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Low-carb bootcamp

Join discussions about low-carb bootcamp plans, meals and progress. Consider speaking to a medical professional before starting any diet.

New Year, New Start Boot Camp: Week 1, Now we get down to it in earnest

999 replies

prettybird · 08/01/2018 08:37

Stepping in to BIWI's big shoes and with a loan of her Big Stick, I take a big gulp and lead the first Boot Camp of 2018. ShockGrin

Here is a link to the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness If your name is not on it, because either it got lost in one of the many copy and pastes, or because you "signed up" after 0732 on Friday, which was when SayrraT produced the spreadsheet, you can add your name add the bottom and at some point it will be re-ordered alphabetically. NB: there is no obligation to add or your name or to weigh-in weekly - this is for those that find the weekly weigh-ins useful for motivation or accountability Wink

These are the Rules for Boot Camp. They are also on one of the tabs of the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness (SoF).

You need to follow The Rules for the first two weeks of Boot Camp. This gives your body a chance to "fat adapt" and for you to learn to eat because you are hungry, not because you crave carbs/sugar. As you get used to this Way of Eating (WoE), you will be amazed to find how often you are not hungry. You will find your fat stores give you sufficient energy.

For newbies, it is important to eat 3 meals a day - even if it is just a nominal breakfast/bulletprooof coffee (coffee blended with butter). Otherwise, you may find that hunger - or habit - will lead you to fall face first back into carby twatdom and then you need to start that process of fat-adaption all over again. Some of us who have now been low carbing for a while have found that we can follow 16:8 fasting or even the occasional 24 hour fast - but this is not something to be done in the early weeks. Don't try to restrict your fat because you think you are having too many calories, as they are important for the process of encouraging your body to change the way it uses its fuel.

So, here are the Rules. After 2 weeks I (or whoever takes over the next stint of the BIWI Replacement Programme ) the rules will be posted for Boot Camp Lite. Many of us who are still actively trying to lose weight tend to follow "full" Boot Camp during the week (maybe with extra berries and nuts) and then allow a small amount of alcohol at the weekend).

1. Eat three proper meals a day.
"You must eat breakfast. It doesn’t have to be a lot, and it doesn’t have to be absolutely first thing, but you must have something. For the rest of the day, if you’re eating enough food and you are in ketosis then you shouldn’t be hungry between meals. But if you are hungry, eat something. (Hard boiled eggs make a great snack).
After the first two weeks of Bootcamp we will relax this, but these two weeks are critical in terms of helping you switch easily to a low carb way of eating - and if you start to feel hungry, it makes things much harder! Eating this way will ensure that your blood sugar levels are kept stable, which will mean that you are much less likely to experience hunger.
A typical high carbohydrate diet can mean that snacking is a routine part of your day. Once your blood sugar levels are stable, by eating low carb, you should find that you no longer want to snack. But the rule of thumb here is ‘if you are hungry, eat!’. (Just make sure you are only choosing low carb snacks, of course!)"

2. Avoid processed foods.
Focus on pure, natural protein as the basis for your meals - meat/fish/eggs. Things like sausages, ham, bacon, pre-prepared burgers etc should be avoided as much as possible. You can have them, but just not every day. Avoid foods marketed as low carb, eg. Atkins Daybreak bars.

3. Eat lots of fat.
Eating fat will not make you fat. Honestly! But it will keep your appetite satisfied, and it sustains your body’s energy requirements perfectly. Fat does not provoke an insulin spike, unlike carbs which do (a lot) and protein (a little). Fry in butter, add butter to vegetables, eat salad with a home-made vinaigrette dressing (not made with balsamic vinegar though, as this is too sweet), add mayonnaise where you can (just check the carb count on your mayo first). Eat fattier cuts of meat – e.g. pork belly, roast chicken with the skin on and/or eat the fat off your lamb chops. Absolutely no low fat/light foods of any kind!

4. Make sure you are eating vegetables and salads with your food.
This is where your carbs should come from, and this is non-negotiable. But choose only those vegetables that are on the allowed list. Make sure that you focus on eating those vegetables that are 3g carb per 100g or less, and this will ensure that your carb counts are kept low. You don’t have to weigh/count carbs – this is one of the great joys of this WOE (way of eating), but if you’re new to low carbing it can be helpful to weigh your portions of veg in the early days, just so that you know how many carbs are in the sort of portions that you like to eat.

5. Be careful about dairy (apart from butter, which is unlimited).
Dairy can impede weight loss for some people. If you are still drinking tea/coffee with milk or cream, try to restrict yourself to max 2 cups per day. There are a lot of carbs in milk, so if you are having several cups of tea/coffee per day, you will quickly rack up your daily carb count (e.g. 1 medium latte contains more than 12g carbs!) You may eat cheese but again, don't overdo it. Full fat yoghurt is the best way to include dairy in your diet - but beware, it does contain carbs. Total Full Fat is the best

6. You must drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
"The more weight you have to lose, the more water you should drink. This is from www.low-carbdiet.co.uk/. Water is essential to weight loss for those who eat low-carb. The minimum consumed in a day should be:
Your Weight----Litres
140lbs-----2.5
160lbs-----3.0
180lbs-----3.0
200lbs-----3.5
220lbs-----3.5
240lbs-----4.0
260lbs-----4.5
280lbs-----4.5
300lbs-----5.0
320lbs-----5.5
340lbs-----5.5
360lbs-----6.0
380lbs-----6.5
400lbs-----6.5
High levels of ketones in the blood stream can lead to a reduction in ketone production, therefore being well hydrated could aid in keeping the levels low and ketone production ongoing. Consuming enough water can have many other positive side effects: aids your kidneys with the processing of protein, reduces the retention of water, helps with preventing constipation, and reduces the levels of ketones released by your breath, which in-turn will reduce breath odour. However, drinking a lot of water can mean that you also need to keep an eye on your electrolyte balance. You need to make sure that you are consuming sufficient sodium and potassium. On a low carb diet we can eat more salt, so make sure that you are cooking with salt and adding salt to food, if you like it. Good, low carb, sources of potassium are spinach (raw), avocado, mushrooms, courgettes and asparagus, as well as salmon and yoghurt."

7. No alcohol.
Alcohol is the easiest source of fuel for the body to burn, so it will always use this first before it starts to burn any fat - which is why you need to restrict it, especially in the first two weeks of Bootcamp, when we are encouraging the body to stop using carbs for its source of fuel and turn to fat-burning instead. If you really can't do this - at least try and restrict it to the weekend. Vodka with soda is the best thing to drink. Or Champagne, red wine or dry white wine.

8. No fruit.
Really. Seriously. Honestly. None at all. Zilch. Nada. After Bootcamp you will be able to introduce certain fruits, but at this stage fruit is simply too carby. We are also trying to break the addiction to sweet things, so cutting fruit out is part of this process. If you are getting all your carbs from vegetables and salad, you will be getting all the nutrients and fibre that you need.

9. No nuts/seeds (unless you are veggie: check the SoF for veggie rules)

10. No sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Sugar is an obvious ‘no no’, but artificial sweeteners are also an issue. One of the aims of this way of eating is to eat pure and natural foods, so including sweeteners is not recommended. Some people find that artificial sweeteners can impede their weight loss, and there is some suggestion that your body can respond to sweeteners as if they were sugar, by releasing more insulin - and therefore laying down fat. Given that the aim of Bootcamp is to help us lose our sweet tooth and addiction to sweet things, then it is a good idea to avoid sweeteners altogether in this first two weeks.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
29
Mandelinka · 08/01/2018 21:57

Thank you sayrraT

JourneyWithMe · 08/01/2018 22:02

Great start everyone!

prettybird · 08/01/2018 22:08

Re feeling cold - I've always suffered from the cold (poor circulation, borderline Reynauds syndrome) and yes, it's worse on this WoE - the only negative I can think of. Hmm

Part of it is, I'm sure, losing some of that fat insulation Blush - but I think it's more than that. Confused

OP posts:
Polkadotties · 08/01/2018 22:12

On my phone and can’t edit spreadsheet, can someone add my weight of 11st9lbs.

CobOnTheCorn · 08/01/2018 22:14

I had a great start today

B - eggs, tomato and spinach
L - fish cakes and green salad
D - sausages and broccoli

Gammeldragz · 08/01/2018 22:14

prettybird same here with the poor circulation, my feet sometimes go white! My hypothyroid was diagnosed because they were testing to rule it out and thought I had Reynauds. I definitely notice it is worse when LC but it does seem to be mostly when I first start rather than constantly.
I have a heated feet warmer Smile

I'm assuming the cause is something metabolism related.

I have decided to move from daily weighing (have been for a year) to weekly for this bootcamp. This is a big step for me so we shall see how well it works out.

RaindropsAndSparkles · 08/01/2018 22:14

Well I was an horrendous 182. Can't update spreadsheet from phone.

Manic day because i had to leave super fast by 7.15 because of a road closure so just took a cup of tea to the car.

Lunch was salmon fillet and salad
Dinner 3 egg omolette with ham and cheese and salad.

Water, not good. 1 tea, 2 coffees (I know they don't count), 1 pint water, two mugs pepperming tea, another pint of water.

Could do better x

Gammeldragz · 08/01/2018 22:20

That reminds me, someone mentioned on the last BC about LC maybe not being good for people with hypothyroid, so will have to go and look some stuff up about that... Does anyone else have thoughts on it?

prettybird · 08/01/2018 22:20

I just spend the winter with long johns on under my jeans, multiple layers up top and a cowl or scarf around my neck. I really suffered a few years ago when I had my thick but fine so a lot of it hair cut and exposed the back of my neck. That's when I started my collection of scarves. Wink

OP posts:
BrassicaBabe · 08/01/2018 22:25

Thanks for the soup recipe pretty

prettybird · 08/01/2018 22:28

I don't gammeldragz - but StuntNun might be able to advise.

This is a good point to remind Boot Campers that I am not medically trained nor a nutritionist (nor is BIWI ) I just know that this WoE works for me - as it has done for many past and present Boot Campers - and there is an increasing body of evidence to support it (links to further reading in the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness) Smile

If you have medical issues which might contra-indicate low-carbing, you should seek further advice.

OP posts:
Gammeldragz · 08/01/2018 22:30

www.dietvsdisease.org/low-carb-hypothyroidism/
Have found this, may have to up my veg and dairy to hit a higher carb level while on BC as today I only got 25g which is Keto level.

RaindropsAndSparkles · 08/01/2018 22:30

LC is fine for me. In fact often feel better off the wheat. Interesting question about hypothyroid. I would be if i didn't take 100mcg of levothyroxine every day. So, do you mean people with medicated thyroid issues or people who are hypothyroid and either under treated or not treated.

Interesting point gammeldragz.

prettybird · 08/01/2018 22:33

Re hypothyroidism - I had my thyroid function tested when I was depressed, had gained weight and felt the cold but it was supposedly ok.

It's why I have 2 Brazil nuts every day, for the selenium in them sssshhhhhh, even during Boot Camp Wink

OP posts:
Hefzi · 08/01/2018 22:42

Just checking in to say hi to y'all: away with work for the next fortnight with no options for choosing my own food - so going to do the best I can, and back to picking the veggie fillings out of the (very many) sarnies Grin

Breakfast is low fat yoghurt, cereals, toast and pastries: I've got no access to storage or food prep etc, so can't make substitutions - this am, I thought no breakfast was the least worst options: could bird or someone else confirm this for me, please? The low fat yoghurt is carby and sugary Angry

mrsreynolds · 08/01/2018 22:44

I certainly feel so much better off wheat!
Mum is coeliac but I'm not apparently- I'm certainly gluten intolerant but I just find it so hard to be low carb/gluten free
I'm allergic to quite a few things and since my gallbladder op have to be careful of too much fat
It's a nightmare really

prettybird · 08/01/2018 22:48

Hefzi - I'd agree: skipping breakfast looks like the "least worst" option.

Any chance of asking for some cream, to put in your coffee?

Even better, any chance of popping out and buying some Babybels? Refrigeration isn't essential for them - and you could keep a couple on your bag/pocket for emergency snacks.

OP posts:
thedayismine · 08/01/2018 23:05

Thanks Prettybird for the new Boot camp and taking the reins from BIWi!
I am back in this time- lost 11lbs on the last one and have bootcamped successfully before .
Weighed this morning and am 6lbs up post Christmas but I know I can lose this and more ... just need to get back to the straight and narrow!
Will try to keep up with the thread as it's such a big help especially in the first weeks .
My goal is 10lbs but more would be wonderful - ideally need to lose 17lbs!

Pumpkintopf · 08/01/2018 23:26

Had a good first day! Was really craving sugar earlier and v headachy- drank lots more water and feeling better now. Have filled out my plan in my new bullet journal incl BC rules so that made me happy!

B cheese omelette
L mackerel salad
D gammon and LC cauliflower cheese

TimbuktuTimbuktu · 08/01/2018 23:34

I've developed reynauds since low carving. I thought it was just me. Maybe I should get my thyroid checked?

Anyway.. I have successfully negotiated dinner out with venison salad and chicken wrapped in Parma ham with spinach instead of potatoes. Smugly declined the dessert but did have 1/3 bottle of wine. I knew I had this event today though and did say I would have a drink as my poor friend whose birthday it is was really upset about everyone being miserable in January. 100% bootcamp begins tomorrow.

I know I'm a bad one for coming on and saying I've cheated (normally with booze) so I'm sorry if that has been annoying. I have a tendency to disappear if/when I am cheating though and it takes me quite a lot to come on and confess so I do find the accountability big stick helpful. I do really want to commit properly this time though and am going to do my best to cut out the social stuff that I find so hard.

If I can get through the next two weeks ok I think I can get back in the groove again.

Pumpkintopf · 08/01/2018 23:42

Also want to say thank you to everyone for sharing what they're eating- so many good ideas on here!

BIWI · 08/01/2018 23:50

Morning all! (Well it’s morning over here in Oz!)

Not trying to stand on @prettybird's toes, but I’ve seen a few of you talking about sugar-free squash. I’d like to remind you/let you know that this has artificial sweeteners in it, which is a big no no. Especially in the first two weeks of Bootcamp.

This is because:

  • we are aiming to avoid as much processed stuff as we can
  • there is some suggestion that the body might respond to these sweeteners in the same way as sugar
And, most importantly
  • we are aiming to break the hold that sweet things have over us

So if you can get used to drinking plain water, that’s going to be much better for you.

Sparkling water is my preference, as it’s more interesting than still, but you can also flavour it with slices of fruit or cucumber, or herbal/fruit tea bags

BIWI · 08/01/2018 23:52

And also, don’t forget the Bootcamp recipe thread

lots of lovely recipes here for inspiration.

IAmSamSamlAm · 09/01/2018 03:09

Fell asleep with the toddler at 7 as I'm knackered trying to get over this chest infection. Just woke up full of beans, weighed myself (bored) and am 4lbs down already.

I know I said I lost (and gained!) weight easily but Shock

Maybe dodgy scales - although they're quick enough to register the gains over the past couple of months! I do have 60lb to lose also, so much more than a lot of you. Long may it continue. Grin

IAmSamSamlAm · 09/01/2018 03:20

Oh, I wanted to ask a question for all the seasoned BCers. I read something which said LC is by far the most effective way to lose (visceral) belly fat. Apparently this usually goes first. Has this been your experience?

My belly is where most of my weight is kept, it looks awful - I hate it so much. But it always, always goes last when I've lost weight (low cal) before. Am hoping what I've read is true!

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