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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.

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New Year Low Carb Bootcamp

1000 replies

BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 29/12/2012 21:30

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and that Santa brought you everything that you deserved! Xmas Grin

By now, I'm guessing that many of us will be rather tired of chocolates and stodgy food. Mince pie anyone? Xmas Wink

So. The next low carb Bootcamp will be starting on 7 January. It will run for 10 weeks, which will take us to mid-March. The idea of Bootcamp is that we have an initial strict fortnight, which will see a significant amount of weight loss, followed by a more relaxed 8 weeks.

Overall, if you follow the rules, you can expect to lose anything up to 20lbs in this time period.

So who is in?

If you want to join us, add your name to the list and tell us what your aims/objectives are.

I will start ...

OP posts:
ScillyCow · 31/12/2012 11:16

I have hit the "hangover from hell' feeling of Day 5 of low-carbing.

But without any alcohol. Yeurgh! Did you guys get this? I am drinking lots of water and sticking to the diet - anything else I can do?

Did you guys get this? I'm hoping I will feel better later - we have people round for dinner. I'm pleased with myself because my planned menu allows me to be a total glutton without breaking the diet.

Starter: Smoked salmon and prawns with avo (and mayo)
Main: Roast beef (salmon for me - non meat eater) with buttered spinach, runner beans, broccoli.
(and roast spuds and yorkshires for them that do)
Pud: (Not for me) Mini Passion fruit pavlovas
Cheeseboard with celery. Yummmmm.

WillieWaggledagger · 31/12/2012 11:27

Scilly I gave up carbs and caffeine at the same time and thought I was going to die for about a week and a half!

GreenyEyes · 31/12/2012 11:53

Morning all

Tentatively tried the scales again this morning- 8lb on (since beginning Dec)

Not going out tonight so no problems there, but I've still got a houseful of things that I'd really like to eat! Xmas cake, chocolate oranges, crackers with my cheese etc Grin

But I'm going to be strong, the thought of creeping back up to my old weight is horrifying.

GreenyEyes · 31/12/2012 11:53

I did the carbs and caffeine thing too, god it was awful

ToomuchheuchatendofHogmanay · 31/12/2012 12:06

It'll pass scilly just survive another day or two and you'll feel much better!

Doshusallie · 31/12/2012 12:08

Morning all. Breakfast was leftover from last night bacon, sprouts, leek and cabbage cooked in cream, and I had some creme fraiche too.

Just made This to take to nye party this evening. I will not be partaking, but it looks amaze balls.

Crappy weather yet again here - was contemplating taking the boys swimming again (it's near, it's free, and they love it) but as we are all still in our pjs and the first of our two parties today starts at 3 it's looking unlikely.

Have a great nye whatever you are all doing losers!!!

Dosh

ToomuchheuchatendofHogmanay · 31/12/2012 12:28

Gosh this thread moves fast with everyone signing up!! Just my non expert tuppence:

froufroulala welcome! You are not stupid. We have all struggled with issues in one form or another. You won't be the biggest here, and it actually doesn't matter if you are or not, there is NO judging here, just mutual support and help as we all muddle along together.

mumat39 fear of "failing" is exactly how I felt, but hopefully you will find this is not a "diet" as such but a long term way of eating that you enjoy and get so many benefits from, that you want to do it, rather than "having" to. Again, no judging here, and if you have a "blip" as we all do, just get back on it next day and don't worry.

nellvarnish yes it does seem contrary to everything we have been told for the last 30 years about fat, but hey has the low fat diet industry turned us all into healthy slim sylphes? No? Funny that! Xmas Grin best advice is to do some reading on how low carb WORKS, try Dr John Briffa or Gary Taubes book. Idiot Proof Diet also recommended for issues with emotional eating. Basically, carbs raise our blood sugar which releases insulin which makes us lay down fat. Fat and protein don't lift our blood sugar as much or so fast, fill us up and naturally control our appetite and blood sugar.

accidentalexhibitionist you can find rules on the spreadsheet of wonderful ness there will be a new one for 7 jan but here is link to our last one
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/big_slim_whatever_weight_loss_club/1646582-New-Year-Low-Carb-Bootcamp

frenchfries non meat eaters do fine on this woe, you will find lots of ideas on the bootcamp recipe thread, also Rose Elliot book "the low carb vegetarian" is recommended by lots of folk.

jacaqueen Lang may yer lum reek!!!! I'll send you a virtual lump of coal and shortbread for a MN first foot!!

ToffeePenny · 31/12/2012 12:40

Joining (did this for wedding years back but baby tummy is still here and he's 3)

Will join on 8th as the 7th is my birthday!

Biwi
MulledwineGless
ScillyCow
ILoveOnionRings
thenightsky
Yddraigoldragon
AuntieMaggie
HumphreyCobbler
HugAndRoll
Teeb
ArfAPandaTreacle
SilverBaubles33
LightHousekeeping
Singingtunelessly
ZakuroFujiwara
ZzzenAgain
NewStartSameStory
Becstarlightstarbright
SavoirFaire
CooCoolite
TheSloppelganger
Gloriafloria
timidviper
Fadqueen
Cocolepew
Colette
ToomuchJanuaryNametobedecided
Mumat39
anewdispensation
Bessie123
Dickiedavisthunderthighs
EwanHoozami
Doshusallie
RatherBeOnThePiste
sybilfaulty
MrsHerculePoirot
Ilovemyteddy
TheHumancatapult
CordeliaChase
Brainstorm
Christmasknackers
BistoBear
makingchanges
GreenyEyes
JenaiMarr
Boobz
Ginot Prigio
hurricanewyn
NoveltySlippers
NigellasGuest
CathyandClaire
FuryDogMother
thisisthestory
Lastyearsmodel
jan2013
WillieWaggledagge
vnmum
willowisp
willowispsmama
JACAQUEEN
Gilbertwasthebestcat
PromQueenWithin
Froufroulala
SkaffenAmtiskaw
WomenandChickensFirst
sparkly peach
Lavenderhoney
NellVarnish
TheAccidentalExhibitionist
Frenchfries22
HavingAnOffDay
coldethyl
CaramelWaffle
CJCregg
HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey
halfthesize
ToffeePenny

WillieWaggledagger · 31/12/2012 12:44

Yy agree with toomuch - if you feel you have a lot to lose then this really is a properly sustainable way to do it as the low carb intake keeps te physical cravings under control. It is perfect for long term weight loss and for releasing the 'hold' that food can seem to have over you

The first few days can be difficult, but if you get through them it is so worth it!

NoveltySlippers · 31/12/2012 12:46

Hello all and a Happy New Year's Eve!

Pls accept apologies for mini essay to follow - but any advice/help very gratefully received!

So - I've almost finished the Taubes book, which was a real eye opener. It totally makes sense and I now understand why some skinny minnies I know can eat chips for lunch, snack on crisps, then hoover up a pasta mountain for dinner and yet stay at 8 and a half stone. Sadly, I'm not one of these lucky people!

My only problem (as mentioned up thread) is that I have this pesky dry eye problem, and as you lose a lot of water on low carb, apparently it can aggravate dry eye. I already drink a ton of water, so not sure I can drink anymore.

My question is: would I be allowed to join the Bootcamp but with Bootcamp light rules? i.e. Could I deviate slightly and have oat bran for breakfast (approx 30g with milk), or maybe a thin slice of rye bread for lunch instead (11g of carbs)?

If this is just not in the spirit of things, do let me know and I will bow out gracefully.

(But in envy - as I do think low carb is the way to go - not only for weight loss, but for health!)

NewStartSameStory · 31/12/2012 12:57

I found cutting out caffine has helped the dry eye issue with the increased in water intake (3-4Ltr per day these days!) but i have also noticed that I can't tollerate my contacts in my eyes for 12hrs any more. But as I have also had severe sleep deprivation recently i am hoping that this will improve as I find sleep. I can understand your feelings on this. Novalty. However, i do find that the first two weeks still sort out the cravings for me and is bareable. Even if i feel like i am going to explode with all the water i seem to crave drinking!

NoveltySlippers · 31/12/2012 13:17

Hi NSSS Thanks for sharing your experience. Thanks

Yes, I'm now down to wearing my contacts for about 6-7 hours maximum. Anymore and my eyes get very red, and I can't wear them the next day. I really struggle to have them in for a full day at work. My optician has said that my tear film is breaking far too quickly.

So, I'm taking fish oils, have cut out caffeine and drink vats of water. It seems to be getting a bit better, but it's been like this for over a year now so I'm just a bit worried about anything that might make them drier again.

If I do eat a little bit of carbs (i.e. go lower carb, rather than low carb) I wonder if I would still lose weight, just slower?

I'm not sure if it was someone on another thread that said if you eat high fat plus carbs, then all bets are off! Hmm

BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 31/12/2012 13:34

NoveltySlippers - I don't know anything about your specific condition, I'm afraid. So I'm not sure whether or not eating low carb would aggravate it (although I can't really see why it would, if you see what I mean?)

Why not just try it and see? How much water are you drinking? There is a table somewhere which has how much water you need to be drinking based on how much you weigh - I'll see if I can find it.

But if Bootcamp is too much, by all means start with Bootcamp Light - to be honest, the most important thing is the support from other people who are are doing the same as you.

I'll see if I can find anything more about low carbing and your condition.

OP posts:
MulledwineGless · 31/12/2012 13:34

Novelty slippers- you may want to look at Zoe Harcombe as she has a bit more carbs in her diet.
There is the dr Charles Clark diet who advocates one piece of whole piece of bread a day. I don't see how that fits on with the science that I have read about low carb, particularly wheat. If I was king to have carbs personally I would go for brown rice and root vegetables. Grain seems to react badly with me.

BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 31/12/2012 13:35

... but before I do, one thing strikes me about your post, which is your assertion that low carb causes a lot of water loss. I'm not sure about that. It will cause a lot of fat loss, as that's what happens when you stop using carbs for fuel.

OP posts:
MulledwineGless · 31/12/2012 13:35

Waves to BIWI- you are gonna be busy in Jan with all the new starters ! Xmas Wink

OP posts:
BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 31/12/2012 13:40

And more from Barry Groves, who is a well-known low carb advocate/writer

OP posts:
RatherBeOnThePiste · 31/12/2012 13:42

We need to keep her busy, keeps her outta trouble you see.....

anewdispensation · 31/12/2012 13:44

BIWI, so how does this work? I have joined already but I guess my fear is logging on one day and not being able to find you lot? Also are we responsible for updating the spreadsheet with our weigh ins and is the spreadsheet a shared one? Thanks in advance

BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 31/12/2012 13:44
Xmas Grin
OP posts:
GuyMartinsSideburns · 31/12/2012 13:48

Hello Id like to join please Smile I didnt go too mad over xmas but Id like to lose a stone. Ive started today and generally find that I do better when low carbing as bread and pasta etc make me feel awful.

Dh is in bed ill (sickness bug that I had a few days ago) and Im struggling already, though I know that is down to feeling crappy with the weather etc. Hopefully I'll get these first few days out of the way and then it'll be a little easier!

Biwi
MulledwineGless
ScillyCow
ILoveOnionRings
thenightsky
Yddraigoldragon
AuntieMaggie
HumphreyCobbler
HugAndRoll
Teeb
ArfAPandaTreacle
SilverBaubles33
LightHousekeeping
Singingtunelessly
ZakuroFujiwara
ZzzenAgain
NewStartSameStory
Becstarlightstarbright
SavoirFaire
CooCoolite
TheSloppelganger
Gloriafloria
timidviper
Fadqueen
Cocolepew
Colette
ToomuchJanuaryNametobedecided
Mumat39
anewdispensation
Bessie123
Dickiedavisthunderthighs
EwanHoozami
Doshusallie
RatherBeOnThePiste
sybilfaulty
MrsHerculePoirot
Ilovemyteddy
TheHumancatapult
CordeliaChase
Brainstorm
Christmasknackers
BistoBear
makingchanges
GreenyEyes
JenaiMarr
Boobz
Ginot Prigio
hurricanewyn
NoveltySlippers
NigellasGuest
CathyandClaire
FuryDogMother
thisisthestory
Lastyearsmodel
jan2013
WillieWaggledagge
vnmum
willowisp
willowispsmama
JACAQUEEN
Gilbertwasthebestcat
PromQueenWithin
Froufroulala
SkaffenAmtiskaw
WomenandChickensFirst
sparkly peach
Lavenderhoney
NellVarnish
TheAccidentalExhibitionist
Frenchfries22
HavingAnOffDay
coldethyl
CaramelWaffle
CJCregg
HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey
halfthesize
GuyMartinsSideburns

BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 31/12/2012 13:50

anewdispensation - on Monday 7 Jan, I will start the Week 1 chat thread, in which I will post a link to the Spreadsheet of Fantabulousness. The lovely WillieWaggle has committed to creating this - which means she is going to be busier than me, based on the number of that have signed up!

All you need to do is enter your weight in the right column, and the SoF will do the rest. We enter weight in lbs, but there is a handy calculator on there to convert kilos to pounds, I think.

We mainly enter our weight on each Monday, but it's up to you which day you feel most comfortable with.

You will also find, on tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet, some important information, like the rules, the list of allowed veg and other assorted stuff.

The spreadsheet is available via Google Docs, which means it is shared. If you are concerned about entering your actual weight, as some people don't want to, then you could always index it - so start at 100 and drop by 1 for every pound that you lose.

Generally what happens is that we all chat about our progress, raise any questions/concerns, share what food/recipes we're eating/using, and then I shout a lot at people when they cheat, and wave my Big Stick around willy nilly. Grin

And I start a new thread for each week. You'll find that they move so fast that the threads are usually in Active Convos - but if you're worried about losing them, you could always make them a Thread to Watch, or find it via Threads I'm On (assuming you've posted, obviously!)

OP posts:
BIWIshYouAMerryChristmas · 31/12/2012 13:54

Someone was asking about weight gain - I think it was cocolepew? To be honest, I have found that going off piste, whilst it results in some gain, because I have been doing this for quite some time, I tend to be able to lose the weight quickly.

The trick for everyone is going to be maintaining their weight. I'm almost at my target, and so that is when the challenge will start! I think that if you revert straight back to a high carb diet, then the weight will simply go back on. After all, that old diet was why you put the weight on in the first place, surely? The thing to do is to introduce good carbs gradually, until you reach a level that you are happy with, and you aren't gaining weight. This level will be different for everybody. By 'good' carbs, I mean higher carb veg, and pulses and some grains. The key is 'some' - so you can have 'some' bread and 'some' rice/pasta - but just don't fall face first into toast, sandwiches, pasta and chocolate at every meal and expect to keep your weight loss!

OP posts:
anewdispensation · 31/12/2012 14:04

Thanks very useful info. Last question: Can I do this while ebfing a 4 month old?

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