This is my experience as well. I work hard to keep the refines out of my diet (even though it is very difficult in this day and age) as I see IMMEDIATE negative effect on everything from my outlook on life to not changing a thing about my calories in/calories out and fat retention. Refined carbs for some of us are a kin to alcohol for an alcoholic. It is worth the fight though as when I am successful in turning away from them I feel exceptional in every way. It is a no brainer here. Yet it is not and easy task to keep away even for someone who works very hard at it and also has such a positive impact for doing so. Curious about others experiences with refined carbs and health overall (including weight).
At 48 with a developed spare tire, I’m thinking of going to a low carb diet. My energy level is crap and I feel older than I am. I’ve got a pretty active lifestyle too. No gymnastics but my job requires physical movement that gets pretty heavy at times. As an HVAC serviceman, I’m always climbing on roofs, through crawlspaces, carrying equipment, etc.
Wonder if it would make a difference with my UC also.
@Immerito...
Interesting post. My family who are probably in the middle on processed food are looking to eliminate them even further. I say “middle” because not every meal comes out of a box with 20 ingredients you can’t pronounce but still a good chunk does. We are doing it because my wife’s recent reactions to soy in products. It was an eye opener for me looking at pre-made food labels. So much chemicals, fillers, and soy in almost everything.
I know personally carbs (breads, pasta, etc.) give me horrible stomach pains but I can’t resist. I instead take the purple pill instead of changing habits. I know (from personal experience) if I can cutout the processed carbs - i will feel healthier, have more energy, and loose weight. Now to do it!
I personally limit my refined carbs to hand-crafted breads, beer, rice and potatoes, with occasional pasta. No sodas, no corn syrup. I don't have a weight problem, but the family has a history of diabetes, and it just makes sense.
/johnny
Due to food allergies and intolerances, I’ve had to give up almost all plant matter but oats.
When I cut wheat out of my diet, my weight dropped effortlessly and my cholesterol dropped like a rock. No more nagging from my PCP about statins now.
My BP and sugar are fine as well and I don’t feel like sleeping after lunch every day any more. Carbs would work on me like Benadryl. Knock me out completely.
Last year about this time I reduced carbs severely. I began eating eggs, cheese, butter, bacon.
I gained control of my blood sugar. I began to sleep through the night, the heart burn all but ended. I exercised a good bit, a return to normal. I began to feel better.
This followed a diabetes drug trial in which I closely monitored a number of activities and was to maintain my “normal” diet. I began to lose weight and that continued with the change of diet.
I feel certain that a tipping point came when my WII announced I was no longer obese, merely over weight.
I recently learned on FRee Republic how to bake Artisan Bread. I really like the stuff. I’m going to bake with non refined flour when the current bag is used up. It will be interesting to see if eating bread and (real) butter or cheese for lunch adversely effects things.