Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Low-carb diets

Share advice and experiences of following a low-carb diet.Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Week 2 - Autumn Low Carb Bootcamp

520 replies

BIWI · 15/09/2013 23:55

Well! It's the first day of reckoning:

Here is the Spreadsheet of Wonderfulness

I am waving my big stick around already, because it's obvious from the most recent threads that there has been a fair amount of cheating going on.

And we have only just finished week one!

A couple of things:

IT'S NOT CALLED BOOTCAMP FOR NOTHING

This period is designed to shift you quickly into becoming ketogenically adapted, i.e. to shift your body into burning fat rather than burning carbs.

This can only happen if you consistently reduce the carbs that you are consuming

If you cheat - even if it is just the odd thing here and there - then this won't happen, and it will take you much longer to start burning (and therefore losing) fat.

These two weeks were never going to be easy. And although I wrote about them, and how you needed to plan for them, it's clear that this hasn't always been appreciated.

I do, really, understand that it is hard. Especially if low carbing is new for you. But it's designed with a purpose, and you will really see the benefit of it if you stick with it.

JUST BECAUSE YOU'VE DONE BOOTCAMP BEFORE DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT'S ANY DIFFERENT FOR YOU

Please be mindful of people who are new to Bootcamp. You may know what you can/can't do in terms of carb consumption. But there has been quite a bit of posting about cheating. Even if you are doing this mindfully, please remember that you aren't supposed to be doing this in the first two weeks of Bootcamp, and it makes it really hard for those who are new to low carbing, and who might be struggling.

A bit of sensitivity is called for here.

And finally, when you get on the scales this morning/tomorrow morning, please remember that this is about you and nobody else. It isn't a competition. Some people lose weight much quicker than others.

If you have a lot of weight to lose, chances are that you will lose it quicker than if you are closer to your target. Some people will lose a shedload in week one, but then nothing in week two - whereas others will lose more modestly, but consistently, week after week. The only thing that matters is what is happening to you.

If you haven't lost much, please don't be disappointed. Make sure that you are genuinely following the rules - are you drinking enough water? Are you eating high fat? That one glass or wine, or that small piece of cake - they all add up.

And even if you have genuinely followed the rules - if you haven't seen the scales move by much - have you measured?

We are all different, and rates of loss will be different too. Just think about the food that you have been eating, and consider how this WOE compares with low calorie or low fat diets.

Changing to a low carb way of eating as compared to a low fat or low calorie diet is not an easy transition, and it is to be expected that there will be snags along the way. Hopefully the Bootcamp threads will give you the help and guidance that you need - and I hope that when you get on the scales next, your hard work will be rewarded!

Onwards and downwards
xxx

OP posts:
NewStartNewStory · 18/09/2013 23:40

Offs, ended up on a date tonight. There was non bootcamp stuff involved. A lovely evening totally out of my control. The one saving grace is that the situation is now such that I feel comfortable enough to explain the LC and why I am trying to LC so hopefully this doesn't arise again. Twas a very nice evening though Blush day one square one tomo. I can and I bloody well will do this. And if there is a lack of understanding when explained I guess that will tell me a lot about what i need to know and whether this goes anywhere. Cos the LC ain't going anywhere.

BIWI · 18/09/2013 23:43

Woo hoo! Lovely news about date, NewStart!

OP posts:
CrabbyBigBottom · 19/09/2013 00:01

A date? A date? Come on New, tell us all!! I want some vicarious romance! Grin

However, that said, it isn't carte blanche to stuff yourself silly and eat massive portions of food swimming in creamy sauces
Shock Now you tell me, BIWI! Hmm Grin

Been feeling a bit rough this week with annoying virus but still feeling massively calmer and healthier than before bootcamp. Had a big wobble this afternoon when I went food shopping hungry and all I could thing of that I fancied eating involved beans or rice. I was looking longingly at the biscuits that they strew around so temptingly, too. Hmm It's really dangerous for me to let myself get hungry - made me start thinking wistfully about wine, too, and I've been amazingly (for boozy me) good in cutting my alcohol like this. Much harder to resist the wine than the forbidden foods, tbh.

Anyway I bought a crab pate and ate the whole tub when I got in with cucumber sticks. It was lovely! The meal situation was saved by some really great reductions on the fish counter, so got a load of squid for around £3 (half price) and a sea bream with fennel butter for £3.29 (reduced from £6.29). It fed both of us so that was a bargain!

B/L - tuna and cheese patties (DD loves these!) with fried tomatoes
S - crab pâté and cucumber sticks
D - sea bream with mashed buttery swede and spinach cooked with shallot, garlic and a dash of cream. It was bloody lovely!
Too much tea, plenty of water.

halfthesize · 19/09/2013 07:02

Brew morning all, a date you say newstart do tell!!Grin
hope everyone is still doing ok, I've had a few very busy days and have nit been as organised as I should have been food wise, but still managed to stick to bcWink
I have done a meal plan for next week and am off shopping later.
Bullet I train at the gym 3 times a week and my trainer also very good about me low carbing, he does not advise protein shakes unless muscle building and even then limited as they are full of processed stuff that's not great. have you considered doing a meal plan? I know it's hard when your not hungry.

MsIngaFewmarbles · 19/09/2013 07:41

Morning, posting now as I have a busy day today. Off to a gig with a lovely friend I haven't seen for ages. There will be wine but that's ok as I'm in week 3.

B tuna mayo
L bacon salad
D spanish chicken from recipe thread

Trying bulletproof coffee and its really nice.

Happy LCing everyone.

holmessweetholmes · 19/09/2013 07:52

OMG - after a slow start, I am now 8lb down! I can't believe it! Even when I was running 4 or 5 times a week and training for a half marathon I just couldn't seem to get below 11st. I'm now 10.5. I must admit, I'm looking forward to being able to reintroduce a little carb, but am definitely not going back to my old carby twat ways. And I'm certainly not going back to carby breakfasts - they set you up so badly for the day.
B: half an avocado with greek yoghurt, olive oil and salt and pepper and a soft boiled egg, cup of chai (no milk)

BIWI · 19/09/2013 08:11

Brilliant, holmes! Flowers

OP posts:
starrystarryknut · 19/09/2013 08:24

I downloaded the Briffa book onto my kindle last night and read the whole thing. It really makes things a lot clearer and has helped a lot in understanding. Also clarified in my mind what I should be doing with exercise. Very useful and well-spent £3.99.

sybilfaulty · 19/09/2013 08:31

Some great losses coming through. Well done everyone.

Busy day yesterday and I was shattered. Am working today then swimming tomorrow. I do think this WOE combined with being fit gives you a lot of energy. I am not that fit just now so need to address this.

Excited by the date news. Please tell us more.

BIWI, have sponsored you for run. Sorry it's not more but a little skint before payday! Go you.

Cam I just say thanks again to everyone for the chat and support. Women friends really are the best. You are all wonderful and I feel very lucky to have found you

Flowers
captainmummy · 19/09/2013 08:44

Holmes - I totally agree about the carby breakfasts! When an ad for some wholewheat sugary cereal comes on, rabbiting about how it 'fills you up till Lunch' I have to restrain myself from yelling at te screen 'No it doesn't! Not unless Lunch is 2 hours after breakfast!'
God I used to have to eat every 2 hours, before, even on stuff like FruitnFibre.

LilyAmaryllis · 19/09/2013 09:18

Captain I so agree - every single other "diet" I've been on went wrong 2 hours after breakfast actually probably as soon as I'd done the school run

Starry you are a FAST reader!

BIWI · 19/09/2013 09:20

Aw, sybil, that's a lovely thing to say Flowers

(and have sent you PM as well)

OP posts:
toomuchicecream · 19/09/2013 09:20

I am very confused. I'm eating celery with pâté for breakfast and its quite pleasant. The raw celery I mean. I only buy it to put in cooking cos no one here (including me) can stand it raw. What is happening to my taste buds????

BIWI · 19/09/2013 09:21
Grin

Welcome to the Dark Side ...

OP posts:
LilyAmaryllis · 19/09/2013 09:26

If you haven't done so already, remember you can sponsor BIWI here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/charities_noticeboard/1856206-Come-and-sponsor-us-BIWI-and-HepsibarCrinkletoes-do-running?msgid=41669139#41669139

BIWI · 19/09/2013 09:28

Aw - thank you Lily! Flowers

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 19/09/2013 09:50

Would the briffa book help me with DD and her insane activity schedule?

I have just posted on the nutrition Q&A. Twice a week she does gymnastics from 4 until 6, then has to be at the pool at 6.45 to swim until 9.05.
Someone at the swimming club advised yogurt or a cereal bar Hmm

I am giving her a wholewheat sandwich with chicken and sweet corn, some fruit and a drink then something hot in the car or the way home.

But the sports nutritionists keep pointing at carby carb carbs and we (as a family) just don't process carbs well.

Would it help

bulletwithbutterflywings · 19/09/2013 09:57

Right, this is the last I am going to say about protein shakes! I am building muscle, so I need a lot of protein and at regular intervals. I am not generally using them to replace meals, yesterday was an exception due to a very busy day and needing to fit the gym in somewhere. I am happy using them, my trainer is happy with me using them and I don't think they impede my weight loss.

Yesterday was an exceptional day for me, I do not usually go most of the day without eating vegetable or salad, and I rarely skip breakfast.
Also I did eat some vegetables in the evening - this is what I ate yesterday again

B- bulletproof coffee, protein shake with soy milk
S- protein shake
L - 150g yogurt, babybel
S - babybel
D - meatballs in tomato sauce (hm sauce of celery, tomat0, shallot a little carrot)
2nd D - small feather steak, pile of tenderstem broccoli, butter.

So, I know I should have eaten more veggies but I don't think it's quite as bad as you are all making out!
I appreciate there are rules and I am trying to stick to them but sometimes it is difficult and days are busy and I am finding eating when I am not hungry very difficult.

And biwi I am very grateful for the support of this thread and all the work you put in to making this possible. I know it might sound like I'm not - but I really am! Thanks

This morning I have had a bulletproof coffee and mackerel pate with crudite, lunch will be feather steak with broccoli and dinner will be lc fish pie (I'll put it on the recipe thread because it is super easy and delicious!)

CrabbyBigBottom · 19/09/2013 10:00

Bullet I don't know whether anyone has mentioned this, but do you think those protein shakes are a good idea...? I hear they're a bit processed...

CrabbyBigBottom · 19/09/2013 10:01

Wink Grin

Pagwatch · 19/09/2013 10:02

Would a protein shake be good for DD

Grin
CrabbyBigBottom · 19/09/2013 10:10

Half a pound on for me this morning. Grumph. Hmm

S'pose that might be the humungous amounts of cheese I've eaten this week. And the gallons of tea. Virus is making me so achey and headachey that I need the pep of the tea though.

[[http://feastwithoutregret.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/harlots-sauce-with-squid/ Squid alla puttanesca for me tonight - I'm looking forward to it already! Reduced from £9.99/kg to sick squid 99 /kg (say it out loud Wink) so there'll be enough there for two nights for all three of us. Yum!!

bulletwithbutterflywings · 19/09/2013 10:11

pagwatch if DD is doing 4/5 hours of exercise in one evening carbs may well be what she needs. some kind of supplement might be appropriate Wink

CrabbyBigBottom · 19/09/2013 10:12

Probably not Pag - I hear they're full of processed crap...

CrabbyBigBottom · 19/09/2013 10:17

Pag I'd give her a light protein based meal before... Something like chicken with sweetcorn and baby tomatoes in mayonnaise. Then some nuts and berries eg almonds and blueberries, in between training sessions. Then whatever you usually give her afterwards. And loads of water.

Would she eat that? Then you've got plenty of protein but some complex carbs for immediate (but gradual) glucose release too.