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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Low carb for those of us who aren't hardcore enough for Bootcamp/Atkins induction etc

679 replies

QueenStromba · 06/07/2012 22:02

This is a thread for anyone who wants to eat fewer carbs but has either failed on plans than start out really low carb or just doesn't want to eat very low carb for whatever reason. I'm of the opinion that the high carb diet recommended by the government is the cause of obesity and related diseases and that any reduction in carbs will boost health.

While the Bootcamp threads are fantastic, I think a lot of people find it difficult to dive straight into eating very low levels of carbs which leads to giving up by day five. I did this myself when I first tried low carbing last April. I wasn't even trying to eat induction level carbs, just cut out the obviously high carb elements of my diet (rice, potatoes, pasta, bread etc) and I still nearly killed my housemates. It was about six months before I tried low carbing again and I went about it in a completely different way and have ended up eating induction level carbs through preference.

First I cut down my carb portions slightly in each meal, waited a week or two then cut down the portions even further so I was only eating about half the starch element that I had been in each meal. The next thing I did was completely remove the starch from one meal - I think it was breakfast I did first. I had been eating a poached egg on a slice of toast with a slice or two of lean bacon and some mushrooms or spinach - all I did was cut out the slice of toast and replace it with more veg or an extra egg depending on how hungry I was feeling. Once I was happy with that I started on dinner. Instead of rice I had cauliflower rice, instead of potato mash I had cauliflower, swede or celeriac mash and instead of noodles/pasta I had either shirataki noodles or thin ribbons of courgette. For the first while I still mixed in half a small portion of e.g. rice with my cauliflower rice. I normally made enough dinner to have leftovers for lunch the next day. I lost really well on that without worrying about how many carbs were in veg and I still had milk in my tea and berries with yoghurt. I also had a couple of beers a week and the odd slice of cake or whatever. I only went very low carb after doing a lot of reading and deciding that eating a diet very low in carbs and high in fat (including saturated fat) is the healthiest diet for us.

OP posts:
squoosh · 06/08/2012 14:58

Maybe because your body is going through a sugar withdrawl?

bbcessex · 06/08/2012 15:02

Could be squoosh.. I hope so.. I think I haven't yet felt that properly good result from low carbing.. will give it a few days and see how I go..

The low carb really suits my lifestyle.. I'd hate to give it up because of mood swings (although I suppose I could adapt it?).

LookBehindYou · 06/08/2012 15:04

I have only lost a pound since I started and I was disappointed until I put on the trousers that I usually have to do up by lying on the bed. They need a belt!

quirkychick · 06/08/2012 15:10

bbcessex you should feel better soon. It took me 17 days to get into ketosis. I definitely feel on an even keel, now. I am not remotely tempted by kitkats, chocolate fingers and choc brioche dp bought for kids. I'm also not so reliant on snacks to get me through to the next meal.

Whoever asked about meal ideas other than meat, we eat a lot of fish. Stir fries or curries mix it up a bit too. I haven't tried it but "courgette" pasta is an idea with bolognaise or creamy prawn sauce. Non-carby marinades/meatballs/burgers make a variety with meat. Lots of ideas upthread and links to recipes. Google is your friend.

bbcessex · 06/08/2012 15:10

That's great LookBehindYou - fantastic! I'm not too worried about the actual weight loss, because as you've found, I'm noticing it in other areas.

I'm just so down and ratty Sad (mind you, it is the school holidays Wink!

bbcessex · 06/08/2012 15:11

thanks quirkychick x

LookBehindYou · 06/08/2012 15:14

bbc, is it your totm?
Stopping carbs can feel a bit like losing a friend.

bbcessex · 06/08/2012 15:36

Hi lookbehindyou.. it was, just gone (tmi!).
It does feel weird. I love food, making food, eating food, buying food.. just food really !

I really love the low carb / high fat stuff too.. just takes a bit of getting used to.
Hopefull the flat feeling will go soon x

LookBehindYou · 06/08/2012 15:47

I think that's probably it. I have a little crash around that time and start thinking about all things bad to eat.
I love cooking too and feeding people. It takes some time to make the mental switch.

bbcessex · 06/08/2012 16:32

thanks LookBehindYou x just had a little 'trying on clothes' session - my favourite thing to do when I losing weight, and my worst thing to do when I'm gaining weight ! Glad to say it was in the 'favourite' bracket today!

thanks for the support - I'm not really a moaner, honest !!!

QueenStromba · 06/08/2012 16:46

bbcessex - I had the opposite when I started low carbing but it is reasonably common to feel a bit down in the first few weeks. I couldn't find a reason for it on Google but my personal theory on the matter is as follows. Two weeks in is normally about the time that signs of electrolyte deficiency start to kick in (high carb diets artificially lower your need for things like sodium, potassium etc) - I've just had a google and depression is one of the less common symptoms of potassium deficiency. Try getting some lo-salt and using it liberally on your food. It could also be low magnesium - a magnesium supplement half an hour before bed should also help you sleep.

OP posts:
bbcessex · 06/08/2012 17:13

Thanks for doing that QueenStromba that may make sense... I was previously a salt addict and have gone cold turkey on the added salt, which may be the case.

I have some lo-salt, I will try that later.

Thanks again, I'm sure I will be back and moan free !

ThePieWhoLovedMe · 06/08/2012 18:51

Hi - I would really like to join if I may.

Trying to loose some weight (obviously) but am rubbish at following diets, so have just tried to cut out bread pasta & rice and eat more veg/salad.

Do this sound ok ish to you (I will do a few days meals to give you an idea what I am eating) :

B: 2 poached eggs 1/2 tin of beans
Snake: Plum
L: 1/2 cucumber, 2 carrots and some (low fat) Hummus
D: Loads of salad, breast of chicken
Snack: apple

B: Nothing
L: 3 slices of turkey and a massive plate full of veg (cabbage, peas, carrots, broc)
D: salad and an Apple

B: breast of chicken
snack : Plum
L: breast of chicken 1/2 cucumber and some low fat hummus
Snack: pot of fruit : pineapple, grapes, melon
D: Steak and salad

Am I way off the mark ??? I am unsure if I have lost weight as I do not weight myself (but feel like i have)

Thank you all

topsi · 06/08/2012 20:21

Hi Pie, I am no expert but I would think some of the fruit may be too high in sugar and so not a great idea?

JobCarHouseNoBaby · 06/08/2012 20:53

I'm keen to try courgette ribbons - can I ask a really dumb question though - do you boil/fry them???

Blush
LakeFlyPie · 06/08/2012 20:59

Pie, that doesn't sound low carb to me but you'd be dropping lbs pretty well on Slimming World plan with those meals / snacksIME. Good luck whatever WOE you follow Smile

Movingforward123 · 07/08/2012 01:20

I've also been feeling abit down, moods change quickly and I get annoyed easily!

Today has been the worst! Had steak and chips for lunch! Then did a work trial in a pub and was starving after, got a kofte kabab and also eat the pitta! Then came home and eat 2 galaxy bars!

But my food cravings hasn't been as bad as I normally would have been so will get back in line tomorrow! Confused

topsi · 07/08/2012 08:42

last time I low carbed I felt depressed and did not sleep. This time however I have upped my fat intake and have not had the same problem.
I think carbs are important for making serratonin the happy hormone.

LookBehindYou · 07/08/2012 08:50

I feel really well today. Am liking the low carb thing.
Can anyone recommend the best way to mash cauliflower?

QueenStromba · 07/08/2012 12:06

After some experimenting, I've found that a stick blender is best for mashing cauliflower. Also, don't use fresh cauliflower for mash - frozen works just as well and is a fraction of the price.

OP posts:
LookBehindYou · 07/08/2012 12:08

Thanks QueenS. I have fresh already so will need to use that. I meant more what I should add. Or would caul cheese be better if it's fresh?

QueenStromba · 07/08/2012 12:37

Ah ok. I normally just add butter because I generally eat it with stew or fish pie so don't need any added flavour. It's also nice if you put grated cheese on top and stick it under the grill until it bubbles. I prefer fresh cauliflower for cauliflower cheese but that's just a texture thing. I made a rather nice cheese sauce the other day with a packet of plain philadelphia, some double cream and a load of cheddar - just chucked it all in a saucepan and stirred until it was combined.

OP posts:
LookBehindYou · 07/08/2012 12:55

mmmm, sounds like just the thing. Was the philadelphia just the normal size container? How much double cream do you think you added? Sorry, questions, questions. I'm cooking pork so need something a bit saucy.

JobCarHouseNoBaby · 07/08/2012 16:58

Courgette ribbons - how do you cook them?! Am hoping to have them tonight with bolognese but no idea how to make em!

Do I make the ribbons from a raw courgette then fry?

squoosh · 07/08/2012 17:00

Courgette ribbons are just that, courgettes peeled with a vegetable peeler. You could give them a mega quick blanche in boiling water or give them a speedy swizz in a hot pan with garlic and chilli.

You could probably have them without cooking at all as the hot bolognese sauce will cook them a little. The ribbons are really thin.