

Okay?

[Glendora]

Woo-hoo! Thank you, Built!

[Built]

It is just SUCH a comfortable way to diet, isn't it? I felt like I'd hit the JACKPOT when I first started Atkins.

[blue4lemon]

one thing to remember is, if your carbs go up, your fats have to go down. you can't have both fat and carbs in high amounts. that's what causes weight gain.

[astrocreep]

At what number would it be appropriate to drop your fats down to compensate for the carbs? Thanks

[Built]

This is what I did: as you increase the carbs, eat just enough fat to feel good. You can stop SLATHERING it at this point. Too low, and you'll feel hungry and get cravings. This is how I can always tell.

[Glendora]

This is what I did: as you increase the carbs, eat just enough fat to feel good. You can stop SLATHERING it at this point. Too low, and you'll feel hungry and get cravings. This is how I can always tell.

WOW, this hit the nail right on the head. I tried eating less fat yesterday (before I posted this) and by evening, oh boy, can I confess something...I had a lowfat chicken salad and half a serving of sugar-free pudding with a dutifully measured-out two tablespoons of whipped heavy cream and you know what...all of a sudden I GRABBED the cream and started shoveling it in...I was out of control...would you believe I ate upwards of 200 calories worth of whipped cream AS I STOOD THERE...I couldn't believe it. (OTOH, at least I didn't "cheat" with Pop Tarts or something like that.)

I was pretty shocked when I stepped on the scale this morning b/c there was no gain at all but I consider myself lucky. NEVER AGAIN. As long as I'm very low-carb: the fats stay up. When I introduce a couple more carbs: the fats will go down a little. Very good advice, Built, thank you so much.

[jagbender]

It took me a while to get over the "fat fear" but I really enjoy being able to eat the "good" things!
Fat is flavor!
As Built said trans fats are the bad fats.
I supplement with Flax oil, Borage oil, fish oil and Cod liver oil.
I love my butter and olive oil.
And of course the mother of all Heavy cream!
:)

Jag