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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.

Summer Low Carb Bootcamp - starts 29/4 - come and sign up!

264 replies

BIWI · 23/04/2013 08:19

Come and sign up if you want to join us. We start on Monday and Bootcamp will run for 10 weeks.

Each week we will weigh in using the Spreadsheet of Fabulousness which is set up and maintained by the lovely WillieWaggleDagger.

You will also see, if you look at the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet, the rules as well as the list of allowed veg, and all manner of other resources to help you.

So that Willie can get the spreadsheet set up in time for our first weigh-in on Monday, please can you all sign in if you want to join?

I'll start the list, so just add your name and then cut and past the list and re-post it.

OP posts:
changeforthebetter · 24/04/2013 07:00

Gulp Confused (clutches beloved granary toast to bosom for 5 more days!)

I adore carbs but the evidence is pretty impressive. Am reading the Briffa book at the moment. I am wondering how it is going to work in practice. DD1 is very carb-loving too and has a lot of MH issues (therapy begins this week) I wonder if more protein fewer carbs would help? I am very wary of altering the kids' diets.

changeforthebetter · 24/04/2013 07:20

Please could someone add me? iPad won't let me Thanks

hazchem · 24/04/2013 08:02

Please can I come back. I'm feeling very fat and miserable! My shipping has arrived and none of my lovely winter clothes fit me. (it's getting cold down under)

Write here I pledge that I will weigh in for the next ten Mondays without fail! I will finish this bootcamp. :)

changeforthebetter I read your name as changeforthebutter which would be a very apt for bootcamp.

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Hazchem
MrsHerculePoirot
TwoCrazyKids
changeforthebetter

ZimboMum · 24/04/2013 08:07

I'm in. Need a real kick up the butt. I'm thirty in August, and my motivation is feeling like i actually will look okay in photos.

Change - i've added you.

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Changeforthebetter
ZimboMum

ZimboMum · 24/04/2013 08:08

Oops, cross-post.

Latest list here:

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Hazchem
MrsHerculePoirot
TwoCrazyKids
changeforthebetter
ZimboMum

BlackAffronted · 24/04/2013 08:41

Wow, the new bootcamp is going to rock Grin

I am actually struggling right now, I think its knowing that bootcamp starts next week and that I will be having a couple of days "off course" while DS is in hospital that I seem to be giving myself permission to sneak in carbs!! I never thought Id say this, but I am looking forward to BIWI's stick being waved about!

BIWI · 24/04/2013 08:43
Grin
OP posts:
bloomingfrazzled · 24/04/2013 09:02

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Hazchem
MrsHerculePoirot
TwoCrazyKids
changeforthebetter
ZimboMum
Bloomingfrazzled

Hello, can I join too please. Need motivation - lost 2 stone last year but have put a stone back on in the first 3 months of this year!
Add message | Report | Message poster

Yama · 24/04/2013 09:08

I think Ariadnestar accidently cut off a few off the bottom of the list.

Custardo - maybe if I don't have to do anything
Smalline
queribus
bambootoo
Yama
FadingAwayToAHippo
Happyherdwick
NigellasGuest

I'll add us back on.

Yama · 24/04/2013 09:09

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Hazchem
MrsHerculePoirot
TwoCrazyKids
changeforthebetter
ZimboMum
Bloomingfrazzled
Custardo - maybe if I don't have to do anything
Smalline
queribus
bambootoo
Yama
FadingAwayToAHippo
Happyherdwick
NigellasGuest

BIWI · 24/04/2013 09:35

Thanks, Yama

OP posts:
PennyHofstadter · 24/04/2013 10:49

BIWI I need your help already!!

I have a lunch that has taken ages to arrange, trying to get everyone to agree to a place and then a date... and you've guessed it, the date most people can do is the 29th! I'm going to be gutted if I have to miss it so I thought I'd post up the menu and see if there is anything you recommend I eat/avoid (main menu only)
Apologies for the mammoth post. Thank you.

Aubergine parmigiana layered baked aubergine, basil, tomato and Parmesan with Pesto linguine (N) £10.45
Smoked haddock & salmon fishcakes with tomato salad £10.95
Chicken breast with wild mushrooms, tarragon pappardelle pasta and Parmesan £12.95
Pan fried lamb rump served with Greek salad £13.95
Braised pork belly on stir-fried rice noodles with sticky teriyaki glaze (N) £12.95
Buttercross Farm free range pork, sage and onion sausages with butter mash and onion gravy £10.95
Steak and kidney suet pudding with mashed potato and buttered greens £12.95
Pappardelle Marinara- mussels, king prawns and calamari in a rich tomato and herb sauce on pappardelle £13.95
Slow cooked rose veal with chive and saffron risotto £14.50
Duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes, mixed veg and port sauce £16.95
Whole grilled plaice with caper and dill butter, new potatoes and Summer greens £15.95
Crispy beef salad with sweet chilli and cashew nuts (N) £12.45
Sweet potato, blue cheese and spinach lasagne, with garlic bread & rocket salad £10.45
Braised lamb shoulder with Dauphinoise potatoes, rosemary and redcurrant gravy £16.95
10oz rump steak with watercress and horseradish butter, wild mushrooms, tomato and chips £17.95
8oz steak burger topped with grilled bacon, Cheddar served with coleslaw and chips £11.95
Honey glazed ham with free-range eggs and chips £10.95
Deep fried haddock in beer batter with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce £12.25
Ploughmans - Honey glazed ham, duck pate, Garstang Blue, Quickes Smoked Cheddar, pickles & crusty bread £10.50

WhyIRayLiotta · 24/04/2013 11:02

Please can I join? I've been trying to low carb for a while and I've lost almost a stone - but carbs have been creeping back especially at the weekends. I have a weekend away / holiday and my sisters wedding to motivate me Hmm

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Hazchem
MrsHerculePoirot
TwoCrazyKids
changeforthebetter
ZimboMum
Bloomingfrazzled
Custardo - maybe if I don't have to do anything
Smalline
queribus
bambootoo
Yama
FadingAwayToAHippo
Happyherdwick
NigellasGuest
WhyIRayLiotta

WillieWaggledagger · 24/04/2013 11:47

penny i would go for any that are 'lump of meat with veg' and ask for the carb part to be left off the plate and for extra veg, so:

Pan fried lamb rump served with Greek salad £13.95 (check it doesn't come with couscous or something)

Slow cooked rose veal with chive and saffron risotto £14.50 (see if they will replace the risotto with salad or something)

Duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes, mixed veg and port sauce £16.95 (ask for no potatoes, check what the veg is - be aware that the sauce might be a bit sugary)

Whole grilled plaice with caper and dill butter, new potatoes and Summer greens £15.95 (no potatoes, please, extra greens)

Braised lamb shoulder with Dauphinoise potatoes, rosemary and redcurrant gravy £16.95 (no potatoes please, veg instead, sauce may be sugary)

10oz rump steak with watercress and horseradish butter, wild mushrooms, tomato and chips £17.95 (no chips, salad instead)

8oz steak burger topped with grilled bacon, Cheddar served with coleslaw and chips £11.95 (you can remove the bun, ask for no chips, salad instead. careful that the coleslaw isn't quite carby with onions and carrots and added sugar)

Ploughmans - Honey glazed ham, duck pate, Garstang Blue, Quickes Smoked Cheddar, pickles & crusty bread £10.50 (this would be fine without the bread, though the ham will be sugary so you might have to avoid that one)

PennyHofstadter · 24/04/2013 11:52

Thank you Willie Smile

WillieWaggledagger · 24/04/2013 11:53

also for the ploughmans, careful as pickles can include quite a bit of sugar

i think that if you're careful you'll be fine. the safest option i think is the pan-fried lamb rump with greek salad, though i would double-check what is in the salad. i would assume cucumber, tomatoes, feta, olives and onions, with a dressing, so you might want to avoid eating too many tomatoes and onions, and ask for plain olive oil rather than dressing.

don't stress yourself out worrying about it too much though, because you have to live your life, and you can only do your best!

PennyHofstadter · 24/04/2013 11:59

I'm not massively keen on pickles tbh so I would avoid them anyway. At least it's given me a few options and some definites to avoid. I guess its sods law that the date most people could do was the start of bootcamp!

FurryDogMother · 24/04/2013 12:25

I'm in! Was travelling yesterday so only just saw this thread - 60+ lbs down since August, now tidying up the flabby bits!

BerylStreep
BIWI
Yoghurty
BlackAffronted
EwanHoozami
WillieWaggledagger
BedHanger
Dontmeanto
CiderwithBuda
Cathyandclaire
Prettybird
HeirToTheIronThrone
JaxTeller
BirdStrike
PennyHofstadter
TheOrchardKeeper
lapetitedame
LavenderBriggs
dawnpreview
CarolBornAMan
Bessie123
MsRinky
Lavender honey
Kahlua4me
Bulletwithbutterflywings
Beechview
slatternlymother
carbalanche
Laurelandhearty
IShallWearMidnight
justpoppy
halfthesize
Danceasifnooneswatching
JakeBullet
WandOfElderNeverProsper
snowballinashoebox
LackaDAISYcal
NotMostPeople
Ruprekt
AngieAir
TheChocolateTeapot
Iamaslummymummy
MaryBeardfanclub
ToomuchWaternotWine
Ariadnestar
Flatbluebunny
timidviper
geologygirl
Hazchem
MrsHerculePoirot
TwoCrazyKids
changeforthebetter
ZimboMum
Bloomingfrazzled
Custardo - maybe if I don't have to do anything
Smalline
queribus
bambootoo
Yama
FadingAwayToAHippo
Happyherdwick
NigellasGuest
WhyIRayLiotta
FurryDogMother

slatternlymother · 24/04/2013 12:38

changeforthebetter I read in Briffa's book that low card/high fat diets can actually help with depression. I had PND really badly, but tbh I've always been in 'that' area where if I don't keep myself occupied, I'm liable to be a bit depressed. Anyway, I've found that none of that has really been happening when I low carb it. I feel much more positive (periods notwithstanding!) and hopefully, your DD will too.

changeforthebetter · 24/04/2013 12:55

Thanks Slatternlymother (wonderful name). I did wonder since our brains need fat to function well. My first depression came after a months' long pre-wedding diet marrying an arsehole Grin

Are there any idiot-proof but sensible menu plans for novices. Dr B doesn't do those Wink

BIWI · 24/04/2013 13:06

Aubergine parmigiana layered baked aubergine, basil, tomato and Parmesan with Pesto linguine (N) £10.45

This would be a good low carb option, but obviously without the linguine - ask if you could have a green salad instead

Smoked haddock & salmon fishcakes with tomato salad £10.95

Nope definitely not! They will be mixed with potato and coated in breadcrumbs

Chicken breast with wild mushrooms, tarragon pappardelle pasta and Parmesan £12.95

Again, all fine apart from the pasta. See if they can replace it with some green veg/salad

Pan fried lamb rump served with Greek salad £13.95

Sounds perfect

Braised pork belly on stir-fried rice noodles with sticky teriyaki glaze (N) £12.95

Although the pork belly is fine, the glaze will be sweet/sugary (this is what makes it sticky) and obviously the noodles are out

Buttercross Farm free range pork, sage and onion sausages with butter mash and onion gravy £10.95

It's always difficult with sausages to know how carby they might be. Even good quality sausages, which have a higher meat content, can sometimes be too high in carbs. You'd have to miss out on the mash as well, so I'd probably give this option a miss

Steak and kidney suet pudding with mashed potato and buttered greens £12.95

No! Suet and mashed potato definitely not allowable!

Pappardelle Marinara- mussels, king prawns and calamari in a rich tomato and herb sauce on pappardelle £13.95

Nope

Slow cooked rose veal with chive and saffron risotto £14.50

The veal sounds lovely, but the risotto is obviously out.

Duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes, mixed veg and port sauce £16.95

Would be OK without the potatoes and also the sauce - which could be both sweet and thickened with flour/cornflour

Whole grilled plaice with caper and dill butter, new potatoes and Summer greens £15.95

Perfect, just ask for something low carb in place of the potatoes - extra summer greens, or some green salad

Crispy beef salad with sweet chilli and cashew nuts (N) £12.45

Probably not. Crispy beef is usually coated in flour before being deep fried, and the chilli sauce will be very carby - and cashew nuts aren't really low carb

Sweet potato, blue cheese and spinach lasagne, with garlic bread & rocket salad £10.45

Nope - sweet potato, pasta and bread all rule this out!

Braised lamb shoulder with Dauphinoise potatoes, rosemary and redcurrant gravy £16.95

Again, whilst the lamb would be perfect, you'd have to ask for a replacement for the potatoes. And a redcurrant gravy will probably be a bit too carby

10oz rump steak with watercress and horseradish butter, wild mushrooms, tomato and chips £17.95

Perfect, just without the chips!

8oz steak burger topped with grilled bacon, Cheddar served with coleslaw and chips £11.95

Ask for the burger without the bun (or just leave it), and ask for a salad instead of the chips. Beware that coleslaw can also be quite carby so go easy with that

Honey glazed ham with free-range eggs and chips £10.95

OK - but the honey will add carbs. And again, no chips!

Deep fried haddock in beer batter with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce £12.25

All of this will be high carb - unless you just picked the fish out of the batter

Ploughmans - Honey glazed ham, duck pate, Garstang Blue, Quickes Smoked Cheddar, pickles & crusty bread £10.50

Would be fine, if you could eat it without the bread.

Hope that helps. It's never easy to navigate your way around a menu, although if you're prepared to ask the restaurant to make substitutions then it's doable. But some of these dishes would suffer without their carby element, I think.

Just imagine, though, if you were faced with the same menu if you were trying to follow a low calorie or low fat diet - your choices would be even narrower.

OP posts:
WillieWaggledagger · 24/04/2013 13:07

changeforthebetter, for a sample menu you couldn't go far wrong with the menu below, which BIWI created. if you're going low carb for the first time you may find that you need to eat a piece of cheese or something occasionally to stop the carb cravings getting the better of you, but you shouldn't feel hungry.

Day 1

Mushroom omelette, fried in butter

Tuna mayonnaise wrapped in Little Gem lettuce leaves, with sliced cucumber

2 chicken thighs, skin on, pan-fried in butter and olive oil
80g frozen whole leaf baby spinach, with garlic butter and 100g broccoli florets fried with 50g shallot and chilli flakes

Day 2

2 eggs, scrambled with butter

Smoked salmon and 100g avocado with 80g green leafy salad in a home-made vinaigrette (olive oil, wine vinegar, salt and pepper)

Home-made beefburger (100g steak mince, mixed with salt/pepper and olive oil), with home-made coleslaw and 150g celeriac chips

Day 3

2 boiled eggs

2 chicken thighs, (cold ? but pan-fried as on Day 1), with coleslaw and 80g salad with vinaigrette dressing

Roast pork (and crackling), with 200g swede mashed with lots of butter) and 200g braised fennel

And as another example, my menu yesterday was:

Breakfast - 2 eggs scrambled in butter with wilted spinach
Lunch - leftover cold roast chicken with mayonnaise and lettuce
Supper - courgette, aubergine and sweet pepper roasted in olive oil with roasted halloumi cheese and lemon juice

hope this helps!

BIWI · 24/04/2013 13:07

changeforthebetter some lovely recipes here which might inspire you

OP posts:
WillieWaggledagger · 24/04/2013 13:10

there are more menus in the spreadsheet here, but it's worth noting that these are particularly low carb, so you can be a bit more flexible and include dairy too, as long as you're within the rules of bootcamp

changeforthebetter · 24/04/2013 13:23

Thanks (In awe of the collective wisdom of MN - again Smile)