Jan 22 Low Carb Bootcamp - the final weigh-in!

[BIWI]

Morning all.

Here, for its last outing this Bootcamp is the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness

I know the last couple of weeks have been a bit quiet, and apologies for Covid-related absence from me as well, but it looks like this has been a pretty successful Bootcamp, which is great.

I don't know when the next Bootcamp will be, but probably won't be till around May at some point. However, we'll keep this thread going in the interim.

Don't forget to have a good rummage around the other threads in the Bootcamp topic in the interim, especially the recipe threads, as there's lots of useful stuff there.

And thank you to everyone who has posted, helped to support other posters and even those who have just lurked at the back! I genuinely wouldn't have even half the motivation to do this without you. This is a rather lovely little corner of Mumsnet.

Welcome @Cancancannon and @Bookaholic73, I definitely felt like I could feel and see a difference around my middle in the first few days. I think it's what helped me carry on! I hope it motivates you

Oh @SpottyBumPony I totally get that! It IS a revelation isn’t it. Genius - I’ll bear that on n mind next time I’m in that position. And thank you @Tellmeagain that’s good to hear. Must drink water though. I wonder if anyone has lost weight this way with only modest amounts of water…

@Bookaholic73

Morning everyone.

Day 1 of low carb was a reasonable success. I did completely forget and ate an orange. Oops!

What does everyone have as snacks? Or do you not snack?

I have a snack once or twice a week. Generally don't feel the need when I'm eating like this. I may have a handful of seed crackers with peanut butter, or a very small apple with peanut butter/cheese, handful of nuts, or just a spoonful of peanut butter or slice of cheese.

Without the sugar addiction driving appetite, the desire to snack pretty much evaporates.

@Cancancannon I don't hit my water target, though I probably do if I counted all the black coffee (which is basically hot, dark water!) and I still lose weight. But I do lose quicker when I make the effort to drink more water and if I stall, upping my water kicks it off again. So it is worth really trying to drink as much as you can.

Morning all! I'm a bit despondent today as I seem to be putting on weight rather than losing it. After being so happy & comfortable with what I've been doing for ages, it feels really unsettling. I know deep down that it is likely to be natural fluctuations and I need to trust in the process but I'm annoyed and irrationally impatient. There doesn't seem to be any outside reason for any small gain - I'm having 3-4l of water per day, IFing - usually 18:6, sometime 16:8 and eating 100% on BCL plan - so it must be daily fluctuations, but I'm feeling a bit unusually down in the dumps. I feel thinner and lighter, it's really strange. Maybe I'll buy new scales!

I looked up the lactic acid thing and it is apparently a keto 'thing' and is due to a lack of minerals so I need to buy some supplements I think. Any recommendations? I already take a multivitamin and 3,000 Vitamin D.

Anyway, I have done the shopping and I'm all stocked up for the week. Eggs fried in cream (will report back!) and bacon for lunch then burger, mozzarella & homemade salsa for tea.

@RagzRebooted that’s good to know re water. Thanks. I do drink only decaf black coffee, herbal tea and soda stream sparkling water (which isn’t very fizzy, just less boring than regular tap water). I’ll keep the intake up though.

@Cancancannon

Oh *@SpottyBumPony I totally get that! It IS a revelation isn’t it. Genius - I’ll bear that on n mind next time I’m in that position. And thank you @Tellmeagain* that’s good to hear. Must drink water though. I wonder if anyone has lost weight this way with only modest amounts of water…

Probably some have lost weight with only modest amounts of water, but I’m guessing very, very slowly (unless they’re male).

In the same way that some lose weight just by giving up sugar and not increasing water.

In the same way some lose weight by eliminating bread, pasta, and rice but not increasing water.

It will make a difference, but it’s much slower for most women.

The thing about water is that it isn’t there to serve as a belly-filling appetite suppressant; it’s there for a reason. Hydration, yes, and water can be absorbed in many forms, whether other fluids, or, in some cases, through vegetables etc.

The point of water, for me, is it speeds things along or helps me maintain regardless of whatever shite I throw in my mouth.

I believe I speak for many when I say I simply feel so much better when drinking water throughout the day, rather than other beverages.

@queenofcauliflower

Morning all! I'm a bit despondent today as I seem to be putting on weight rather than losing it. After being so happy & comfortable with what I've been doing for ages, it feels really unsettling. I know deep down that it is likely to be natural fluctuations and I need to trust in the process but I'm annoyed and irrationally impatient. There doesn't seem to be any outside reason for any small gain - I'm having 3-4l of water per day, IFing - usually 18:6, sometime 16:8 and eating 100% on BCL plan - so it must be daily fluctuations, but I'm feeling a bit unusually down in the dumps. I feel thinner and lighter, it's really strange. Maybe I'll buy new scales!

I looked up the lactic acid thing and it is apparently a keto 'thing' and is due to a lack of minerals so I need to buy some supplements I think. Any recommendations? I already take a multivitamin and 3,000 Vitamin D.

Anyway, I have done the shopping and I'm all stocked up for the week. Eggs fried in cream (will report back!) and bacon for lunch then burger, mozzarella & homemade salsa for tea.

@queenofcauliflower can you post a link to the article about minerals?

Also, can you post your meals/drinks for the last few days? I'm concerned you think you aren't getting enough minerals and need supplements - it would suggest that something might be out of whack with what you're eating.

And looking at today - there's very little veg or salad in that - which is where you'd be getting your minerals from.

Remember, this isn't a no carb diet! You need carbs, and in the form of veg and salad (and some fruit). It's really important from a nutritional point of view.

There doesn't seem to be any outside reason for any small gain - I'm having 3-4l of water per day, IFing - usually 18:6, sometime 16:8 and eating 100% on BCL plan - so it must be daily fluctuations

Anything important going on in your life, queenofcauliflower? (No need to specify.)

I ask because I’m a huge believer in the mind, body, soul idea (and recognise not everyone believes in a soul—we could substitute emotion for soul), but there are so many factors that could be influencing this.

Yes it might be daily fluctuations. It might be loads of other things.

I had hideous back pain for years—turns out I was experiencing clinical depression. Which is not to say the back pain wasn’t real, it’s to point out that, physically, there weren’t many solutions to explain it.

This isn’t about me. I’m sorry you’re frustrated, please just trust the process, and take deep breaths and we’ll hang in there with you.

@ShagMeRiggins that’s such a good explanation of the water thing. Thank you. I’m on board with all that because it makes perfect sense. I’ve never heard it explained so clearly. Thanks again.

@Cancancannon

These two posts might help as well re water:

BIWI Tue 13-Oct-20 11:30:04
14. Why is water so important?

When your body stores carbs, which is what is happening when we eat a high carbohydrate diet, it holds onto water. For every 1 gram of carbs you store, you’ll store an average of 4 grams of water. Once these carbs are removed from your diet, water will come along with it, so it’s important to maintain proper fluid levels when you’re low carbing. Dehydration can make you feel quite poorly, making you feel tired, as if you’re going down with something, and can lead to headaches.

OP’s posts: See next | See all
Add message | Report | Message poster | Quote BIWI Tue 13-Oct-20 11:31:00
15. Why you should drink more water when low carbing

Your body goes through major metabolic transitions as you become a fat burner. Here’s why adequate fluid levels are crucial:

1. you need to replace lost water

As mentioned previously, your body stores water when carbohydrates are present. When carbs are eliminated, water is also flushed out.

1. it curbs cravings and regulates appetite

Often, when you experience hunger pangs or sugar cravings when you’re low carbing, it’s most likely because you’re dehydrated. Make it a habit to reach for a glass of water instead of a sugary treat when these cravings arise.

1. it puts less stress on your kidneys

Ketones are acidic and some of these ketone bodies are flushed out instead of used for fuel to ensure they don’t accumulate in the body. Drinking more water supports the kidneys’ role of filtering out any unnecessary toxins that may be lingering.

1. water helps fat metabolise faster

The process of beta oxidation (where fats are broken down) requires water molecules. Burning fat costs more water during the process compared to carbs which means more water consumption will help your body break fats down more effectively.

(adapted from www.carbmanager.com)

Finally, one other benefit of keeping your water intake up is that it helps to prevent constipation!

From the FAQ thread

Thank you so much for this water and low carb fact file I’m going to save it and refer to it often. I’ve drink loads of water this evening. I know all this is true because I’ve been a water convert in the past. Why is it that good habits are the first to go! Thanks all.

Good morning everyone.

@Tellmeagain that’s great to hear! I’ve woken up very much the same this morning. I weighed myself and it said I was under 12st! Not sure if it’s lying though, as my scales aren’t very reliable due to our uneven floorboards!

I’m not even being as strict as I could (I had a glass of wine last night) and I am noticing a difference. Mind you, I normally eat carbs at every meal so maybe it’s not surprising.

Once I’ve finished my bottle of wine, which should be tonight, I’ll get stricter. At the moment I’m just eliminating rice, pasta, potatoes and bread.

I have been drinking plenty of water, so it’s nice to know there are benefits to it. I’ve been trying to drink at least a pint a day, preferably more.

Does anyone have any BBQ ideas? I normally do burgers and hot dogs, which aren’t an option now.
I bought a new BBQ last week in preparation for the summer.

@Bookaholic73 you could try making your own burgers. We always do and they’re lovely. Steaming fish in foil parcels? Halloumi? Is that on plan? Chops, steaks! Yum 😋

@Cancancannon ooh the fish sounds wonderful. I hadn’t thought of fish before! And Halloumi too. Yum, thank you for the ideas!

There’s always veggie kebabs too - cherry toms, mushrooms, halloumi chunks, courgette, red onion etc…

I’ve been trying to drink at least a pint a day, preferably more.

Drinking water is the one thing for me that makes this low carb high fat way of working work really well.

Have you had a chance to look at the spreadsheet with the explanations of how it works. I like to understand how things work 😀 and there is lots of information here.

@Bookaholic73

I have been drinking plenty of water, so it’s nice to know there are benefits to it. I’ve been trying to drink at least a pint a day, preferably more

Have you read Bootcamp rules?! You should be drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. Rule 6 will tell you how much - basically the more you weigh, the more you should drink

Re barbecues - burgers aren't out at all! I make my burgers from just beef mince. Buy a high fat content one and/or add more fat (I usually add some olive oil), season well with salt and pepper - especially salt - and then form into patties.

Obviously a normal burger bun is out of the question, but you can buy very good low carb bread rolls from this company . They are a very, very good alternative and I don't think anyone would think that they weren't normal bread.

Instead of hot dogs, which aren't really the same without the roll (The Seriously Low Carb company used to make hot dog rolls, but for some reason don't seem to do those any more), why not just barbecue some good quality (i.e. high meat content/low carb) sausages?

There are two perennial favourites here - first is halloumi in a lemon, garlic and coriander dressing, and the other is chicken skewers.

For the halloumi, you make a dressing from:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
small clove of garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon English mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander

This makes enough for two packs of halloumi, which you cut into slices and barbecue - it cooks very quickly! Some supermarkets sell patty-shaped halloumi which is a bit easier to handle on the barbecue - they don't fall between the metal bars as often!

Chicken - cut chicken thighs into 2-3 cm chunks and marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and ginger. (You could also add herbs/spices of your choice, e.g. cumin, coriander, chilli, oregano, etc). Marinate for at least 30 minutes - longer if you can - then thread the chunks onto skewers before barbecuing.

@BIWII am having trouble finding the rules, where do I find them?

Thanks for the ideas re BBQ’ing, lots of great ideas. I think I’ll try that chicken and halloumi, they both sound delicious.

I am currently tucking in to some tuna salad that I found a recipe for. So good! I’d normally have it in a baguette, but it’s really good on its own.

@Bookaholic73

There is a link In the first post (of every thread) to the spreadsheet on which anyone who wants to can record their weight. The other tabs of that same spreadsheet have loads of info and references. The 'rules' of bootcamp are on a tab, another rules for vegetarians etc.

Enjoy. I don't actually record my weight but I do keep referring back to the spreadsheet. Hope that helps. 😀

Thank you @FinallyHere I found it!
Really useful, I’ve learned a lot. Will up my water intake asap.

Welcome @Bookaholic73

Now you have everything you need to know. And a lot a bit more. 😀

[quote Bookaholic73]@BIWII am having trouble finding the rules, where do I find them?

Thanks for the ideas re BBQ’ing, lots of great ideas. I think I’ll try that chicken and halloumi, they both sound delicious.

I am currently tucking in to some tuna salad that I found a recipe for. So good! I’d normally have it in a baguette, but it’s really good on its own.[/quote]
Sorry @Bookaholic73 I should have linked to the Spreadsheet for you

The rules are on one of the tabs.

And also, if you follow the link to the FAQ thread there's loads of information there too that should help you