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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 · 23/04/2022 08:07

Sounds like a Plan, @sleepraptor ! It's easier when they are at school. The routine helps such a lot!

My diet is absolutely fine, it's the accidental extras that get me. I think I need to accept that chocolate- actual chocolate- is a no no for me. I have no off button, just an empty packet button!

@Opensesame1 that's really very little food.

Today I'm having
Scrambled eggs and salmon with rye bread.
Leek and potato soup.
Vegetable chilli.

I'll do some hard boiled eggs to snack on, and there's always fruit. The binge eating advice is three meals and three snacks a day, so I'm trying to follow that.

Opensesame1 · 23/04/2022 08:12

I just realised I included breakfast coffee and not breakfast food! I had 3 ryvita with apple and cheese too! (Inspo for the apple and cheese combo from previous thread.. what a shout!!)

I ended last night with a couple of sponge of root veg mash, leeks and mushrooms with garlic and herb Philly! It was about 11pm by the time I finished work so I didn't want to be eating a full dinner at that time but I also didn't want to go to bed hungry! 😆

I did make a very pretty cake though so the late night was worth it! 🙃

I hope everyone has nice plans for the weekend! I work a 6 day week (off a Monday) but finish a bit earlier on a Sunday so im hoping to take the kids for a nice walk in the Forrest tomorrow afternoon if the weather holds!!

picklemewalnuts · 23/04/2022 09:18

Oh thank goodness. I was wondering whether I needed to sit you down for a serious chat!

That sounds delicious- I'm really enjoying ryvita, which I've barely eaten before. Cheese and apple is a classic.

tencent · 23/04/2022 16:57

Hi All, I would love to try this WOE, but I think I might have confused myself by reading the book and some threads and I'm not sure now what is and isn't allowed. What I would like is to have a few ideas for breakfasts, lunches and evening meals for a vegetarian, that I can rotate and that are 100% on plan to begin with. I've tried Googling for recipes or an eating plan, but can't seem to find anything, which I though was strange? Would I be on the right lines with scrambled eggs and fried mushrooms for breakfast, perhaps salad with olives, feta and rice cakes for lunch and I have no idea for dinner. Is quorn mince allowed? I can see a mention of ryvita, cheese and apple which sounds great. With home made soup can we use any stock cube? The ones I've looked at all have sunflower oil in. I've tried to search the threads, but the new format seems to have defeated me. Any guidance on meals would be greatly appreciated, or signposts to websites that may help.

Opensesame1 · 23/04/2022 19:18

Hi @tencent!

I'm new to all this too but I will post some of what I have been eating/plan to eat to give you an idea! The book doesn't actually give a fixed set of rules or an eating plan so some of it is open to interpretation.. which seems to work well as you can make small adjustments to make it sustainable for yourself.

Breakfasts: Greek yogurt, fruit, porridge, ryvita with cheese, eggs, cottage cheese.

Lunches: I mostly cook extra dinner the night before and lunch is leftovers. Or a second breakfast as I don't have time to cook mid day!

Dinner: I basically pick a protein (for me it meat) lots of veg and add some cheese! 😂

I'm sure as time goes on I will get better at thinking of what is good to eat and branching out a bit, but I wanted to start simple and build from there.

I have read on other threads that the Fast800 recipes and keto recipes are usually good for this WOE, just watch for the veg oils and add in some carbs that this plan allows (potato/veg/rice etc)

tencent · 23/04/2022 19:22

Thanks @Opensesame1 that's really helpful :)

Opensesame1 · 23/04/2022 19:48

No Problem! I have gotten so much inspo from reading back over the threads! I made some notes in my ap as I went when I saw somebody eating a meal or a combo I would like! 😆

Today has been another busy one!

Breakfast: 2 ryvita, apple, cheese and a bottle of Vit Hit
Lunch - Beef burger with bacon, cheese, side salad and some coleslaw. (Not perfect with coleslaw but I was at work so had limited choices!)
Dinner - gonna have something with fruit.. maybe Greek yogurt or porridge and another bottle of juice. (I struggle so much with water. Have never been able to drink it so I figure this is better than fizzy juice.

Also had 2 full fat lattes. Weigh in tomorrow so I'm excited to see if it's making any difference.

tencent · 23/04/2022 20:24

So are crackers ok then, even though they're processed? I hope so!

Opensesame1 · 23/04/2022 21:46

I'm assuming they are wheat? So they wouldn't be allowed..

Ryvita is made from rye and not wheat.. oatcakes or rice cakes are also ok as long as they arnt made with veg oil

Lapwingslore · 23/04/2022 21:56

Arcadia · 21/04/2022 09:33

Just come on to say that I started with this 'way of eating' last October and have lost nearly a stone!!! Down from 10 stone 10 to 9 stone 11. Was aiming for 10. Didn't even put on weight over Christmas!
I never even finished the book but got the info from here and skim reading parts of the book.
Basically I cut out most refined sugar and processed foods. The biggest revelation is I have more or less gone off crisps which I used to love!
Also ready meals are no longer a treat, it just means more time spent cooking though which I mainly enjoy.
I never go hungry either.
Very pleased!

Just the inspiration I need today !! Thank you

Lapwingslore · 23/04/2022 22:07

sleepraptor · 22/04/2022 22:33

I've fallen into a fuck-it day tonight unfortunately. It's just very frustrating that I can do all the right things for weeks on end and get back down 3-4 lbs to ideal weight to then spend a few days putting the 3 to 4 lbs back on, and repeat over and over again! And 3 to 4 lbs seems to make a big visual difference to me, although a lot is probably water bloating. It's been tough couple of weeks with kids off school, one of them ASD/PDA, trying to work around them, and a tough anniversary. After trying to get back on track after week away today I was doing well with usual healthy meals but given up tonight and have eaten a lot of chocolate, some crisps and some wine. Will hopefully get back on track tomorrow [crosses fingers].

Me too. A difficult anniversary, resulted in lunch out, a bar of chocolate, half a Simnel Cake, cheese and biscuits. Have come to bed because I can’t eat here.

My first collapse off the wagon in 14 weeks. So cross with myself.

Tomorrow is another day though ……..

tencent · 23/04/2022 22:08

Drat, out go the crackers then. Good call on the Ryvita though.

Opensesame1 · 24/04/2022 19:37

Just posting my meals for accountability...

Breakfast: porridge with honey, grapes and Greek yogurt.

Lunch; we spent the day at the beach and I packed myself a lunch and left it at home.. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ instead I ate the fillings from the sandwiches everyone else was having! 😂

Dinner was baked parsnip chips with mushroom, spinach, mangetout, chive Philadelphia and mozzarella cheese..

Looking forward to seeing what the scales say! I forgot to weigh first thing this morning so putting it off until tomorrow morning now!

Opensesame1 · 24/04/2022 19:42

Picture because it was very nice. Quietly congratulating myself for making lots so I get to eat it again tomorrow.

Why We Eat (Too Much) Thread 5
picklemewalnuts · 24/04/2022 20:45

That does look tasty!

I had overnight oats with a fibre/flax/chia mix
Salmon cheese and ham with rye bread.
Grapes
A slimming world ready meal for dinner.
A pot of quark with white chocolate options in it. (Off plan but moreish!)

sleepraptor · 24/04/2022 21:10

I've had bircher for tea tonight Pickle - think that's probably similar to overnight oats - very yummy!

Hope the weigh-in goes well opensesame.

Sorry you had a tough day Lapwing. One fall off the wagon in 14 weeks is pretty impressive! Tomorrow is definitely another day.

Welcome tencent. I always have a protein smoothie for breakfast which is probably bit off plan but is loaded with tons of different veg and some fruit so it's worth it for the microbiome / other health benefits. Just the protein powder is processed. My lunch/dinners tend to be large salads with lentils / quinoa / beans / chickpeas plus loads of veg (raw, roasted, pan-fried greens, steamed), olives, feta, halloumi (not all at the same time!) and homemade sauce / vinegarette (sp?). Or a veg curry type things - bung loads of veg, tin tomatoes, coconut milk, spices etc in a pan. Sometimes do boiled eggs and smoked salmon with some lemon juice and black pepper - really simple and yummy and feels like a big treat.

My problems are definitely the add-ons as I think Pickle said above!

I'm back on it today. I've realised sleep is massively important to me which I know is one of the things he discusses in the book. My sleep's always temperamental but it's better than it has been in a long time mainly I think trying to stick to regular early bed / early rise (after trying many, many things!). Sleep's been bad over the holidays but finally got a decent night last night. I've made my usual vegan "lasagne" (uses aubergine and sweet potato) and some butternut squash aranchini so I've got stuff ready for post-work teas.

lifeissweet · 24/04/2022 21:23

Can I join you?

I'm battling with something a bit different, but this WOE is closest to what I'm trying to follow. I am doing an autoimmune diet to try and get rid of my psoriasis and support with my Hashimotos.

Most of the rules are the same, but for a few weeks, I also have to knock out eggs, all dairy, nightshade fruit and veg (no tomatoes, aubergines, chillis, potatoes) nuts, seeds, all grains including oats (it's not just about the gluten) and black tea and coffee.

I can eat most veg, meat and fish and focus on variety of veg, bone broth, fermented foods and good fats (lots of coconut and avocado going on) It has been 5 days. I have no appetite and I'm having to force myself to eat, which is odd for me. I am also feeling very tired and emotional. I've cried quite a lot today.

It does sound brutal, but my thyroid crashed out totally in about November. I lost about 5 stone in 2 years previously, but packed on about 3 in 4 months. My joints are painful (probably because that amount of weight gain in that amount of time really does shock the system) and I'm utterly knackered and cold to my bones. I will do ANYTHING to feel better.

My Levothyroxine has been increased, but I don't want to rely on that and also want to sort out the scalp psoriasis and alopecia that are making me feel even worse about myself - it's all autoimmune stuff and all related to gut health...

So the rules you are following with no processed food, sugar, seed oils...etc is fairly similar and I might get some support here.

I don't do weighing as the numbers send me mad. I just want to be a size 10 like I was before Christmas. I am so upset about being a 14/16 again and I am so uncomfortable.

Hello all!

Lapwingslore · 24/04/2022 21:29

Back on track today.

Porridge blueberries and passion fruit for breakfast.

Tortilla, Avocado and Salad for Supper, with a Banana and couple of squares of dark chocolate.

Was a little stunned this morning. Went to wear my ‘best’ trousers and they were miles too big. Strange that I don't think I look very different but clearly the fat cells are slowly emptying.

Lapwingslore · 24/04/2022 21:36

lifeissweet · 24/04/2022 21:23

Can I join you?

I'm battling with something a bit different, but this WOE is closest to what I'm trying to follow. I am doing an autoimmune diet to try and get rid of my psoriasis and support with my Hashimotos.

Most of the rules are the same, but for a few weeks, I also have to knock out eggs, all dairy, nightshade fruit and veg (no tomatoes, aubergines, chillis, potatoes) nuts, seeds, all grains including oats (it's not just about the gluten) and black tea and coffee.

I can eat most veg, meat and fish and focus on variety of veg, bone broth, fermented foods and good fats (lots of coconut and avocado going on) It has been 5 days. I have no appetite and I'm having to force myself to eat, which is odd for me. I am also feeling very tired and emotional. I've cried quite a lot today.

It does sound brutal, but my thyroid crashed out totally in about November. I lost about 5 stone in 2 years previously, but packed on about 3 in 4 months. My joints are painful (probably because that amount of weight gain in that amount of time really does shock the system) and I'm utterly knackered and cold to my bones. I will do ANYTHING to feel better.

My Levothyroxine has been increased, but I don't want to rely on that and also want to sort out the scalp psoriasis and alopecia that are making me feel even worse about myself - it's all autoimmune stuff and all related to gut health...

So the rules you are following with no processed food, sugar, seed oils...etc is fairly similar and I might get some support here.

I don't do weighing as the numbers send me mad. I just want to be a size 10 like I was before Christmas. I am so upset about being a 14/16 again and I am so uncomfortable.

Hello all!

Am also following this WOE for Autoimmune reasons @lifeissweet I have Sjorgrens Syndrome and serious Thyroid issues both of which are in full flare a.t.m.

Are you on a specific Autoimmune diet? I am still eating Oats, Eggs, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Nuts and Seeds. Maybe I need to cut them out as well?

lifeissweet · 24/04/2022 21:56

Hi Lapwingslore,

I'm sorry to hear you have an immune system that's faulty too. It's a pain, isn't it? (Literally)

I am following the Auto Immune Protocol. It is restrictive, but only for up to 90 days, after which you are supposed to reintroduce foods gradually until you find out if there are any symptom triggers. It does say that not every food is a problem, but until you cut out anything risky, you can't know for sure. I am pretty sure I have no problems with diary, eggs or grains, but I need to do something drastic to rule it all out completely. I just think it can't hurt for a couple of months to try and eat myself well again.

This is what the book says:

Foods to Restrict or Avoid During the elimination phase of the protocol, strictly avoid the foods and food groups that can spark an inflammatory response in the body. Not every individual will be sensitive to all of the items listed here, but the protocol works by removing them for up to 90 days, thereby making the full protocol more likely to alleviate your unwanted symptoms, heal your gut, and put your autoimmune disease into remission. Eliminate these foods and food groups: •Eggs •Dairy Milk from cows, sheep, goats, or any mammal, and any other food products derived from milk (butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and whey protein) •Grains Both gluten- and non-gluten-containing grains, including wheat, barley, rye, quinoa, rice, corn, oatmeal, millet, buckwheat, kamut, spelt, teff, amaranth, and sorghum •Legumes Beans, peas, peanuts, soy in all forms (tofu, soy milk, edamame), and pod-based legumes (such as snap peas and green beans) •Nightshade vegetables Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and white potatoes •Nightshade-derived spices Dried chile flakes (such as red pepper flakes), capsicum, cayenne pepper, chili powder, curry, paprika, ancho, adobo •Nuts All nuts, including almonds, walnuts, peanuts, nut butters like almond or cashew butter, and oils like walnut oil or sesame oil •Seeds All seeds, including chia, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, and sesame •Seed-derived spices Black pepper, cumin seed, coriander seed, dill seed, fennel seed, fenugreek, mustard seed, celery seed, annatto seed, and anise seed •Vegetable oils Soybean, corn, cottonseed, peanut, sunflower, safflower, canola, and palm oils •Artificial or processed meat products Cured bacon, hot dogs, premade sausage, bologna, jerky, and deli meats •Artificial or refined sugar or sweeteners White sugar, sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, barley malt, dextrose, maltose, rice syrup, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, sorbitol, xylitol, monk fruit, and stevia •Anything artificial Food additives, preservatives, and food dyes •Trans fats Margarine, shortening, baked goods, packaged foods, and fast food •Alcohol, soda, and sugar-sweetened beverages Please remember that you are not to restrict all of these foods for longer than 60 to 90 days without medical supervision. Many of these foods and food groups contain healthy nutrients and beneficial properties that will enhance your overall diet quality during and after the reintroduction phase. Additionally, remember that the inflammatory process is unique to each individual. A dietary trigger for one person may not be a trigger for another. The goal here is to create a personalized diet reflecting your unique needs and offering the greatest variety of foods.

Lapwingslore · 24/04/2022 23:05

Wow @lifeissweet that looks like a real challenge.

What can you actually eat?

I am Pescetarian, just don't like meat, so am not sure what I would be left eating.

However, my Sjorgrens is so bad a.t.m that maybe I should seriously consider this. I know that I react to dairy, gluten and sugar, also to soy and chillies. I. am also suspicious of potatoes and tomatoes. Nuts, seeds, oats etc are an important element of my diet and I would struggle without them. Coffee too.

Are you finding the diet beneficial?

Am off now to look for a book on Amazon !!

picklemewalnuts · 25/04/2022 07:46

Well done on the trousers @Lapwingslore ! Very satisfying.

that does sound tricky! Still for a limited time it's worth it!

I tend to mess about with adding things- ferments, probiotics, minerals, vitamins- in the hope of improving my Fibro. I've also got an underactive thyroid. I know hashimotos is different. Chronic things are relentless, aren't they?!

NowYouListenToMeFella · 25/04/2022 08:18

Morning. Week 1 down and I've lost 4 pounds. Absolutely delighted with myself. Must go back and catch up with the posts. Had a busy weekend so I didn't have much time to read.

Words · 25/04/2022 08:54

Well done on the weight loss Now, that's ace!

Opensesame1 · 25/04/2022 09:03

Weigh in day here today! I am down 6lb in 10 days.. delighted with that! I know it's mostly a water loss but I don't care.. a big step in the right direction for me and the first time in about 2 years I have managed to stick to something for more than a week without triggering a binge and ruining it all again!

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