Eating carbs once a week? Will it ruin things?

[GoBigOrange]

I've got a lot of weight to lose as a result of two IVF cycles and one successful pregnancy. I'm breastfeeding, and pretty much deranged with hunger most of the time, so calorie counting would be extremely hard.

I've started eating low carb and am finding it pleasant and easy (I'm lucky and can take or leave a lot of carby things like rice, pasta, cake etc) but I have one big snag.

Once a week I have dinner out. It is at a bowling alley, so food options are obviously limited to stuff like burger and fries, pizza, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn etc. There is literally nothing low carb available. I am there from 3:30pm to 8:30pm, so obviously need to eat during that time. I can't take my own food with me as outside food is banned.

Will a burger and fries once a week totally screw up my low carb diet to the point where I would be better trying to calorie count? Or will I just see a slower loss?

[StuntNun]

If you eat a lot of carbs once a week then it will probably screw things up, not only from a weight loss point of view but also from giving you cravings the next day and making your weight bounce up and down as you replenish glycogen stores then lose them again. My advice would be to eat before and after you go. You really should be able to go without food for five hours. If you need to eat something then have a cheeseburger but don't eat the bun. I take it there's no chance of sneaking a packet of nuts in?

[penisbeakerlaminateflooringetc]

Google carbnite and the theory behind it.

[MessEnoughClean]

I am low carbing currently but I have a day off once a week as otherwise for me it wouldn't be sustainable. I love the low carb meals I make but if I didn't have a cheat day now and again I would crack after a while and binge. It is definitely affecting my rate of weight-loss but overall it's still going down with no other diet changes or added exercise, so I'm happy. I find it easy to get back on the wagon the day after a chest say too so no craving problems here

[BIWI]

I wouldn't do it, personally. It's a slippery slope, to be honest.

Why don't you have something to eat before you get there, and that should tide you over until you get home to eat. Just make sure you have something easily available to eat when you get home.

[Destinysdaughter]

I agree don't do it! Eat a big, fat filled lunch before and take nuts, pork scratchings etc to snack on, or even an Atkins bar or 'milkshake' and drink lots of water!

[Jemmima]

Could you pop outside to eat some home made food? Also if they don't cater for all dietary needs (gluten free, dairy free , veggie or vegan) then not everyone can eat there.

[whitershadeofpale]

I do and it didn't derail things. However, I was only able to do this after a long time with no carbs so it was intrenched and I don't go mad. I don't have anything refind but might have a bit of sweet potato, some whole meal bread or shredded wheat. I find I drop well get the next day BUT I don't think it will work for everyone and quite honestly I don't understand the science behind it. I wouldn't have the kind of thing in your OP though, I'd try to have the burger but leave the bun.