Need Help… and a SERIOUS dose of Weight Loss Motivation?
Watch the Low Carb Classes this week!
The Fall Low Carb Challenge just kicked off last week, so it’s time for the Week One Weigh-In! 🙂
Share the total number of pounds and/or inches you’ve lost since the challenge began on September 5th.
You can leave a comment here if you’re not on Facebook, otherwise the Week One Weigh-In Thread is inside our private Facebook Group.
If you haven’t joined in yet… it’s never too late! Jump right in and join us. 🙂 You can get all the challenge details here.
Need Low Carb Meal Ideas?
Scan through the posts on my low carb blog for my own food diaries, which are FULL of simple low carb meals & snacks -that do NOT require slaving in the kitchen. 😉
We also have a Low Carb Recipe Group Board on Pinterest, which is a great place to find creative new low carb ideas to try.
Be sure to share/pin YOUR favorite low carb recipes to that board as well, so everyone in the challenge can share & exchange their favorites. It’s a GREAT way to “recipe swap” and find fresh meal ideas to mix things up a bit.
Kicking Off Week TWO of the Low Carb Challenge
During the first week of the challenge I was on a 6-day low carb road trip. That was fun! 🙂 During this second week, I’ll be working from home… and answering your biggest questions about the low carb lifestyle!
Leave a comment below with ANY question you have about eating low carb, or any confusion or frustration you’ve run into trying to figure out things like LCHF Macros, or incorporating Healthy Fats into your diet, or Setting Up MyFitnessPal to Track Net Carbs – or anything at all you’re unsure about, and would love to learn more about!
I’ll be answering questions live, share the Q&A with you here, and answering questions in various places around the web – so stay tuned for all those great topics & discussions this week!
And be sure to post YOUR questions below.;)
How are things going with you?
I would LOVE to hear how week one of the challenge went for you. Any questions, or what is your biggest struggle?
Leave a comment & let’s chat.;)
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
p.s. The September Keto Krate boxes will start shipping TODAY, so you’ll want to sign up now because they always sell out fast!
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
Just wanted to let you know how much I love your Spinach biscuits. I made them this morning and made a breakfast sandwich with a scrambled egg with bacon. It was amazing!
Those are SO good. I’m really glad you enjoyed them too, Brenda! π
Here’s the recipe for anyone that missed it: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/17148/low-carb-vegetable-meal-recipe/
Down 4 pounds overnight
Overnight, Vickie? As in you weighed yourself before you went to bed, and again when you woke up the next morning?
I ask because the only true weight is first thing in the morning right after you pee. Your weight will fluctuate 4-5 pounds throughout a single day, so even an hour after you’ve been up your weight will be up a pound or more.
I haven’t lost anything since the challenge started Lynn, although it’s my fault I think for not tracking my progress with MyFitnessPal daily. I probably eat more protein than I should. But the other thing is not enough exercise. It’s so easy to get too comfortable in front of the laptop! Especially when it rains outside. When the weather is good I cycle. Maybe I need to develop an exercise routine for when I stay at home… Generally, my weight loss is quite slow, and has slowed down even more. Maybe it’s also time to raise fat in my meals. π
I actually lost all of my weight just eating low carb. I only started exercising in the last two years – and only to tone up and build muscle. Exercise will actually ADD muscle weight, although it makes you look leaner. But exercise will often cause “stalls” or even gains on just the scales alone – which confuses people. π
Tracking is definitely key, as is the 70% fat. I do not lose weight eating any leaner than that, due to the science behind how this works to help your body burn fat.
Also, “high protein” can be hard on your kidneys, and dangerous long term, so definitely track and make it a point to do 25% protein max, and 70% fat minimum. π
Hi Lynn. I have a question for you. Do you know what a 73 year old woman 5’1″ (if I really stretch) should weigh. Not big frame. I now weigh 107 and my surgeon in Buffalo and my gastroentologist in Jamestown both want to put in a feeding tube and I don’t want it. I am so stressed over this I think of nothing else. I thought you might know what I should weigh to give me something to argue with them tomorrow at my appt. I’m sure you have more info than I do. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable but you always give such interesting info and I love your posts.
Thanks, Ruth
Hi Ruth π What is the purpose of the feeding tube – to help you gain weight? What do they feel the problem is that they are trying to “cure?”
I wish I had a definitive answer to your question, but I didn’t even know my own ideal weight – based on my own body. I thought originally that 142 was my weight loss goal (years ago) based on what I weighed in my late 20’s and how I felt then.
But last winter I got down under 135. I finally realized my body would figure out it’s own “ideal weight” as I continued to focus on getting rid of body fat and building muscle weight at the same time. So I’m still not sure. π
There are just so many factors that go into that ONE number on the scale: muscle mass, bone density, body fat, water weight, etc…
Thanks Lynn. Now both doctors plus my Primary who I saw yesterday all disagree with each other. My surgeon that repaired my stomach issues with 2 surgeries in a little over1/2 years feels that my heart and kidneys are being affected by the weight loss. The first surgery was in Aug. 2015 for hiatal hernia repair and lengthening of my esophagus. This was unsuccessful and more surgery was done in Dec. When I was discharged I weighed 180. It takes a long time for my stomach to empty (motility). If I drink enough to keep hydrated, there isn’t room in my stomach to eat enough to keep from being malnourished. I know you aren’t a doctor but you always seem to say the right thing. I guess I am just frustrated. My daughter says hugging me is like hugging a tree (not in a mean way but you can feel every bone in my body). I had to buy all new clothes and now small and size 2 are too big.
Glad you listened to my babbling. Sorry to bother you. Thanks anyway. Somehow I will figure out what to do and which doctor to listen too. Darned if I know at this point and am not sure I even care. Whatever happens happens. I’m 73 so I think it isn’t worth my time to worry about any of it. Thanks.
I would be very frustrated too, Ruth. I’m not sure what the strain is on your heart & kidneys, or what they based that on – but I would find out if that’s fact or speculation.
I’ve had my share of issues dealing with the medical community, so I know how that can be.
If I were going to give any advice at all, it would be to eat as simple and as healthy as you possibly can. Paleo is very similar to Low Carb, with a focus on “whole foods” and nothing processed.
Considering you eat small amounts, the nutritional value of every calorie would be MY focus if I were in your shoes.
Keep in mind that you can get most of your water (hydration) from the water content in your foods – things like cucumbers, green vegetables, cauliflower, etc are VERY high in water content. That gives you both water and nutrients.
As for your age π my friend Ute is 76 as of this past week. I think every day of your life is worth every moment of your time… and “quality of life” is the ONLY thing that really matters.
I just ran into her on my trip last week. Here is a photo of us, and the wisdom she imparted on me that day: https://www.facebook.com/lowcarbtraveler/photos/a.236445769717359.70894.226460087382594/1805268836168370/?type=3&permPage=1 π
Thanks Lynn. I appreciate your response and advice. I know I do put off eating because I often get full after a few bites or end up vomiting. I try to eat little amounts more often but I get busy and forget to do it. Since I never feel hungry it is easy to just let the time go by. Now they told me to write down everything I eat so they can determine just how good or bad my nutrition is and how much I am actually eating. Of course if I follow the diet and prescription regimen the one doctor ordered I was taking 18 pills every morning plus powders that I dissolved in juice and also took two more times during the day and in the evening along with 12 more pills. In January when I was hospitalized I quit taking all of them and didn’t feel any different without them. I saw that doctor in June and lab work after 6 months without all the pills was just about the same as it was with them. I’m not supposed to have fat, fiber, complex carbs and only the very leanest meat I can find. With all the restrictions it is hard to find anything that even tastes a little bit good. I am going to talk to the doctor that wants the feeding tube and I have a lot of questions for him. The frustration and confusion is almost unbearable and very stressful. Sorry to ramble on again but you are such a good sounding board. I sure appreciate your listening to my dilemma your good advice. Thanks again. I’ll let you know what happens. You are so helpful and kind.
I really hope you find a solution Ruth. I wouldn’t want to take that many pills & powders either, so good for you for finding out for yourself whether they were beneficial or not.
Please do keep me posted. I can only imagine how frustrated you are. Food, water & sunshine are fuel for life, the things that sustain us…
Don’t give up. Find your ideal combo and a solution that allows you to find your JOY again! π
I finally have a day off of work today and will be catching up on a lot of stuff. My favorite was being able to sit down and watch your first video from your classes. I just want to say you are so inspiring to me. I love how you eat out a lot and keep it low carb. I used to let that be an excuse (to “enjoy” the night-out dinner). You’ve inspired me to always keep it low carb so I can “enjoy” the new body with less weight. I also like how you stated that you lost all your weight in the beginning without an exercise plan. I’m super busy and the thought of trying to fit exercise into this new WOL would overwhelm me. I know I can do it without exercising. I did the Atkins Diet 7 years ago and lost 40 pounds. I looked and felt great. I even kept it off a long time. Then my two adult children moved home after college and I got into the routine of making big dinners which usually included pasta or rice and sauces. My husband and I would also eat out a couple times a week to have some personal time and I’d not pay attention to carbs at all. Needless to say, the weight all came back over the last few years. So, I know the program works and it can be done long term, I just have to pay attention. When I did it before, it was a lot of work. Planning groceries and meals, etc. I didn’t work full time then. Now I do and that is one reason I haven’t gotten back into it. You have inspired me because you keep it simple. It can be done without a lot of work. We don’t have to have a full blow high carb meal as a family and I can still eat low carb when I’m eating out with my husband or eating out at fast food. Thanks for all you do.
Hi Linda! I’m SO glad you enjoyed the low carb classes. π Keeping it simple is the KEY for me to maintain this as a lifestyle, because as you pointed out – life is busy and full and constantly changing. π
My children are grown now but when they were home it was easy enough to add a starchy vegetable for them (baked potatoes for example), and otherwise have a meat & green. I just got in the habit of making more of the better foods, and less of the add-ons.
I eat out often as you see in my food diaries here, especially when I’m traveling. My low carb meals during my 6-day low carb road trip last week were all fabulous – and enjoyed with friends while socializing. π
I love that it’s so EASY, in any situation – at home or on the go, or out & about. I do see a lot of people putting tons of time into planning and meal prep, which works really well for some… but it wouldn’t for me. So you can definitely do it either way.
I have lost 3 lbs since I started September 5, 2017. I watch everything, since I have to watch my sodium intake, I watch calories, sodium, carbs and fats…. I set my daily goals and try and stick to them.
That’s a great start, Wendy! π
Is this the first time you’ve done a super low carb (ketogenic) LCHF diet? I ask because it’s a natural diuretic, so if you eat low sodium you may experience leg cramps and headaches. That’s normal during the keto flu (first week or so) but if it continues you’ll want to increase your sodium due to the diuretic effect – which flushes out sodium and electrolytes.
The quickest fix for the symptoms is to drink chicken broth. Not the low sodium kind of course. I like to add a tbsp of butter to make it richer and drink it hot out of a mug.
You’re doing high fat too, right? I assume your goals are keto: 20 net carbs max, 70% fat minimum, 25% protein max – yes?
only (-1) lb Cindy
Losing one pound is better than not losing – or worse: gaining! I don’t typically lose a pound a week myself, so I’d be VERY happy with that. My weight stayed the same. π
How are you tracking, by the way – and how much weight would you ideally like to lose?
Good afternoon , im happy to say I started at 247 and today im 241.. im doing ok keeping it simple….
Have a great day…
Cheryl
That’s great, Cheryl! Way to go π
It’s common not to lose as much during week 2 and/or week 3, so just know that going into these next few weeks. After losing 6 pounds so fast, your body will “hold” to adjust to that. It’s totally normal, so when that happens – just keep doing what’s obviously working so well for you through that phase. π
Down 2
Starting 150 Current 148
That’s really great Patricia, to lose two full pounds in a single week at your weight! Below 150 (or: the last 20’ish pounds) is the MOST challenging. π Way to go!
I totally agree about the last little bit being the hardest!!! I used to think I needed to be 115 to feel good but after gaining back 10 lbs (after getting to 139) I realized I felt great at 139…. my goal is to get back to that and like you, let my body decide from there.
I read a really great article the other day. It said, “not everyone wears a size 6 shoe so stop trying to squeeze into one”. Everyone has their own “good/right/perfect/feel good” weight and it’s different for everyone.
Exactly! π Good analogy with the shoe. We are all so different, with different body types even…
Your healthiest self is about so much more than just a single number on the scales – which can be very misleading.
There’s muscle mass, bone density, water weight, body fat, etc. My goal is to lose fat and gain muscle. However that plays out as a number is fine by me! π
Thank you thank you thank you. I just read your post about your feelings and how they can get ahold of you. Your words really struck a nerve with me. I have let my feelings control most of my life and everyone can see it by my weight. I’m so tired of having my weaknesses broadcasted by the weight on my body. Having an addiction to food is an addiction that everyone sees and they judge you by it. It’s so hard because food is my comfort and my enemy. Thank you for having this website and being such an inspiration to me, and I’ve read all your post and I’ve seen your your journey. I am proud of how far you’ve come and your dedication and perseverance. I am going to grab onto yours and take it for me and hold on to it and start again. I’ve always told myself what does it matter if I keep eating no one cares but really I care so I need to take control of my life and I need to make the change and I need to do it for me. Thanks for the inspiration and the motivation!
Thank you so much, Sue. π Your note really made my day today!! I am SO glad you found inspiration here, and something that spoke to you personally.
I have been in that same place myself, asking: who really cares anyway? I live alone, and eat alone, and for a long time I used that as an excuse not to care – even though deep down I really did. It was like a horrible cycle of self sabotage.
I am happier than I have ever been, and feel this HUGE sense of FREEDOM and CONTROL that I have never felt before. That alone was SO worth it. π
Because you DO matter, and how you feel matters… and food never made me feel as good as I feel now. I was so mistaken thinking it was my joy or my comfort all those years, because I never got ANY real joy OR comfort from it – just more disgusted with myself. π
The comfort of not feeling alone is exactly what I needed. Thanks! You rock and look fantastic!
I need that too, which is why I’m SO glad we have such an amazing community here. π It’s nice to have friends to do this with!! *cheers*
Hi. I have a question regarding the closed Facebook group. I do have an account but choose not to go on for personal reasons. If I post something to the private group will anybody be able to see it as part of my thread? Thank you
Hi JC π The Low Carb Challenge Facebook Group is set to Private, which means ONLY other members can see the content in that group – whether it’s a post or a comment.
You will see posts in your content stream or your newsfeed from the group, but that is because YOU are a member. Only other members also see that.
Thanks, Lynn!! I appreciate the quick response. Take care