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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.

2020 Pre-Christmas Low Carb Bootcamp. The first week!

906 replies

BIWI · 11/10/2020 22:17

Welcome all.

Well what a strange year this has been! If you're anything like me, food, meals and eating have been all over the place. And that's before we think about the booze.

I found lockdown an odd mix of feeling like I was on holiday but it was also the end of the world. So what was the point of worrying about my diet?

I am lucky, relatively, in that we don't have small children to worry about educating. We also have a nice house and garden, and as me and DH have recently retired, don't have to worry about work. So we were very much advantaged over many people.

But still, the diet/drinking was all to pot. And with the inevitable result.

So we're now in the run up to Christmas - traditionally a time when diets go out of the window, and we start to indulge ourselves. Who knows what's going to happen this year though?!

So with that in mind, it's a good time to try and be focused and aim to have a bit of discipline! This Bootcamp, as with most others, will last for 10 weeks, which will take us right up to Christmas week.

(I truly hope that we'll all be able to spend Christmas with our loved ones, but who knows?)

With grateful thanks to @AthelstaneTheUnready, here is the Spreadsheet of Exceptional Fabulousness .

You should find that you're on the spreadsheet. A couple of things:

  • if you don't want to record your weight every week, that's absolutely fine. Just don't do it!
  • if you're not on it, just add your name to the bottom - don't try and re-alphabatize it - we'll sort it out later

The spreadsheet isn't just a place to record your weight though - have a good look at it, and the tabs - there's loads of information on there, including a veg carb counter and lots of stuff about low carbing in general. You'll also find Bootcamp rules there.

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RitaEllen · 14/10/2020 20:57

How do you know when you’re in ketosis? Is there a way to tell without using the sticks?

I’ve found Teapigs Cold Brew are making drinking water more manageable. I’ve got the cucumber and apple ones and they are very nice.

I definitely want to try that cheeseburger pie! I think even my husband would eat that. I’ve made myself some broccoli soup for lunch tomorrow. I’m going to be saving money too making my lunch each day rather than the canteen, and cooking meals at home rather than take-away! I’m teetotal so I never drink anyway, chocolate is my downfall.

MsAwesomeDragon · 14/10/2020 21:03

I'm teetotal too Rita. And I share your addiction to chocolate.

Any form of sugar actually. I've always used sugar as my go to for any big emotion. I'm getting used to doing without it though. I've been low carbing for a little while now (not as strictly as bootcamp) and although the urge to reach for chocolate after a stressful day is still there, I'm better at dealing with it. I wouldn't thank you for alcohol though, so that's very easy to resist.

Rshard · 14/10/2020 21:06

That cheeseburger pie - drool!

After reading about it hear I made cauliflower mash tonight, no cream so I threw in the dregs of a tub of cream cheese, a bit of grated cheddar and salt and pepper. Lush, how have I not discovered this before?

RitaEllen · 14/10/2020 21:08

Yes @MsAwesomeDragon any emotion is an excuse for chocolate (or a Chinese take-away)! Good day = celebrate with food. Bad day = drown sorrows with food. This is the hardest thing to change.

BIWI · 14/10/2020 21:14

@RitaEllen

How do you know when you’re in ketosis? Is there a way to tell without using the sticks?

The first thing to say is that you don't need to be in ketosis to lose weight. A significant reduction in carbs alone will lead to weight loss.

However, signs that you're going into ketosis include a short term lack of energy, or fatigue. Bad breath, smelling of pear drops. You may find that you're suffering from either diarrhoea or constipation (already mentioned on the thread!). You may find that your sleep is disrupted, and you may find that you're suffering from 'brain fog'.

In the longer term, you should feel full of energy, experience a sense of mental clarity and, of course, you will be losing weight!

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Summery1 · 14/10/2020 21:41

I'm glad I'm reading this after dinner. These food ideas are lush.

I quit alcohol a few years back. I lost weight after losing my wine habit but I indulged my sugar habit. It's hard to control your weight when you can eat 3 Magnums (250 cals each) in 1 sitting. I feel amazingly well with LCHF eating. I'm from a long line of farmers, and meat, dairy and veg feels very ... agricultural, but my skin is good, my abdomen shrinks, and I have steady energy, including being tired at bedtime.
I did struggle with low carb in Summer. I did a triathlon, and we sometimes cycled for hours in training. Anyway I don't do anything long like that in Winter so I'm just blathering.
I've tried and failed to do LCHF alone, so I'm glad to be here.
B: Full fry. 3 eggs, 2 sausages, pudding, mushroom & tomato.Blush
(It was after swimming, and I walked the dog later.)
D: a kind of meatloaf - minced beef & pork with onion, tomato, herbs, baked. With FLGV. Topped with grated cheddar.
Followed by greek yogurt.
Not quite as good on the water, but drank lots when I realised.

1stMrsF · 14/10/2020 22:18

A better day. All the water, no carby snacks. Went to Dsis for dinner, salmon and roasted cauli, spinach and a creamy curry sauce. Delish. I managed to convince my family about LCHF when I first discovered it, Mum has reversed her diabetes through low carb and therefore when I go on boot camp they are very supportive. We have all survived Covid with remedial carbs though so its a change again. Have planned HM bolognaise to take to work as tomorrow's menu not suitable. Thanks for all the ideas far!

BuffyTheBuffetSlayer · 14/10/2020 22:22

I'm in ketosis now Grin

Twit · 14/10/2020 22:59

Hi all, sorry to post and dash earlier!
Anyway, today has been a bit better food wise

Oneborneverydecade · 14/10/2020 23:00

I had a good day which included a low carb full English in a cafe and then braised cabbage with bacon for dinner.
I went to yoga immediately after my dinner and was expecting the worst but my butt didn't let me down Grin
I'm another one who doesn't drink, it's sweet treats and bread that were my downfall. It's bread I struggle to resist now

NigellaAwesome · 14/10/2020 23:09

I've started having my mad ketosis dreams.

ShagMeRiggins · 14/10/2020 23:43

[quote itsmeagainagain]@shagme that pork recipe sounds lush[/quote]
I’ll post it and if I forget, someone please remind me. But it will be Friday earliest.

Totalshambles · 15/10/2020 06:41

How are people feeling. We have to be up at 6am every morning which is usually pretty painful but today felt easy and I feel good. I have done LC lots of times but always had berries and nuts and the odd square ion choc in the evening but I am starting to see that this way is much better - thanks @BIWI - and for the big stick too!

Anotherducker · 15/10/2020 06:49

Morning everyone.

I slept so well last night it was lovely.

Do any of the LCHF experts have opinions on the possible benefits if you get Covid. I was wondering if the reduction in inflammation/ insulin resistance improving would improve your chances of avoiding a cytokine storm. Disclaimer I know nobody knows for sure, and this is all new ground, just wondering if anyone had an opinion.

Thing101 · 15/10/2020 07:26

Good morning Smile I'm settling back into good habits which actually feels a relief!
Enjoying the not bloated feeling and my digestion seems more efficient even though I'm due a period.

Everyone's meals sound amazing, I need to step it up. I think my kids would like a lot of the things you guys have made. Need to get some more exciting food in tomorrow's shop, it's all chicken and egg here Grin (as well as veg and salad of course!)
Have a great day!

StuntNun · 15/10/2020 07:34

Ducker if you're healthier and lighter then you will be able to cope with any illness more easily. If you're specifically worried about Covid-19 then getting more vitamin D would be helpful. I take cod liver oil capsules for vitamins A and D and for the omega-3 fatty acids, I also try to eat oily fish twice a week but don't always manage. If you regularly eat oily fish then you probably don't need to take cod liver oil. Vitamin K, specifically the K2 form, is linked to effective vitamin A and D absorption and also to maintaining calcium levels. You can get vitamin K2 in fermented foods such as sauerkraut, brined pickles (check the Polish section of your supermarket), and kimchi (all must be from the refrigerated section to be live) and also in raw dairy - look for unpasteurised cheeses and butter. These three vitamins are also present in lower quantities in the fat in meat, and in better quantities in organ meats. These three fat soluble vitamins are very important to overall health and this way of eating makes it easy to get them. Stephen Lin, in his book The Dental Diet, states that vitamins A, D and K are vital for tooth health and can help prevent cavities. I had my first filling this year so I've been trying to incorporate liver, sauerkraut/kimchi and unpasteurised cheeses into my diet once or twice each week.

Takingontheworld · 15/10/2020 07:45

Oh man, i can't keep up with this thread! I don't think it felt this busy last time!?

Just hopping on to report that amazingly, i have gotten the 3lb gain caused by saturdays " last hurrah" regretful antics appear to be off today after getting back on track Monday. The fastest recovery ever ..
(To the newbies, please listen to BIWI when she tells you that you simply can't cheat. One "off" meal and it takes me the best part of 7-10 days to get it off and losing again, I suspect its only been faster this time because it was all gin and not food related?! Or maybe the lack of appetite following! If you're serious about losing weight here it's only just not worth cheating)

So that puts me back at 2st 12 lost and I'm hoping to hit 3st and the 12stones something by november. Will official weigh Monday. Bit anxious about managing whilst I'm away training and up and travelling this weekend but will plan best i can.

poorbuthappy · 15/10/2020 08:14

Morning all!
After a tremendous tea last night of salmon broccoli and courgette in a cream cheese sauce I slept like a baby for 8 hours (ignoring the 1 pee Grin) and got up easily this morning.
I have no clue what to have for breakfast this morning.

I think today maybe a chicken day - but I an desparate to try the cheeseburger pie. But I only have 5% mince in the freezer. Will this make a difference?

BIWI · 15/10/2020 09:09

@poorbuthappy just add extra oil to the pan when you fry the mince and you'll be fine.

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Titsywoo · 15/10/2020 09:14

Well yesterday didn't go so well yet somehow my weight is still going down so I'll be sure to keep on the straight and narrow (it's so much easier when there are no plans with friends so I'm going to become a hermit I think!).

Laska2Meryls · 15/10/2020 09:15

Im just checking in but cant keep up with the thread.. So re-started Tuesday this morning 2lbs down ..👍

Titsywoo · 15/10/2020 09:16

Oh and after feeling headachey and sluggish yesterday I feel wide awake and ready to go this morning. Thank goodness as I have the busiest day ever ahead!

TeddyIsaHe · 15/10/2020 09:17

Morning! Soooo tempted to weigh in, I know I’ve lost water-weight because my belly is much less jiggly Grin

Haven’t had a slip up yet, which is unheard of for me. I think the Big Stick is keeping me in line!

BIWI · 15/10/2020 09:46
Grin
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Rshard · 15/10/2020 09:47

Another one who is sleeping better, I’m usually a terrible sleeper, which is. It helped by having a dd who has swim sessions requiring a 4:30 get up. But I had a lovely sleep last night, even getting back to sleep quickly after 3, yes 3 trips to the bathroom for a wee

Glorious autumn sunshine here today so will def get out for a walk at lunch

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