Week 8 - Summer Low Carb Bootcamp - two months almost done ...

[BIWI]

Morning all

Here's the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness once more

So the finish line is almost in sight. I see from the last thread that some of you have been struggling to stay on track - just three more weeks to go, so stay focused.

That 'it's only one piece of bread/one glass of beer' moment really isn't worth it. Been there, got the t-shirt.

If you're bored with the food - there are two things that could help you. Firstly, think back to the last time you were doing a low calorie/low fat diet - how awful was it to have to scavenge the shelves looking for something low calorie enough, and how often were you eating food that didn't actually taste that nice, but delivered only on the basis of being low calorie? Rice cakes that might as well be polystyrene ceiling tiles, for example!

And then go and read the recipe thread for some inspiration, and find something new to cook. There's nothing on there that's difficult to do.

I'd also say that I see a lot of you are trying to recreate things that are high carb - pizza or bread, for example. These things are very unlikely to be the same, or as nice, as the high carb versions. And all the time you're trying to recreate something you're missing, you're just reminding yourself that you're missing something!

So try not to do this, but focus on things that are beautifully low carb and that you can enjoy for their own taste and benefits.

Here's to a successful week for us all.

C4 you have such a wonderful relationship with your DD and DGDs. If I'm ever left in the UK while my DC emigrate () then I will use your Skype idea to keep the bond alive. I can't believe you have raised 9 children! Hats off to you.

Sayrra that is one lucky horse. How fortunate that you were there to raise the alarm. I did laugh at the horse farts!

sasha good luck with the egg fast. I might do this later in the week.

cleareyes love the cheerleader song!

oldbooks wow lady that is one obvious NSV! Good going there! Your skin also looks very smooth. I'm aware of a lot of puckering, drooping, mottling, dimpling and sagging when i look in the mirror. As I lose weight it seems to be getting worse as the skin gets looser. Am trying to tone in the gym.

style don't sweat the bikini. Nobody else at your holiday destination will give a flying fuck what you look like. They will all be worrying about their own arses hanging out. Buy a good fit top and a high waist bottom and ROCK that bikini. Wear it proud and do it for all of us here.

Morning all :) up with the larks today for a gym session and I've got another one tonight

I'm less anxipus when I'm physically exhausted though so it's worth it... or at least this is what I'm telling myself

Thanks bitches! I couldn't quite believe the difference myself, especially as the scales are not showing much downward movement. It's like Jiminny's shorts picture where it's only 7lbs between not getting them up and them fitting perfectly.

Good luck with the workouts Jim! DH always says 'think of the endolphins swimming around in your blood afterwards' (he does cutesy mispronounciations, its one of his 'things')

Jiminny I used to love early morning gym sessions, the fact that you have the energy to do them is because of this WOE. Enjoy

I'm feeling much better today after spending the last two days constructing my meals around thinking 'fat first' rather than by low carb first. I need to keep reminding myself of this - it's amazing how fast low-fat creep happens if I don't keep my eye on it. Years of conditioning I guess. I seem to manage low carb easily because that's still tied to a 'don't eat this or that' deprivation dieting mindset, whereas eat fat needs still to stay a very conscious decision for me.

C4
It would be good if you could get your DH to go for counselling with you. He sounds as if he's under as much stress as you are.
I know from personal experience that sometimes,the emotional and physical well being of Carers is often overlooked and it can lead to resentment, which in turn can lead to arguments.
It sounds as if he needs a bit of nurturing as well.

Counselling would reveal if that's the case.

And my NSV for the day...I live in Boden Richmond trousers. Wear a size 20. They've been empty on the thighs for a good few weeks now, but as they are expensive I was making myself hang on in the hope I might be able to skip a size completely before replacing them. Walking the dog this morning (on deserted beach), and started to feel airy round the nethers.realised the crotch had slipped half way down my thighs and my bum crack was on show as they'd dragged my knickers down with them.

cherries you need to get some new smaller trousers!

started to feel airy round the nethers

Morning all. Another day of koko. For those struggling with various things, I hope you have a good day and if not entirely good, then I hope it's better than yesterday. Onwards, Namaste Bitches!

I will just leave this here for all the bikini bods

Yolo
I need a bikini like that.
The pants,would hide the wobbly jelly belly and that bikini top looks like it means,business!

Morning all

@OldBooks that photo is amazing - you're doing really well

I totally get the bikini anxiety (and share it). I'm going on holiday at the end of October with DH, and another couple - they are both really slim. I have to confess - whilst I'm amongst friends - that my weight hasn't really been under control for a while, but knowing that I'll be on holiday with them has been spurring me on to do something about it.

And my aim is to be able to wear a bikini with pride by then.

I'm not trying to focus on the weight on the scales - for all the reasons that we've talked about, but also because I know that my weight is higher now because I train regularly, so I know I'm carrying more muscle than I used to. So I'm focusing on my shape, and what I look like in a bikini.

Don't think I'm brave enough to post a photo, but @styledilemma, you have inspired me to dig out the bikini I haven't been fitting into for a while, and see what that looks like.

@C4pinkwheels it sounds to me like your DH is under intolerable pressure at work - and although that doesn't excuse him it does at least explain him. I'm glad that the skid is being a bit more considerate. And I'd also say, as a mother of a 22 and 25 yo, that even though you think they're adults, they can still be incredibly selfish. Thank goodness you have your PA and the Crisis team to help fight your corner though!

@SayrraT - I saw your photo on FB yesterday. That must have been a horrible shock, but so glad that the horse is OK

@ilovecherries -

@YoLoZammo - I had to read that ad twice before I realised what its message was. It shows you just how times have changed, doesn't it? I remember recently flicking through the channels on the TV, when I came across an old Top of the Pops, from the 70s. It was really striking just how slim everyone was - not just Pan's People! I think we've got used to seeing people carrying extra weight

@JiminnyCricket - I'm glad you've found something to help keep the anxiety at bay, although I'm not sure I'd fancy your fitness regime. I think you're amazing with the kind of focus that you're showing. At first I thought your PT was a bit of a sadist, but I reckon she recognises your inner strength and commitment

@sheepysheep I'm not an expert at all on endurance sports/athletes and LCHF, but it might be worth you reading 'The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance' by Drs Volek and Phinny - they do their own research into this area, and this book was specifically written about elite athletes

Old my DH calls them dolphins too, haha.

Cherries that did make me smile!

I've been really hungry the past few days & couldn't figure out why. Had a closer look - I've not been adding fat to stuff! So back on it with renewed vigour.

I'm slightly concerned about the food at the wedding on Friday, I think it'll be a buffet as it's in a pub. Hoping there'll be chicken drummers & a bit of salad.

I'm having a load of random food today, still trying to run the fridge down:
B - scrambled eggs & cheese Added more butter than I usually do.
L - chicken thighs, salad, will add loads of mayo
D - pork steak, buttered spinach

sayrra. Hope the horse is much better today.

oldbooks. Wow, can't believe there hasn't been much movement in the scales as there is a big difference between the pictures. Nice bum!

I reintroduced dairy and although it's not impacting my weight (yay) I am really itchy(boo). I'm going to cut it again and see if the itchiness improves as it's driving me mad!

Pah! My message messed up. It was a funny one, too!

Anyway--blue or coral underneath?

Oldbooks the difference in those pictures is incredible, you are rocking this lady.

Sayrra my DD in NZ has horses and ponies so I know how dangerous colic can be, thank goodness you were there to alert your friend and the vet.

Cleareyes thank you for the post I now have an ear worm of that tune.

Right I've just borrowed BIWI's big stick for a SWIMWEAR RANT
Last year we knew that I would spend most of this year recovering from surgery so we had multiple holidays. I'm in a wheelchair and at that time my spine was twisted and I had a forward and sideway bend. In March we went all inclusive to a posh 5* resort in Mexico, I wanted to relax by the pool, in the pool, on the beach, swim with dolphins the whole beach/pool holiday experience.
I'm going to let you into a secret SWIMWEAR IS WHAT YOU WEAR IN THE WATER, buy some beautiful kaftans and sarongs to wear when your not in the water and don't start moaning about wanting an all over tan THE SUN IS BAD FOR YOU. It will age you and make you all wrinkly and can do real damage.

Going on holiday is a chance to relax and have fun with you DC you don't need heaps of swimwear stress before you go, you will just take up valuable time on holiday dealing with the fallout or you will take the stress with you.

I took four swimsuits and fifteen kaftans, most made myself or bought in charity shops, get a bloody grip girls. Don't you dare sit by the pool or on the beach being envious of the skinny bikini bitches, just imagine how they will look in twenty years when they're like prunes. Don't teach your DC that laying in full sun is what you do on holiday, get in the pool with them, go for a walk (for me) enjoy the feel of sand between your toes, it's one of the things that I miss sooo much. Count your blessings not your woes.

Go enjoy and be a kaftan bitch

Namaste bitches #myfatcanpissrightoff

DH brought me fried halloumi and bacon for breakfast in bed - he sat on the bed and said "please eat, you're going to make yourself ill again" I do believe he had a tear in his eye. How can someone be so lovely but be absolutely infuriating at the same time. I did eat it, it's the most I've eaten since Friday.

I like the coral Clear.

After my initial relief of my period starting I now feel like utter crap . I want to crawl back into bed and whimper. But I can't. Arse.

cherries get some smaller trousers before you get arrested .

Cleareyes- blue looks best, you look lovely, nice bathroom too.

Heman - do you have any clary sage oil you can rub on or burn or any citrus smelling oils. I used to have terrible periods but a mirena coil sorted that out.

I do C4. I have tisserand lemon oil and a vaporiser doodad! Thank you! There is a very good health shop in my 'patch' at work. I'll call in there today for Clary Sage oil. My periods have gone back to how they were when I was a teenager now I'm at t'other end of the cycle. Gah.

My period just faded away at menopause. Just got longer gaps and lighter periods till eventually the gap became a year. Then I had one more in the 13th month, and that was them gone. The hot flushes on the other hand . Started when I was 40 and are still awful.

Well I've crashed out of bootcamp spectacularly. There was a wedding at the weekend that I ate dessert at and too many biscuits yesterday.
I hate to say it but I feel so much better. The awful fuzzy head has finally gone.
So I'm unsure what to do now. I like the satiety of bootcamp, but it doesn't seem to suit me. Stuntnun or BIWI can correct me but LCHF is associated with higher cortisol levels, and i know that affects my blood sugar quite profoundly. Mid gestational diabetes my BM went from 5 to 12 after a horribly stressful event at work.
I haven't been the best with avoiding alcohol either, but to be fair I'm talking about a couple of glasses of wine a 2-3 times a week, with 2 occasions where I drank far to much.
My plan at the moment is to add in some lower GI carbs (black beans, flagelot beans) etc and moderate the fat slightly and see what happens. I may go back to bootcamp proper if it doesn't work out.

@BIWI don't worry, my PT IS a sadist

I actually think she's bloody good at her job, she seems to recognise that gym work is less about physical fitness for me and much more about my mental health. I need to feel like I'm achieving something so she spends our sessions giving me a reason to feel like that. I increase what I'm doing every time I do a hell session and very very gradually I'm noticing improvements in my strength etc. Like today I held a plank for 60 seconds and could have gone longer when my previous PB last week was 45. I also managed to get to stage 2 of an overhead press (from the floor up to shoulders) with 20kgs on it. I'm yet to be able to press that overhead but just getting the rotate from floor to shoulder is a massive improvement. When we moved on to the log press which was also 20kgs, I got that fucker overhead and locked it out twice No idea why I can do it with a log press and not with a bar though!

I've got another hell session tonight at 6:30pm, then friday I've got a double, so 2 hell sessions back to back which is going to be brutal. PT wants me to book in with her for at least 5 sessions next week too (same as I've done this week) and continue on 5 a week until the anxiety settles down. We had a heart to heart about it today and she's suffered with it too. I think we're actually quite similar in the way we think and she definately understands why i need to be there at the moment and she's working me harder than normal to get me tired.

I'm at work now having breakfast (I start at 9) and the tiredness from the gym definately takes the edge off the anxiety. I'd normally be a bit panicked because I've got a lot on today but I'm cool as a cucumber right now

@Yolo I LOVE that bikini advert! I remember my lovely Nan years ago saying to my sister (who was skinny at the time and about 15) "You have the same figure shape as me when I was young, except you're fatter" - we were all horrified but she meant it as a compliment! I'm going to send it to my sister.

There's an interesting debate around body shape isn't there? It seems we've moved to 2 extremes: Our sense of ideal is actually thinner than it should be, yet our sense of normal is probably fatter than is healthy I have no idea at all what my body looks like in the overweight catagory never mind healthy BMI range (I've never been under obese) so I have no idea what's normal for me. That's probably the thing I'm looking forwards to most about weight loss, it's finding out what I@m "supposed" to look like!

Well I had smoked tofu last night. Put it in a salad with olive oil and mayo.

Hadn't had tofu for 35 years and won't be having it ever ever again. I think it wasn't just the taste that got to me (solidified vomit) but the texture .

I think I am going to stick to the odd egg and a few nuts from now on.

I have made an appointment to see the doctor and ask for an allergy test to find out exactly what I am allergic to.
Spent yesterday evening googling if an allergy can make you fat.

Before going on this diet I have struggled with my weight for years. Even when I was 8stone nothing I knew I could not eat like other people.
When I was much younger there was a point where (because I was physically ill) I was unable to eat. I survived on coffee and the odd meal here and there which I would pay with pain afterwards. Calorie wise I was consuming under 150 calories per day. I still didn't lose weight. I lost 5lbs initially and stayed at 7stone 9lbs for 3 1/2 years. It was only when I stopped eating food altogether did the weight start to go down and they realised how ill I was.

My issue is I didn't eat a great deal. But my body doesn't reflect this. When I have been to the doctors in the past I have either been given a piece of paper with a pyramid on it. The top of the pyramid was pointed out that I really shouldn't eat cakes doughnuts etc. I really don't like cake and I cant stand the smell of doughnuts. The doctor then has reiterated that I really shouldn't eat those things. It doesn't get through. Like when I was ill for years. Doctors don't listen.
I have been told by other doctors it is calories in and calories out . In which case I should be 7stone 2lbs and a size 0. No doctor can get their minds round the fact that I am never alone so people are with me 24 hours per day and they understand I only eat a tiny amount and think I should be super slim.
I would say every diet including this one has me eating more food than I eat normally. I usually give up with diets because I cant keep up with the food intake. This one I have stuck with longer than most because I could adjust what I was eating to portion sizes or skip meals altogether