Can I change from low carb to calorie counting

[kaplods]

I experiment a lot with different carb and calorie levels (uasing an exchange plan so that it's easy to compare the different plans), and some things to keep in mind:

Switching from lower to higher carb (even if calorie level is the same or lower) often results in weight gain, because the body needs more water to process carbs. This gain isn't cause for panic, it's just water weight and it doesn't mean that you're going to "gain it all bacK." It just means that you have to mentally account for the extra water when your carb intake is higher.

You can use this knowledge to your advantage. If you want to get rid of extra water weight temporarily, you can eat lower carb for a couple days (but the water will return when you increase your carbs, again - so it's important to understand that if your carb intake isn't consistent, you are going to see more minor weight fluctuations than if your carb intake is consistent).

I try to eat very low carb during PMS/TOM, because it reduces the amount of water weight I gain and because it seems to help minimize sugar cravings.

I don't know that minimizing water retention during TOM really has a physical advantage, but the decrease in sugar cravings definitely does.

You may find yourself hungrier when you increase carbs. So you may still want to watch carbs, even if you don't limit them.

Also, weight loss speed on higher carb eating, for many people is slower. There's nothing wrong with that, but you have to be prepared for the differences, so that you don't get discouraged.

I can't switch to very high-carb eating, because my metabolism drops and my hunger rises to uncontrollable levels. So even when I don't count carbs, I still have to remember that carbs count.

I have found exchange plans extremely helpful in controlling both carbs and calories. I've been able to experiment with different calorie levels and different protein/fat/carb ratios. You can do this with "straight" calorie counting as well if you use nutritional analysis software available online and in smartphone apps.

You may not have to do any of this, as many people transition from low-carb to straight calorie counting with no difficulties at all. But if you're prepared for possible issues, you won't panic if you experience any of them.