The Ongoing Low Carb Bootcamp - Final Festive Fortnight

[BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas]

No spreadsheet to link to this week, as the LBD challenge is now over!

I don't know about anyone else, but I have definitely not had the greatest of weeks, and I'm keeping on keeping on until we get to Christmas.

Not quite sure yet what my own Christmas strategy is going to be, but I also guess it depends on where I've got to with my weight by then. I know that, having achieved my first major target of losing 2 stones, I still have more to go. So my next really major, very psychological target, will be to reach 9 stone. Something I have been trying (and failing) to do for the last 10 years! But now it seems so much more achieveable, especially with all you lot giving such brilliant support.

This week for me starts with a super strict day today. I'm out to dinner tomorrow, with a groups of ex colleagues, and venue is not yet chosen, but is likely to be a Chinese, which always brings its own problems. not to mention the wine

I'm also out to lunch on Friday, so it looks like Wednesday and Thursday will also have to be super strict!

BIWI, every single person on here has seen huge benefits with BC. Not just loosing weight but I think Wine's testimony really says it all. Eating well, giving your body real food not awful fake stuff just makes you feel great and when you feel great you're happy and confident and the world is a good place. So it's made me wonder whether you've ever considered a bit of empire building - taking bootcamp to the masses as it were? Not just to make pots of money (although that would be nice too) but also to help people see the changes that we have? Just a few weeks ago I was with a very good friend who was in tears over her weight and couldn't understand why she wasn't getting thin on Muller Lights and lots of fruit. If people were aware of our ways (gosh sounds like a cult) how incredible would that be!? I know the BC rules aren't novel but they are a synthesis of all your research and reading presented in a way that's really easy to understand which I'm sure would have mass market appeal. Perhaps you could team up with Dr Briffa when you go to his lecture? Just a thought, but I remember reading that Weight Watchers started in one lady's living room (although the less said about that woe the better!)

Hope you're all managing to keep warm. Have a good day everyone.

Hello everyone.

I am up in weight here but I have a dirty, rotten cold and have eaten comfort foods. So not worth it. They just don't taste the same or "comfort" anymore.

It's soooo cold out I just want to curl up and sleep.

Dosh Hope you don't all come down with the bug: there are some nasty virus's going around at the moment. Hope your husband gets well soon.

Wine I am so glad you were nominated. The MN Secret Santa thing is just brilliant. I've donated for the past two years and it really is great getting details of the person you are donating to, and trying to choose the right things for the MN and her family.

And I'm so glad that this WOE has changed things in your life for the better ((hugs)) Me, too. I work in a physically challenging job, and this year in particular I have noticed that I'm not getting physically tired at all, and I am working much harder than I have done in the past. My brain is still fried at the end of the day, but I can keep up with my colleagues who are all much much younger than me!!

To those LC-ers on the thread who still have a way to go I'm sure I don't need to tell you that you will get there if you stick to this WOE. If you had told me at the start of the year, when I weighed 16 stones that I would be almost 5 stones lighter by the end of it, I would have laughed at you. But I was 11 stone 1lb this morning - I can SEE a number beginning with 10 stones. I can SMELL it. I WILL get there! And you will too.

Jessica I totally agree with you about taking LC to the masses. If I had the money (and the business sense) I would love to start a company that sold LC 'fast food' - i.e. food for people who are out shopping, working etc etc. That's the bit that I find the most difficult. Not being able to pop into M&S for a sandwich when I am at work, or on a shopping trip.

It's a bit early for New Year's Resolutions but mine for 2013 is to get down to 10 st 7 or maybe even 10st and to GO TO THE BLOODY GYM at least four times a week. That's going to be harder than this WOE. I hate exercise (I may have said this before.)

ilove - i think that's a brill idea! Stuff for people (like me) who can pick up a 'something' tosnack on in the car, or as a treat, sorta like a choc bar or pack of crisps.

How about cauliflower-fishcakes type things? Or celeriac crisps cheese'n'onion flavour?

We need a trip to the Dragon's Den for some funding

Hi All

Loving the Dragon's Den idea

teddy just seen your pics, you look amazing

caramelwaffle hope you feel better soon x

Seriously, that's a great idea Teddy! And we have the numbers to back up a business case in the form of Willie's spreadsheet of wonder! I can't remember the figures but didn't something like 40 or 50 of us bootcamp for the whole ten weeks and wasn't the total weight loss along the lines of twenty stone??? Maybe more? I am certain that if that was compared to a calorie controlled diet that this woe would be shown to be superior in terms of overall weight loss and adherence to the plan.

Wine, that was a lovely post and you deffo deserve it.

Teddy you inspire me every day. I am where you were and you make me feel it is doable if that makes sense without sounding over the top!

Jangles - is that you jan?!?!? Congrats on job either way.

Ewan, sry bout your rubbish news.

I do agree about taking LC to the masses, I'd especially like to buy soups that aren't potato or sugar loaded and salads that don' have rice/pasta in them much more easily for lunches. Or 'protein pots' lots of meat/fish with salad or veg type things and a little pot of mayo with the

For me I am struggling. I know that I don't like how I feel when I eat carbs and sugar (stomach cramps, bloated etc...), buti can't seem to just not eat them. Today has been the first day in ages I have done better, and drinking more water helped. I 'know' what I need to do, but just sabotage myself at every turn. It is almost like I somehow think subconsciously that I'm not worth it or am bound to fail as I have been fat for so long. I am determined to keep going. I am going to go back later and post my weights on the speeadsheet and stay honest with myself (and you lot).

Today I am LCing and looking forward.

B - three slices of bacon, coffee and water.
S - peanuts and smoked salmon/cream cheese things
D - will be steak, green beans and salad.

MrsHP have you read the Idiot Proof Diet where the authors talk about the emotional side of eating and how you feel about yourself? I'll try and find mine and find some inspirational quotes.

Which carbs are you sabotaging yourself with? Bread? Sugar? Can we offer any alternatives for you to eat?

Am up for kicking some Dragon butt!!!

mrshp I totally get the self sabotage thing, and the emotional eating thing. Sorry, don't have any magic solutions for you, but you are def not alone in struggling to feel you "deserve" to be healthy and happy.

I was doing well for yesterday and today, just eggs, protein and veg, but went to a friends for my tea tonight. She knew about the LCing, had asked what I could eat, and I had emailed with a few easy ideas. However when I got there, she was all in a fluster and said "I got held up at work so I just ran into M&S and got the dine in for two I hope it'll be ok!!"

So I've had chicken breast in some kind of cheesey breadcrumby type topping, was offered mash but only took a spoonful, and roasted parsnips (which I adore so had my full share). And then melt in the middle type choc pudding with cream. I hate to say it, but i didnt resist - it was very yummy. I said no to and drank several glasses water instead.

Just waiting for the tummy rumbles to start ..... And I still haven't weighed in cos I was hoping for a couple of good days to balance out the inlaws inflicted bad week. Will just weigh tomorrow and be damned!!

Hope everyone's week is going ok. Will catch up with thread in a min.

Tea was 3 low carb sausages with leeks, courgettes and mushrooms cooked in double cream. Yummy. Presentation interview 9.30am tomorrow. Eek.

I've just got it recently and have been reading, lots of it resonated with me, and I am trying to remember it all the time.

I actually got quite emotional earlier writing that. Basically it has been a combo of things, mostly hot cross buns as an after dinner snack, lck or organisation so having baguettes at work. It is definitely addictive, I think the bread. I need to stock up on pork scratchings for the crunchiness feeling I think! I am feeling better just writing it down a bit I think. I have managed today, and am jus going to focus on one day at a time. I think focusing on 5 stone just seems impossible!

Good luck for tomorrow dosh!

Break down your targets MrsHP

Wrt the baguettes can you just eat the filling? I know it seems like a waste but thats what i do if there is no other choice. If i have to have a cake i make some of the basic almond sponge in the IPD recipe book. They're delish!

Good luck Dosh

Oh I like that idea teddy, thank you. Breaking it down I think is key for me now. I am currently in control and able to have a good day tomorrow so feeling positive now.

Good luck for tomorrow Dosh
Ewan, sorry about the job
Jan well done on your job

Mrs HP- keep going, you are doing so well. The IPD was key for me to get to grips with my emotional eating. Post every hour of you need to, one of us will be here to listen. Think about small goals rather than the end goal.
Sending positive vibes

dosh good luck for your interview tomorrow the presentation bit sounds scary!

Mrs yes its jan, im sorry youve been struggling but its good to hear you are getting back on track and thinking about it and even expressing yourself and getting emotional about it can really help. i think tears can heal sometimes, and it sounds like you know more whats going on for you which is so positive. i have had emotional issues with eating for a long time and know how hard it can be - maybe journalling how you feel could help as well.

im struggling with making christmas plans with exdh - so stressful. ended up upset tonight - talking to him is like talking to a 12 year old no joke. so i did more snacks later on i think it was comfort eating but at least i kept low carb.

tomorrow, it is onwards, and upwards/downwards/whatever the case may be!

my head is quite melted think i need to get to bed!

Well I am eating this while snacking on Tesco crispy bacon strips, it's like eating crisps but has no carbs. I had a Christmas dinner today, wasn't perfect but was a lot better than I would have been before this WOE

Wine I loved your post too. I was lucky enough to be able to donate this year (not to you sadly!) but think it is a wonderful thing to be part of and a greatshow of the positivity of all involved with Mumsnet.

Dosh Good luck tomorrow. Hope it goes well.

MrsHP I have wondered for years if there is a psychological explanation for my weight although I don't see it easily. I have just started reading a book about it so will let you know if I discover anything amazing.

I have been watching a programme called Addicted to Food on one of the satellite channels (made by the Oprah Winfrey Network) about a centre in Texas that treats anorexics, bulimics and compulsive eaters which has been interesting but they seem to imply that most problems stem from childhood abuse or neglect which I know is not true in my case.

Jan Good luck with the Christmas plans, this time of year is stressful enough without all that!

Thank you half

Great pictures teddy

Good luck dosh

ok just weighed myself and am 2.lb up not a happy girl!!!!
off to the gym this morning, first time in two weeks.....
i really need to b drinking more water and stop saying yes to the odd chocolate, they add up
it's freezing here today, so present wrapping after the gym I think.

Morning all! Last day at work for me, thank goodness. Have a presentation this afternoon, which we have only just finished (gulp), and it's been a busy last couple of weeks.

I haven't been near the scales or the gym for a while, not helped by the fact that my trainer is off work this week, so not there to whip me into shape!

Re the psychological side of eating, yes, it's a key aspect of weight/weight gain. If it was only as simple as satisfying our physiological needs, life would be much simpler.

Reading the IPD is a good thing to do, as they are very good on the emotional side of eating.

I would also, though, suggest that you read more scientific stuff about low carbing - this is what has really cemented my commitment to it. Understanding not only the likely impact on my weight, but (more importantly in many ways) understanding the likely impact on my health was a real eye-opener for me. Yes, my immediate focus is to lose the weight - but knowing what I know now about the science behind low carbing has really helped me to commit and remain focused for most of the time

The other thing to consider is the phrase 'comfort eating'. Why do we talk about certain foods in this way? I believe that it's something to do with the pleasure centres of the brain - and I don't know a huge amount to do with this - but I would hypothesise that our experiences of certain foods, let's say something like chocolate - triggers a memory of pleasure, and the brain then responds in a certain way.

I think it's to do with dopamine production in the brain, which ends up 'hard-wiring' us to associate certain foods with pleasure.

Wiki on dopamine

For us, we have to 're-wire' our brains. Some of you are already experiencing this - how many people have confessed about cheating, but then not really enjoying it? Or certainly not enjoying the after-effects?!

Already, we are learning that the foods we appear to crave are not associated with pleasure - however, it takes a long time to really change these associations, especially as culturally these foods are all associated with reward/pleasure/comfort. So not only are we battling against our own brains, we're also battling with what everyone arounds us believes to be foods to enjoy.

flying visit to say i came across this during the course of my work today. i have no idea of the journal quality but safe to assume this was peer-reviewed. interesting anyway

Really informative post Biwi

Thank you.