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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.

January '25 - Low Carb Bootcamp (Dry!) - week 1 (of 4ish)

216 replies

BIWI · 02/01/2025 06:19

Good morning all, and a very happy new year Smile

So today sees the start of the first low carb Bootcamp of 2025, and to get us off to the best start, this one is short and sharp. Only 4 weeks (ish, depending on when you actually start!), but also a dry one.

As with all Bootcamps, our first two weeks will be the strictest but with the option after this of moving on to Bootcamp Light for the remaining two weeks. The only difference being that we're aiming to be alcohol-free for the whole time.

Many thanks, as always, to the very lovely @FinallyHere, who is womanning the spreadsheet for us; you'll see that it allows for different start dates. Some of us are starting today, those in Scotland get an extra bank holiday so might be starting tomorrow - and several people are on holiday until 6 January. Exactly when you choose to weigh-in is entirely up to you!

Please have a good read of the spreadsheet!. Not only are the rules on there, there's also a huge amount of really useful information, along with a veg carb counter, helpfully traffic light colour-coded, to show you which are the best (and worst) options. You'll also find plenty of resources about low carbing, which will give you a good understanding of the science behind this WOE (way of eating).

As ever, any questions please post them here - or send me a PM if you prefer - as well as any meal suggestions and just general observations about how things are going for you.

Good luck to us all! Flowers

Dry January 2025 Bootcamp

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IKJ_Fu4S6Y8F7Nk7G_71-ZU8wKzVnaHNmZ8L3tbbWHI/edit?gid=1892381976#gid=1892381976

OP posts:
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MissBeckIsAtWork · 02/01/2025 13:23

Well I totally forgot to weigh myself this morning as I was more bothered about defrosting the car! Even bought new scales as well so I don't have to keep starting the Wii Fit up to weigh myself! I'll do it when I get home from work.

PunksVersusBrats · 02/01/2025 13:24

The spreadsheet works for me now too, thanks @FinallyHere 🤗

legallyblond · 02/01/2025 14:10

Marking my spot! Will be back later to fill in spreadsheet and update todays eating. Thanks!

NellNorth · 02/01/2025 14:11

I managed to get on the spreadsheet- for a technofool like me, this is a good omen!! I've done bootcamp before but never managed to use the spreadsheet. I couldn't figure it out this morning, went to play tennis, and when I came back to it, there was a prompt to download google sheets, and I'm good to go!

I have an app that saves my weight from my weighing scales- 12 stone this morning, so that's a wake up call. Usually, I lie to myself and don't open the app, so it doesn't get recorded. I haven't been this heavy since Jan 2021, so I'm definitely in need of bootcamp and serious accountability!

BIWI · 02/01/2025 14:22

I've added all the FAQ (that are also on a separate thread) on to the spreadsheet.

OP posts:
AlbertCamusflage · 02/01/2025 14:55

Completely forgot to eat breakfast today, until 11 am, and the result is that I haven't been hungry enough to eat lunch.
The knock-on effect of that is that I will be starving by about 5pm and eat dinner too early -- or, even worse, eat it in a state of over-hunger. Over-hunger is my typical state in the early evening. Starving from eating nothing all day, so that when I do eat I wolf the meal down and have second helpings before my digestive system has had time to realise that I have fed myself.
I find it really hard to let go of the dieting habit of saving all my calories for the evening. It is almost like I need to build up to severe hunger in order to give myself permission to eat.
I feel kind of frightened at the thought of being moderately well satisfied all day long. Without the hunger pangs there is no reassurance that I am keeping my eating under control. I know that this mindset is unhelpful. I know that the best way to cure myself of cravings and overeating is to keep myself in a constant state of appropriate nourishment throughout the day, but the diet me is whispering poison into my ear.
I think that, having had the opportunity to write down how I am likely to go wrong by skipping meals, I will go to the kitchen now and make myself a healthy mini-lunch

AIBConsiderate · 02/01/2025 14:56

Hello all, just checking in. I started yesterday and spent most of the day craving pepsi max. It will go but when I've forced myself to go without before, it takes a few days to get over myself.

Scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning and then we took the twins to a farm where I felt pretty smug ordering a halloumi salad. Took the girls to the loo where partner promptly panicked when asked about salad dressing and ordered sweet chilli sauce all over the top. Never mind in the grand scheme of things, but will prompt a bit of a chat about what bootcamp looks like.

Thesoundofmusic23 · 02/01/2025 15:16

Hello all - place marking as I’ll be joining properly from Sunday post final festivities. Looking forward to finding balance again.

CleanQueen123 · 02/01/2025 15:19

I'm starting tomorrow as I'm still with relatives for the Christmas break.

Home tomorrow and got a low carb food shop being delivered in the evening. I'm actually looking forward to getting home to my usual routine and way of eating!

Velocity · 02/01/2025 15:46

I'm not on the spreadsheet but tagging along for the bootcamp. I've been more-or-less low carb for a number of years but last year I was more 'less' than 'more' so I need to get some of the rigour back. This is Day 1 for me: Keto porridge for breakfast and planning low carb cauliflower cheese for dinner. I'm hoping for some weight loss but I really looking for an increase in my energy levels.

StuntNun · 02/01/2025 16:25

I'm experimenting with tea-stained eggs today to see what they're like for snacking on. There was a bit of sugar in the recipe https://omnivorescookbook.com/chinese-tea-eggs/ but it's between 12 eggs and it's only a marinade so I think it will be okay. They take 24 hours to marinade so I won't be able to try them out until tomorrow.

TheOnlyMrsW · 02/01/2025 16:43

Just popping in to say hello, will be starting properly on Monday 😊, good luck everyone!

PunksVersusBrats · 02/01/2025 16:43

I often make Korean 'sauna' eggs in my rice maker @StuntNun, they can be done in a slow cooker too and don't need a marinade. They come out salty and nutty and survive being bounced around in a workbag lunchbox very well 😋

How to Make Korean Sauna Style Eggs

How to make Korean sauna style eggs in your home in 50 mins! Korean sauna style eggs are often featured in Korean variety TV shows or Korean dramas.

https://mykoreankitchen.com/how-to-make-korean-sauna-style-eggs/

StuntNun · 02/01/2025 17:01

That sounds nice @PunksVersusBrats are they Bootcamp-friendly and do you have a recipe, please?

QforCucumber · 02/01/2025 17:07

Noting for placemark to follow the thread, weighed in this morning and am heavier than I’ve ever been so inspired to go back to bootcamp basics and then this thread appeared - taking that as a sign :)

starting weight of 12st 9lbs.
food today - scrambled eggs with spring onion and feta
rib eye steak with mangetout and tender stem brocolli with whole grain mustard and cream sauce

not sure now; not too hungry and have a cheddar cheese bake thing in the fridge so maybe that and while dh uses the last of the nice Xmas bread I’ll go veg sticks

PunksVersusBrats · 02/01/2025 17:14

@StuntNun - they're just eggs, salt and water, so no compliance issues. If you use this link instead and scroll right to the bottom, you'll find slow cooker instructions. I've not tried this method myself, so let me know how you get on if you try it.

How to Make Korean Sauna Style Eggs with a Slow Cooker

How to make Korean sauna style eggs with a slow cooker. The article also covers how it could turn out if you use a regular rice cooker instead.

https://mykoreankitchen.com/how-to-make-korean-sauna-style-eggs-with-a-slow-cooker/

Calyx72 · 02/01/2025 18:53

Hiya is it okay if I join? Lost 10lb on low carb between June and November but plateaued in December. I will be starting tomorrow after a carby Christmas and New Year where I put on 3lbs.

If okay do I put my own details on the sheet? Thanks and happy new year everyone.

Jabtastic · 02/01/2025 19:14

Just placemarking.

FinallyHere · 02/01/2025 19:46

You are v welcome to add yourself to the spreadsheet @Calyx72

ColouringPencils · 02/01/2025 20:38

Felt good all day, but struggling a bit this evening wanting something to snack on or a drink. We ate dinner quite early and now it feels a long time until bed! Think I am mainly missing the booze, but it is manifesting in wanting chocolate or biscuits, which are things I only eat rarely. Just had a big chunk of cheese, but I am still hungry. Dinner was chicken stir fry and it felt substantial, but I would normally have it with noodles or rice. Any suggestions?

SemmaLina · 02/01/2025 21:23

Day one done ✅
We managed a frosty walk , couldn’t manage breakfast , I’ve had the most awful cold and all I want is stodge which of course is not allowed
Made some hanging round the bottom of the fridge soup,….swede , carrot , courgette , butternut and shallot , so not the best , used leftover goose fat for the veg frying which was lovely and finished it with a good splash of double cream

Did a big shop this afternoon , ( much cheaper when I don’t buy wine , who’d have thought ! )
Made a lovely moussaka type bake for dinner , with pork mince as I don’t like lamb topped with aubergine and courgettes , then cream and Parmesan all lovely and browned in the oven
Very nice , and I’ll make it again

Lots and lots of water

MissBeck · 02/01/2025 21:35

Finally got round to weighing myself. 11 stone 1lb (155.4 lb). Gutted I fell off the wagon since my daughters wedding in October and have not made any effort since. 😒Oh well, too late for regrets!
B: Coffee with Double Cream
L: Scratchings
D: Roast Chicken (and skin), cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts and broccoli. So out of touch with low carbing that I also had 2 roasties and gravy. 😱Oops. Failed on day 1!!! 😂

Fjorduk · 02/01/2025 22:52

Hi! I'm starting tomorrow and I'll weight myself on Saturday, I'm dreading it. I've done the Bootcamp once before and couldn't believe how easy it was not to overeat or think about food after just a few days of low carb. I don't have a lot to lose, possibly 7kg or so but I feel really bloated and not myself now, my clothes don't fit properly anymore. I'm also starting lifting weights again.

BitOutOfPractice · 02/01/2025 23:08

Oh! (Said in Nessa voice) can I join in please?

@FinallyHere what do I need to give you for the spreadsheet? I started today (2 Jan). Starting weight was 181.4lbs or 82.2kg. My target for January is 7lbs off. Do I need to give you my final target?

this seems to be the most organised thread on MN! 🤩

I’ve done ok today. 10% fage yogurt with berries, flax seeds and walnuts For brunch. early dinner for DSD’s birthday (Turkish restaurant) I had a smidge of halloumi and turkish Sausage for starter and lamb Chops for mains with maybe a tablespoon of rice plus salad. I drank water. And had A tea while everyone else had dessert. So I’m calling that a win!

BusyFrizzyLizzie · 02/01/2025 23:21

Thank you @BIWI and @FinallyHere . Place marking for 6 January. Feel totally over-stuffed and very much looking forward to a bit of structure and rigour to my diet after the complete indulgence of the past month.