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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.

Why We Eat (Too Much) Thread 5

1000 replies

TheLeadbetterLife · 12/01/2022 23:13

Happy New Year regulars, lurkers and newcomers!

Welcome to thread 5 of discussion, encouragement and advice inspired by the book Why We Eat (Too Much), by Dr Andrew Jenkinson.

The basic principles of this "diet" (it's not one in the traditional sense, as it's meant to be a permanent set of changes), are as follows:

  • cut out ultra-processed food
  • massively reduce sugar, carbs, refined flours and wheat
  • eat a wide variety of vegetables, whole grains and fruit
  • eat full fat dairy and other healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil
  • improve the ratio of omega 3 to 6 by eating greens, fish, eggs and grass-fed meat, and cutting out ultra-refined seed oils

Important lifestyle changes include getting plenty of rest, relaxation and sleep, as well as taking a moderate amount of exercise (or more, if you like that sort of thing).

You don't need to count calories (in fact, you shouldn't), though it may help to count carbs or glycemic load, at least to begin with, until you get the hang of it.

Some of us share recipes by following each other on Copy Me That - www.copymethat.com/recipebox/the-leadbetter-life/6661160/

As well as the book mentioned in the title, the principles are similar to those espoused by the likes of Rangan Chatterjee, Robert Lustig, Tim Spector and Michael Mosley.

There are many successes on this thread, and the main thing is that we are aiming to make permanent, sustainable changes to adjust our weight set-points downwards.

Join us!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
34
picklemewalnuts · 27/03/2022 18:39

@Heartbeats0708 , same here!

I have however, put my yogurt on @words. And put more UHT milk in the basket ready for next time. I make mine in an instant pot, in jars- no mess.

Words · 28/03/2022 06:59

Morning Everyone

The last couple of days I have been ravenously hungry - to the extent I had to break one of my fasts with a cheesy omelette - yes adding water DOES make it fluffy! Thanks for the tip. Although mine didn't brown quite so well. Very good though. I also add some melted butter to the egg mixture before pouring into pan to make it extra creamy. Works for scrambled eggs too.

Can't work out the hunger thing. No sugary triggers but I have felt quite sleepy and not slept as well as usual the last two or three nights which we know does trigger the hunger hormone, so maybe that's it.

My body is also in recovery mode I think after the exertions of the last week so that could be a factor also. Weird that the extra exercise didn't overly stimulate my appetite while I was away though.

I've had a very meat- heavy week so in need of more veg and salad focussed meals this week I think. Some sort of heavy salad for lunch and courgette frittata this evening with roast peppers.

Ah well, better commute up the stairs to my office now and see what has landed while I've been on leave.

Have a good week all!

Aria999 · 28/03/2022 14:10

@Words you want to make sure the pan and the oil are pretty hot before the egg goes in. Then it should brown. I normally heat the pan for a few minutes before I put the oil in and then let the oil heat up a bit more. The egg should sizzle when it hits.

Just about to have my second gum operation, so it's going to be another yoghurt only day (no hot food for 24 hours).

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 28/03/2022 16:43

Just want to share my NSV with you. I'm going to Florida for Easter and I've tried on my summer clothes this afternoon. I'm delighted to say they all fit so much better than last year and some I couldn't even get into. Buying the book is the best thing I've done for years - I love the food I can eat and never feel hungry. Win, win! I find this thread invaluable too.

picklemewalnuts · 28/03/2022 19:08

Well done, @Oblahdeeoblahdoe , that's very reassuring!

That sounds very painful, @Aria999 .

Today's meals for those who are interested:
Lunch was leftover veg- tenderstem broccoli and squash- with blue cheese in an omelette.
Dinner was the lamb stew again, with extra veg.
I've some fruit salad and cream ready for later, and I'm owed a cube of cheese if I want it.

I may have scarfed a bar of chocolate, which with Cake Sunday has probably undone any progress I made. Still, it's satisfied that craving, and I'll stay on track the rest of the week.

Tomorrow it's chilli beans, probably with a jacket potato.

And I need to plan the rest of the week!

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 28/03/2022 19:57

Hi all! I had a big night out on Fri and basically spent Sat eating processed crap. Have been back on it yesterday and today, though. I went up 2lb but hoping that’ll be gone soon - it’s probably just salt/dehydration. Looks like I might be going on holiday at the end of June, so I want to stick strictly to the rules as much as possible until then!

picklemewalnuts · 28/03/2022 19:59

The 100g carbs... if you are essentially eating no carb, just green leafy veg and meat, could you theoretically have your 100g carbs in chocolate form?

Asking for a friend...

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 28/03/2022 22:14

@picklemewalnuts

Well done, *@Oblahdeeoblahdoe* , that's very reassuring!

That sounds very painful, @Aria999 .

Today's meals for those who are interested:
Lunch was leftover veg- tenderstem broccoli and squash- with blue cheese in an omelette.
Dinner was the lamb stew again, with extra veg.
I've some fruit salad and cream ready for later, and I'm owed a cube of cheese if I want it.

I may have scarfed a bar of chocolate, which with Cake Sunday has probably undone any progress I made. Still, it's satisfied that craving, and I'll stay on track the rest of the week.

Tomorrow it's chilli beans, probably with a jacket potato.

And I need to plan the rest of the week!

Thank you. Meant to say I used to do SW (several times) but found it was becoming more and more difficult to lose weight on it. Plus I missed cheese, butter, olive oil etc. I haven't found it difficult to give up wheat and sugar and usually cook from scratch anyway.
Words · 29/03/2022 12:31

I've also found it much easier to give up/avoid wheat and sugar than I ever would limiting olive oil and dairy.

Last night I made Watercress Soup and then courgette frittata. Both good and very quick to do.

Recipes:

www.copymethat.com/r/iOse2HlqI/courgette-frittatas/

www.copymethat.com/r/9eJw9JR27/maman-blancs-watercress-soup/

Words · 29/03/2022 12:37

Wishing you a speedy recovery @aria99!

samthebordercollie · 29/03/2022 12:44

Words a very timely recipe post for me, I'm going to try the courgette frittata this evening, I've got eggs coming out of my ears from the hens at the moment, 8 or 9 a day!
Has anyone heard of the Full Diet? It looks very good. Many of the same principles as this one so a lot of the recipes would be OK. Anti calorie counting, no blood sugar spiking carbs, no processed or low fat foods etc
www.you.co.uk/the-full-diet-weight-loss-plan/

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 29/03/2022 16:46

[quote samthebordercollie]Words a very timely recipe post for me, I'm going to try the courgette frittata this evening, I've got eggs coming out of my ears from the hens at the moment, 8 or 9 a day!
Has anyone heard of the Full Diet? It looks very good. Many of the same principles as this one so a lot of the recipes would be OK. Anti calorie counting, no blood sugar spiking carbs, no processed or low fat foods etc
www.you.co.uk/the-full-diet-weight-loss-plan/[/quote]
That's practically identical to this plan, isn't it? I wonder if Dr Hameed and Dr Jenkinson have encountered each other's work and research. I think the only extra bit is about the eating window - and she includes rice in the list of carbs to avoid. I had risotto for lunch! I do the eating window most of the time anyway naturally by being too disorganised to get up in time for breakfast before work. It's nice to hear the same principles coming out again from a different clinician - makes me feel more confident! Doesn't mention omega3/6 either.

Ohblahdee, congratulations on your NSV! That's lovely and totally one of my goals too.

picklemewalnuts, I don't think you should try to fit chocolate into your 100g of carbs! Too much counting involved. Did you read the bit in the article sam linked to about sugar coating organs in the body? Unless it's 85% dark choc I think maybe try to wean yourself off it. I find 85% dark choc horrible unless it's melted and turned into ganache with double cream, so it's easier for me not to eat it.

picklemewalnuts · 29/03/2022 17:51

@TooExtraImmatureCheddar 'my friend' is very disappointed!

Words · 29/03/2022 18:12

Ooh let me know how the frittata goes, Sam!

And thanks for the link to the Full Diet. Barring the Omega thing, it's pretty much the same as Jenkinson, isn't it, and has as clear an explanation as I have read anywhere about why it works. I'd really recommend reading the article.

Interesting about the eating window too. I started doing that in January to try to reduce my set point and it has worked. I also feel much better mentally, and clear headed. I vary between 16/8 and 18/6. It's been so much easier than I imagined and the benefits much greater than I expected too.

Aria999 · 29/03/2022 18:29

@Oblahdeeoblahdoe that's great!

@TooExtraImmatureCheddar great article. Large parts of it read like a summary of jenkinson's book. It's good to see some specific research being done on it.

The eating window would not work for me though. I get hungry at 8:30am and I can't have supper until the kids are in bed.

samthebordercollie · 29/03/2022 18:47

Another (positive for me) difference between the Full diet and this is that the Full diet allows, even promotes the consumption of nuts and seeds 😀

I hadn't heard of glycérinons before. Love the fact that calories don't count (although you'll never convince most dieters on Mumsnet of that)

samthebordercollie · 29/03/2022 18:48

Glycation I meant!

Heartbeats0708 · 29/03/2022 19:48

Interesting article and definitely sounds along the same lines as AJ. I think I could do the eating window thing if tea and coffee in the morning is allowed as she states.
I struggle with the "eat single ingredient food"- presumably this is a way to simplify the "eat non-processed food" message- I'm assuming that combining single ingredient food is fine? Ie mixing together eggs with vegetables and cheese to make an omelette for example.
I e had a rubbish day today and need to refocus. Crisps called, I answered..

Aria999 · 29/03/2022 21:36

I think I am going to try increasing my nut intake. Cold nut loaf would make a great lunch!

Aria999 · 29/03/2022 21:37

@Heartbeats0708 I had crisp fail on Thursday too. I was happy to find that as a once off it didn't show up in the scales!

Yes I think from the context that she just means foods without weird additives.

samthebordercollie · 30/03/2022 06:36

@Aria999

I think I am going to try increasing my nut intake. Cold nut loaf would make a great lunch!
I'm trying to reduce mine. I snack on almonds and cashews and can happily get through 1kg a week which is terrible. Sometimes I have them instead of a meal. It's a real addiction.

@Heartbeats0708 Yes, combining single ingredients, i.e. cooking from scratch. I'm going to buy the book and will post the list of 'forbidden' foods which I know includes fruit high in sugar like grapes, mangoes etc.

samthebordercollie · 30/03/2022 06:41

For fans of Robert Lustig he is on the latest Feel Better, Live More podcast, talking about the principles in his book Metabolical (I know quite a few posters have read it). Basically 'Protect the liver, feed the gut' i.e. no sugar!

Words · 30/03/2022 06:55

Morning Everyone

Well, last night I was again ravenously hungry, so having cooked only one small and abstemious lamb chop, I then cooked another, and then also had two squares of good chocolate. With nuts for good measure. So there Dr J!

Anyway, this morning I decided to weigh mid week. Good grief I appear to have lost three pounds since the weekend Shock

I was a bit disappointed the scales hadn't moved on Sunday after I felt lighter after my week of intense activity and on plan eating together with continued intermittent fasting while away. Perhaps my body was repairing itself ( thinking about the tiny tears in muscles caused by exercise) and I was retaining water or something immediately afterwards?

Anyway, if it sticks, I am well pleased. Only nine pounds to go to ultimate target now, with nearly four stone gone in 18 months. It can be done folks!

picklemewalnuts · 30/03/2022 07:46

That's amazing, words!

Two lessons- never be pessimistic about a stall/plateau when you'd expected a loss; never be cocky about a maintain when you deserve a gain 🤣. I've been getting on the wrong side of some food since last Sunday, held on for a couple of days, then yesterday apparently I ballooned overnight! It's not the fault of the WOE, it's the fault of me not following the WOE!

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 30/03/2022 08:42

[quote picklemewalnuts]@TooExtraImmatureCheddar 'my friend' is very disappointed!

[/quote]
Grin send my apologies to your "friend"!

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