For those of you who keep carbs to a minimum...

Did you do it right from the start? Or was there a certain point in time- when you started soft foods, etc, that you started tracking it. Right now I'm only supposed to be tracking protein and eating off of my limited list of food (refried beans, yogurt, cottage cheese, string chess, eggs, etc.) At some point, I want to begin keeping carbs to a minimum, but the beans and black bean soup really bump up the carbs. Wondering if I should cut those out now or wait until I have more options for low carb protein (chicken, turkey, deli meat, etc). 

Beans of all kinds were not on my plan. From the start my plan was less than 40 grams of carbs and fats and 90+ of protein.

I'm a bean eater and I've been eating beans since I was able to have soft foods.  No ill effect on my weight loss here, and I'm nearly 11 months out and down nearly 170 pounds.

I counted them from the start because I tracked every thing.  I also am of the net carb camp, with bean I subtract the fiber from the total.  The four items you list (eggs later) were almost all I ate at the beginning.  I would never give them up.

Yes, I started right away. Our basic plan was < 800 calories, < 40 g of carbs, < 30 g of fat and > 70 g of protein and then you got individualized as time went on based on your cir****tances. But the carb restriction was right way.

But I was able to have refried beans and keep under 40 g. The two things aren't mutual exclusive if you watch portion sizes and have a variety of food.

Here's what my first year looked like -- calories, macro nutrients and EXERCISE. (That last one is important, because I did a lot of it so I needed to eat more.)

http://www.fattyfightsback.com/2010/07/calories-protein-carb s-exercise-weight.html

For me, carbs cause food cravings, so I avoided them at all times.  All my carb come from dairy and low-carb veggies.  I avoid bread, rice, potatoes, deserts, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pasta, etc.  I keep my carb intake below 25 g / day.

Some people are more sensitive to the carbs than others.  If you have food cravings, I'd suggest cutting back on carbs and see if it helps.  then you can add carbs until you notice the cravings return and then you'll know your limit.

For me, I know I couldn't stick to my plan if I eat carbs because the cravings are so powerful. 

best of luck,

Carol

This is me.  I'm not sure where my carbs will be when I'm in maintenance but right now I'm under 20 (at under 600 cals, though).

I did it right from the start.  I don't do net carbs.  I count every carb.

Thanks for all the responses. So how do you guys get enough protein? Are you still supplementing with shakes? I'm still working to get protein in- I'm now averaging 50 grams per day eating 6 small meals, no shakes. Wondering what some other high protein, low carb solutions are. I'm not allowed chicken, turkey, beef or other meats yet. Best low carb, but high protein options?

I've been tracking in my fitness pal and averaging 500 calories, 50 grams of protein and 50 grams of carb.