less hungry, but missing fruit
General April 10th, 2009That’s my Friday summary of the first 5 days of low-carb eating. I could also add that it’s socially awkward and not easy to find suitable food on the run…
I made a smart move of packing a bag of almonds before my travels this week, and had to dip into them twice on airplanes when delays and hunger hit together and only carb foods were available. I also have been eating strawberries because they are the first fruit most low carb plans let you add in, and I was just feeling totally deprived today and so I bought some. I mean, come on, if the big indulgence is some strawberries I’m doing ok, right?
The social aspect has probably been the worst - I am never someone who likes to announce that I’m on a diet, but obviously this makes you eat very differently from everyone else. So far I made it, but who knows how long before I have to let my work colleagues know - we usually eat both lunch and dinner together (we all travel together).
Breakfast turned out to be okay at the hotel this week because I could order eggs. Being home (today) is MUCH easier but it’s been do-able on the road (not in a really strict “Atkins” sense because of the almonds etc but I think except the strawberries it would pass as South Beach).
I have been surprised that the hunger pattern seems different so quickly. This morning I made a really nice omelette with feta, onion & mushrooms and didn’t get hungry for lunch until 6 hours later. Yesterday I had a totally low-carb but not very voluminous lunch, and was starving 2 hours afterwards because it wasn’t enough (hence the almonds).
This weekend will be a challenge, in that I am leaving for a weekend with a friend and I don’t know how well the eating options will fit, but I’ll do the best I can…
April 10th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
You are so right, dieting while traveling is so much harder. It sounds like you’re making good choices and if the worst choice you made was strawberries then it sounds like you’re on the right path. String cheese is another good grab-and-go food if you can find the ones that are individually wrapped. I actually like them better when they’re not fresh from the fridge, I have thrown them in my bag and eaten them 4-5 hours later. Keep up the great work!!!
April 10th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
If you need more variety, try looking at SugarFreeSheila.com. Her website is awesome! And she can help you figure out how to eat out and make all kinds of tasty foods. I’ve done low carb for a couple of years now, and protein shakes have been my biggest life savers! Along with the string cheese, berries (I prefer blackberries), almonds, pork rinds (occasionally), and even jerky. It gets easier and easier the longer you do it. Good luck!
April 13th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Well, Strawberry Field, you can tell them you are developing celiac dermatitis. I have had that. Basically if I eat too much wheat I get a rash. It is one of those things that has recently been given a name. So if you don’t want to admit you are dieting….
If strawberries are your biggest indulgence, then you are doing amazingly!
Cheers!
Shari