Carb Conscious Peeps - May 2009

CALIECAT

I think I'm lost or I just don't understand the whole counting fiber less carbs or whatever...lol. I know I don't count anything right now. Calories especially.

I'm really sorry to hear about your husband losing his job. The moving thing I can relate to. We just found out we have to move June 1st because our landlord has gone into forclosure. On the bright side, we want to go ahead and buy a house and my mom bf will rent his out to us until we find our perfect house.

God bless you all!!

HI clovertuv, glad you found us. I am just learning all about this. Your baby is so cute. Look like he is trying. to say he is five year old.
Your Mother is the same age as my kids. and I have grandkids about your age. And 4 great grankids just about grown. or think they are. Thanks for asking me to be your friend.
Its about bedtime for this granny. See you all tomorrow. Marie

stillkristi

Caliecat, you may want to get an effective carb counter. I have done Proten Power in the past and the carbs in your veggies only count if they are effective carbs. Fiber is also a carb, but is not digested, so those carbs don't count. So, for example, lately, I've been snacking on lentils. I just take some raw lentils and soak them in water until they are soft, then rinse. They taste kind of like raw peas, which I love. One ounce has 96 calories, and 16 carbs, BUT it also has 9 grams of fiber, so you only have 7 grams of effective carbs. They have 8 grams of protein, and really take the edge off my hunger.

As a diabetic, you have to be very careful to make sure you drink a ton of water. AT LEAST a gallon a day. if you don't, you run the risk of damaging your kidneys. And, if you want to lose weight on a low carb diet, you really do need to watch the calories, too. The bottom line for weight loss is calorie deficit. You must eat less than you burn. So, avoiding fatty cuts of meat, if you have an omlette, have one egg and two whites or something. There are a lot of ways to control calories and carbs at the same time.

chipper15173

mtgirl....yes, the 5 fiber thing is what i learned in class and educator. my sister who too is diabetic was taught to always subtract no matter what the amount. i just sorta gage it.
caliecat...don't worry, it will all become clear one day. there is lots of info out there and it's just different peoples ways of doing the same basics. it just finding what works for you. yes, my DH is 55, and no he was fired, so not expected. he had some problems with some clients and his boss always took the clients side. thing is he is deaf and didn't hear the whole comversations and things were said. he has filled a claimplant about it. it's more of he said/he said....thanks for the prayers.

well, need to get ready for church.

later

CALIECAT

Hey I have a question, Do these fiber carbs that I don't count play a role with my Insulin. Yesterday I cut my insulin down in half and My readings stayed real good. . I test 6 times a day.. I

I want to thank each and everyone who have been so patience with me. and taking the time to explains things to me. I am trying to take it all in. I like hearing how everybody is taking care of themself. Right now I think I will just coast along of counting all carbs till I get the hanged of it.

Cathy---Hope everything turns out great for your husband. I am also hard of hearing and always felt like I am missing out on some things. I also wear a hearing aids in both ears all the time Your plan sound really simple to follow. I like the ideal of not having to watch everything I eat. Will check into more deeply . thank you. You are an amazing person on you weight loss and quit smoking too.81 lbs WOW

Stillkriste---good morning to you. Are you a diaabetic or just on a low carb to lose weight? I have notice that since I have given up this fake sugar except for Stevia I have been craving more water. I just used it in my plain yogurt. Thats my treat. Congrats on the weight you have already lost. Would like to hear more on how you have lost those 51 lbs.

MTGirl--- You have been such a great help to me. giving me all those tips on carbs. You have been so kind to me. Thank you. I think I will be looking at food in a whole new light now.

Question again? What kind of carb goals do you all have? For my beginning I am going for 60 And if I take off 20 for fiber that leave me with 40. Is that too low. or what? I know everyday will not be perfect but I am going to be working real hard at it.

thanks Caliecat

Georg

I find it easy to stay under 90 carbs/1200 calories. And that's without subtracting fiber. Controlling carbs is a perfect plan for me because I don't crave foods I shouldn't have after going without for a few days. It's amazing. If I have "just a little" it's all over for me! :devil: I turn into a human disposal!
:noway:
Another interesting thing is that after a few months I'm finding I've lost my appetite to a certain extent.
I've read people here saying they eat to live & don't focus on the food as much. I think I may be making that transition. And that's a HUGE change for me.
I'm not as interested in eating out. (Huge change!)
I'd rather not mess up my diary with foods that don't fit.
I'd rather skip than eat something I shouldn't.
:huh:
It's a brand new day for me.

LeanLioness

Good afternoon.

My carb goals on Atkins are starting out at 20 grams of carbs or 2 weeks and then adding in more carbs in 5 gram increments until I stop losing weight, then back on 5 grams to keep losing weight.

All along adding in healthy carbs such as higher carb veggies, fruit, some whole grains (for me oats and barley - i have wheat intolerance).

For me Atkins works because it is very structured with specific way to start adding back in the carbs. It works for me.

South Beach and other plans are not structured enough and cause me to veer off the path.

There are many different ways to go about doing low carb, the main thing is to do it in a healthy manner.

LeanLioness

Low carbing if you are eating a lot of veggies, fruits, nuts, meat protein, eggs (i eat whole eggs) is a natural diuretic, lower sodium way of eating and an easy way to control calories without counting them.

CALIECAT

Hi LL, I had 3 eggs this morning. Did I over do it cook in 1t of olive oil.. I knew that egg beaters had lots of sodium but so easy to used.
Caliecat

stillkristi

Hello, Caliecat, you asked if I am a diabetic - no, I am not, but was definitely on that road. Hopefully now I can avoid it. I followed the Protein Power Plan some years ago, and other than now, that is the only significant weight loss I've experienced. I have modified the carb-protein-fat ratio on the food diary to more closely resemble a carb controlling program. The Protein Power Plan suggests in initial phases you consume around 30 to 40 g carbs a day - or about 10 g per meal with a few left over for snacks. They recommend your carb heavy meals be in the morning. They go by effective rather than actual carb counts. The amount of protein you consume depends on your lean body mass. The greater the lean body mass, the more protein you need to sustain it. So, the answer to your question about eggs this morning is relative. If you are a small woman, 3 eggs might be overboard. If you are larger, with more muscle, 3 eggs is no problem. When I make an omlette, I use one egg and one or two whites, because there are 17 calories in egg white, and about 75 calories in the yoke. And like I said before, if you are trying to lose weight, ya gotta watch calories in addition to carbs. I would recommend you get The Protein Power Lifeplan by Drs Michael and Mary Dan Eades from the library. They do a great job of explaining the science behind the plan, especially as it relates to diabetes.

I have lost the weight by doing the following things:
1. Keeping a religious food diary. If it goes in my mouth, it goes on the food diary here on MFP.
2. Drinking water til I am floating in it. At least a gallon a day is my goal. Gotta flush your sytsem.
3. Cutting out simple carbs, like sugar (so candy, soda, etc) potatos, rice, breads, chips, etc.
4. I eat approximately every 2-3 hours. So, I don't eat three big meals, I eat 5 or even 6 smaller ones.
5. I try to avoid processed foods, so most of what I eat is fresh and natural.
6. I eat lean cuts of meat - with one exception. I will occasionally have bacon for breakfast. Two strips of bacon have 70 calories, compared to two sausage patties with 340.
7. Exercise. I am still working on this one. My goal is at least 5 times a week. Because of my size, its very difficult to do cardio, and because of my size, if I get moving doing strength training, I AM doing cardio! :laugh: :blushing:

Thats my plan. Its simple. I treat MFP like an addict treats AA meetings. I have to come here and check in every day and be accountable for what I have eaten and for my exercise.

Good luck!

I am thinking chipper should tell her story. She has lost a lot more weight than I have. :happy:

CALIECAT

Thanks Krist--- I shorten your name for my menory is not like it used to be and I can't spell either.. or see good and definite not a typist so bear with me.

Love reading your story. I love MFP too I come here quite often during he course of the day. I like getting To know people.. Yes I would love to hear chipper story. She has done so good on her journey of weight lost.

You seems to be well on your way.to your dream figure. You are very wise in getting this weight off while you are still young for the older you get the hardy it is to lose.

I am working on my exercise too. I have nerve damage to my legs and feet. And in lots of pain. I got me a 3 wheel trike the other day . been on it once. And had such pain in my ankle that I had to get off and walk back home. I am having circulatiomns problens and my heart Doc. is lookin into it now. to see if I need a bypass surg. . I have a walker with a seat that I walk around the block and can rest if the pain get too bad. Plus my back hurts a lot too. My little Jack Russell goes with me. And he loves it. His name is Sammy. A great walking buddie I order Sweating to the oldies by richard Simmons and should get it tomorrow. Don't expect to be good at it. But every bit of movement is great.

Good luck on you journey.
Caliecat

LeanLioness

Good morning everyone.

On the weekends, I am on and off due to trying to spend time with my husband since I work days and my hubby works nights, we don't see each other all week long, so weekend is catch up and spend time together time.

As far as counting calories, if you are eating whole foods and not processed (boxed, frozen, ready to eat) type foods, then you are controlling your calories naturally.............

It is ok to eat whole eggs - you don't have to eat just one whole egg and the whites of other eggs. The iron and other vital nutrients are concentrated in the yolk. I eat between 3-6 eggs a day, eat red meat (fat and all), regular pork, etc...........

I don't count calories and I don't count fat since I am not eating trans fats. I went to get my cholesterol taken again - got it first taken at the end of January, so I am waiting for the results.

I am more worried about my triglyceride counts and not my total cholesterol or my HDL to LDL ratio since I do know that Low Carb will lower the cholesterol. High triglycerides are more detrimental to your health than high cholesterol.

I will let everyone know what the test results are. The proof is in the pudding as far as seeing is believing with Low Carb.................


Last night for supper, I smoked Cornish Hens on the grill and they were fabulous!!! We also had salad, green beans and mashed sweet potatoes. Very low carb meal there.

Tonight, I am making spaghetti squash, hamburger and home made pasta sauce, so I know what goes in it. Of course I will also have a salad.

MTGirl

Good morning Lioness!!

And everyone else!!

I had a good day yesterday - except for the handful of chips I snuck in while watching a movie last night with the family. Even then - my blood sugars were o.k. It was a small handful! Did have some popcorn though - 2 cups was 50 calories, 6 grams of carb and 2 grams of fiber. Not bad!! Only 4 grams of net carb - and tasty!

Hope everyone is off to a great week!! :drinker:

LeanLioness

Popcorn is ok to have as long as you measure it out and don't do the mindless munching.........

It is a food that is listed as Ok in the Atkins book, for like the end of Phase 2 or beginning of Phase 3.

CALIECAT

Good to hear from so many of you yesterday. thanks for all the tips. I have been on this South Beach diet 1 week today and have lost 4 lbs on it. I couldn't be happyer.

For breakfast I had:
1/2 cup egg beaters, and a mixture of Red bell peppers ,tomatoes and eggplant roasted in my turbo cooker. I really like using it. It has really came in handy. I cook my chicken in it last night with mrs, Dash seasoning along with some green bell peppers, fresh green onion and 1/2 tomatoes And some sugar snap peas. I had plain yogurt with 1 pkg of stivia and some Cherry extract to flaver it up some for my bedtime snacks.. Nothing wrong with this way of eating. I got to get me some fresh eggs. For lunch I plan on chili beans, with some fresh sl. veggies. Wasn't sure about the sugar snap peas But I had them in the freezer and I like them. I should get about 4 meals out of the pfg.

My Sweating to the Oldies with Richard Simmons just came in the mail. I am listening to it now. Sounds great. That Amazon really do a quick shipment.

Its time to get in shower and wash hair and fix it and then I will be ready to go dancing with Richard Simmions. See you guys later

Caliecat

LeanLioness

Your breakfast and lunch sounds good!!! Except I opt for whole eggs, I have tried egg beaters, just can't do it. I am used to eting eggs straight from the farm!!

I had baby carrots, cucumber slices and chicken salad I made yesterday. It is yummy, yummy good. I will probably have the same for lunch!!

stillkristi

Since we are reporting breakfast, I had a spinach, artichoke omelette with just under a quarter ounce of parmesan cheese. It was wonderful! I am still happy about it! :happy: And, LL, I know I could have two eggs rather than an egg and a white, I prefer the lighter omelette I get with that combo. I save the calories, and besides, the yoke is not my favorite part of the egg. Just me. Have a good week, all.

LeanLioness

Since we are reporting breakfast, I had a spinach, artichoke omelette with just under a quarter ounce of parmesan cheese. It was wonderful! I am still happy about it! :happy: And, LL, I know I could have two eggs rather than an egg and a white, I prefer the lighter omelette I get with that combo. I save the calories, and besides, the yoke is not my favorite part of the egg. Just me. Have a good week, all.

Good morning StillKristi.

I wasn't pointing it out to you, I was saying in general because the "low fat" mentality has been beat into our heads over the years and I whole heartedly believe the low fat / low calorie thing of the 70's through today is what is making us fatter and sicker than our ancestors.............

I eat all the fat that i want, even fatty cuts of red meat. In the end, it takes less to make me satisfied and tastes better, so I end up eating less.

CALIECAT

Lioness do you eat Beef Franks. One of my faverite. In 1969 in WW We were allowed 6 oz of all beef franks at one meal. I was in ho heaven. I don't belive at that time we could have pork. But full fat cheese we coulld have in moderation. Any way it works, I lost an average of 10 lbs a month and never had a gain. I always look forward to Friday nite and those weiners. All 6 of them. and mustard. But it being process I don't think my body could handle that now. A lot older now.
Caliecat

LeanLioness

Lioness do you eat Beef Franks. One of my faverite. In 1969 in WW We were allowed 6 oz of all beef franks at one meal. I was in ho heaven. I don't belive at that time we could have pork. But full fat cheese we coulld have in moderation. Any way it works, I lost an average of 10 lbs a month and never had a gain. I always look forward to Friday nite and those weiners. All 6 of them. and mustard. But it being process I don't think my body could handle that now. A lot older now.
Caliecat

Yes, I buy all beef (angus certified) skinless franks. They are all natural, no nitrates or other preservatives, so they have to be consumed quickly. There are 4 in a pack and they are .25 pound each. I eat them bunless cut up with mustard, onions, sugar-free relish and chili sauce, cheddar cheese.

I will have 2 of those and a salad.

CALIECAT

Thanks I will look for them.Caliecat

LeanLioness

Where did everyone go that was posting to this thread????

Wow I thought we were going to have good dialogue and learn from each other.........

I changed my supper tonight and I am making low carb chicken enchiladas instead.........

chipper15173

evening guys......
well, things went well with the lawyer today. got good news. so decided to take the new place. so moving up the road the 1st of june. bigger, better home.
tomorrow is my back into the game. start my counting again, and get together a workout plan for the time being. after the move it will change again. hitting the gym tomorrow for a great workout. going to make myself sweat.

well, just wanted to check in, be back tomorrow.

later

LeanLioness

evening guys......
well, things went well with the lawyer today. got good news. so decided to take the new place. so moving up the road the 1st of june. bigger, better home.
tomorrow is my back into the game. start my counting again, and get together a workout plan for the time being. after the move it will change again. hitting the gym tomorrow for a great workout. going to make myself sweat.

well, just wanted to check in, be back tomorrow.

later

That in deed is good news!!!

Get back on the wagon with us Girl!!!

I am going to post my low carb enchilada recipe soon!! It is in the oven baking right now.

cloverluv

haha...we are here!!! I've been doing a LOT of packing lately. Found a place to live yet I might have to go back to dial-up since there's no other service up in the mountains yet. :noway:

I have started my good ole monthly interuption and am having a real hard time with this. I have NOT cheated but I want to so badly :ohwell: I feel so tired and don't even want to think about working out. I am looking foward to the week for the weather is supposed to be in the 80's and I plan on taking some nice runs (or walks) :happy:

Anyone have any ideas on snacks?? Lately for me it's been pickles, peanuts or even altered deviled eggs.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Crys

Georg

I have almonds, raw veggies with Ranch, deviled eggs, cubed cheese or string cheese for snacks.

LeanLioness

Here is the recipe for the low carb enchilada recipe. It is a creamy sauce, not the red sauce.........

Tried to post a pic, wouldn't go through for some reason...........

Here is the link, you will have to copy it and paste it in your browser.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l163/leanlioness/Low Carb Recipe Pics/LowCarbTortilla1.jpg

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast meat
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
6 (12 inch) flour tortillas (Mission Low Carb)


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the green onion until tender (about 3 to 4 minutes). Add the garlic powder, then stir in the green chiles, cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Mix well. Reserve 3/4 of this sauce and set aside. To the remaining 1/4 of the sauce in the saucepan, add the chicken and 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir together.

3. Fill each flour tortilla with the chicken mixture and roll up. Place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.

4. In a small bowl combine the reserved 3/4 of the sauce with the milk. Spoon this mixture over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

MTGirl

Hi guys! Just checkin in. Been a long day - we just got done cleaning the office and are heading home soon. Had an excellent dinner - a large T-bone steak, green beans with some Niblets corn and a salad. Yummy. Love that home grown beef! Have a good night all!

LeanLioness

Hi guys! Just checkin in. Been a long day - we just got done cleaning the office and are heading home soon. Had an excellent dinner - a large T-bone steak, green beans with some Niblets corn and a salad. Yummy. Love that home grown beef! Have a good night all!

Yay, home grown beef is the best!!

We ge our beef from a local farm, it is fresh, hormone free - grass fed beef. :drinker: :drinker:

Georg

LL!
Your recipe sounds great. Do you have a carb/calorie breakdown? That would really be helpful.

stillkristi

haha...we are here!!! I've been doing a LOT of packing lately. Found a place to live yet I might have to go back to dial-up since there's no other service up in the mountains yet. :noway:

I have started my good ole monthly interuption and am having a real hard time with this. I have NOT cheated but I want to so badly :ohwell: I feel so tired and don't even want to think about working out. I am looking foward to the week for the weather is supposed to be in the 80's and I plan on taking some nice runs (or walks) :happy:

Anyone have any ideas on snacks?? Lately for me it's been pickles, peanuts or even altered deviled eggs.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Crys

I've been snacking on raw lentils lately. Just rehydrate them and munch. They taste a little like raw peas, which I love. 96 cals an ounce. 16 carbs, but 9 grams of fiber, so effective carb count is actually 7. Also, 8 grams of protein, so nice source of protein. And, it really helps get your daily fiber! :happy:

Here are some carb bargain snacks:

fewer than 3 carbs:
1/4 cup blackberries
6 fresh asparagus spears
1 cup chopped raw broccoli or cauliflower florettes
1/2 a cucumber
1/2 cup raw or cooked mushrooms
1/2 cup boiled summer squash

fewer than 5 carbs
1/2 medium avacado
1/4 cup blue berries
1/2 cup strawberries
1 med. carrot
1 med tomato
1/2 cup wax or snap beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh fennel
1 oz sunflower seeds
1 oz walnuts
1 oz macadamia nuts
1 oz peanuts
1 oz sliced lean meat
1 oz string cheese
1 hard bolied egg
1/4 cup cottage cheese
apple with cheddar slices (1/4 apple, 1 oz cheese)
Jerky (depends on type)