Week 5 - Spring Low Carb Bootcamp - we reach the half way point

[BIWI]

Morning campers

Here's the spreadsheet, once again

Hopefully those of you who have seen things slow or stop over the last couple of weeks will see the scales starting to behave themselves a bit better now

One thing to be careful of, perhaps to check, is that you aren't letting carbs creep back into your diet.

If you have been keeping a food diary, why not go back to your first week and compare what you were eating then with what you're eating now?

Or go back to the week 1 chat thread and check out people's menus.

It's very easy to let things slip a little, especially once you move on to Bootcamp Light.

Hope you all have a good week.

[PissPotPourri]

Morning all.
STS this week AGAIN. I'm confident I haven't let things slip because I'm still doing full BC (apart from twice when I've had a tea spoon of almond butter in my Total for breakfast). Getting despondent but expecting AF this week so will koko and hope for a whoosh this time next week. Good luck all

[BIWI]

@PissPotPourri Sorry to hear that. Your menstrual cycle will definitely have an effect, but why not list out for me what you've been eating and drinking over the last few days and let's see if I can identify anything

@Grah0SoontobeaFatty

Jicama sounds like it's a very healthy ingredient, but sadly I think the carbs are too high for it to be consumed regularly. Here's some info from Marcela

Low in calories but high in a few vital nutrients, jicama is a bit of a contradiction when it comes to its starch content. It provides one-quarter of what's needed daily in fiber per serving. But not just any fiber - jicama's fiber is infused with oligofructose inulin, which has zero calories and doesn't metabolize in the body. Inulin, a fructan, promotes bone health by enhancing absorption of calcium from other foods, protecting against osteoporosis. Inulin has a prebiotic role in the intestine – it promotes “good” bacteria growth that maintains both a healthy colon and balanced immunity. Because it has a very low glycemic index, jicama is a great food for diabetics, and low in calories for those interested in weight reduction.

Jicama is also an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C - 44% of the daily value per serving - and a powerful antioxidant that zaps free radicals to protect against cancer, inflammation, viral cough, cold, and infections.

Besides healthy amounts of potassium, this little powerhouse can help promote heart health, since high-potassium vegetables and fruit are linked to lower risks of heart disease. Jicama contains important vitamins like folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and thiamin, and the minerals magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. Like potatoes, they should be used sparingly due to the high carbohydrates content.

Was there any particular reason that you were wanting to eat them? I'd probably say, on balance, that every now and then, as long as the rest of your meal/day is low in carbs, then it might be OK. You can always give it a go and see what happens!

[Kleptronic]

2lb on for me. I ate no carbs but drank lots of wine because my friend was visiting for a couple of days, so lucky it's only 2lb really.

[Musicianofbremen]

Gah 1lb up, 2lb up on what I have been all week.

I'm not too bothered though. It's down to being in social situations where I really couldn't refuse the carb tastic food this weekend (Staying with vegan friend). Overall I have dropped nearly half a stone and killed off my sweet tooth. Onwards and upwards.

B: Raspberries and Clotted Cream
L: Greek Salad
D: Pork Belly, Broccoli, Spinach

[Musicianofbremen]

Also I cant believe we have kept this going to week 5!

Well done everyone

[CaptainBraandPants]

1.2 lbs off here, very pleased with that.
Especially as my BMI is now 29.9. I have a little arrow on my weighing app and it has changed from red to amber. I think I am disproportionately pleased about the change in colour.
Only another 2 stone to go before I get a green arrow...

Well done everyone who has had a loss and KOKO for those that haven't - it will happen

[GrassWillBeGreener]

0.5 lb down but in reality last week's figure was from mid-week as I'd had a dodgy weekend and regained so still feel I'm keeping on track. I've realised that I'm almost a stone down now and if I can keep myself going I could get to 15 stone in another fortnight so I'll try to focus on that as a goal!

I have just read up the BC light rules again; been allowing odd "thoughtful" cheats here and there this week without them sending me off the rails which is a good sign for the longer term. The carb counts of nuts has been helpful - haven't got around to getting myself some almonds yet but maybe will do. Sticking with very small portions of peanuts occasionally and resisting getting in my favourite cashews!!

[mistywillow17]

Morning everyone. Well, I stayed the same, but it's my own fault. I was doing really well, but fell off the wagon massively on friday night, and struggled to get back on the straight and narrow again. But I'm back on track now, so hopefully will see better results this week.

[Veryflummoxed]

Well done on the losses. That would please me too Captain. I forgot to weigh this am so will weigh tomorrow instead. Kiko

[Veryflummoxed]

KOKO

[StuntNun]

Half a pound off for me. YAY!

[Leostar]

At least 3lbs up here, 2lbs of which were put on overnight last night! It is my fault. It has been my 8yr old daughter's birthday so too much cake and treats and trip out.

I'm also up and down emotionally. Great to be divorced but money is so tight, as he isn't paying what he should. I feel like a failure as a parent as the dad of my kids is a total narcissistic, entitled, bullying arsehole and seeing the sorrow and pain on their faces kills me. I feel so guilty that their dad is so destuctive, negative and overbearing. All 3 of us are having counselling to try and deal with the daily bullshit we receive from him.

Back to full on bootcamp for me as I'm not far off from my starting weight. I need to be healthy for them but also for me. It takes all my strength just to get through each day, let alone resisting toast and digestives!

Time to start again, up the exercise (i.e. actually do some bloody exercise!) and KOKO

[LazydaysofSummer]

STS this week for me, but I'm not getting disheartened. When I started this I wanted to lose a stone and I'm almost half way there, which is ideal at this stage.

[TodaysFishIsTroutALaCreme]

This is my weigh in after the first week. 5.2lbs off and I am very happy.

Observations on week 1 - mostly positive.

Have not missed a pile of carbs on my plate at all.

I miss chocolate and crisps. I have not particularly craved them, but I always enjoyed them as a little treat. I have also noticed how much I raided the biscuit tin even if I wasn't hungry. Would snatch a biscuit in passing or a packet of crisps just cos I fancied it.

I am a little fed up of all of the cooking. Gone are the days I could just make a ham butty.

I think this WOE will make it easier to eat out and stay on track. For instance, you can have a steak without having to turn away the veg "in case they have been cooked in butter - SW" and swap the fries for salad. Same for Chinese and Indian cuisine. Just pick the meat dishes rather than the saucy ones.

I have been indoctrinated to avoid fat and am struggling to add it into my diet. Am getting better at it though and oh boy, do those veg taste lush with a helping of garlic butter on the top.

And talking of lush. This WOE is definitely one for foodies. I can't believe the delicious foods I have been able to eat this week.

[Hesdeadjim]

Just placemarking for week 5 :)

I'm wearing a size 18 top comfortably today, if I'm honest with myself I was probably up at a 20/22 a month ago

I'm not noticing the change in my body too much, but something must be happening :)

[ASDismynormality]

Todaysfish adding fat is also something I've struggled to get used to but now realising it helps me lose weight.

I feel I must confess I have been eating chocolate.... it's Cavaleir sugar free dark chocolate made with stevia, I have been having the odd piece here and there - a 85g bar last about 3 or 4 days. I didn't think I would like it but it really hits the spot.

[wishfulblinking]

I know I'm massively behind you guys but just had my first day of BC and am feeling really good.
BF: buttery scrambled eggs, bit of avocado, bit of smoked salmon
L: tuna salad with spinach, celery, cucumber and some feta and olives
D: beef meatballs, courgette w/ butter, cauli-rice
S: babybel, couple spoons of cottage cheese

About to go to bed (I'm in southern hemisphere) and despite this delicious menu I've got a whopping great headache so guess that's the sugar withdrawl. Already dreaming of my coffee tomorrow morning.

Oh and the cauli-rice was a revelation. Never had it before and it was so yummy.

BIWI if it's not a real pain, would you mind adding my start weight on the chart - worried I'll mess it up if I try. Thanks so much. I'm 161 pounds. I know I'm very, very late to this party but I'm really hoping this is the plan that sticks.

[Leostar]

BIWI or any other gurus...do you have any tips for getting back on it physically and mentally and not letting fuck it moments become fuck it days/weeks/months?

I'm also struggling with snacks. I don't like olives which seems to be a staple. Thanks

[thenightsky]

STS

Must try to drink more water this week.

[nekobus]

Checking in for week 5

Well done on all the losses! I'm down to 181.4 but this is embarrassingly rubbish considering we are into week 5 and I started at 183... well it is in the right direction I guess and I'm not going to get derailed again I promise!

Leostar have you seen this about cheating - it was helpful to me:

www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/cheat#reasons

[Thekidsthatpukedxmas]

I'm hoping that one of the experts may be able to help me.

I have been following this woe for the full four weeks now (although lurking in the background), and I have had good results with weight loss.

My problem is my skin, I have never particularly struggled with spots even as a teen, but right now I'm absolutely sick of it! I have huge spots which are really angry and are taking WEEKS to go down. Just as one is going another 4 pop up!

Please tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel, I'm drinking 4.5l of water a day as an absolute minimum and washing my face twice a day as I always have.

If I don't see an improvement soon then I fear my only options are wearing a paper bag (as I am beginning to hate catching the sight of my reflection it's even more disheartening when I realise the face staring back is mine and not a stalker gremlin as hoped!) Or I am going to have to start reintroducing carbs, I might be shallow but being able to look at myself in the mirror is more important than the weight loss, my confidence is taking a massive bashing!

Wow! That's a full on moan, looking forward to any helpful tips.....PLEASE!

[SylviasDaughter]

Joining today, weighed (gah!) and will add to the spreadsheet once I get to a computer. Can already feel the prickly thread of carb withdrawal but I shall gird my loins and drink more water. Onward and downward!

[PissPotPourri]

Thanks BIWI. The weekend for example.
Saturday:
B Total with a teaspoon of almond butter stirred through.
L Chicken omelette with some cheddar grated on top
D Thai king prawn curry with courgetti instead of noodles. Sauce was made by me to make sure of no hidden surprises and was coconut milk, pakchoi, ginger, garlic, chili, lemongrass, turmeric, lime and coriander.

Sunday
B Total with a small sprinkle of ground flax and pumpkin seeds
L pork roast. Pork, crackling, cabbage, swede and cauliflower cheese.
D Chicken and asparagus salad.

I have two cups of creamy coffee each day and drink on average 8 pints of water.

I was thinking perhaps I'm overdoing the protein?

[FinallyHere]

Wow nekobus Thank you very much for the link to the 'cheats' article, very useful, thank you.

And thank you everyone else for the thread. It's really helping me to KOKO. I'm not weighing myself, but measuring round my middle: another two inches melted away, a total of three and a half inches gone, hurrah. I'm down one size in trousers and can do up the next size down, too, but will hang on in this size til the next size down are really comfortable.

And yes, I throw out each outgrown pair as soon as I fit into the next size down, so I'm never tempted to change my eating habits again so that I need them again.

[GuyMartinsSideburns]

Forgot to weigh this morning so will tomorrow.

Any runners in here? I'm doing my first half at the weekend and people are talking about carbing up a couple of days beforehand. I just wondered what people thought really as obv I'm avoiding carbs but I don't want to really struggle on race day. I also usually run on empty, my last long run was 10 miles on the back of a coffee and tbh the thought of running with a stomach full of porridge makes me feel a bit sick! Any thoughts?