Yesterday bombed....restarting today

[Richard6310]

Night carb cravings got the best of me, I gave up on the 3rd day and was going through the old usual "drive thru window routine" that has got me to 250 lbs...ive got to start with basics and learn how to cook meals. Its tough to be divorced and have to fend for yourself in regards to cooking meals, i tend to be lazy on that....anyway im restarting today. I hope i find the will power in me this time to not cave in when the cravings start at night time....any suggestions or tips on how to fight the carb cravings would be great. Thanks and God Bless!

[Georgiana]

Re: Yesterday bombed....restarting today

Richard, the third day is usually hard in terms of cravings, and after that it gets much easier. I think you were really close of that "easier" point when you "bombed" it.

Anyway, what's done is done...

Keep some boiled eggs in the fridge, for those times when you need a quick something.

Half an avocado requires no cooking.

Cut-up vegetables with some cream cheese also require no cooking.

When you cook, plan in such a way that you have leftovers. Cook larger amounts and freeze some. That way you'll have meals you can quickly heat up in the microwave.

Are you sure you were craving something and weren't just hungry? How many calories have you been eating, on average?

[Richard6310]

Re: Yesterday bombed....restarting today

I dont really think it was hunger, i think it was carb cravings that tempted me..cause by my calculations i was not even eating my 20 grams for induction...here is a sample of my menu that i wrote down:

Monday 5th
breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled with cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon
1 coffee decaff.

lunch: 1 can chicken 6oz.
2 tbs mayo.

dinner: 1 slice med. tomato raw diced
2 slice cucumber diced
3 cups lettuce
2 ounces cheddar cheese
2 tbs. carb free salad dressing
2 cooked beef patties
---------------------
Tuesday 6th
breakfast: 2 fried eggs
3 slices bacon
2 cups decaff. coffee

lunch: 2 cups lettuce
2 slices cucumber diced
1 slice med. tomato diced
cheddar cheese 2 oz.
2 tbs. salad dressing carb free
2 tbs bacon bits 2 grams Carb.

dinner: 1 cup steamed brocolli
2 beef patties
3 oz. cheddar cheese

Along with over 64oz of water a day Monday and Tuesday. I know i need to log foods onto fitday, but i dont think i got close to 20 carbs for these 2 days....i know i need to incorporate some snacks in there, and will do that today...Thanks for the ideas.

[Georgiana]

Re: Yesterday bombed....restarting today

Your calories seem a bit low to me... It would be good if you entered your menus in FitDay, to see how much you are eating.

I would suggest eating vegetables other than lettuce. There are very few net carbs in 2-3 cups of lettuce, and over half of your daily net carbs should come from vegetables.

You could add some peppers to your salad, or more cucumber (2 slices of cucumber is like... nothing).

Also try to spread your net carbs throughout the day, to avoid blood sugar spikes.

Cheese is limited to 3-4 oz per day... I see you had more on the 6th. I know it's an easy food, but there are other things you can add to a salad... like some meat and/or boiled egg.

What are the ingredients in the bacon bits? 1 carb per tablespoon is a lot.

2 tbs. salad dressing carb free

Was it oil? If not, then I bet the carbs are not zero. On American labels, if a product has less than 0.5 g of carbohydrate per serving, the number is rounded to zero.

Along with over 64oz of water

64 oz is only a minimum. Many people need to drink more than that.

A rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight, in ounces. So, for you, that would mean 125 oz of pure water.

If you don't drink enough water, your cravings and "need" to eat something could simply be thirst.

[Georgiana]

Re: Yesterday bombed....restarting today

And by the way, make sure you are counting net carbs, not total carbs.

[Alaskansonya]

Re: Yesterday bombed....restarting today

And if you do find yourself at the drive thru window...(not recommended but here is what I have done in the past...)

I typically order a lowcarb burger (no bun, no ketchup, no pickles) most of the places are 'used' to this and know what to do....Carl's Jr, and Wendy's have been my faves in the past. Also, order a side salad instead of the fries (most places allow that too)..and either order unsweetened tea or water with my meal. Don't forget to ask for a plastic fork and knife, toss the meat and cheese on the salad, cut it up, and have at it....watch out for the carbs in the dressings, I never use those.

Also, if you can learn to make or have someone you know make the Oopsie rolls or revolution rolls, those are great to have on hand for the burger...take them along, order the burger bunless (or toss the bun) and put inside the oopsie rolls....there is a recipe in the recipes section for them. I have my mom make them for me.

Also not recommended, but have done in the past is KFC with their grilled chicken, get some green beans (yeah they still offer those).

at Arby's I get their large roast beef, minus the bun and add the horseradish sauce.

And at Subway, I order a salad with all the vegies, meat, and cheese...add oil & vinegar!!

Avoid Taco bell, or places like them. Mexican food is best had at real mexican restaurants where you can order fajita's minus the tortillas and eat them with a fork. (be careful of some restaurants, they might add sugar to the mixture) Or you can order their other low carb meals that are just meat and vegies...ask for it minus the rice, beans, and tortillas.

I hope this helps a bit!

[bizzlekitty]

Re: Yesterday bombed....restarting today

As you may be discovering, planning is really key to this.

I also plan out backup plans for emergencies, or not having time, or having accidentally ruined dinner (known to happen), etc. by keeping frozen food that I can reheat easily and add a few spices and/or butter etc. to in order to make it more edible. Fast food can also do in a pinch if you know what to order and what is safe and not.

If you're just learning to cook, I highly recommend Linda's Low Carb site. The recipes there are easy! I also use a crockpot alot for main dishes and freeze/fridge leftovers to reheat later.

And get and have snacks ready to grab such as sliced up veggies, hard boiled eggs, etc. I have pepper slices always in the fridge to have with some spinach dip and it helps tide me over when I'm crunched for time or just need a little snack.

Also with your menu, try and make sure you get some protein at each meal in additional to fat and veggies. I found that helps stabilize my hunger and I'm not as tempted.

Nothing beats planning and backup planning. Then you have no excuse!