Low carb eating doesn't suck!

So, one day out of the blue (Oct 21st to be exact) I decided that I was sick of feeling like crap and it was time to do something about it. With very little research or thought, I embarked on a new (to me) low carb way of eating. In hindsite, it was a weird time to do it as 13 days later we were heading out for a 10 night cruise, but I know myself and if I had decided to wait until the right time, it would not have happened. Frank decided to tag along in a modified fashion, and we are off and running. And you know what? I don't hate it!!

I thought it might be fun to talk about it here, as I know I am not the only Joker that is taking steps to lose weight or feel better.

So, is anybody else trying to eat healthy or take better care of themselves? Let's talk! Share recipes, whining, success & failures. Low fat, low carb, low cal, whatever you are doing, share it here and maybe we can become a healthier bunch.

And my first recommendation is this. DO NOT LOOK AT CPT's FOOD PORN! I am sure it is possible to put on weight or possibly have a heart attack just from looking at those carbs & fats :D

Great thread! I️ have really been struggling lately. All my delish desserts have caught up to me and I️ feel like shit. I️ find that low carb diets work very well and very quickly. My problem is that I️ just can’t come up with a variety of foods that help me stay on it. I️ get sick of eggs and meat. I’m not a big veggie eater and sometimes find myself literally gagging when I️ force broccoli down my throat. I️ so want to do low carb but after a week or two I️ end up giving into carbs..... I’d love to hear low carb eating ideas from anyone who has succeeded or is succeeding on a low carb plan.

Good for you, Chris! I know I need to do something. I am not getting any younger either. Life gets busy between work, keeping up a household, now two fur babies, and the frequent drives to Virginia to help my elderly parents. Unfortunately food is my crutch. Maybe not so much the sweets, but not necessarily the best foods. I see what Derek did, and I still am amazed at the change he made and is still maintaining!

Maybe, just maybe more Jokers can help inspire this old, fat, lazy guy in to changing his ways.

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Low carb has been successful for me in the past. I have a hard time sticking to it now because I'm not committed to giving up my carbs ... which I gravitate towards in times of stress.
@Nhcris glad it's working for you!
@Elf70 do you roast veggies? I think it helps a lot with flavor. Cauliflower and broccoli get crispy if you roast them at high temps. Tomatoes' flavor gets concentrated and they're delicious. Happy to share some recipes if you want.


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Originally Posted by DK528

Low carb has been successful for me in the past. I have a hard time sticking to it now because I'm not committed to giving up my carbs ... which I gravitate towards in times of stress.
@Nhcris glad it's working for you!
@Elf70 do you roast veggies? I think it helps a lot with flavor. Cauliflower and broccoli get crispy if you roast them at high temps. Tomatoes' flavor gets concentrated and they're delicious. Happy to share some recipes if you want.


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I’d love some recipes. I️ actually love roasted Brussels sprouts. Great idea!

I saw something on TV this morning about rice made from cauliflower. Wonder how that would be?

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Originally Posted by Elf70

I’d love some recipes. I️ actually love roasted Brussels sprouts. Great idea!

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Roasted vegetables are delicious and taste completely different than steamed, or prepared normally. Do you like cauliflower? I have found it to be the most versatile vegetable possible. Cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash are great comfort foods when paired with something rich and delicious. I even found a recipe for cauliflower pizza crust which I haven't tried yet.

I just google anything (say low carb creamed spinach recipe or low carb desserts) and it is amazing how many ideas you can find. I am actually having fun with it, and the particular version I am doing (Keto) encourages eating fat which certainly helps wth cravings.

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Originally Posted by zeus

I saw something on TV this morning about rice made from cauliflower. Wonder how that would be?

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Its actually fine, and I put it under my no bean chili the other night. You can't see it, but it's there :)

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You can but the cauliflower rice frozen in the steam fresh bags. Just make sure it doesn't have added ingredients. A serving is only 1 net carb I think, versus over 30 for rice.

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Originally Posted by Nhcris

Its actually fine, and I put it under my no bean chili the other night. You can't see it, but it's there :)

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You can but the cauliflower rice frozen in the steam fresh bags. Just make sure it doesn't have added ingredients. A serving is only 1 net carb I think, versus over 30 for rice.

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Thanks! Rice and pastas are my weaknesses.

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We have been doing lower carb for a few weeks now. For us the secret is not to cut out all the carbs. For instance for breakfast we'll have a piece of sourdough toast and couple slices of bacon. Lunch will be soup and apple or meat and apple. Dinner is usually meat and salad. Now we still eat a couple of fresh baked cookies in the late evening and have some chocolate after lunch and dinner. (Chocolate is semi-dark chocolate chips or small Halloween size candy bar.) Eat cheese stick and some croutons in late afternoon. This way we are getting some carbs and not depriving ourselves totally. Have also cut out the nightly glass or two of wine. Try to go out during the week and here we do go off the carb thing a bit but again since we do get some carbs everyday we do not go hog wild when we go out (except for the bottle of wine). This is a long term project not the losing the 3 pounds a week thing. Just want to modify our eating habit not make a drastic change. Averaging about 1 to 1.5 pounds a week in loss. When we started we did track calories for a few days and looks like 1500 to 1600 per day for us.

We still do our one night a week meal of Porterhouse steak and baked potato.

To help things along we (namely Cathy) has started to cook big pots of soups and then freeze single helping servings. She also cooks up a whole roast (beef or pork) and/or turkey breast and then cuts that to serving size and freezes the servings. Did buy a vacuum sealer for freezing as this does drastically improve the texture of the meat after serving. The vacuum sealer and freezing serving size portions has made planning meals really easy and has been key for us on changing our eating habits.

So far we are down about 11 to 12 pounds each and it really has not been hard. We have lost a couple of weeks as we totally go out of control when we hit AC with free drinks. But we have held down the carbs when eating.

I really think the secret on the lo-carb diet is moderation. The 1st stages of Atkins or South Beach is almost zero carbs, but that is really to hook you in to rapid weight loss so you can buy more Atkins stuff. What we have decided will take longer but will stand a better chance of being permanent. Also have to remember to be sensible in serving portions as total calories do add up.
So gang that is our story and we are sticking with it. HHH

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Originally Posted by Nhcris

Roasted vegetables are delicious and taste completely different than steamed, or prepared normally. Do you like cauliflower? I have found it to be the most versatile vegetable possible. Cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash are great comfort foods when paired with something rich and delicious. I even found a recipe for cauliflower pizza crust which I haven't tried yet.

I just google anything (say low carb creamed spinach recipe or low carb desserts) and it is amazing how many ideas you can find. I am actually having fun with it, and the particular version I am doing (Keto) encourages eating fat which certainly helps wth cravings.

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I love cauliflowers. I tried the cauliflower pizza crust. It was pretty good but a bit bitter tasting. I’m not a great cook so may have screwed up the recipe. The pizza I made was pretty good when freshly made but pretty bad as leftover. Maybe heating it in a toaster oven instead of microwave would have been better. It was very soggy reheated.

I made keto bread a few weeks ago. It was delish. It was better when very fresh and lasted for about 5 days. I found the recipe using google. If I can figure out how to post the link I will.

For pasta I have been using spaghetti squash or Zoodles. Zoodles are zucchini strips which you can often find already cut in the produce department, or do your own with a mandolin. I love pasta, rice & bread even more than sweets, but these substitute reasonably well.

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Spaghetti squash (I didn't blot it enough so it was a little too wet) with meat sauce with onions and peppers & of course, lots of parmesan cheese! You can also make parmesan crisps but shredding some on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with cracked pepper & paprika and bake. Easy peasy.

Ketoconnect.net has the bread.

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Originally Posted by zeus

Thanks! Rice and pastas are my weaknesses.

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We will have pasta once in a while and having wild rice tonight, but the serving size is a bit less than half of what we used to eat. Got to remember carbs really don't give you the feeling of being full. Oh one other thing we serve our plate in the kitchen and then go to the table. No bowls of second helpings allowed.

Elf, I would love the bread recipe you used. That is next on my agenda along with low carb cheesecake!

Thanks for the bread recipe. I will check it out!

And, FWIW, I am not a very good cook either but I am working on it!

Will be following this thread. Congrats Nhcris and to all you making positive changes!

I am not there yet to commit to reducing carbs but will look to this thread for inspiration and ideas. Having said that, years ago I did Atkins and it worked extremely well for me.

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Originally Posted by Penguin

We will have pasta once in a while and having wild rice tonight, but the serving size is a bit less than half of what we used to eat. Got to remember carbs really don't give you the feeling of being full. Oh one other thing we serve our plate in the kitchen and then go to the table. No bowls of second helpings allowed.

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It is truly embarrassing how much pasta I can eat. [emoji52]

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Cauliflower crust pizza.

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Originally Posted by Elf70

Cauliflower crust pizza.

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That looks fabulous! You made that? You are too a good cook!

For roasted cauliflower, I break it down into small pieces so they get brown and crispy. 400 degree oven, heat sheet pan while oven is preheating and I just put some salt and pepper and canola oil on the cauliflower and toss. I flip after 20 minutes and then cook it for another 30 flipping once. You can certainly cook it less though - I just like it dark.

For Brussels sprouts I love making chips with outer leaves and roasting the remaining sprout. Again just salt n pepper and a tiny bit of oil. 400 degree oven and I flip at 10 minutes and cook for 5 more for the chips. You can google in to find more interesting recipes with spices. The chips are addicting.

Roasted broccoli: http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2008/1...st_brocco.html

Slow roasted tomatoes: https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/s...sted-tomatoes/




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I also find that chickpea pasta (Banza is the brand) is a good substitute for regular pasta especially with sauce on it. Not low carb but better carbs.


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Originally Posted by DK528

For roasted cauliflower, I break it down into small pieces so they get brown and crispy. 400 degree oven, heat sheet pan while oven is preheating and I just put some salt and pepper and canola oil on the cauliflower and toss. I flip after 20 minutes and then cook it for another 30 flipping once. You can certainly cook it less though - I just like it dark.

For Brussels sprouts I love making chips with outer leaves and roasting the remaining sprout. Again just salt n pepper and a tiny bit of oil. 400 degree oven and I flip at 10 minutes and cook for 5 more for the chips. You can google in to find more interesting recipes with spices. The chips are addicting.

Roasted broccoli: http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2008/1...st_brocco.html

Slow roasted tomatoes: https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/s...sted-tomatoes/




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Thanks! I’m going to try all of these.

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Originally Posted by Nhcris

That looks fabulous! You made that? You are too a good cook!

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Ha! I️ think it took me longer to figure out how to put my food processor together than it did to make the actual recipe. I️ do remember having to “dry” the cauliflower. I️ spent a great deal of time googling definitions of various cooking terms. But I️ agree - it really looked like I️ knew what I was doing.

Some good go to things we like to make were tacos instead of using tortillas used Romain lettuce leafs
Same with making chicken lettuce wraps. really tasty and low calorie

Another good one was Philly cheese steak peppers

Use a green pepper core it out and mix in some mushrooms and onions along with some roast beef lunch meat and provolone.

Cut out all sugary drinks will make a big difference in one week alone.

Will try to help anyone with answers. Everyone can diet differently.

Also you guys are real troopers trying to do this through the holidays but if you can hang on through all the holiday gtg the rest of the time dieting will be a cake walk.

For lunch usually had a 2 cups equivalent to vegetables and a protein shake

For supper had 2 cups equivalent vegetables and 4-5 oz lean proteins meat.

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Originally Posted by dvandentop

Some good go to things we like to make were tacos instead of using tortillas used Romain lettuce leafs
Same with making lettuce wraps.

Another good one was Philly cheese steak peppers

Use a green pepper core it out and mix in some mushrooms and onions along with some roast beef lunch meat and provolone.

Cut out all sugary drinks will make a big difference in one week alone.

Will try to help anyone with answers. Everyone can diet differently.

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I am so addicted to Romaine lettuce leaf "tacos" it's not funny. The only downside for me is that I eat them with lunch meat, which I know is a bad thing, but I literally ate them every day for lunch for probably 2-3 years. I used to put maybe 3/4 tsp of Kraft horseradish sandwich spread on (I guess they took it off the market now), then sliced tomatoes, slivers of red onion, spicy sliced white meat chicken, and one slice of provolone or swiss. Romaine lettuce is filling and the wraps are really satisfying. Cutting out breads for me was key. I try to go easy on other meals, but I do like pasta and rice. I find when we go to restaurants, if I order some sort of sandwich on a bun, I always leave about half the bun behind. It's just too much bread and makes me feel bloated. Also, since I won't be able to sleep if I eat a heavy meal later in the evening, that has helped steer me toward eating lighter as the day goes on.

Yay Chris, I'm so excited for the positive changes you are making and happy Frank is supporting you and joining in! I myself gave up most processed sugar about 4 months ago and try my best to eat low carb. I'm also meal planning and prepping my lunches and eating a light breakfast everyday, which I never did before. I've lost 25 pounds! Stuck in a rut right now, haven't seen that scale move in about 2 weeks, so I'm thinking about adding fasting a couple of days a week (500 calorie fasts) and try to get 10 more pounds off.

Love this thread, we can all use motivation!!

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Originally Posted by Gypsy

Yay Chris, I'm so excited for the positive changes you are making and happy Frank is supporting you and joining in! I myself gave up most processed sugar about 4 months ago and try my best to eat low carb. I'm also meal planning and prepping my lunches and eating a light breakfast everyday, which I never did before. I've lost 25 pounds! Stuck in a rut right now, haven't seen that scale move in about 2 weeks, so I'm thinking about adding fasting a couple of days a week (500 calorie fasts) and try to get 10 more pounds off.

Love this thread, we can all use motivation!!

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Awesome work and that is common usually week 3 is a rut week and stay with it and the losses will continue!

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Originally Posted by Gypsy

Yay Chris, I'm so excited for the positive changes you are making and happy Frank is supporting you and joining in! I myself gave up most processed sugar about 4 months ago and try my best to eat low carb. I'm also meal planning and prepping my lunches and eating a light breakfast everyday, which I never did before. I've lost 25 pounds! Stuck in a rut right now, haven't seen that scale move in about 2 weeks, so I'm thinking about adding fasting a couple of days a week (500 calorie fasts) and try to get 10 more pounds off.

Love this thread, we can all use motivation!!

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Gina, that is wonderful! Congratulations to you. I never eat breakfast because I don't have an appetite in the mornings. I know the body needs it to get the metabolism going. It seems I do not have one, but realize it is my own fault.

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I have been doing the keto low carb diet for 3 weeks. No sweets or starches. I have found myself less hungry and less cravings. There are a lot of people that have YouTube channels about this and tons of recipes on Pinterest.
I am using an app on my phone called lose it that is free to track everything I eat. Keeps track of calories, carbs and fats. So far it is working down 9 pounds would be more but when we were in kc for 4 nights I had some things I shouldn’t have and gained some back :(
Thanks Chris for starting this to keep me motivated. I haven’t tried a lot of new recipes yet mainly because I haven’t had time. I made a low carb broccoli cheese soup that was good. I like the frozen cauliflower rice.
Thanks for sharing your pictures and recipes guys!


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Originally Posted by Elf70

Cauliflower crust pizza.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f1cbdc6be0.jpg

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That looks really good!


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I find that making the Cauliflower pizza crust is a pain in the ass and time consuming so I order pre-maid crust from https://www.califlourfoods.com. They are incredible and they have different recipes for the crust on their website and Facebook page. I highly recommend checking it out!

This is a good thread. May motivate me to finally start some yoga. Getting too stiff and keeping up with grandbabies is a must around here, and the garden. The cool winter vegetables are finally starting to come in so I will be knee deep in good stuff. The only pitfall is the winter crop of potatoes. They are just too good to pass up. Another pitfall of mine is crispy chicken or turkey skin... We will be frying a turkey for Thanksgiving.

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Originally Posted by michelelovesvegas

This is a good thread. May motivate me to finally start some yoga. Getting too stiff and keeping up with grandbabies is a must around here, and the garden. The cool winter vegetables are finally starting to come in so I will be knee deep in good stuff. The only pitfall is the winter crop of potatoes. They are just too good to pass up. Another pitfall of mine is crispy chicken or turkey skin... We will be frying a turkey for Thanksgiving.

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Brine it now till thursday and you wont believe how juicy it will be.

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Originally Posted by Laceyb682

I find that making the Cauliflower pizza crust is a pain in the ass and time consuming so I order pre-maid crust from https://www.califlourfoods.com. They are incredible and they have different recipes for the crust on their website and Facebook page. I highly recommend checking it out!

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Thanks Lacey! I took a look and I will definitely give them a try after the holidays. They are pricey, although not compared to ordering a decent pizza out somewhere. I am just spending too much money trying to replace many of the basics in my kitchen with low carb stuff. It's a process!

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Originally Posted by dvandentop

Some good go to things we like to make were tacos instead of using tortillas used Romain lettuce leafs
Same with making chicken lettuce wraps. really tasty and low calorie

Another good one was Philly cheese steak peppers

Use a green pepper core it out and mix in some mushrooms and onions along with some roast beef lunch meat and provolone.

Cut out all sugary drinks will make a big difference in one week alone.

Will try to help anyone with answers. Everyone can diet differently.

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Great advice Derek. I am so happy you will be chiming in as your success is a model for us all!

Cutting my soda was the first thing I did, and probably the hardest.

I have been buying beautiful organic romaine & it is so crispy and delicious that it is actually a treat. It's great with almost any Mexican food in place of tortillas, or even cheesy sloppy Joe type stuff. I am going to try enchiladas using a thinly sliced zucchini wrapper with leftover turkey after the holiday.

Your Philly cheese steak pepper sounds divine!

Veggies are you friend in all forms be sure to get enough protein as well in form of a protein shake or something through the day as well

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Originally Posted by Laurie

I have been doing the keto low carb diet for 3 weeks. No sweets or starches. I have found myself less hungry and less cravings. There are a lot of people that have YouTube channels about this and tons of recipes on Pinterest.
I am using an app on my phone called lose it that is free to track everything I eat. Keeps track of calories, carbs and fats. So far it is working down 9 pounds would be more but when we were in kc for 4 nights I had some things I shouldn’t have and gained some back :(
Thanks Chris for starting this to keep me motivated. I haven’t tried a lot of new recipes yet mainly because I haven’t had time. I made a low carb broccoli cheese soup that was good. I like the frozen cauliflower rice.
Thanks for sharing your pictures and recipes guys!


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Way to go Laurie! You are off to a great start. I just downloaded Lose It and I think I like it. I can't figure out how to get it to show net carbs, yet, but I am sure that it can once I figure to out.

I think for most of us here, the fact that we spend many nights away from home will make it more challenging. Maybe we can discover some nice low(er) carb options at some of the places we frequent and share them here.

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Originally Posted by Nhcris

Way to go Laurie! You are off to a great start. I just downloaded Lose It and I think I like it. I can't figure out how to get it to show net carbs, yet, but I am sure that it can once I figure to out.

I think for most of us here, the fact that we spend many nights away from home will make it more challenging. Maybe we can discover some nice low(er) carb options at some of the places we frequent and share them here.

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On the bottom of the app click on My Day then up above click on nutrients and it shows the grams and percentages of Fats, Carbs and Proteins

Well, I can tell from recent photos posted here and there that people are slimming down, so I am very happy to see this thread with hints and links and motivation. I looked into Keto, got a bunch of books out of the library, etc., but realized it would not be something I could handle without feeling deprived. That said, lower carb definitely works for me. I'm about 45 lbs. down from my high and have been in a range for a while, which I guess means I'm okay at maintaining, but I sure could use a nudge to lose the rest of the weight!

Cauliflower cooked in chicken stock and then smashed with Laughing Cow Light is very comforting, and also, for those who live close to Trader Joes, they have cauliflower pizza crusts.