low carb diet while TTC

[samy23]

I want...well, need to lose a few pounds, so Im going to try the low carb diet, is this okay when TTC/pregnant?

[MaerynPearl]

I don't know if its okay but from personal experience I can tell you, its not the best diet to go with!

Researching weight loss a little bit, finding out what your body needs and trying to eat healthy with a certain amount of fats/sugars/proteins/etc. each day will help you lose weight and keep it off while making your body very healthy for TTC!

Keeping a diary of everything you put into your body will help you keep track of it and make sure you are doing the best you can.

[M.Q.]

I would say that if you're going to go low carb, then go "Atkins". If you read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution; 2002 edition you'll learn a way of eating that does make you lose weight, but also makes you feel a lot better. Most people picture low carb as being the all-you-can-eat-bacon diet, or the cheeseburgers-without-the-bun-diet, but the modern incarnation of Atkins is nothing like that.

Basically it involves eating a good amount of lean protein, healthy fats, and LOTS of leafy green vegetables. Then it steps you up to other veggies that have higher sugar contents, fresh dairy, nuts, and eventually fruits and whole grains. It's a very healthy way to lose weight (with exercise as you can) if you do it right. I don't technically do Atkins any more (went from lifetime maintenance to the occasional bowl of whole wheat pasta and the odd potato), but most of the things I learned there I still apply to everyday life.


Good luck in your weight loss!

-MQ

[segrau]

I have no idea how great it is for TTC, but I've been kind of doing the low carb thing. I say kind of, because we're really doing more of a paleo-diet. Lean meats and veggies, lots of raw nuts, fruits and veggies. Eggs in the morning, coffee and tea. We also cheat because we eat yogurt and legumes. My hubby lost 70 lbs eating this way. I have lost 24 lbs (I have 16 to go!) We also exercise a lot. I try to limit my processed foods, very little sugar and flour, no corn or potatoes. I have to admit, I drink my shot of espresso with a drop of agave nectar and a tablespoon of organic half and half. Mmmm, best 40 calories ever! I eat a few dark chocolate covered almonds for a treat when I'm having a chocolate craving.

I have to say that my cycle is very regular, my cm is good and I feel great. I can't see how this would be bad for TTC. I would just avoid extreme diets like Atkins. Don't eat processed, low carb foods and stay away from artificial sweeteners. Besides, sweeteners like Splenda and NutraSweet have been proven to actually create more sugar cravings than their full-sugar counterparts. I would just try to eat in moderation and be healthy. Lots of fruits and veggies are great for TTC! Good luck reducing fat and expanding your belly (with baby!)

[M.Q.]

I will actually second something that Segrau said. As much as I appreciate the modern Atkins diet, I can't get behind all of the Atkins package foods. Even when I was eating all Atkins, I was eating no processed foods.

It was basically what you said; lean meats, fresh veggies, eggs for breakfast, etc. I also cheated with coffee, but I don't do milk or cream and I dont' do sweeteners at all- but that's a tastebud preference and not a philosophy. I also love plain low fat organic greek yogurt and a handfull of pistachios will curb any sweet craving I have.

-MQ

[splath]

Low carb works great for those with PCOS. I did it while trying to conceive dd, and I really feel it helped me to get pregnant. My RE recommended it as well to his PCOS patients.

[APBTlover]

I can only speak from my own experience, which is that I got pregnant the very first cycle we TTC, and I was on a low-ish carb diet. It was definitely not Atkins in the sense that I did not eat any prepackaged foods. More paleo or traditional foods. For breakfast I would have something like yard eggs scrambled in butter; I would also have a teensy glass of apple juice with breakfast, just because I love it. Maybe 4 oz. Lunch and dinner would be something like chicken with a heavy cream sauce, and a salad or other vegetable. Everything was real food, prepared from scratch... except a few LaraBars, which are basically raw snack bars made with nuts and fruit, so not exactly low-carb but still heavy enough on fat and protein that they made me feel satisfied.

I felt GREAT and lost about 8lbs in 3 weeks. No doubt I would have lost more if I had cut the several social meals out in which I drank sodas, ate bread, etc.

Good luck!

[ZoeJane'sMommy]

Of course I would say ask your doc first but I have been heavy since the year 2001 and with my first one I was dieting for 12 months before concieving and I even have friends who have done low/no carb diets or no meat diets TTC. I have always done weight watchers because it works for me but if you are overweight loosing a few pounds will actually help you concieve(thats what my doc said). I do not know about the carb free diets per say but I think as long as you are getting all the nutrients to stay healthy then GO FOR IT

[jeminijad]

Zero carb, or induction level Atkins, maybe not. Packaged low carb, definitely not.

Low carb in the sense of no grains or processed foods, absolutely!

[walker67]

Paleo type diet is the best.