Carb-Sensitive Dieting (Thread 5)

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  • Quote: This thread is for carb-sensitive dieters who are following various low-, slow- or moderate-carb diet plans. Come join us, posting as much or as little as you like, as we share our diet plans, menus, recipes, exercise, daily progress, and healthy tips, and chat, inspire, motivate, and encourage each other! Please let us know what carb-conscious plan you are following, even if it's your own individual plan, and we will do our best to support you!

    As for me, I am doing a modified version of Tim Ferriss's Slow Carb Diet. I like it because I never feel "starved" (as I always have while dieting in the past) and that's because I no longer experience daily blood sugar spikes and drops due to quick-burning, high glycemic index carbs. I also never feel deprived because this diet includes one day each week when I can eat ANY foods I want. And although exercise is recommended, it is not required. I'm not much of an exerciser, although I am getting better, but I try at least to walk for 20-30 minutes each day. The Slow Carb Diet is not for everyone though. Everybody's different!

    The gist of the actual Tim Ferriss Slow Carb Diet is: For 6 days of the week, eat lean, preferably organic meats and fish/seafood, eggs, legumes, and non-starchy veggies. (Sugar-free Jello, 16 oz. of diet soda per day, and 1-2 glasses of red wine per day are also allowed.) On these 6 days, avoid breads/grains, dairy (except for cottage cheese), pasta, fruits (except for tomatoes and avocados), sweets, and starchy vegetables. The 7th day of the week (you choose the day) is a "cheat day," when you can eat anything at all as much as you want, including anything on the forbidden list. The cheat day is recommended to keep you from feeling deprived so you'll stay on the diet and to shake up your metabolism each week to keep it from stalling. Ferriss recommends eating 20 grams of protein with each meal, eating 30-60 minutes within waking up in the morning, eating the same meals over and over, having five low-carb days before taking a cheat day, and some other fine details, which I don't really know because I haven't read his book, The Four Hour Body, nor do I intend to. I'm happy with my own version of the diet!

    I am a big believer in doing what works for you (as long as it DOES work), so I have tweaked the Slow Carb Diet, and my personalized plan looks like this:

    For 6 days of the week, I eat
    --meat (not necessarily lean or organic)
    --fish
    --legumes (including baked beans)
    --eggs
    --non-potato veggies
    --veggie-like fruits (like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc.)
    --nuts and seeds in moderation (a handful)
    --peanut butter in moderation (not natural, just regular Jif)
    --yogurt
    --cottage cheese
    --other dairy in moderation
    --black and green olives
    --condiments and sauces (including ketchup and honey bbq sauce)
    --full-fat salad dressings (usually ranch)
    --breaded convenience/fast food meats like chicken tenders (It's too much trouble to try to peel the breading off, so I just allow it since I don't eat these foods very often.)
    --protein bars on occasion (for convenience--I've found I have to eat these sparingly because they can trigger my hunger)
    --fibrous fruit and berries in moderation (I didn't add this until I reached my goal of a normal BMI. So far it's working for me without a problem, but I don't overdo it)

    and I drink
    --Water, often flavored with Mio Liquid Water Enhancer (I try to drink a half oz of water for every lb I weigh, daily)
    --Diet Dr. Pepper (I'm addicted to this and I'm trying to stay away from it, but I still don't want to remove it from my list!)
    --Green tea, sweetened with Splenda

    For these 6 days, I avoid
    --breads, cereals, and grains (including corn)
    --pasta
    --fruits (except veggie-like fruits)
    --potatoes
    --sweets

    I count no calories. I count no carbs. I count no grams. I don't eat within 30-60 minutes of waking up. I don't eat every 4 hours. I don't pay attention to numbers at all. I don't necessarily eat the same meals over and over. (If I do, it's simply because I like those foods!) I eat when I'm hungry. I stop when I'm full, and I try not to eat late at night, although if I'm hungry, I will.

    The 7th day of the week (I've chosen Saturday, although I'll move it for a special occasion) is what Tim Ferriss calls Cheat Day but what I call Carb Day. (It's not cheating on the plan but rather an actual part of the plan!) I can eat WHATEVER I want as much as I want on Carb Day, but again, I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full. Plus, I do try to be mindful that the more quick carbs I eat, the more I am going to crave them, so I try not to go "all out" (although occasionally I will). I do gain between .5 and 2.5 lbs the day after Carb Day, but it's just water weight and it usually falls back off in the next couple of days while I continue to lose fat. It's all figured into the plan, so I don't worry about it.

    So that's what I'm doing! What are you doing? If you are on or want to try a low-, moderate- or slow-carb diet, feel free to join us!
    Hello all,
    My name is Dina and I am 205 pounds.
    I wish to lose at least 10 pounds. I have tried and tried. I have lost inches but no weight.
    I have tried this and that.
    I have tried drinking slim fast twice a day but like / want to eat not drink.
    I was reading this post and thought this is something I think I can do.
    I like a lot of us really need support.
    I cut out the diet sodas for 6 month and did not lose weight.
    Cut out sugar.No weight loss.
    I really dont know what is wrong or what I am doing wrong.
    Thank you for the welcome.
  • Quote: PQ, sounds like Bro is being a bad boy. It's hard. He has been through a lot and I'm sure he's depressed over it and just wants to live a normal life. But if he doesn't get some control, there won't be a life. I can relate to this, with my diabetes. I know in my heart of hearts that there are some things I just cannot eat. And every time I indulge and get a BS spike, I want to kick myself. I swear I won't do it again, but I do it again. I think my problem will start to effect the quality of my life eventually, but with Bro, it's going to effect whether he will have a life or not. Much more serious. Yes, he probably does need counseling. Back surgery is probably going to depend on his compliance.

    Jacqui, I CAN do fairly well with not eating the carbs that I prepare for DH, but it's so easy to pop a fried potato into my mouth! Also, when I make mashed potatoes, I should fill the pan with water as soon as he is finished with it, or I will finish it off while I'm cleaning up. It's not a matter of waiting until Carb Day when I can have them. Because of my diabetes, there cannot be a Carb Day. My only option is a small amount at a time, and the best option is to do away with them altogether. It IS very hard to stick to a small amount. Much easier to have none. That first bite makes me want to have the second bite, and third, then I'm out of control and my BS shoots up. I quit smoking cold turkey in May 1993....never looked back. But you can't just stop eating. It's much harder to stop carbs cold turkey, even though they damage a diabetic body as much or more than cigarettes. My sister-in-law dieted herself to a 97 lb weight loss, but can't quit smoking. I don't understand that.

    By the way, DH won and we went to the casino. It was OK. Not a total loss. LOL
    Wannabe....I can totally relate.
  • new start weigh in tomorrow

    Hello my friends

    I have returned from the hole/tunnel/space that I've been in ... my new dr gave some much needed advice and that push that I needed, not to mention the comment I got from an Aunt this weekend. To start I'm gonna walk 3 times week for at least 30 minutes

    Gonna eat healthy ...

    breakfast ~ something with 5 grams of fiber, and a protein
    lunch ~ salad and a protein, fiber
    snack ~ nuts, fruit, protein
    dinner ~ protein and a vegetable, fiber

    She's gonna schedule me to meet with a dietitian also

    So I'm gonna check in starting tomorrow
  • Quote: Rennie where are you? We need you on here to mix things up. People are bored with my garden and meal updates! Hiding doesn't make the pounds go away.....
    PrairieQueen ... I'm coming and nope the pounds have stayed the same between 180.5-183.8

    gonna post my foods daily and start journaling again ... pen and paper
  • Quote: Weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure all up this morning, thanks to the delicious lasagne. ha ha
    but you know why, where it's come from - it's quite reassuring in a way to see how low-carb principles work
  • Quote: Hello all,
    My name is Dina and I am 205 pounds.
    I wish to lose at least 10 pounds. I have tried and tried. I have lost inches but no weight.
    I have tried this and that.
    I have tried drinking slim fast twice a day but like / want to eat not drink.
    I was reading this post and thought this is something I think I can do.
    I like a lot of us really need support.
    I cut out the diet sodas for 6 month and did not lose weight.
    Cut out sugar.No weight loss.
    I really dont know what is wrong or what I am doing wrong.
    Thank you for the welcome.
    Hi Dina. I'm no expert but maybe if you could post what you eat for a couple of days, people here might be able to comment, and make suggestions.
  • Hi ladies!

    Glad to see you back Rennie! I know you can do it. You are so like I was in weight , age and height when I started this journey. I'm so glad to see that you've got the push that you needed and you're gong to consult with a dietician .

    Carol Sue I concur with Rosinante. Jacqui hey there!

    Yesterday I did a 3.5 mike walk with one of my neighbors, and we stopped briefly on the path to snatch a few ripe wild blackberries ...yum! It was over 90 degrees out when I got got back home so no gardening yesterday. Went to Costco and to friends' to pick up eggs in the afternoon. Nice mellow yellow day.

    Yesterday...
    Break/lunch - leftover Tuscan garlic chicken/pasta
    Snack - strawberries
    Dinner - large cheeseburger on sourdough, garden salad
    Snack - low cal adult beverage
  • Hi everyone. I am back down the 2 lbs that I gained with the lasagne. Up down Up down. But only 2 lbs. The same 2 lbs over and over. No big whoosh. I am thankful that I never go up more than 2.

    I know what my problem is, but don't know, or don't want to do, what it would take to fix it.

    This morning, I tasted everything in the refrigerator. I had 2 spoonfuls of yogurt, 2 spoonfuls of cottage cheese, 1 spoonful of chicken salad, 1 spoonful of lentils, then had breakfast....one egg, with sauteed mushrooms and kale. All healthy food. No junk. Somehow I've got it in my mind that those little bites don't count. Tnink I'll go to MFP and see what that all adds up to.

    Dina, shakes don't work for me either. I want the "chew" factor of food. If I had a shake, it would be like a milkshake to me, and I would want a bacon cheeseburger with it. LOL

    Good to see you back, Rennie. I've missed you. You inspire me. You may stray, but once you get on track, you really flourish.
  • It wasn't as bad as I thought. Came in at 353 cals, 26 gm fat, 14 gm carb, 3 gm fiber, 16 gm of protein. It just felt like I was binging, tasting all those different foods.
  • Quote: Hi Dina. I'm no expert but maybe if you could post what you eat for a couple of days, people here might be able to comment, and make suggestions.
    Ok thank you , I really appreciate that really I do.
  • I've had a little whooshlet, and lost 3.5lbs since Saturday. This is the lowest I've been on my current Diet (Harcombe) but have 5lbs to go to the lowest I've been this year. After that 5, only 20 to go!!

    Weird day yesterday - Doctor's surgery texted me to repeat the blood test I'd had the day before, which was itself a repeat of one the previous month. They're querying a kidney reading. Just as I was getting my head round that, the Oncologist rang me - to repeat the blood test I did two weeks ago, as one of the potential lymphoma markers was raised. Cue much crying (I'm 3 years in Remission; or I hope I still am). Both tests being done on July 18th - both things need to weight a week to see if they settle down.


    * Rang Oncology Psychologist, who'd been very helpful once I melted down in 2013 after the chemo/radio, and have a pre-emptive appointment with her on July 4th.
    * Dusted and polished the bedroom - it felt right for some odd reason.
    * Bought a couple of nighties today in case hospitalized.
    * Planning a Grab Bag in case of sudden hospitalization.
    * DIDN'T eat a ton of carbs in response! In fact, didn't even think of it! Victory!
  • Quote: Hi ladies!

    Glad to see you back Rennie! I know you can do it. You are so like I was in weight, age and height when I started this journey. I'm so glad to see that you've got the push that you needed and you're going to consult with a dietician .
    Thanks PrairieQueen I'm very happy to be seeing the dietician. I've needed that for a long time. My first appointment is Monday. I go for a colonoscopy on Friday so I'm starting my clear liquids today since it's so soon. I forgot why they are rushing it but it's all good. I just hope I don't have any episodes while drinking all of that stuff tomorrow. this should be interesting ... Good job on the 3.5 mile walk in the heat

    Quote:
    I know what my problem is, but don't know, or don't want to do, what it would take to fix it.
    Carol Sue, This is so me 100%

    Quote: Good to see you back, Rennie. I've missed you. You inspire me. You may stray, but once you get on track, you really flourish.
    Thanks Carol Sue for your kind words. I appreciate you I hope I can do all of that this go around ... I so want to inspire and flourish That is funny about tasting everything in the fridge. Did you add it up yet? (oh I see you did, that wasn't bad) ... Shakes work for me if they have a good protein powder in them and I now want them to all have spinach and kale, makes me feel like I have a whole meal

    Quote: PQ,.... I can relate to this, with my diabetes. I know in my heart of hearts that there are some things I just cannot eat. And every time I indulge and get a BS spike, I want to kick myself. I swear I won't do it again, but I do it again.

    Jacqui, I CAN do fairly well with not eating the carbs that I prepare for DH, but it's so easy to pop a fried potato into my mouth! Also, when I make mashed potatoes, I should fill the pan with water as soon as he is finished with it, or I will finish it off while I'm cleaning up. It's not a matter of waiting until Carb Day when I can have them. Because of my diabetes, there cannot be a Carb Day. My only option is a small amount at a time, and the best option is to do away with them altogether. It IS very hard to stick to a small amount. Much easier to have none. That first bite makes me want to have the second bite, and third, then I'm out of control and my BS shoots up. I quit smoking cold turkey in May 1993....never looked back. But you can't just stop eating. It's much harder to stop carbs cold turkey, even though they damage a diabetic body as much or more than cigarettes. My sister-in-law dieted herself to a 97 lb weight loss, but can't quit smoking. I don't understand that.
    Carol Sue this is from the first page but you said a lot here ... again so me ... Black and White speaks loud and clear ... I need to heed the warnings, thanks

    Quote: Lol, PrairieQueen, we are not bored with your garden and meal updates, but I agree that Rennie does need to come back to us!
    Ms Jacqui I'm back ... now where are you????

    Quote: ... DH, who is a natural pessimist, ... He told me it's because of all the eggs I eat. LOL

    Today when I was filling my pill box, I noticed that one of my new meds is labeled "may cause dizziness" so that explains the occasional dizziness I've been having lately. I was worried that it was an indication of an additional problem. It's minor...just a couple seconds of lightheadedness here and there. I will have to read online and see if that is something that goes away after a while. I hope so.
    Carol Sue I've been having a bit of light headedness ... I forgot to mention it to the NP when I was there but I'll put it in my notes on my phone. That's how I remembered to tell her everything else

    Eggs??? My weight is back and forth the same pounds also, but hopefully that will change once I have a prescribed eating plan I followed it before in 1997 while pregnant with my son, hopefully I WILL do it again

    Rosinante and PrairieQueen good job on losing the vacation weight

    Hi Dina How are things going?

    Rosinante that's a nice whoosh, GO YOU I have 41lbs to lose. Oh Rosinante, I'm praying all test come back clean

    Eating day was good yesterday until I went to work. Did an afternoon shift that I hope yesterday was the last time Got 3 calls for different dr visits. So with that said I came home and pigged out ... yep, I did! on cheerios (2 cups with 2%), seafood pasta salad (a bowl), a few forks of cake that my daughter made for me, and then later on 2 beef hot dogs on one flax/oat bran skinny roundwish. Today I've only had tea, I'm going to get some broth for this colonoscopy so tomorrow will definitely show a decrease on the scale I'm sure. Any tips you all have on this procedure are welcome ... what to expect etc. Thanks

    06/21 ~ 181.8
    06/22 ~ 182.2 (+0.4)
  • Rosinante, Congratulations on the whooshlet. I hope and pray that you're tests all come back fine! I can only imagine how that would scare you. {{{hugs}}}

    We are not allowed to wear our own nightgowns in our hospitals. We can only wear the beautiful hospital gowns. I was hospitalized every year for 5 years in a row from 2008-2012. I said that I was going to make some hospital gowns for myself in more flattering colors and prints, but really, I never did it.
  • Cross posting, Rennie. Good to see your and your good plans!
  • Hi, well so far my eating habits not so good. I did go to market to kinda get myself geared up. Unfortunately I had too much fast food. Had lots of errands to run and needed to " fuel" my body. Poor excuse.

    B. 3 over easy eggs
    Coffee, lots of water
    Half a container of watermelon ( small )

    L. Water
    D. Big Mac i know that was a big no no right?