5 Things About LCHF

12-52pm

When it comes to the Low Carb High Fat lifestyle, which I have been learning about and trying to implement for the last 18 months, there are a few things which I think are important to point out. When I have Prof Tim Noakes on Rise and Shine, I always mean to say them. Sometimes I remember, other times I don’t. Some people think that the whole idea of eating animal fat in large quantities is lunacy in action. Thousands of people have benefitted from changing their diet & embracing a LCHF way of life, but I believe there is some balance that needs to be found within the lifestyle. Here are some of the things I have learnt.

1. A Strict LCHF lifestyle is not for everyone

This is one of the questions I have asked Prof Tim Noakes a couple of times: Is LCHF for everyone? His answer is guarded, mainly because there are elements within LCHF that benefit everyone, but if you are not carbohydrate intolerant, you should not need to make a drastic cut in your carbohydrate intake. One of the reasons this is of interest to me, is because my husband, Mike is not carbohydrate intolerant and he is not over the moon at the idea of never eating some of his favourite foods again. Apart from a few periods of ill health, he has weighed 75kg for about the last 30 years. He does not have high blood pressure or any signs of heart disease.  Most people can tell they are carb intolerant by the amount of belly fat they carry. If you have a ‘wide waist’, you’re most likely in this category. To find what your blood says, visit your Dr and ask him to do a blood test for HBA1C. If you have diabetes, a strict LCHF lifestyle is essential for you.

2. Most LCHF principles will benefit everyone

Although not everyone is carbohydrate intolerant, most of the LCHF principles will benefit everyone. It is one of my biggest regrets that I fed my children so much sugar while they were growing up. The manufacturers of food have certainly found the ‘bliss point’ when it comes to finding what taste gets people addicted to sugar and carbs. Sugar is addictive. And it’s everywhere…just check the list of ingredients of just about every boxed and wrapped foodstuff you lift off the shelf and you will find a sugar content. Cutting out sugar from your diet will benefit you in the long term. You don’t need it. You don’t need sugar in your tea or coffee. You don’t need to eat flavoured yoghurt or ice cream. They are loaded with sugar.  Baked pastries, biscuits, cakes etc feed your sugar addiction. Cutting those will benefit every person on the planet. I know we only have one life and I’m not saying never again eat a piece of cake, but I am saying, cut down drastically. Make it a once a week treat, not a daily essential. The other LCHF principle that benefits everyone is to increase your intake of fat, especially Omega 3s, found in fatty fish & olive oil. There is a huge imbalance between good Omega 3s and bad Omega 6s. Fat doesn’t make you fat. Good fat increases your brain function, is believed to prevent Alzheimers Disease, gives you energy & protects vital organs.

3. It is NOT ‘one size fits all’

The more I see and hear and read about your stories, I understand more and more that there is not a single formula in the world that will be perfect and meet the nutritional needs of everyone. The human body is just not that simple. Each person is  unique and their dietary requirements are influenced by upbringing, lifestyle and genetics. What works for me, is going to be different to the next person. Not everyone loses weight on LCHF. What I found is that I lost a few kilograms, then my body adjusted and I lost no more weight after that. This seems to be a big issue with women in their 40s who have changing hormones.  Some people suggest you experiment with less dairy or protein and increase fat. You have to try and get the balance right and you have to cut calories. You also need to control your appetite. Some people (like me) are habitual snackers.  I’ve found I need to start seriously listening to my body and control the need to be eating something even when I’m not hungry. Others don’t have this problem and the weight falls off them! It’s the most amazing thing they’ve ever encountered because not only do they lose weight, but they are also not hungry.  You have to find out, along the broad LCHF spectrum, what works for you and where you fit in.

4. LCHF benefits go beyond weight loss

Most people are attracted to LCHF by the lure of the possibility of losing weight. But since my weight loss has been minimal, over the last 18 months, I’ve considered, on several occasions going back to the way I used to eat. But every time I think it through, I remember  gnawing ‘pre-ulcer’ stomach pain, a grumpy bowel, headaches, eczema-like lesions & sluggish afternoons. I needed more sleep and had less energy. Although the scale isn’t reflecting a lower number, my clothes are feeling baggier!

5. You have to take ownership of your LCHF journey

I think this is exceptionally important. You are YOU. You know how you feel. You know what works most for you.  I remember back in 2012, when  Prof Tim Noakes started talking about LCHF. One Friday morning he mentioned it during our 5 minute “Tim Talk”. A lady was listening and she immediately started implementing his suggestions…just cutting carbs and increasing fats – she lost 10kg!  Read, research, see what works for you. We’ve given you a starting point, now find out what others are saying.  There are now thousands of resources online. As you do so, you will have your own story to tell!

There are loads of people from centuries ago who were trying to find out what worked and what didn’t. One of them was called James and he came up with this suggestion…

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

Great advice!

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

Happiness/Gratitude Pic…Dinner view on Saturday evening…