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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.

Two Week Low Carb Bootcamp Bonanza Challenge! All welcome.

969 replies

BIWI · 16/07/2012 08:11

For those of us who have been here since the beginning, these are the last two weeks. And it seems like a good idea to finish with a couple of strict weeks, seeing as there has been a fair amount of slippage!

For anyone who wants to join - you are more than welcome! These two weeks will get you off to a great start if you are wanting to lose some weight.

So. Who wants to sign up for two weeks of strict Bootcamp? If you want to join/continue, put your name on the list and we can see who is there. We have a fabulous Spreadsheet of Marvellousness to track weight/weight loss, which I will also post a link to.

Here are the rules - for carnivores and then the veggie version:

The Carnivore Rules

1.Eat three, proper meals a day.
You must eat breakfast. It doesn?t have to be a lot, but you must have something. For the rest of the day, if you?re eating enough food and you are in ketosis then you shouldn?t be hungry. But if you are hungry, eat something. (Hard boiled eggs make a great snack)

2.Avoid processed food
Focus on pure, natural protein as the basis for your meals ? meat/fish/eggs. Things like sausages, ham, bacon, pre-prepared burgers etc should be avoided as much as possible. You can have them, but just not every day. Avoid foods marketed as low carb, e.g. Atkins Daybreak bars.

3.Eat lots of fat.
Eating fat helps you to burn fat. Honestly! Fry in butter, add butter to vegetables, eat salad with a home-made vinaigrette dressing (not made with balsamic vinegar though, as this is too sweet), add mayonnaise where you can (just check the carb count on your mayo first). Eat fattier cuts of meat ? e.g. pork belly, roast chicken with the skin on and/or eat the fat off your lamb chops. Absolutely no low fat/light foods of any kind!

4.Make sure you are eating vegetables and salads with your food ?
This is where your carbs should come from, and this is non-negotiable. But choose only those vegetables that are on the allowed list. You don?t have to weigh/count carbs ? this is one of the great joys of this WOE (way of eating), but if you?re new to low carbing it can be helpful to weigh your portions of veg in the early days, just so that you know how many carbs are in the sort of portions that you like to eat

*5.Be careful about dairy (apart from butter, which is unlimited). It can impede weight loss for some people. If you are still drinking tea/coffee with milk or cream, try to restrict yourself to max 2 cups per day. You may eat cheese, but don't overdo it. Full fat yoghurt is the best way to include dairy in your diet - but beware, it does contain carbs. Total Full Fat is the best.

6.You must drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
The more weight you have to lose, the more water you should drink.

7.No alcohol
If you really can't do this - at least try and restrict it to the weekend. Vodka with soda is the best thing to drink. Or Champagne, red wine or dry white wine.

8.No fruit
Really. Seriously. Honestly. None at all. Zilch. Nada.

9.No nuts/seeds
Whilst these are really good to snack on later - it can be too easy to start snacking on these - and before you know it, all your carbs have gone on nuts. Seriously - in bootcamp - don't do it to yourself.

10.No sugar or artificial sweeteners

Allowed veg

Don?t eat any veg unless it?s on this list, and try and focus on eating those that are under 3g carbs per 100g:

Veg (raw)Carbs per 100g
Mushrooms0.4
Watercress0.4
Spinach0.8
Celery0.9
Broccoli1.1
Asparagus 1.4
Cucumber1.5
Lettuce1.7
Fennel1.8
Courgettes1.8
Cauliflower1.9
Avocado flesh1.9
Turnip2
Pumpkin2.2
Runner beans2.3
Swede2.3
Celeriac2.3
Bean sprouts2.5
Green pepper2.6
Baby sweetcorn2.7 (there is some debate about this - carb counts seem to vary according to variety and where you buy from - check the packet to be sure)
Aubergine2.8
Leeks2.9
Okra3
Tomato3.1
Mangetout3.3
Shallots3.3
Brussels sprouts3.5
French beans4.7
Cabbage5
Yellow pepper5.3
Carrots6
Orange or red pepper6.4
Ginger (peeled)7.2
Butternut squash7.5
Onions7.9

Veggie Rules

Only slightly adapted from BIWI's but best to take notice of the changes if you're vegetarian.

1.Eat three, proper meals a day.
You must eat breakfast. It doesn?t have to be a lot, but you must have something. For the rest of the day, if you?re eating enough food and you are in ketosis then you shouldn?t be hungry. But if you are hungry, eat something. (Hard boiled eggs make a great snack)

2.Avoid processed food
Focus on pure, natural ingredients as the basis for your meals. Vegetarian Sausages and Burgers are ok in small quantities, but check the carb count as some can be very high. Avoid foods marketed as 'Low Carb' such as Atkins Daybreak Bars, etc.

3.Eat lots of fat.
Eating fat helps you to burn fat. Honestly! Fry in butter, add butter to vegetables, eat salad with a home-made vinaigrette dressing (not made with balsamic vinegar though, as this is too sweet), add mayonnaise where you can (just check the carb count on your mayo first). Absolutely no low fat/light foods of any kind!

4.Make sure you are eating plenty of vegetables and salads with your food ?
This is where most of your carbs should come from, and this is non-negotiable. But choose only those vegetables that are on the allowed list. You don?t have to weigh/count carbs ? this is one of the great joys of this WOE (way of eating), but if you?re new to low carbing it can be helpful to weigh your portions of veg in the early days, just so that you know how many carbs are in the sort of portions that you like to eat

5.Be careful about dairy (apart from butter, which is unlimited). It can impede weight loss for some people. If you are still drinking tea/coffee with milk or cream, try to restrict yourself to max 2 cups per day. You may eat cheese, but don't overdo it. Full fat yoghurt is the best way to include dairy in your diet - but beware, it does contain carbs. Total Full Fat is the best.

6.You must drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
The more weight you have to lose, the more water you should drink

7.No alcohol
If you really can't do this - at least try and restrict it to the weekend. Vodka with soda is the best thing to drink. Or Champagne, red wine or dry white wine.

8.No fruit
Really. Seriously. Honestly. None at all. Zilch. Nada.

9.Beware of Nuts and Seeds.
Nuts are a very good way to include more fat and protein in your diet, however some are very high carb (e.g. Cashews). Stick to small amounts of Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Dried Coconut, Walnuts, Seeds and Peanut Butter, but check the ingredients, many supermarket brands have sugar added.

10.No sugar or artificial sweeteners

OP posts:
mumto2lovelygals · 16/07/2012 13:48

I'd like to join, please.
Starting weight 9st 9lbs, target - 3lbs.
I do have a party on Thursday so might have to slip in a couple of wee wines.
I also wanted to say as a newbie, thanks to you guys as this way of eating seems to realls suit me. I was never a big carb eater anyway and this has certainly made me up my veg intake.

PenisVanLesbian · 16/07/2012 13:50

sorry, forgot to cut and paste:

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs

ZimboMum · 16/07/2012 13:58

Yes Please!

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs
ZimboMum starting weight 75kg/13st5. - target loss 2kg.

obrigada · 16/07/2012 14:16

Count me in ... Again Blush
Will be tomorrow evening before I get weighed so can't record my weight yet.

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs
ZimboMum starting weight 75kg/13st5. - target loss 2kg.

SharonGless · 16/07/2012 16:34

ihatethecold not yet!
Mn have agreed to have a low carb recipe section though
Have you seen the recipe thread

ihatethecold · 16/07/2012 18:15

No i havent. Could you possibly link to it. ?
Am doong mfp at the mo but would like more inspiration for low carb recipes. Smile

SharonGless · 16/07/2012 18:17

here
I just that it would be good idea to have low carb recipes in a more searchable format - coming soon by looks of it. There are links to some good low carb blogs on that thread

SharonGless · 16/07/2012 18:18

Was on phone before so couldn't do links! Wasn't being difficult Wink

ZimboMum · 16/07/2012 18:18

So, day one of bootcamp not going too badly.

B- 2 eggs scrambled in butter
Snack - few brazil nuts (3.2carb/100)
L - honemade tuna salad with Mayo which wasn't actually very nice :(
Snack - few brazil nuts
And D will be Ipd sausage casserole with buttered cabbage.

Had completely resigned myself to no Wine for two weeks, not a big deal, hardly drink at all now as my tipple of choice used to be cider.

Anyway, got called in to head of department at 4pm and was told I was one of the only few people in the company to get a payrise this year Shock Shock Grin Got my calculator out when I got back to my desk and it works out at 19% Shock Shock Grin Grin Grin Grin

So I'm afraid DH has dispatched himself to the shops to get a bottle of bubbly in celebration of my first pay rise in 4 years. but I won't drink too much

Sorry for the boast just can't really tell anyone apart from DH

Amaxapax · 16/07/2012 18:26

Congratulations, ZimboMum! I think some Champagne is perfectly justified in that situation.

I've started reasonably well, I think.
B: Three eggs scrambled with cheese
L: Salad with chicken
S: Chicken
D: Lamb medallions with creamy garlic mushrooms and broccoli

Apparently, the rain and flooding has meant that there is a broccoli shortage. I cannot emphasise strongly enough how distressing I find this news.

sybilfaulty · 16/07/2012 18:35

Well done Zimbo mum, that champagne is clearly very well deserved Smile.

I am in but I am afraid I didn't weigh today as I've got a rotten cold and got up late. First thing tomorrow promise. Looking forward to the challenge.

I think BIWI mentioned on t'other thread that we would just have a rolling thread after the BBC, so we can post as and when without starting afresh each week. Could be wrong though. I love the support and the camaraderie so I'm up for posting something somewhere.

Have a great evening everyone.

SingingTunelessly · 16/07/2012 19:11

Congratulations Zimbo! That deserves a glasss of bubbly. Grin

Obrigada. noooo dont weigh yourself of an evening. I've done that before and it's quite depressing. Grin Weigh naked after going to the loo in the morning.

High fives smokinaces. Isn't it great!

Right I'm in for BBC and put my target as a 3lb loss. Really want to get into the 9s

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs
ZimboMum starting weight 75kg/13st5. - target loss 2kg.
Singing tunelessly, starting weight 10st 2lb target loss 3lb

BIWI · 16/07/2012 19:12

We'll definitely carry on a chat thread, sybil - just not start a new one every week. Sorry to hear you're poorly Sad

Zimbo - fantastic news! How lovely that someone is getting more cash - the Champagne is well deserved! and I won't mention that you shouldn't be eating nuts on Bootcamp

Broccoli shortage Shock!

OP posts:
mummyduff · 16/07/2012 19:25

Congratulations, ZimboMum, have a glass you deserve it!

Broccoli shortage, whatShock

Well day 1 has gone great:

Breakfast - a little cheese, followed 2 hours at the gym!
Lunch -Egg Salad
Dinner - Gammon, green beans, with butter and egg - it was scrummySmile

ZimboMum · 16/07/2012 19:25

Thanks all, very chuffed!

I didn't know what else to have as a snack and I was hungryyyyy. Everything I turn to snackwise seems to be processed. help? Thought nuts lesser of all the evils as they were not roasted or salted and only had a few to eat

ZimboMum · 16/07/2012 19:29

Completely missed the broccoli shortage Shock no wonder the broc in aldi has been looking rank lately

At least there appear to be lots of cauliflowers and cauliflower rice is my fave, esp with curry!

MissBeehivingUnderTheMistletoe · 16/07/2012 19:31

Hello! Smile

Started Bootcamp last week inspired by you lot and lost 4lbs, which was amazing! I'm 9st 1lb and would like to lose 4lbs in the next 2 weeks especially from my tummy and not my boobage

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs
ZimboMum starting weight 75kg/13st5. - target loss 2kg.
Singing tunelessly, starting weight 10st 2lb target loss 3lb
MissBeehivingUndertheMistletoe 9st 1lb target loss 4lbs

ihatethecold · 16/07/2012 20:59

Thanks sharongless.

tartiflette · 16/07/2012 21:15

I'm in!

Have been really ill with pneumonia for two weeks. Thought I was getting tonsillitis but it quickly got a lot worse... Ate virtually nothing the first week and then mostly white toast and ice lollies the second week, so far from ideal from a low-carb perspective but fortunately I have lost a bit anyway .
Anyway, on the mend now and two and a half weeks away from holidays so very happy for a kick up the backside Smile

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs
ZimboMum starting weight 75kg/13st5. - target loss 2kg.
Singing tunelessly, starting weight 10st 2lb target loss 3lb
MissBeehivingUndertheMistletoe 9st 1lb target loss 4lbs
Tartiflette starting weight 9st 9lb target loss - 3lb

BIWI · 16/07/2012 21:35

tartiflette - that sounds awful. Glad you're on the mend.

OP posts:
teaandthorazine · 16/07/2012 21:47

Wow, congratulations Zimbo, what great news!

I had calamari with salad for dinner, slices of cold roast chicken spread with pesto and wrapped in prosciutto for lunch (omg so yum), protein shake for breakfast.

No snacks, quite a bit of water (probably not enough though), two coffees with cream.

I'm afraid I am now going to have some chocolate (no booze though) because I have finished my essay Grin

Creamtea1 · 16/07/2012 22:00

Hi all, not doing the challenge but have a question - last few days have really been craving salty things - in particular pork crunch/scratchings. Could it be because I am low on salt or something? Have been putting salt on meals and not drinking massive amounts of water.
Have been to 3 shops the last 2 days on the hunt for pork crunch, can't get any anywhere!

BIWI · 16/07/2012 22:00

Go you, tea!

OP posts:
Poppylovescheese · 16/07/2012 22:05

Count me in! Started low carbing three weeks ago and going strong!

BIWI starting weight 138.75lbs/9 stone 12 and 3/4 pounds. Target loss - 4lbs
NotMostpeople starting weight 140lbs/10 stone 8. Target loss - 4lbs
Jins starting weight 123lbs/8 stone 11lbs. Target loss - 3lbs
Amaxapax starting weight 165.8/11 stone 11.8 lbs. Target loss - 4 lbs
WillieWaggledagger starting weight 137/9 stone 11 lb. Target loss - 4lb
SharonGless - starting weight 12 stone 4 pounds Target loss - 4lb
TooImmatureTurtleDoves starting weight 149lbs/10 stone 9. Target loss - 4lbs
Mummyduff starting weight 126lbs/9stone - target loss 4lbs
GreenEyes starting weight 118lbs/ 8st 6lbs -target loss 4lbs
PenisVanLesbian starting weight 70.9kg/156lbs/11 stone 2lbs- target loss 6lbs
ZimboMum starting weight 75kg/13st5. - target loss 2kg.
Singing tunelessly, starting weight 10st 2lb target loss 3lb
MissBeehivingUndertheMistletoe 9st 1lb target loss 4lbs
Tartiflette starting weight 9st 9lb target loss - 3lb
Poppylovescheese starting weight 67.7kg/10 st 9lbs target loss 4lbs

SharonGless · 16/07/2012 22:09

Zimbomum- well done you deserve your champsrs, although tea deserves a virtual glass for all her hard work finishing The Essay! What lovely low carb treat have you in store?

Creamtea - no idea but sounds like your body wants salt. Either tha or you are addicted to pork scratchings Wink

Have stuck to my meal plan today so all looking good UNTIL I decided to try bikinis on which arrived in post yesterday.
Fecking hell, I need to do some sit ups. Shred here I come
Feeling mighty pissed off now