low carb-ing summer

[transient]

Hi. I'd like to lose at least 10kg that I've gained since perimenopause started, which is a few years back now. I'm 50 and on HRT patches and levothroxin. My metabolism is slow. I'm physically active so that's good, but my knees are feeling the extra weight. My goal is to improve my health and feel less tired and bloaty and look less puffy-faced (I think I might have some gluten intolerance although i never tested for it). I plan to reduce carbs a lot for the next 3-4 months, then up the level gradually but never get back to the level I am at now, where I just eat pasta and pastries like my life depends on it. Feel free to join me until end of Sep, I'm really not good at sticking to.plans and diets...

Starting weight: 74kg
Goal: 62-64kg by end of September

Removing: bread, pastries, cake, pasta, pizza, rice, sugar (as much as poss), and alcohol (which won't be that easy as I do drink socially on Fri/Sat when I go out). My body needs this break.

Thanks and hopefully we can get a small group started. If not, I will try to use this a diary, I find it helpful.

Hi! Happy to join you. I tend to eat low carb & try not to eat wheat for the same reason you mention. Rather than avoid rice, I eat a small portion of brown rice with curry, chilli etc. I’m trying to cut down on fat. I know you can eat more fats if you cut down on carbs, but I’m being more mindful when I eat high in fat foods. I’m 5’5” & weigh 10stone 4lb. Would like to lose half a stone.
Today I’ve eaten:
Breakfast - home made granola with almond milk
Lunch - leftover fish, broccoli, sprouts, green beans, cauliflower & new potatoes with cream cheese & cheddar cheese.

Hi, I’m in medical menopause and the only diet that works for me is low carb. I tend to eat:

Greek yoghurt, berries for breakfast
scrambled eggs, roast tomatoes, spinach and a chicken sausage at lunch
fajitas with lettuce wraps

I think you’re onto a winner with low carb, it really does make a difference to me. If you’re active too that’s a nice bonus.

I think your timescale for weight loss is unrealistic. You acknowledge you don’t want to return to your diet as it is now. Try and embrace the long term change and playing the long game.

Dropping any carbs out of your diet will help.

Ive done the whole Atkins zero carb thing years ago, and yes, the weight came off, but the head aches and and the general faff of 'staying in keto' ect ect turned me into a neurotic twat.

Thesw days when i want to shed a few lbs i cut out bread, cake, biscuits, crackers, potato, crisps and pasta.

Ill still have my sugary tea, my fruit, my banana milk (😊) and my sweet yogurt thank you.

Thing is when you cut bread and pasta and crackers you automatically aren't eating as much butter or jam or whatever you would usually have on it. So even less calories.

Another thing I’ve noticed, when I don’t eat wheat products (usually bread, I’m not that keen on pasta) is that my skin is smoother. I’m now 10st 2lb, happy with that as it’s a while since the scales have shown a loss. Last night’s dinner was chicken curry with new potatoes cauliflower & broccoli. I ate stewed berries with 0% fat Greek yoghurt followed by a square of 85% cocoa solids dark chocolate as a snack around 4pm.

How did you get on yesterday, @transient?

have you heard of the balanced plate model: 1/4 plate carbs, 1/4 plate protein & 1/2 plate vegetables? Or 1/3 plate protein & 2/3 vegetables? Plus a thumb-sized amount of fat.

Very proud of myself in resisting a biscuit (lovely choc & nut cookie type) a pancake & even Bombay mix at a poetry evening yesterday. It helped that they weren’t on the table in front of me the whole evening.