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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.

Pre-Christmas BootCamp 2022: Week 1

491 replies

prettybird · 17/10/2022 01:02

While @BIWI takes a well-earned break from running BootCamp after many, many years of supporting people in this Way of Eating I have, for my sins, volunteered to run the Pre-Christmans BootCamp Shock. I'll admit to only doing so for selfish reasons: I needed the BootCamp in the run up to Christmas and the accountability of running it would in turn help me to be more accountable Grin

My Big Stick might not be as big as @BIWI's but I will do my best to channel her Wink. And with the support of all the other experienced BootCampers and @FinallyHere's help with the Spreadsheet, I am sure we will see a lot of success in the run up to Christmas.Smile

Here is the link to the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness You don't need to log your weight if you don't need to but within the various tabs of the Spreadsheet are The Rules ( very important), Vegetarian Rules links to resources that outline how and why this Way of Eating works, menu plans, veg carb counters and many other resources.

I'd strongly recommend that even if you don't weigh yourself (and even if you do), you should measure yourself at the start, especially your waist. That way, if your weight loss stalls, you may still see progress in other ways. BootCamp is very effective at reducing visceral fat, which will manifest itself in a smaller waist measurement.

Anyway, on to the important stuff: here are The Rules

1. Eat three proper meals a day.
You must eat breakfast. It doesn’t have to be a lot, and it doesn’t have to be absolutely first thing, but you must have something. For the rest of the day, if you’re eating enough food and especially enough fat, you shouldn’t be hungry between meals. But if you are hungry, eat something. (Hard boiled eggs make a great snack). After the first two weeks of Bootcamp we will relax this, but these two weeks are critical in terms of helping you switch easily to a low carb way of eating - and if you start to feel hungry, it makes things much harder! Eating this way will ensure that your blood sugar levels are kept stable, which will mean that you are much less likely to experience hunger. A typical high carbohydrate diet can mean that snacking is a routine part of your day. Once your blood sugar levels are stable, by eating low carb, you should find that you no longer want to snack. But the rule of thumb here is ‘if you are hungry, eat!’. (Just make sure you are only choosing low carb snacks, of course!)"

2. Avoid processed foods.
Focus on pure, natural protein as the basis for your meals - meat/fish/eggs. Things like sausages, ham, bacon, pre-prepared burgers etc should be avoided as much as possible. You can have them, but just not at every meal, every day.

3. Eat lots of fat.
Eating fat will not make you fat. Honestly! But it will keep your appetite satisfied, and it sustains your body’s energy requirements perfectly. Fat does not provoke an insulin spike, unlike carbs which do (a lot) and protein (a little). Fry in butter, add butter to vegetables, eat salad with a home-made vinaigrette dressing (not made with balsamic vinegar though, as this is too sweet), add mayonnaise where you can (just check the carb count on your mayo first). Eat fattier cuts of meat – e.g. pork belly, roast chicken with the skin on and/or eat the fat off your lamb chops. Absolutely no low fat/light/’Lite’ foods of any kind!

4. Make sure you are eating vegetables and salads with your food.
"This is where your carbs should come from, and this is non-negotiable. But choose only those vegetables that are on the allowed list. Make sure that you focus on eating those vegetables that are under 5g carb per 100g, and this will ensure that your carb counts are kept low. You don’t have to weigh/count carbs – this is one of the great joys of this WOE (way of eating), but if you’re new to low carbing it can be helpful to weigh your portions of veg in the early days, just so that you know how many carbs are in the sort of portions that you like to eat.

The vegetable carb counter is helpfully colour-coded into green (eat freely), amber (go easy) and red (best avoided as much as possible), which will help you to make your choices."

5. Be careful about dairy (apart from butter, which is unlimited).
Dairy can impede weight loss for some people. If you are drinking tea/coffee with milk or cream, try to restrict yourself to max 2 cups per day. There are a lot of carbs in milk, so if you are having several cups of tea/coffee per day, you will quickly rack up your daily carb count (e.g. 1 medium latte contains more than 12g carbs!) You may eat cheese but again, don't overdo it. Full fat yoghurt is the best way to include dairy in your diet - but beware, it does contain carbs. You should choose one that’s 10% fat – most of the supermarkets have a Greek yoghurt in their premium ranges with this amount of fat.

6. You must drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
The more weight you have to lose, the more water you should drink.

This is from www.low-carbdiet.co.uk/:

Water is essential to weight loss for those who follow a low carb way of eating. The minimum consumed in a day should be:
Your Weight.........Litres
140lbs............2.5
160lbs............3.0
180lbs............3.0
200lbs............3.5
220lbs............3.5
240lbs............4.0
260lbs............4.5
280lbs............4.5
300lbs............5.0
320lbs............5.5
340lbs............5.5
360lbs............6.0
380lbs............6.5
400lbs............6.5
"High levels of ketones in the blood stream can lead to a reduction in ketone production, therefore being well hydrated could aid in keeping the levels low and ketone production ongoing. Consuming enough water can have many other positive side effects, e.g. it aids your kidneys with the processing of protein, reduces the retention of water, helps with preventing constipation, and reduces the levels of ketones released by your breath, which in turn will reduce breath odour.

However, drinking a lot of water can mean that you also need to keep an eye on your electrolyte balance. You need to make sure that you are consuming sufficient sodium and potassium. On a low carb way of eating, we should eat more salt, so make sure that you are cooking with salt and adding salt to food, if you like it.

Good, low carb, sources of potassium are spinach (raw), avocado, mushrooms, courgettes and asparagus, as well as salmon and yoghurt."

7. No alcohol.
Alcohol is the easiest source of fuel for the body to burn, so it will always use this first before it starts to burn any fat - which is why you need to restrict it, especially in the first two weeks of Bootcamp, when we are encouraging the body to stop using carbs for its source of fuel and turn to fat-burning instead. If you really can't do this - at least try and restrict it to the weekend. Vodka with soda is the best thing to drink. Or Champagne, red wine or dry white wine.

8. No fruit.
Really. Seriously. Honestly. None at all. Zilch. Nada. After the first two weeks of Bootcamp you will be able to introduce certain fruits, in moderation, but at this stage fruit is simply too carby. We are also trying to break the addiction to sweet things, so cutting fruit out is part of this process. If you are getting all your carbs from vegetables and salad, you will be getting all the nutrients and fibre that you need.

9. No nuts/seeds.
Although they are a good source of nutrition and contain lots of fat – which is great for us – they also contain carbohydrate and, because they’re so moreish, you can quickly end up eating a lot of carbs. When we move to Bootcamp Light, after the first two weeks, you can re-introduce these, but be careful and go easy.

10. No sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Sugar is an obvious ‘no no’, but artificial sweeteners are also an issue. One of the aims of this way of eating is to eat pure and natural foods, so including sweeteners is not recommended. Some people find that artificial sweeteners can impede their weight loss, and there is some suggestion that your body can respond to sweeteners as if they were sugar, by releasing more insulin - and therefore laying down fat. Given that the aim of Bootcamp is to help us lose our sweet tooth and addiction to sweet things, then it is a good idea to avoid sweeteners altogether in this first two weeks.

That's enough for now. I'll post more in the morning: in particular the disclaimer that I am not a medical professional and that if you have any concerns, you should check with a medical professional.

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prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:23

@brookln - one of the posts I was going to post this morning was that if you are an experienced IFer, you don't need to follow the Rule about 3 meals a day Smile But make sure you are prepared and if you feel hungry at all, have something low-carb like a boiled egg. The reason is that often if someone feels hungry (or "hangry" ) they'll often fall into a plateful of carbs. Shock

@JudyBlumesBlubber - I'm on my phone just now so don't know its name but one of the tabs will be the obvious weigh in tab (last night it opened into that one for me) Smile

@Backstreets - make sure to drink plenty of water while you're waiting around the house. The water really does help Grin

@StuntNun - I just copied the Rules from the Spreadsheet so I think the comment about sausages etc has always been there. I think it's more the spirit that we need to follow, ie eat "clean", not too many additives, avoid processed food. As long as BootCampers aren't mainlining on bacon and sausages, Pepperami and salami I'm guilty of the latter two Blush then they are helpful in making this WoE work

@Skiphopbump - sorry to hear you have Covid Sad. Hope you feel better soon Flowers. Drink plenty of water and look after yourself My 85 year old dad finally got it a few weeks ago but didn't get it too badly - mainly a couple of days of anosmia (lack of taste and smell) Smile

@Lolojojonesi - @StuntNun is the best one to advise on cholesterol. Many (most?) people who do Boot Camp find that their "bad" cholesterol goes down and their good cholesterol goes up ShockIt's do with how they react to carbs and the relationship between the two that matters.

@Chocasaurus - hope you feel better soon Flowers

@CherryogDog - Lidl butter is now £1.75 (of at least, it was a couple of weeks ago - I haven't checked recently Wink

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humancalculator · 17/10/2022 08:30

Scooped my yoghurt into the bowl and automatically reached for the sugar, but stopped myself in time. Clearly need to be more on my guard!

DearieMeWhatsUp · 17/10/2022 08:33

Thanks for starting this, will be helpful to keep focused up to Christmas!

I'm at a party this weekend so will eat beforehand so I don't end up being limited to carby buffet options.

Starting in at 11st 12, where I have been plateaued for a little while, I don't enter on the spreadsheet though. Oh, how it would be nice to get to 11 st 7, just a few pounds away from normal bmi by the end of the boot camp.

prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:33

I myself have managed to drop 5lb in the last week (despite eating what I liked and drinking far too much a lot at my friend's funeral on Thursday and having to have a couple of small chunks of potato in my dad's stew last night) and am weighing in at 12st 12lb.

That gives me a challenging target of losing 20lb by Christmas Xmas Shock if I want to get back under 11st 7lb. Ive also "used up" my initial whoosh so I'll need to stay focussed (might get more of the whoosh this week Wink) Still, I'll give myself a number of mini goals and won't be disheartened if I don't get there. I'll remember all the other benefits - better skin, lovely food, a steady weight loss Grin

I did feel very Halo last night as I drank water rather wine and watched dh and my dad enjoy a chocolate and pear tarte tatin that my dad had made Halo

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LiesDoNotBecomeUs · 17/10/2022 08:35

Morning everyone. Starting with water here and then fried egg on ham with leftover veg+coffee and cream.

We have leftover roast beef to make into something this eve.

prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:35

@humancalculator - I like a bit of cinnamon with my Greek yoghurt. Smile You can also use a pinch of cocoa or vanilla powder.

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Rmn21 · 17/10/2022 08:36

Thank you @prettybird!

First time joining, I have low-carbed before but thought I'd give it another go. A hell of a lot of weight to lose.

I'm going to use the Nutracheck app to track my carb intake, I find this really helpful.

Good luck everyone! Off to scramble some eggs with butter for breakfast!

ZiggZagg · 17/10/2022 08:38

Morning!

Thanks @prettybird for running this!

I'm at the drs this morning so just grabbing a black coffee before a brunch of cheese, celery, olives, boiled egg and chicken Smile

debka · 17/10/2022 08:39

I've got to work and weighed myself- 104kg. At my lightest I was 90kg so that's 14kg I've gained- over 2 stone! It's frustrating because I exercise a lot and feel like I eat well- but I do tend to have a bit of a 'fuck it, it's the weekend' attitude, and that can lead to a binge.

If I can lose a stone, or 6kg by Christmas I'll be thrilled, my clothes will feel so much more comfortable and I'll feel happier in myself. I just need to stick to it- I know it works!

prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:44

@Rmn21 Welcome Flowers Just wanted to add that you don't need to count carbs on this WoE. The whole point of following the Rules is that the carbs will naturally be low enough.

We don't need to count calories either Grin (unless someone is very close to a normal BMI target in which case calories may come in to play)

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Rshard · 17/10/2022 08:44

Morning all

I would like to join up please. Could I be added to the SoF please.

I’m a very lapsed boot camper but really, really need to get a grip of myself and commit for the full 8 weeks. After doing really well for a year or so and feeling great, I’ve started so many, but dropped off. We’re going in holiday on 17 December so that’s my motivation.

Good luck everyone

Rmn21 · 17/10/2022 08:48

Thanks @prettybird that's helpful to know. I intend to follow this WoE to the letter so glad that'll save me logging on the appSmile

prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:48

@FinallyHere - can you add @Rshard please Flowers

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prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:50

@Rmn21 - that's exactly why we discourage carb and calorie counting: to make this WOE easy Smile

All the best! Flowers

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sheepdreams · 17/10/2022 08:52

Hi everyone

I have joined before but not really engaged because of my conditioning over years of the should eat low cal low fat club! and subsequent fear of gaining rather than losing weight! This time after lots of reading about low carb I am committed to giving it my best shot.

I’m planning on coffee with cream for breakfast, I’m quiche for lunch and beef stew with dumplings (if only!)😱will be replacing with cauli mash. Drinking all of the water may be challenging so will add little slices of lemon to each litre (very little).

Good luck to us all it sounds like their have been some fab successes already. Thank you PrettyBird for facilitating this.

prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:54

Another thing to add for everyone: please try to read the whole thread before asking a question as you may well find that your particular query had been answered.

Don't just look at my posts - we're a helpful and supportive bunch so all us will pitch in with suggestions and advice.

I know it can be a fast moving thread, especially in the first days/weeks but please make the effort. Smile

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prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:58

@sheepdreams - the fat really does make a difference. In fact, sometimes, if someone has stalled, it's the fat that they need to up to get through the stall Shock

Some of us find that that we're sensitive to dairy so keep an eye on the amount of cream. Butter doesn't count as dairy though Confused - it's pure fat Grin

But I completely understand about all the years of conditioning Sad

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LesLavandes · 17/10/2022 09:03

I'm in!

NoraEphronsNeck · 17/10/2022 09:13

Would you mind adding me to the spreadsheet when you have a minute please? I started bootcamp in 2020 and lost almost 3 stone, did one in 2021 and at beginning of 2022 but didn't complete that one.
I've crept up by around 25kg this year so need to get back on that horse!

Rshard · 17/10/2022 09:19

prettybird · 17/10/2022 08:48

@FinallyHere - can you add @Rshard please Flowers

Thanks both 😀

prettybird · 17/10/2022 09:19

@LesLavandes - ah, I see you found us Grin

@FinallyHere - can you add @NoraEphronsNeck

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AlhambraQueen · 17/10/2022 09:19

Finally got the scales to work. Just had the weekly shop delivered so I'm ready. Thinking black coffee and scrambled eggs with veg for late breakfast.
Have a family wedding on Mon which includes 5 days away from home staying with family in a rented house. Probably the worst 2nd week to do bootcamp but have been trying lose weight for this wedding all year so enough is enough. Must have iron strong will power.🤐

BIWI · 17/10/2022 09:21

Morning all!

Just checking in to wish everyone good luck, and to thank @prettybird for taking on the onerous task of herding cats running this Bootcamp.

Flowers
prettybird · 17/10/2022 09:26

Thanks @BIWI - fortunately I'm an experienced cat owner Grin

Enjoy your break.

Pre-Christmas BootCamp 2022: Week 1
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Skiphopbump · 17/10/2022 09:26

There are four of us in my household at the moment, the fussiest eater is away at university. I’ve been cooking is all the same dinners with a small side of carb for the others and everyone is snacking less because the meals are more satisfying. My husband suggested we all eat the same and I was worried about the shopping bill, even though we ate a lot of meat last week the shopping bill was cheaper overall as I wasn’t picking up any extras during the week.

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