Week 6 Low CarbBootcamp - the second half

[BIWI]

Morning campers!

Here's the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness for you to confess all

We're half way through now. Hopefully by now we should all be getting used to a low carb way of eating, which will mean we should be fat-adapted.

I hope you've enjoyed the recipe challenges, and I really look forward to reading more recipes.

I especially hope that the challenge has lured the lurkers out! Please post your recipes!

And, of course, here's hoping that we all have a good week ahead

Hello everyone!
Really enjoying all the discussions around maintenance and about shifting weight and putting it back on again. It's a real help to me as I envisage how I'll be able to enjoy maintenance when I get there.

@Lyrata I don't have many "before" photos ( no guesses why) ( And, nope - no sharing of them for me here- they're far too outing and it would be a problem with my work - plus I'm very shy. )

The photos I do hav are helping me to understand why I don't recognise myself in the mirror anymore. It's quite a weird experience.

Morning, everyone. @RagzReturnsRebooted, it's a horrible feeling and one I think I most of us relate to. You can only tell yourself you're back in control rather than ignoring it.

I am appallingly unphotogenic so avoid photos as much as possible. I always look huge in them too, so they never inspire.

I've now ordered a 2nd pair of the Hobbs Marianne jeans in midnight blue velvet as Hermes seem to be holding the first pair hostage have lost them , as they've had them at the local depot since early last Friday morning and that although there was a delay, they'd "be on their way again with 24 hours".

John Lewis told me I had to wait until this Friday before I could claim a refund for non-delivery.

Even if they do end up turning up, I can just return them free of charge, which will cost John Lewis. Hell mend John Lewis for using Hermes for their deliveries.

Ha @RagzReturnsRebooted! I like the idea of running from Zombies ! My DSis and I decided to do the C25k , we started in January and thought we’d just want to be able to run for 5 mins without stopping ,
We then decided we’d just want to be able to run away if a tiger was chasing us ...
But came to the conclusion we’d need to fight the tiger as we wouldn’t be able to out run it ...
DSis ran her first 5k last Friday , I’m hoping to run my 5k on Sunday
Then we’re going to do the 5K2couch , which will be much easier !

Snuck on to the scale this morning and I’ve still lost no weight
Grrrr
Will maybe try the Ubercamp next week to get things going

@Dailyhandtowelwash , not upset at menu posting here either ( I’m guessing Channel Islands ? ) planning a few years of U.K. ish based hols for the next year or so , and they are on my list

Morning all.

Yes, totally agree about the length of time being daunting. I always have to tell myself I’ll be done in eight weeks. If I’d known at the start I’d still be doing this after 6 months, I would have been horrified - irrationally so seeing as I actually enjoy this WOE. It’s difficult wanting to get to ‘the end’ and be ‘done’ - especially with buying clothes etc. I know I am now lucky because I’m close to my goal, but even now I feel anxious about buying things that fit because I worry I’ll put weight back on. I’ve spent half my life with half my wardrobe (the nicer half...) being too tight. I hate the feeling. It always makes me feel untidy somehow? Like I’ll never be one of those polished women with smooth hair and loose, expensive clothes.

Hah anyway. Enough of that. I ordered this from Zara which should fit at any weight: www.zara.com/uk/en/dress-with-cutwork-embroidery-p02578884.html?v1=94319146#selectedColor=250&origin=shopcart

I think it’s better not to think of it as getting to an end - it’s not an end, it’s just tweaking things slightly. The way of life/way of eating continues.

That helps to guard against the end of diet/jumping off the wagon and staying off it mindset where you slowly go back to eating the way you used to and put it all, or sometimes more, back on.

And the way to do it with your clothing is to keep your wardrobe intact for your target size and a little over it. So you buy some smaller things in the ideal size that finally fits you. But you hang on to a good selection of the ‘next size up’ clothing too. So then you always have clothes that fit well (since minor fluctuations of half a size-ish are normal and natural).

For me that’s the small size 12s (where I’m aiming to get back to), and the large size 12s that fit me now.

I wanted to say thank you again to those who have said lovely things and sent good vibes! It’s much appreciated. I’m back to a positive mindset now and feeling good.

@MarmaladeTeepee

Those brownies sound amazing!

I'm really struggling to stay on track today. I'm just not losing weight and my clothes aren't feeling any different and I'm really battling the temptation to drown all my sorrows in a huge bowl of chocolate. Really trying to focus on the NSVs and reminding myself how rubbish I'll feel (physically and mentally) if I give up now but the struggle is real. Sorry for the moan just need to vent.

In the longer term you are losing weight. It's easy to lose sight of that when you're focusing on the da-to-day!

One thing is absolutely certain though. If you give in to the chocolate, you won't only not be losing, you'll be gaining.

Stay strong! Plan your meals for the next few days so that you're eating delicious food, and food that's definitely low carb. If you haven't already, go and check out the recipe threads for some inspiration.

@Dreamqueen

Hope thank you for the heads up on price reduction. I've just ordered it. I had it in my basket already.

Will someone remind me please why electrolytr powder is good for us?

@Dreamqueen

Here's a piece from to explain it (it talks about keto, but the same applies for us, low carbing):

Why Do We Lose Electrolytes on Keto?

Each electrolyte must be kept within a healthy range in order for our bodies to perform at their best, but staying in range can become an issue when you start to follow a ketogenic diet.

Once you start drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, the body begins to process electrolytes differently. On keto, less insulin is released, causing the kidneys to excrete more sodium. As your body begins to lose sodium, this can also impact the balance of other key electrolytes in your body.

This electrolyte imbalance is often linked to symptoms of “keto flu.” As carb intake decreases, electrolytes are increasingly excreted from the body in urine. The keto flu symptoms can be triggered by imbalances of several electrolytes, but the normal culprits are sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

The keto flu isn’t characterized by the same symptoms as the traditional flu, and it’s not just electrolytes to blame. Lack of carbohydrates in people who are carb dependent can lead to even more nasty symptoms. Not to say this is akin to withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, but the body does experience similarities in terms of withdrawal from something to which it has become accustomed (carbohydrates in this case).

The physical and mental dependence on carbohydrates stems from the body habitually relying on glucose as its main energy and fuel source.

When taken away, the body essentially needs to learn how to process fat as a fuel source, and enter a state of ketosis.

Some of the most common keto flu symptoms include:

Fatigue
Struggles during physical exertion
Arrhythmia
Diarrhea

Since insulin levels remain lower in a keto diet due to lack of carbohydrates, the kidneys may excrete critical electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and more. Therefore, it’s essential for people following the ketogenic diet to increase intake of these electrolytes through diet or other supplementation.

@kilojules

Posted before but probs got lost in all the messages. For those close to your goal weight Does anyone count calories or macros? Thanks!

If you're continuing to lose right now, I wouldn't worry about either - you know (broadly) if you're keeping your macros right.

You may need to consider your calories, but to be honest I'd focus on thinking about this more in terms of a) portion sizes and b) the kind of foods you're eating. You know that calories will be coming from foods like cream and cheese, so be mindful about how much of those you're eating. Don't stop eating the good fats though!

Morning all, loving the chat, especially being able to run from Zombies 😀 . Thanks for sharing the menu, it’s lovely to think about what it will be like when we can go out to eat again and life returns to some kind of new normal, with all of us looking gorgeous 😀, it really helps with koko.

My 1.5lbs off is still there , I am very hopeful that I will be able to keep it off for Monday.

Today
B Greek yogurt
L lettuce, avocado and chicken salad
D not sure need to look in the freezer, but will probably be beef or chicken with a flgv

And water, water, water.....

Thanks @BustleInYourHedgerow . The main reason the schools thing has got to me is because I once again have to do my own research (not reesurch) and present evidence as to why my two have to stay at home for now. It feels very isolating, and it's a lot of pressure at an already shitty time. to you too.

@RagzReturnsRebooted I'm another who has been on the weight loss roller-coaster for my whole adult life. Well, actually, my Grandma put me in my first diet when I was thirteen.

Glad you're feeling more chipper @Ninkanink !

I have the electrolyte powder now, but haven't tried it yet. That's today's experiment.

I've had horrible heartburn since my two cosmos on Monday. I really did only have four units of alcohol, but I suppose having no food to soak it up, and cosmos being very acidic, that was what did it.

I still have pain in my oesophagus from Monday night, which is making eating unpleasant. Have ordered some omelrazole now, so that should help.

Will KOKO. Have a great day everyone.

@Dailyhandtowelwash

I’m sorry if posting the menu has upset anyone. I didn’t think.

@Dailyhandtowelwash

Please, please, please don't worry about upsetting us! We're only jealous

It sounds fabulous. I remember watching that guy make his enchanted wood and thinking how lovely it would be to eat that.

Hopefully not too long now before we can enjoy going out to eat again.

It's DH's birthday towards the end of March (not a significant one), and he's suggested we try a Rick Stein meal Although I thought that would be great idea, there are three of us at home now, with DS1 - but they only make meals for 2. And DS1 doesn't like fish. Fortunately they do a meat alternative which has the same starter and dessert, so that's been ordered - with an extra portion. It's possible by then that DS2 might be able to join us, which would be lovely. Otherwise, we're all going to pig out on that extra share

Thank you Biwi. great explanation.

STS this week which is better than a gain. Feeling a bit rubbish but determined to KOKO and not give up. Food has all been good & have drunk loads of water. Going to start on the electrolyte powder later & hope that they get rid of the blah feeling 7 mood.

Stepped (consciously) away for a day to splurge on my birthday. Expecting either to STS or gain on Monday, but that’s ok, marathon not a sprint and all that.

Back on track this morning - cheesy, spinach scrambled eggs and a litre of water for breakfast, so I’m hoping not to need the big stick to get back on track! I’ve bought a tape measure and downloaded a measurement tracking app, so body measurements are this mornings plan. Might brave photos too, though I don’t have a good mirror.

@RagzReturnsRebooted I’m a bit of a prepper too, and feel the same. DH and I both have security backgrounds, but I did think yesterday that our automatic precautions (eg reverse the car in to the drive to be able to get out quickly, slightly more applicable when living in war zones than in SE England) won’t be much help if we can’t run more than 50ft!

@Underthebludgeoningsofchance

That's why this bootcamp is such a refreshing change. There's no endorsement of miracle products. It is just good wholesome food, minimally processed and perseverance. And support and laughter and chat from an amazing group of people.

thank you, and I totally agree.

Ahhh the menus and foodie treats make me very happy indeed, even if they do inspire a bit of envy with it!

Have a lovely day everyone!🌻

@FusionChefGeoff

Hello everyone - I'm on day 4 is it still ok for me to join this thread or do I need to carry on and wait for the April 12th option?? I've found the spreadsheet and swotted up on the rules etc but still have some questions, well, all the questions

@FusionChefGeoff you are very, very welcome - and fire away with all the questions!

Now that the weather is improving, I have no excuse not to get out and start running again. I find it hard because I just don't enjoy it. I've done the C25K three times now, and never get into running like some people do. But as it's going to be a while before I can get back to the gym, I do need to do something. Not for weight loss, just for general flexibility. I'm very aware that I spend rather too much time sitting down.

In my head, I skim lightly and sure-footedly over the ground like a gazelle. Whereas in reality I plod and stumble like a large elephant.

@MarmaladeTeepee

It depends on you and what you’re likely to do (e.g. if you have two will you end up eating ten?), but if you really do want some chocolate, and you can enjoy it mindfully and in moderation, there is nothing wrong with having some.

It also depends, of course, on whether or not you’re trying to train yourself out of that automatic impulse to have food to make yourself feel better. If you’re at the start of that journey (sorry, I know it’s such a cringey term) then you might be better off resisting altogether and finding something else to soothe yourself.

But if you think you would benefit from a little bit of comfort, why not make yourself a cup of tea, have two nice pieces (preferably with peanut butter on as that makes it far more unctuous), sip your tea slowly, relax and breathe, and properly enjoy that chocolate? Take small bites (1/4 to 1/2 of a square), let them melt in your mouth and properly savour it. Don’t eat them in a rush, chewing them quickly so that they’re gone before you know it.

It’s actually really important for long term healthy attitudes to food and eating to learn to allow yourself pleasure in a little treat without the guilt.

But don’t do this at this stage if you’re quite certain it will end up in derailment!!

I also need to get back to running. I last ran on Christmas Eve, which is shameful. I did C25K two years ago, as someone who previously would have laughed at the idea of running for five minutes. Even after long breaks I now find I can run 5k without collapsing - I think it's part mentally knowing I can do it, and part finding my pace, as the revelation was that I can keep running for a long time if I'm not going too fast. I have been chased by Zombies but I actually find it quite stressful! Instead I have a playlist that seems to keep me moving at the right speed, and when I hear songs from it, I find it hard not to jump up and get going! But I will give home HIIT a go - like other posters, I find working out at home really difficult. Floor isn't sprung, kids and cats get in the way, no massive space, and just feeling silly.

I'm going to make myself have lunch today, and dinner is lovely fatty lamb chops and cauliflower buffalo wings. Yum.

Well I'm back from my first low carb run and it was slower than usual but that might be psychological! Feeling a bit better now too and have added a teaspoon of salt to my pot of fresh lemon and ginger tea.

I'm struggling a bit with how to practically do this as a family - kids won't like piles of veg and the ones they do like are the carby ones.

DH is a big challenge as he won't low carb so if he eats the high fat stuff he'll be the size of a house and is doing well at the moment on his own efforts - but that's based on my normal carby veg loaded low fat cooking with lentils / beans etc - all stuff that's now off limits!!!

I guess I will have to meal plan fanatically to balance everyone but it feels like a huge mental load!

Main question for now:

What should I buy from my local health food store as low carb staples?? Eg fancy flours / oils / other clever ingredients??

@MarmaladeTeepee and others, I totally know the feeling of despair when not losing or changing size. I've taken the approach that I am pretty happy eating the food, not massively missing anything, so I'll do the whole boot camp to see how my body reacts through the whole period. I haven't had a dramatic loss but I am not doing myself any harm, or putting weight on, so the next 4/5 weeks I'm hoping will see a difference.

@FusionChefGeoff

Well I'm back from my first low carb run and it was slower than usual but that might be psychological! Feeling a bit better now too and have added a teaspoon of salt to my pot of fresh lemon and ginger tea.

I'm struggling a bit with how to practically do this as a family - kids won't like piles of veg and the ones they do like are the carby ones.

DH is a big challenge as he won't low carb so if he eats the high fat stuff he'll be the size of a house and is doing well at the moment on his own efforts - but that's based on my normal carby veg loaded low fat cooking with lentils / beans etc - all stuff that's now off limits!!!

I guess I will have to meal plan fanatically to balance everyone but it feels like a huge mental load!

Main question for now:

What should I buy from my local health food store as low carb staples?? Eg fancy flours / oils / other clever ingredients??

You will find running harder in the first couple of weeks, but it will improve once you're fat-adapted. If you want to know more, there's a great (albeit very technical!) book called The Art & Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance, by Drs Phinny & Volek. They work primarily with elite/endurance athletes and did/do a lot of their own research into low carbohydrate diets and the impact/benefit on performance.

Re cooking for the family, I'm very much of the view that if I'm cooking, everyone has what I've cooked! But that said, I don't have small children any more, so appreciate it might be an issue for you. Go and check out the recipe threads though, as I'd bet there are dishes there that your kids and husband would enjoy. I can't see anyone objecting to shepherd's pie, made with celeriac and leek mash - in fact, I doubt if anyone would actually notice it wasn't potato mash, especially if you grate a load of cheese on the top!

Does DH understand low carbing/why you want or need to do it? I'd get him to do some reading about it - if he will - and point out that medically it's important for you, and therefore you could use his support. Otherwise, frankly, he's on his own - he's welcome to cook his own low fat/high carb stuff or he can eat what you're cooking.

Finally, you don't need anything from a health food store. We eat normal food! Anything we need you can buy in the supermarket.

The only exception here, I'd say, is low carb bread, from this website . This is a recent discovery and is a very welcome addition to our diets! It's expensive, though, so a) probably not for daily use and b) certainly not something for the rest of the family to snaffle!