BIWI's Two Week Low Carb Boot Camp - starts Monday 16 April

[PaquesJeLeVauxBien]

I've been back low carbing seriously since February and have lost a stone (almost). I have another 1.5 stones to lose.

It's been going well for me, but I have slowed down in the last month and I'm keen to get things back on track and up the speed of my weight loss. To that end, I have devised a strict two week bootcamp.

It will start on Monday 16 April to give anyone who wants to join in time to sort themselves out, get planning and generally get themselves ready to join in.

Who's up for it?

Right - the results are now in!

Shepherd's Pie - conventional recipe - 43g carbs per person
Shepherd's Pie - low carb recipe - 8g carbs per person

(I also included carbs for two shallots in the alternative version, which I am going to fry till golden in olive oil and then mix in with the celeriac mash)

That's a big difference in carbs BIWI I'll pm you later. FlipFlopFlap looking forward to trying your recipes out. I'm planning on shepardessa pie with celeric mash

It just goes to show that even though it doesn't look like there's that much difference between leeks and onions when you look at the per 100g carb count, when you start to multiply it up into actual portions, it makes a huge difference!

I'm definitely in, thanks for the thread BIWI

I've been low-carbing for a few months but could do with a boost. I started primarily as someone suggested it could help with the migraines I'd been getting, and I have seen an improvement, but I've also lost some weight and feel much better all round.

Just prior to low-carbing I cut out caffeine and artificial sweeteners. OMG it was hell for a while but after a week or so I felt ok

I think I am going to struggle tbh, I am so used to carbs at every meal - bread, pasta, potatoes, noodles, rice, cereal.

I am going to start with some salads and stirfries I think, maybe some chunky soups and stews?

What can I have with the yoghurt?

It isn't easy, DDPW - especially to start with - and it does make you realise just how addicted we are to carbohydrates.

But everything I have read just confirms how much healthier we would all be (not to say slimmer ) if we ate (much) less carbohydrate.

In this bootcamp phase, I'd say really avoid having anything with the yoghurt - later on you can add toasted almonds or stewed rhubarb - Total full fat yoghurt is absolutely beautiful on its own anyway!

Nope! Can't eat plain yoghurt on its own, will have to avoid for the 2 weeks.

Are stews ok? Normally chuck chicken thighs in the slow cooker, some veg and a glass of wine (would use chicken oxo instead) or beef stew (same type of thing)

They should be fine - just look at the carb counts of the veg you're planning to use in the stew. Chicken thighs are good, also beef shin very tasty.

Thank you for your help with this. I am almost looking forward to it! (will probably have a lot to lose by the time I've helped the kids finish their eggs this week!)

I'm so excited to do this! My mum and I will be joining! :)

Mmm I'm worried about the first few days in case I get really narky - what with not getting a full nights sleep and being strict, yikes
So, what can we expect? And have you got any tips to cope with it and any side effects?
Will PM you tomorrow when I'm on the Big Computer

Can I join? I need to loose a lot. I low carbed, Atkins, 7.5 years ago after my first born stopped breast feeding i lost three stone and now my third has stopped I need to get back into shape again. I'm avoiding most of my wardrobe so this could also be a big cost saving exercise. I home bake, lots, and love starchy foods and wine. I gave up wine and chocolate for My non-Christian term time only version of lent so I've broken one habit.

What do you drink when you go out?

ANT - gin, vodka and white rum are the lowest carb spirits, mixed with soda or diet coke etc. There is a school of thought that you shouldn't drink on low carb as it can have more severe effects.

Oh and massive thanks to BIWI for sharing all your knowledge

it is absolutely my pleasure.

You lot, by joining in, are actually helping me to stick to it and do a proper job, so I'm very grateful to you.

And don't test my 'knowledge' too hard ... !

BTW - re alcohol, one of the rules of the bootcamp is no alcohol! It's only for two weeks. After that, you can introduce it again. The Idiot Proof Diet recommend vodka and soda, with a slice of lime, as this means you're not drinking anything with artificial sweeteners.

I will be desperate for a glass of white wine by then, so that's what I'll be drinking

ToryLovell, I love your name (huge Jilly fan!)

I think (wracks brain for distant pre-children memory of LCing) that the reason they say that about alcohol is that the body will use it for energy in preference of fat, so you won't be burning fat if you're drinking.

Thanks for posting the meals for a week, BIWI, that's really helpful :)

Thanks Dedalus - I'm a serial name changer as I always get too personal. Every once in a while I use a Rutshire name in homage to our Jilly.

Plus two weeks isn't the longest amount of time so enables me to stick to it more as I know it will all be over if I decide I don't like it :o

DM will find it difficult because she loves lots of tea with lots of milk.

I also love fruit - does fruit always have to be off the menu?

I can never find one that is not too obscure or someone else has got there first!

Same here EE, I feel 2wks is doable, even if it is hell! :o

Lowest carb fruits are berries and rhubarb, but if you're going for a really strict 2 weeks then it may be best to avoid as it can knock you out of ketosis

DDPW we will get there! I'm looking forward to it so much that I may start this earlier - sorry everyone!

Ok Tory no fruit for two weeks :( And I am supposed to go into ketosis in just 3 days?

No fruit in the bootcamp!

And you will go into ketosis in 2-3 days.