I binged on carbs yesterday

(John) #22

Probably only a couple of days. Some people actually do an intentional carb refeeding day (usually athletes or weightlifters) so it’s not like it’s going to totally destroy you.

Don’t get so fixated on single weigh-in checkpoints. I do suggest you go ahead and weigh in and record it if you do that, but then compare it to the next two weekly weigh-ins.

It is quite common during weight loss to have stalls, plateaus, and even regains over short periods, before loss starts up again. There is often a time lag of several days or even weeks between your actions and the results.

Don’t get caught up in thinking every week has to be a linear improvement.

(Bethany) #23

I remember going to Mexico on an all-inclusive over a year after starting keto. It was about 5 days and I gained 10lbs. I remember feeling bloated and terrible, and only got myself to step on the scale after I disassociated and convinced myself it was ‘for science,’ and not a reflection on me. I decided that whatever I gained, ‘for science,’ I would see what it takes to get back to normal. Within 2 days I lost 8lbs, and another two days 4 more (with a net loss)! Just by eating my normal keto. The terrible bloating and brain fog was enough to keep me from making that vacation ‘diet’ a habit. I’d like to say this was my only ‘slip’ over the years, but it wasn’t. I am happy to say though that not only have I made it through some tough life stresses, but have kept up this drastically different lifestyle.

I think most people who do best long term on keto (or any life changes) are not those who never slip up (because those are few and far between!) - but those who learn how to get back into the game when they do. It’s a mental and emotional game more than anything. For me, the key has been science/knowledge, and self-love.

(Robert C) #24

That is really hard to say - I am not an expert but just a long walk, restricting liquids, restricting food etc. will artificially move your weight down quickly. I would move back to exactly what you were doing before and weigh yourself in a week. There is no point in seeing the low number again on the scale soon - you do not want to reinforce the idea that a “bad” day is okay, right?

If you weigh in in 8 days instead - you’ll probably find (depending on how fast you were losing on keto before) that you caused yourself to plateau. Then keep in mind your wasted week on your journey when a high carb opportunity comes up again.

(Natasha) #25

I see what you are saying! The scale and I have a long-term ridiculously dysfunctional relationship!

(Natasha) #26

Love this!

(Robert C) #27

The same understanding took me a long time too.

Weight is not the goal so actual numbers do not matter.

What matters is what you look like, with little or no clothing, in the mirror (and your blood numbers - which will likely, but not always follow healthy appearance).

The scale is a tool to help you determine the speed your diet is getting you to what you want so the real differences (weighing under similar circumstances) are what help you understand your speed.

#28

I had a carb day 5 days ago. I was up 10lb the next day but I knew I shouldn’t freak out. As of this morning I am still up 4lb. I will admit I’m a bit surprised the extra weight is still hanging around, but there’s nothing to be done for it but to keep ketoing on.

(Robert C) #29

I think this really comes down to whether it would create stress or not.
If it would create stress and be on your mind for the entire week then (according to what I read on the internet) you would be self-sabotaging because stress generally causes you to gain fat.
If it would instead wake up a positive mindset of feeling challenged - “I’m going to get back on track!” - then go for it.
For me, even if I thought the positive mindset would prevail - I wouldn’t weigh - because the stressful mindset has lots of time and opportunity to set in.

(Allie) #30

It would help but isn’t essential. Honestly all you need to do is get back to regular keto eating.

(Zenjen) #31

Thank you everyone, you’ve been so helpful :slight_smile:

(KCKO, KCFO 🥥) #32

Just want to add, you find keeping a journal, starting with this experience. When you do go off course, and none of us are perfect, so yea, you will hit more bumps in the road, sit with the journal and record what is making you want to eat whatever, and reread your past experiences. It is a powerful tool if you use it.

I’m in maintenance and have just started doing this, reading what has happened to me in the past, really helps me make better decisions. And If I try a new fasting protocol, or food item I haven’t used before I record what happens, that is also extremely helpful. I just use One Note for my journal for this, online, on my phone, and Kindle no excuse to not have really quick access.

(Short224) #33

I usually gain 5-6 pounds and it’s off in a couple days and I feel back to normal it’s getting to the point I don’t think it’s worth it every time I do it nothing taste as good as it once did so why even bother setting myself back anymore.

(Candy Lind) #34

@Zenjen, it’s up to you whether you weigh or not. If it’s going to jack up your stress level, maybe not - if it’s going to [spoiler]piss[/spoiler] you off that you gained that water weight and make you doubly determined to stick to keto from now on, then I say hit the scale. It can’t tell you what to do; only YOU can decide what your reaction & attitude will be. In either case, I say, like the others, put it behind you and resolve to handle a similar situation better next time. The longer you stay strict keto, the easier it gets to say “no thanks” to [spoiler]crap[/spoiler] food. After 18 months, I can’t say I have zero cravings, but I CAN say I haven’t cheated in 18 months. These days, it’s easy to say no because I’m so afraid of how bad I’ll feel if I say yes! LOL! :crazy_face:

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #35

Consider giving it away—especially to someone you don’t like, lol! :grinning:

(Zenjen) #36

I had the same experience. That pizza wasn’t as good as i thought it would be. And why would i eat that unhealthy pizza if i can make fathead pizza and feel great. Now i know and i can avoid it the next time.

(Zenjen) #37

I wasn’t planning to weigh myself yesterday but today when i woke up i felt better and calmed after checking all your supportive comments, so i said to myself: I have to accept my mistake and see where i am now. but i also promised to myself that i wouldn’t make a big deal out of it if the scale number is much higher. So i gained 0,8kg, which is almost 2 pounds and i’m not feeling awfull, i just learned that cheat days aren’t worth it and i don’t need them.

(Allie) #38

Me too. My weakness, pre keto, was chips (fries to those of you in America) dipped in mayo. A couple of months into keto I chose to have them again (yes it was my choice, not a craving) and haven’t had them since as they just didn’t taste good.

(Zenjen) #39

That’s why i love keto even more. Because is the only diet that i can make it my lifestyle. When i was on other diets i always craved sweets, pizza, bread, pasta etc. and when i ate some of those after a month of being on a diet it tasted so good and i couldn’t stick with that diet anymore. But keto is completely different: you adjust to high fat food so much that you like it better than the carbs, when you try it again.

(Katie the Quiche Scoffing Stick Ninja ) #40

For every gram of glycogen you consume, your fat cells require 3-4ml of water to store it.

On the weekend I also carb loaded with pizza and soft drink for a work event. I was up 3-4kg this morning.

I’m currently fasting and I know it’ll all be gone by the weekend.

#41

At least you were getting some fat. :grin: