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Low-carb diets

Not bootcamping, but low-carbing.

37 replies

crunchyfrog · 03/10/2014 14:28

Started 2 weeks ago on Monday and was 10lb down as of yesterday.

I have maybe another 28lb to shift I think. So cross with myself, 3 years ago I had lost 6 stone (not healthily), maintained using low-carb for about 18 months using low-carb, then gained back 2 stone from medication, and another stone and a half through eating crap.

So here I go again. Sigh.

Starting weight was 13 stone 3, weight now 12 stone 7. I'm not hugely hung up on weight, I'm always heavier than I look, but I am desperate to get my waist size into the healthy range, under 32".

I'm planning to do an egg fast at some point, but currently sticking to eating twice a day (all I want), something egg based in the morning/ early afternoon, and masses of salad/ veg/ meat etc in the evenings.

I haven't felt the need to snack much, but I'm drinking 3l+ of water a day. Skin looks great!

Anyone else without the discipline for bootcamp want to chat? Grin

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soonasthesunsets · 03/10/2014 22:28

Well done! That's a great start. I've been thinking about low-carb as my diet is pretty poor just now. I know I eat far too much junk, but because I am very active I've not really put on much weight. That's part of my problem - I cycle to/from work and I'm starving when I get home, so head straight for the biscuit tin and fill my face Blush

What's an egg fast (surely not just eggs - that would be a bit... eggy)?

Any tips on what to eat that's not bread, pasta or potatoes?

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crunchyfrog · 03/10/2014 22:44

Egg fast is basically eggs, yes!

I don't really bother replacing the bread/ pasta etc. Last week I had a curry with shredded cabbage and spinach fried in butter instead of rice, it was lovely.

I sometimes have butternut squash or sweet potatoes, not properly low-carb but still very healthy.

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soonasthesunsets · 03/10/2014 23:13

that does sound good! Just had a look at the low carb recipes and definitely going to join in. I think I'll also need to make a low carb snack in the morning that I can eat when I get home to avoid the fridge/biscuit tin raid.

I remember reading an article about the way different lifestyles affect the ageing process - sunbathing, smoking, drinking and sugar. The sugary diet effect was a bit of a shock.

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Octopus37 · 04/10/2014 14:04

Yes, can I join please, I am one week in, I'm not sticking to the 20g carbs rule (not actually counting) but have cut down on carbs drastically. 2 pounds down so far. Have been eating 3 meals a day with the odd snack (some nuts or olives) but finding that I am less hungry.

Today have had:
A muffin in a minute made in the microwave (made with 4tbsp flaxseed, 1 egg, a dash of double cream and half a teaspoon of baking powder) with peanut butter (sugar free)
Some flavoured mixed nuts
Am now eating some fried halloumi cheese and courgettes
For tea am planning on bacon or turkey rashers with mushrooms. Maybe some greek yoghurt with a few berries for afters.

I am a complete sugar addict and am wierdly finding it easier than I expected. Know I am going to have my what the hell moments and have a dessert or a take away but I am looking at the longer term. Haven't got a lot of weight to lose (half a stone down would be nice), but am finding that I am getting less energy slumps and my digestion seems to be better.

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PenelopeGarciasCrazyHair · 05/10/2014 00:11

Hi, can I join in too?

Dp and I both want to lose a stone or two before Xmas (when we'll pile it all back on again I'm sure!). Although it is expensive and requires a lot of organisation and prep, this is the only 'diet' that doesn't feel like total deprivation, so we're going with it again.

I usually fail miserably after a few days on BC as I don't have the self discipline to avoid ALL the naughties and end up having to tell porkies! I need sweetener in my coffee and have the odd dark chocolate mousse or sweetened MIM which are frowned upon by BIWI and her big stick on boot camp, but compared to my usual diet, they must be a better option.

I've copied a load of meal ideas and recipes from the boot camp threads on here which might help with inspiration...


Beef shin curry and cauliflower rice
Chicken satay with stir fry
Moussaka
Chinese duck with lettuce wraps
Hunter Chicken and coleslaw
Pork in cream sauce with veg
Bolognese with courgette spaghetti or spaghetti squash
Tuna nicoise salad
Steak with celeriac chips and salad
Chicken soup
Salmon with creamy leek sauce
Cauliflower cheese
Oopsie roll profiteroles
Cauliflower crust pizza
MIM (muffin in a minute)
Celeriac crisps
Pork belly and Kale crisps
Cabbage carbonara
Celeriac and butter soup
Cheese scones*
Thai curry
Scotch eggs*
Spicy pork on little gem
Roast cauliflower and broccoli
Shepherds Pie with celeriac & swede mash
Slow cooked lamb/pork
Chicken cordon bleu with green beans
Mash (cauliflower, swede, cream, Parmesan, nutmeg)
Beef bourguignon
Whey protein pancakes*
Turnip surprise
Lemon and almond shortbread*
Quiche/tart base 225g almonds 55g butter salt
Greek yoghurt with cream and vanilla
Omelettes/scrambled eggs with smoked salmon
Toasted MIM bread with butter and bovril
Chicken with cheese and pesto inside
Bullet proof coffee
Egg mayonnaise and bacon on lettuce
Prawns in Marie Rose sauce
Salt and pepper squid (coconut flour)
Coconut flour Tortilla wraps*
Parmesan shortbread
Fat bombs (chocolate truffles)
Jelly made with half water half cream
Celeriac remoulade
Pro-max Shake/Smoothie with cream, peanut butter/berries
Parmesan coated fried courgettes
Sesame encrusted Fried paneer or halloumi

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PenelopeGarciasCrazyHair · 05/10/2014 00:12

Sorry for the epically long post! The ones with asterisks I have recipes for if you want them.

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ChippingInLatteLover · 05/10/2014 00:21

crunchy what are you doing that's any different to Bootcamp?

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crunchyfrog · 05/10/2014 12:29

Just low-carbing consistently rather than a big push. I found that bootcamp made me a little obsessive (my problem, I have issues with food.) It's a very slightly different approach - I have to say that I can eat whatever I want, but that I am choosing to eat things that make me feel better. The very minute I feel denial or that I am being forbidden from something, I will get into a cycle of blame/ shame/ binge etc.

It's mainly semantics and I get that it sounds fucked up!

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Octopus37 · 05/10/2014 14:53

Crunchyfrog, I am understand where you are coming from , I am similar which is why I am trying to avoid the denial feeling and cycle of binging.

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crunchyfrog · 05/10/2014 15:51

Yep, dieting is how I got fat in the first place! Grin

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PenelopeGarciasCrazyHair · 06/10/2014 09:31

Right, Monday morning and I'm definitely doing it!
Cheese omelette with a couple of cherry toms chopped up in it to kick it off.

Need to get that water bottle filled up and, more importantly, remember to drink it.

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CiderwithBuda · 06/10/2014 09:56

Can I join you please?

Desperately need to lose weight and I know thst low carb works but I struggle with bootcamp. Am really annoyed with myself as I have put on over a stone since end of April. And I had worked hard to lose that stone!

Weighed in at 16 stone this morning. Blush. I was 14 St 10 lbs at end of April.

I have just had some egg mayo for breakfast although it wasn't great. Am going to have some slices of ham with Philadelphia instead.

I have some soups in the fridge that need using so I will have one today - they are not home made but once they are gone I will make my own. Need to remember to drink water. Need to cut my biscuits after lunch habit. And my wine habit. That will be hard!

I did well a few years ago with what I call "no crap carbs" - no wheat, no sugar basically. That is what I am aiming for this week.

Was planning a walk this morning but it's chucking it down here.

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ChippingInLatteLover · 06/10/2014 14:36

Hi Cider :)

Crunchy you do realise that BIWI is all about low carbing long term, not as a 'diet' don't you?

I get that you probably do, but I wouldn't want others to think that wasn't the case :)

My heads all to fuck right now. I need to low carb to deal with other health issues and it's the only thing that maintains/allows me to lose a bit of weight, but being a non egg eating vegetarian it's hard work and the worst thing is, unlike other 'plans' it's all or nothing with low carbing

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CiderwithBuda · 06/10/2014 16:11

Hi Chipping! I do know. I'm not sure why I struggle with Bootcamp. Actually I'm struggling with everything at the moment diet wise. Can't stick to anything. DH has now. started asking me meal by meal what diet I am on!

I think it's the 'all or nothing' that gets to me with Bootcamp. It is an unforgiving way of eating. But I know people who have gone low carb and lost substantial amounts of weight but don't go as hard core as Bootcamp. I like the idea of clean eating too.

Have you had a look at DeliciouslyElla? She has a blog and it's all really healthy food. It's not low carb but you might find some ideas.

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crunchyfrog · 06/10/2014 20:52

Well, I had birthday cake on Sunday. Homemade by me. I decided, if I'm going to have carby food, it's going to be the good stuff. Back on the wagon today, almost excessively so.

Greek yoghurt for breakfast.
Couple of grapes.
Salad of raw veg (broccoli, asparagus, cauli, caeser dressing, lettuce) chicken and olives.
Another yoghurt.
Dinner was ham, cheese and boiled eggs as I am far too tired to cook!

2.5 litres of water, 1 cup tea and a small gin. Grin

chipping I get what you're saying, I am glad that the boot camp works for so many, the approach is just one that doesn't suit me!

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Octopus37 · 06/10/2014 20:59

I have had today:

Lots of cups of black tea and water
Muffin in a minute with almond butter
A pack of mixed spiced nuts
3 mini babybels
An omlette made with feta cheese and salami
Some greek yoghurt with berries
I am eating a pain au chocolate that my hubby bought me, but it is the first carby thing I have eaten all week.

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BIWI · 06/10/2014 21:09


I'd just like to say that low carbing is something I see as a long term WOE, not Bootcamp. Bootcamp is only for 10 weeks!

I can quite understand how it might not suit everyone, and I wish you all the good luck with an approach that works for you

Flowers

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crunchyfrog · 06/10/2014 21:16

Thanks BIWI Smile

Over the last couple of years I've really cut down processed carbs, and noticed a big difference. In large part due to reading and being inspired by your threads.

I want it to stick, and I can't do that if I'm obsessing, which is absolutely my problem, not a criticism!

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BIWI · 06/10/2014 21:17

Oh no, I absolutely get you! One of the reasons I came up with Bootcamp was because I was sick and tired of weighing and counting, which led to me becoming obsessed with food/calorie counts, etc. So I totally get where you are.

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ChippingInLatteLover · 06/10/2014 22:13

Sorry to hear you're struggling Cider - I think many of us do, in many different ways, hence the need to lose weight. I'll have a look at that blog, thank you :)

Lots of weight related shitty things happening right now, I wish I could just take a magic pill and wake up 'average'. That's all I want 'average'.

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CiderwithBuda · 06/10/2014 22:18

Hi BIWI! It's not you it's definitely me!

Chipping - I must take my advice and look at the blog myself!

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BIWI · 07/10/2014 08:18

Thing is, this weight loss lark isn't easy - what's important is finding something that works for you.

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middlethird · 07/10/2014 14:51

I'm petrified of the whole thing. Utterly petrified of eating too much (salad plates are huge), I'm eating the wrong thing (hidden carbs), just being hyper aware of what I can't eat (rather than can).

I wanted to do bootcamp, but I know from experience, I have to be a 'lone ranger' to succeed. Which does go against the general grain! Grin I've won with both - but as this is more of a lifestyle thing, I don't want to use the support group as a crutch and then fail - handling the humilation is terrible for me! I also have an issue with booze... but that's a was whole other story

I'm 2.5 weeks in. 7-8lbs lost. I feel amazing. I am not drinking, except for a couple on the weekend. And then anything I drink has soda in it... which is a huge deal for me. I really feel like this is a WOE for me. But the overwhelming panic is hard to ignore!

So, I guess I need some help? I'm lurking in these threads ALL THE TIME... Today I'm going to ask for some input please...? I have eaten:

Greek yogurt, .5 small avocado, couple of nuts. (not together)
140g turkey with salad (leaves, small peice of pepper, little sprinkle of cheese and drizzle of olive oil)
Dinner will be lamb curry and cauliflour rice...
WATER! oh, so much water... (2 - 3ltrs)

I just feel like its tooooo much food?! I have an issue with portion control... but I'm not hungry in between meals, which I usually am...

HELP!

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middlethird · 07/10/2014 14:53

SHIT! I now feel like I've hijacked?! Sorry Sad

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PenelopeGarciasCrazyHair · 07/10/2014 16:46

Middle, that doesn't sound like a lot of food to me and it's all natural and healthy stuff too. I just wish I enjoyed olives and avocados etc, I can manage with replacing the dinner carbs with veg, but I do miss the sweet stuff and end up replacing pudding with MIMs and snacks with Atkins bars, which doesn't address the real issue of craving sweet stodge.

I usually eat a huuuuge amount of food (2 toast for brekky, biscuits with tea 2-3 times a day, proper dinner at lunch and in the evening, after school snack like crisps etc, then pudding, chocolate or popcorn while watching TV in the evening). What you've listed sounds like one meal to me!

I struggle with eating a lot less volume, even though it is all rich and satisfying food. I'm just used to feeling 'full' so I suppose upping the water should help there.

I don't drink and enjoy soda water with meals, so no probs there, I think I just need to stop grazing. Working at home doesn't help as I'm permanently in the kitchen surrounded by whatever food I fancy. I think getting organised with ready to eat snacks is a big help.

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