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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.

Week 7 Pre-Christmas Low Carb Bootcamp

156 replies

BIWI · 28/11/2021 23:11

So we come to our final fortnight.

From here you can decide what you want to do. If you like, you can move to Bootcamp Light - or if you feel you need to be super strict you can stay on/move back to full-on Bootcamp.

Here's the link to the Spreadsheet

I promised that I'd post another vegetarian recipe, so here's one of my favourites (which is on the vegetarian recipe thread), from Simon Hopkinson:

Grilled aubergines with olive oil, garlic, parsley and feta cheese

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 long, thin-skinned purple aubergines (alternatively use the ordinary plump, pear-shaped variety available from most supermarkets)
1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
handful parsley leaves, finely chopped
5-6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
a little sea salt and black pepper
150g/5oz feta cheese
lemons, for serving

Preparation method:

Preheat the grill to high.
Run a small, sharp knife round the top of the aubergine, 1cm/½in or so below the stalk and only just cutting through the skin; then make four evenly spaced, similarly shallow cuts, along the length of the aubergine right down to the end.
Grill the aubergines for about 20 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes or so, until evenly cooked with charred skin, and until the aubergine feels soft, but not too collapsed within. In the case of the purple aubergines, the skin will also have turned a dull brown colour. Transfer to a large, oval, white plate and allow to cool for two minutes.
Peel away the aubergine skin in four long, narrow sheets using a small knife. Without cutting right through the stalk end, cut the aubergines in half lengthways and gently prise apart until you have two horizontal halves remaining attached at the top end
Mix the garlic and parsley with the olive oil until well combined and spoon the mixture over the aubergine. Season lightly with salt (not too much - the cheese is salty anyway) and pepper, and crumble the feta cheese over the top. If liked, trickle over more olive oil to finish.
Serve warm, or at room temperature with lemon squeezed over.

Although this is lovely, it is a bit faffy - so sometimes I just cut the aubergines in half, cut a deep criss cross in each aubergine half and then drizzle very generously with olive oil (as the aubergine soaks up the oil like a sponge), season well and then roast till soft.

In a small saucepan I also gently warm some finely chopped or crushed garlic in more olive oil, sometimes with chilli flakes, and when the aubergine is pretty much cooked through, I pour this flavoured oil over it and roast for another 10 minutes or so, with the Feta cheese crumbled on the top.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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venusandmars · 02/12/2021 15:39

I include the leaves and some stalk in the rice (blitzed along with everything else). Or I add them to soup, but not till the end.

BestIsWest · 02/12/2021 16:01

We had a meal with friends once and they cooked us a soup made with cauli leaves. It gave us the most tremendous wind. By the end of the evening we were both in agony trying not to fart in company.
Sorry to lower the tone.

MotherBuckets · 02/12/2021 16:55

Aw feck, clicked back and lost my post, grrr

MotherBuckets · 02/12/2021 17:01

Having cauliflower cheese for tea but no leaves so hopefully not too windy Grin

@H1Drangea I had a moderna booster yesterday evening and my arm is getting really sore Sad I hope yours is feeling a bit better now.

Hello all Smile just logging off from work, going to put a jumper on as it's got really cold here this evening. Might go and light the fire, then we need to decide which Christmas film to watch (going for one a day Grin) and the kids have some Hogsmeade lego to finish for a Christmas tableau. Just trying really hard to resist the temptation to buy Baileys and/or advocaat, not very low carb are they Grin

FusionChefGeoff · 02/12/2021 20:01

@biwi it's definitely got lost amongst jobs I have to do rather than something I enjoy doing. And I do now have more time so need to consciously talk myself into loving it again.

@Glentheredbeakbattleostrich it's really incredible what else I have found on this thread as well as 'diet' advice I am finally opening up and exploring some very serious and disordered eating and - for the first time in my life and thanks to the incredibly women on this thread - I want to get well - not get thin. A huge part of that is accepting I deserve good food and that food is not the enemy but my body needs to be nourished and food should be enjoyed.

In more practical terms, I've got a good stash of old Good Food mags I could go through those tomorrow with a coffee to try to rekindle the fire and find some inspiration.

Green soup (I put cauli leaves in my frozen green soup bag that stays in the freezer until I have a bag full)
Bacon sandwich using my incredible homemade Keto bread
Avocado, egg, Mayo salad but then I stupidly had some leftover jacket potato skin as I love the skin and misguidedly thought the carbs would mainly be in the flesh. Just looked that up and have been disabused of that notion.

Woops.

Planning a large spoon of defrosted berries with double cream in a sec.

SIL and cousins coming over tomorrow and my Friday suddenly got busy so I'm just chucking pizzas in for everyone so made my fathead base tonight!

H1Drangea · 02/12/2021 21:11

@MotherBuckets my arm is still sore ( possibly because I keep prodding it to see if it’s still sore ) yesterday I could have cried at anything , and just felt a bit tired , much better today though

Re cauli leaves , I like them raw , and also like the core bit raw and crunchy , like @prettybird says , DH thinks I’m mad (but Hey Ho ! ) they also nice shredded in a stir fry
I’m too mean to throw them away
Also , on a thread I lurked on , someone recommended cutting broccoli stalks width wise and roasting them ( delicious with sea salt flakes and olive oil ) taste sensation
#nofoodwaste

Moanranger · 03/12/2021 06:34

Also someone who had a v sore arm post-COVID booster. Took 2days to recover.
Yesterday I went to a wreath-making do, followed by B day dinner out with D.C. Wreath making included mulled wine & minced pies, easily swerved, I asked for & received black tea. Dinner at Cote tasty & generally on plan. Chateaubriand, creamed spinach, cheese for pudding. They do a really nice cheese selection & all served a point.
My big indulgence was a glass of fizz & 2 of a v nice French Malbec. Some carbs passed my lips, I confess: a spoonful of potato gratin, & 4 toast rounds with the cheese.
I will be avoiding booze now til next party on 17th. There is also a dinner on 21st. DP & I are considering a non-Christmas. House is still topsy-turvey awaiting (and waiting, and waiting...) for the builder to finish so we can redecorate & carpet, & this is looking like it may not happen this side of Christmas.

Jollyholibobs · 03/12/2021 08:01

What a week for booster sore arms -me too!
I’d never throwaway cauliflower leaves I put them in soup if I resist eating them as I prepare the cauliflower.

Last night we had frittata with crispy kale. This week I say the scale dip below the half stone mark briefly. They shot back up yesterday but still all going the right way on average.

Today will be a bit off plan. Christmas lunch with colleagues. We have only met in person once since March 2020 so really looking forward to seeing everyone. The menu was a bit tricky as a non meat eating low carber. At least there is a cheese instead of desert option which I chose. All the starters seemed to feature toast. I will just leave the toast part. Main is definitely not low carb comes in pastry which I pick the filling from.

Have a great day everyone. Nearly the weekend.

venusandmars · 03/12/2021 10:30

@FusionChefGeoff I was quite moved by your post, being well and nourished, and not seeing food as the enemy... Flowers

@H1Drangea I feel like that too - could cry at anything. Dosed up on paracetamol and meeting my friend for lunch. She lives in Singapore and we've obviously not seen each other for 3 years. I may well cry in my lunch.

Omelette fo dinner.

MotherBuckets · 03/12/2021 10:40

@venusandmars enjoy your lunch and hopefully seeing your friend will keep the tears at bay (or just let them flow, and hope they turn to laughter ❤)

I'm feeling rough, tired and achey but not particularly tearful. Bit fed up that the scales seem to be stalling, but this may be at least partly due to the tea / water ratio having shifted quite markedly to the tea side. I don't have much milk so not too bad but still an easyish thing to put right. No other 'naughty' carbs being eaten though which is amazing for me after nearly 7 weeks.

Got friends coming on Saturday so we're having curry. DH is making chicken tikka and I'll do a low-pea lamb keema. I'll have buttery cauliflower instead of rice / naan, as long as I can keep away from the crisps it'll be great.

Dellabob123 · 03/12/2021 11:21

I am so full of a cold and can’t taste anything and I miss my LC food tastes Sad
Had a negative test but it’s a right stunner and just feeling so low. Trying so hard to stay on track.

Inspired by your post @FusionChefGeoff

ShagMeRiggins · 03/12/2021 13:23

shagmeriggins Minestrone has pasta in it usually so would be awkward trying to fish around it?!

I’m so embarrassed that I forgot that, FusionChef. Was thinking of all the lovely little vegetables inside. No wonder I don’t really eat it! Blush

ShagMeRiggins · 03/12/2021 13:46

my arm is still sore ( possibly because I keep prodding it to see if it’s still sore )

I’m sorry. I laughed @H1Drangea. Grin

Some lovely and thoughtful posts, lots of amazing food being had, and have come over all festive now.

WATER WATER WATER!!. It really does matter.

queenofcauliflower · 03/12/2021 16:10

Thanks for the lovely welcome.

I have been very recently bereaved (a parent), but I am so proud that I haven't sunk into a face full of macaroni cheese or similar as comfort. I am using this WOE as a way of looking after myself, gently as I am busy supporting my remaining parent, sibling & children as well as dealing with my own grief and sadness.

Attached are some recent photos of Bootcamp meals!

  1. Low carb muffins with cheese, bacon & Chives
  2. & 3. Portobello mushroom pizzas with prosciutto & black olives (3. pre cooking and 2. post cooking)

This thread is quiet now. I wonder if everyone is busy Christmas partying?

Week 7 Pre-Christmas Low Carb Bootcamp
Week 7 Pre-Christmas Low Carb Bootcamp
Week 7 Pre-Christmas Low Carb Bootcamp
fitflopqueen · 03/12/2021 16:35

Catching up now, STS again this week, have been out and had mulled wine and pizza so pleased that I seem to have found a steady weight, could do with getting nearer 10 st but that can wait til January.

All the talk of cauliflower above, mine has gone in the oven to roast with harissa seasoning and some broccoli and courgette, also roasting pork chops on apple slices, with some carrot and sweet potato for the boy child.

fitflopqueen · 03/12/2021 16:39

queenofcauliflower just seen your post, sorry that you have lost a parent, well done for having the willpower to keep eating well for yourself in what must be a very stressful time.

ShagMeRiggins · 03/12/2021 17:12

I often think the threads have gone quiet but remind myself how much I catch up on. I figure it’s just my timing and availability.

That said, a bit shout out to all who post regularly, de-lurk, or who post intermittently.

It may not seem as though you’re making a huge contribution, but I guarantee there are many posters getting inspiration and motivation from the collective.

Oh—and y’all know what’s coming—WATER WATER WATER!!

MercedesBenz · 03/12/2021 17:53

Hi I’ve posted so little I’ve fell if the thread ! Currently on holiday , and zero focused low carbing done , although I tend to do it somewhat automatically. However alcohol and pizza will have put paid to that
Will be picking up again once home on Sunday , but I know I will have to lose what I have put on first
Well done to all of you that have been sticking with it

MercedesBenz · 03/12/2021 17:55

@queenofcauliflower..sorry for your loss 💐

prettybird · 03/12/2021 18:11

Those look lovely @queenofcauliflower Smile

My weight has slipped back to 12st but hopefully that's just a daily variation.

Went into town today with dh for a Christmas reconnoiter and went to Sarti's for breakfast Xmas Smile. Dh had their standard breakfast (Italian bread toasted, glass of freshly squeezed OJ and a coffee) while I had scrambled eggs (and have him my toast) and a coffee Halo. But my breakfast costs more than his Xmas Confused

BIWI · 03/12/2021 19:39

I'm very sorry for your loss @queenofcauliflower Sad. It's difficult to support another parent when you've lost your own too - big hugs

OP posts:
Andi2020 · 03/12/2021 20:35

@queenofcauliflower sorry for your loss take care of yourself.
@prettybird could you maybe get the colour done a week before and just have wash and blow dry on the 23rd free you up more time.
Sorry to hear everyone in pain after booster but getting these will help you have less pain if you catch covid because it is painful

Got a new milestone this week hit 30lb weight loss since first starting in March
Thanks @BIWI for doing these inspiring bootcamps and all the posters that help each other.
I also tided my work desk found the ribbon I first used to measure around biggest part of stomach and have lost 4inches
So anyone that doubts lowcarb it does work if you follow the food to eat.
I don't do any excercise and so happy with my 30lb loss.
Have a nice weekend everyone
Back in some restrictions in Ireland today

cheeseisthebest · 03/12/2021 22:02

Hello I'm so sorry I have missed all of these. I'm currently working with a nutrition coach which does BWRT and its like therapy, also focuses on lowering my blood sugar. Its absolutely incredible and I need to really work hard to make it work. But uninspired with meals a bit so popped om here to get some ideas and say hello!

cheeseisthebest · 03/12/2021 22:03

Who does not which!

FusionChefGeoff · 03/12/2021 22:27

@cheeseisthebest I've sent you a PM Smile

Interesting day today - I've noticed recently that my fasting goes so well in the mornings I'm often not eating until 2pm. I enjoy my lunch salads so much they always end up massive and I'm just not hungry by dinner time (5.30/6.00) but do want to eat about 8pm which I don't like doing. I've tried to eat a small portion with the family early but I'm crap and greedy so that doesn't work either. I just shovel down a full plate even though I wasn't hungry at all so obviously didnt need it.

Instead today, I kept busy all day and we all ate at 5pm. I was pretty hungry by then so really enjoyed my meal and am thankfully still full now - and also have avoided the snack compulsion which usually hits in the evenings.

Worth trying more often I think especially on days where we eat earlier due to clubs etc.

Tomorrow is going to be 2 meals out!

Breakfast with NCT group (hopefully swap beans and toast for mushroom & extra egg)
Won't need any lunch!
Dinner is takeaway but I think I've persuaded host to try Turkish which usually works really well as I can have meat and lots of lovely salads Grin

Oh and I heard back from the restaurant for my work night out next week - they are doing me plain chicken (no breadcrumbs) starter then upgraded the rump to ribeye and replacing chips with rocket & Parmesan and some mushrooms - get in!!!! Dessert option limited to coffee but you can't win them all - I'll take some dark chocolate with me to feel like I'm joining in!

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