Low Carb Week 7 - Our final weeks

[BIWI]

Forgive me friends, for I have sinned ...

DS1's birthday today so I've been very absent from the thread.

Here is the spreadsheet for you to confess all

Will confess all tomorrow

Good luck to you all

Like you @BIWI I have done C25K several times. The problem is as soon as I completed it I stopped running. I'm not convinced it's a sensible exercise for my build anyway (maybe when I'm lighter) as I'm worried about the impact on my knees. My favourite exercise is swimming but I am a half hour drive from nearest pool so it's a major chunk of a day to go. Used to do twice a week after DCs bedtime when they were tiny, but not get back until 10pm. I was doing 100 lengths twice a week though. Would love to get back to that.

I did a yoga class once, a daytime one with mostly retired people and guess who fell asleep during a class...

Breakfast - creamy coffee
Lunch (at 10:30am as for some reason I was really hungry) - LC roll with ham, cheese, salad and mayo.
Dinner - DH's aubergine lasagne that was more cheese sauce than anything else (and absolutely divine, again!)
Another creamy coffee.

Doing better with the water today. No shift in weight all week so hoping for a weekend whoosh. Boss said 'there's nothing of you' when I said I was low carbing. I pointed out I'm around 15 stone, a size 16/18 and BMI of obese (almost overweight now, so close!). I'm fortunate to have a fairly hourglass (OK, slightly pear shaped hourglass) figure and am tall, so it isn't as obvious perhaps (downside being I have to lose a lot to drop a dress size) but I actually find it really annoying when people minimise my weight.

I'm jealous of the earring talk. I only ever wore them to work and now I can't because every time I take my mask on and off I risk pinging one across the room (luckily the cleaner found the last one as it was my favourite, but lesson learned). I don't own many, but I do think I look more smart/dressed with earrings. I'm rubbish at jewellery or any kind of accessorising though.

Haven’t caught up on thread but for those looking for a bit of crunch (in salads instead of croutons), might I suggest the humble water chestnut.

No idea how they would do cooked as a replacement for bread crumbs in a hot dish, though they retain their crispness in stir fry.

Anyway, easily available sliced in tins in an Chinese food section of a supermarket.

Salut!

I've had my ears pierced several times but they close up really quickly!

I did C25K once, jumped to the end after about five weeks, can run a respectable 5k (for a fat lass) and enjoy running. I can go straight back to running for 30 mins plus after any sort of break. Why on earth then have I not done it since Christmas? Aren’t we strange creatures?

@Oneborneverydecade that's brilliant! Thanks so much - am definitely going to start using garlic infused oil.

I am still quite bloated after nearly 2 weeks of strict boot camp so I'm going to give it another 2 weeks then start to edge towards FODMAP.

I've been maxing out the water today and also had a great run where I've taken half a minute off my Time Trial pace in a month! So looks like I'm getting better at fat burning rather than relying on carbs which was something I was really worried about with my running.

Today was more difficult food wise as we were having end of homeschool disco, treats and movie night with pizza / popcorn / ice cream etc. Luckily I had leftover chicken casserole and it was soooo good I didn't feel toooo cheated. But definitely looked on enviously at the ice cream cones and chocolate bars.

Odd question - is anyone else here on a 12 step recovery plan?? I'm 6 yrs sober and at first really envied DH who could drink normally and wanted to join in. But for some years now I just genuinely don't want to - it's just part of my life that I don't drink and it doesn't bother me.

I'm starting to wonder if I will just, in time, accept that the 'benefit' of sugar / carbs genuinely isn't worth the fall out so they then completely lose their appeal the same way - rather than me having to resist them?!

A bit late in the day but checking in.
Didint get to do my challenge today annoyingly and too tired now. Did manage 12k steps though so better than nothing.
Well done for those doing well with the challenges, pushing through on the runs! They are defo not easy or fun but having been someone who hated running and only managed 1k the first time round (at slower than snail speed) I have to admit runners high is a thing!and when it does happen you suddenly realise this is what it's about when you're running 10k at an ungodly hour in the pouring rain like a loony  it did take me over a year of casual running to get there. I aim to run 3 times a week if I can. It does help me clear my head and de-stress. I do feel the older I get the less pressure I should be putting on running more/faster or longer because of all the strain.
On the other hand I hate the gym. I find treadmill running a total bore. Loathe the elliptical or cross trainer. Group exercises always made me feel far too self conscious. Exercise bike is yawn apart from Spins class.
So for those doing the C25K and not enjoying it- if you've given it time and your best shot and it's still a slug then there's probably an exercise that suits you better Hope you find your thing and thrive in it!
Loving the daily earrings! I've worn the same teensy studs for the last year! I do love a chunky necklace though and have a couple of lovely Stella dot ones amongst my collection.
My sympathies to those who's DCs are going back to school and it's causing worry and anxiety. It's def challenging times let's hope that with the mass vaccinations and spring coming the cases will be much less and much milder.

I've realised other than terrible insomnia my biggest problem for the weight loss is water intake. I find I don't drink nearly enough. In the mornings because I'm at work not wanting to have to do the constant toilet runs by the time I get home I try to down 1-2l but then I'm up all night disrupting my sleep further 

Food today was super yummy. So much so I was wondering if I'm still trying to lose weight 
I made a low carb spanakopita for lunch which was delish. I might use the recipe to make a "wrap" for burrito or quesadilla or just chicken/salad. I would recommend for anyone who loves the spinach and feta combo. Have posted recipe in case interested.
Dinner was grilled chicken, celeriac chips with home made Mayo and grilled aubergines.
Love my new ninja foodi grill. Move over Nandos!!

Like BIWI and a few others have mentioned so much hidden sugar in everything! I've now started to make my own spice mix and probs won't go back to buying all the branded little jars.

@Ninkanink I completely missed the post about the MN drama so no clue but hope you're feeling a bit calmer about things!

Feel better soon for those who are poorly! Hope your ear is better @ZiggZagg and DH and DF!

In case anyone interested in making the spanakopitas posting recipe. They looked far better in the pic than on my plate. I did use dark flaxseed which is what I had

ketodietapp.com/Blog/lchf/5-ingredient-keto-spanakopita

Dinner was a very mixed affair. Dine at home delivered from a renowned restaurant. Starter of smoked trout, fennel, tomato consommé and onion oil was brilliant; next course of scallops with sesame oil and miso dressing and spring onion salad was equally amazing. Main course was thoroughly disappointing Ribeye beef was the toughest I've had. We probably only managed to eat about a third of it and dh and I both had to go and spit a mouthful out into the bin. Not good. The cauliflower needed a good 10 minutes cooking beyond its allotted time (which put the timings out for resting the beef and heating the sauces) plus the truffle cheese sauce tasted really 'floury'. I even tried a wee bit of the beef fat potato but ate less than one eighth of it and was not at all tempted to try any more. What huge disappointment. And I have already complained. (and congratulated them on the rest of the meal).

Ah well tomorrow is a another day.

I've got soup made from the remnant sauce from the Delia spiced chicken, mixed with some left over cauliflower and buttered cabbage. All blended. And we have some ham for dinner.

Loving the earrings, I have flesh tunnels so wear the same pair or a pair of skin coloured ones to hide them for work, very boring. I should mix it up. I have been trying to wear nice necklaces everyday though, I have loads and never wear them or change them.

I am currently slightly addicted to cheesies, has anyone else tried them? Crisps have always been my nemesis and these seem to fill the hole.

I have dds birthday next week and she wants sushi takeaway. I can't decide whether to try and find something I can have or just have sushi for one meal. How much is one cheat meal going to set me back? I'm guessing a week and I can't decide if it's worth it or not.

@FusionChefGeoff I gave up alcohol over two years ago and have been wondering about the parallels between my issues with food. I do think sugar and certain foods are addictive for some people and also that we develop unhealthy rituals around food that are really difficult to shake off. But we have to eat and it should be really enjoyable so it’s more about breaking the unhealthy associations with food. But just as I no longer use alcohol to celebrate, commiserate, treat etc I am trying to get to the same place with food. Most importantly to not feel deprived of anything which is where this WOE helps so much because the food is delicious and keeping off carbs and sugar retrains us. I still overeat heathy stuff though so it is still a work in progress.

@prettybird sad for the lost and found earring. Hope it’s repairable.

Right, I think I have to review my portion sizes and cheese snacks.

I have put on a pound and am just at the end of week 2 so have the 3-4 plateau coming up.

I feel GREAT and look better and I've been weight training so could be muscle mass??

But I know I've taken maybe too much carte Blanche with the 'don't deny yourself' and am boredom eating cheese slices topped with Mayo and piling my plate high at dinner.

I am managing at least 3L of water so I don't think it's that.

L: small (!) Mexican chicken and avocado salad with HM vinaigrette sour cream and a sprinkle of grated cheese
D: bacon cheese burger no bun with hm coleslaw and celeriac chips
No cheese snacks!
Will boil some eggs for the fridge

My get rid of an item of clothing every day challenge has stalled. Much indecision only identified 3 items so far and DH is unusually enthusiastic about each item I seek an opinion on. The truth is that when I was 2st heavier I was still wearing the same size. In denial and no wonder it was all at bit meh! I keep remembering something as horrible and get it out but it’s not horrible because it actually fits. It is like a retro clothes shop though and I form attachments to things and keep them when they are no longer wearable. And life will be different when we go back to working in the office and meeting clients and I may need things I cannot imagine wearing at the moment.

Well done all those starting out running. I have found joy in running late in life. It definitely takes time. Key for me is not to run too fast. Just run the way I would stroll and enjoy the scenery.

Ok, silly question alert. How do I cook with lots of fat and oil without getting burned? I keep getting splashes of hot fat on my hand/arm. Things like turning bacon rashers this morning. Is the answer a long pair of tongs? (Excuse to shop, excellent) I’ve been cooking for 30ish years, but very rarely with enough fat to spit!

@Jollyholibobs don't take this the wrong way, but I knew from day 1 of your challenge (didn't you end up wearing the skirt?!) that it was only going to end in a bulging wardrobe I'm exactly the same (particularly wearing the same size clothes at whatever actual size I am). My favourite exercise is bagging everything up for charity shops, then slowly retrieving 90% of it. Hey ho!

Took the dog for a 2.5 mile beach walk at 7am, was gorgeous - saw rabbits, village horses and donkeys, oystercatchers and a swan. Plan to do the same time tomorrow as it really set me up for the day. I’d women before 5am and had a headache so it would have been so easy to stay in pyjamas and eat unnecessarily but I didn’t and I’m glad. Today’s food: L - mushroom omelette D - baked sea bass with shallots and green beans, maybe loads of bean sprouts too as I love them.

*woken

I found Marie Kondo’s The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying (I think it’s called) a great help. I’m an utterly juxtapositional mix of minimalist- much prefer a clutter free, tidy space as it helps my mental state immensely/hugely sentimental & nostalgic/down to earth & practical/a pronounced collector’s mindset - as soon as there’s any kind of set to be had of anything, that’s what I want! So there’s a constant tension between all those different sides.

You do need to be able to get past some rather interesting things (thanking your clothing/items for their service, for example, or the concept of things sparking joy), which if you don’t ‘get’ them just seem a little silly, but they actually do work very well. It’s about training your mind not to be a slave to emotional attachments to things that no longer serve your greater happiness/calmness/sense of well-being.

I’m much, much happier having given up my attachments to things that I thought were making me happy when in reality when I sat down and analysed the effect they had on me was not positive at all.

And do you know what, I don’t regret a single thing I’ve got rid of. Turns out I didn’t need them at all.

Today's earrings: lapis lazuli stones that my parents bought when they were cycling the Karakoram Highway and which mum then had made into earrings for me. I think that was about 25 years ago but I'd need to check with dad.

@Justcallmecaptainobvious it's not the fat that's spitting, it's the moisture in the food that does that. Dry cured bacon should work better for you, if you can get that - although the opportunity to go shopping at Lakeland for new stuff also sounds very appealing!

If you can, use a pan lid to partially cover the pan - with it slightly open at the side of the pan that's furthest away from you, and then once the moisture has been cooked out, you can remove the lid

Can I ask some non food related questions!
I'm trying to get some retinol for my frown lines by the side of my mouth. But how do I know which percentage to get?
Also does anyone know about Olaplex? Is it worth the money. I have curly dark hair and it's always so dry and frizzy. I tried the curly girl method but it didnt work for me. Would have the odd day of hair looking great but many days of it looking awful!
Thank you all xx

When I had my hair done, the time before last (remember hairdressers, anyone?!) they used Olaplex on my hair. The only difference it made IMVHO was a big hole in my bank account.

... however, my hair isn't looking too great right now, so I'm sure I'll fall for it again when I do get to my appointment - but not till the end of April

Oh really?
I wish I could find a product that sorted my frizz. My hair can look nice but it mostly doesnt and it's so dry.
And yes I remember those days, I need to book a cut and colour for April when its allowed!

My dd has waist length , very high lighted hair and she uses olaplex, it really has made a difference to the split ends and it’s not as dry.