Eating Low-Carb

Here is some unsolicited advice for those struggling to lose weight and/or get off sugar.  I am a self-diagnosed carb-addict from years of abusing it. I went off the white stuff (mostly) a few years ago, but it was not until this challenge that I really went full-board off sugar and most carbohydrates. I first week was killer, but it has gotten easier and I am amazed by what I eat and crave now.  Week four of very little whole grain carbs, plus vegetable and a few fruits, here are some things I find absolutely delicious!

Thanks to my sister-in-law ‘s suggestion I gave Greek yogurt another try. I’m talking fat-free, plain 22g protein/7carbs per cup of pure delight. I started with adding about 2 teaspoons of organic stevia (I found a brand at PCC that does not have the aftertaste or else I’ve gotten used to the aftertaste) and ¼ cup berries. To the low-carb for 6-weeks me this tastes like heaven. I eat it every day and have decreased the stevia to 1 teaspoon. I enjoy the Trader Joe’s brand of Greek yogurt.

If I feel like chocolate and I can’t talk myself out of it, I will sometimes have a Sugar-Free Jello pudding snack in dark chocolate or a few squares of Trader Joe’s Simply Lite Sugar Free dark chocolate. To my taste buds the dark chocolate does not have an aftertaste but the milk chocolate has a mild one.  I try to limit these kind of treats as they can send me into a craving frenzy.

When I feel like a salty treat, I will sometimes eat a Lundberg brown rice cake with 1 T. Adams peanut butter. Soooo satisfying.

I never ever thought I would say this, but I am now able to eat and love unsalted nuts as a snack. TJ, PCC, and Whole Foods all sell pistachios, almonds, cashews, etc, in unsalted varieties. It is so amazing to me that I have adjusted to not craving the salted variety.

Lettuce wraps…yum. Jimmy John’s has an unwich wrapped in lettuce that is OK, but I prefer making them at home to control the ingredients. A little messy, but really a really good way to fit a “sandwich“ into my diet.

Marie’s yogurt based Ranch, Thousand, and Blue Cheese dressings are fabulous, low-carb options for creamy salads. 2 T is 1-2 g of carb, but I usually try to eat 1 T.

Jalapeno-stuffed green olives…who knew? Actually eating spicy food revs up the metabolism and tastes so good when eating low-carb.

Quinoa…a grain, but also a complete protein. There are so many ways to prepare it and enjoy it. I have to limit my serving size and the ingredients, but I really enjoy it as a side to salmon or other meat. I enjoy the red quinoa from Trader Joe’s. I’m sensing a pattern here…Luckliy TJ’s is just down the street and the prices are excellent.

Some people cannot tolerate the taste of a protein drink at first, but I promise if you stick with low-carbs your body will change and start to enjoy the flavor. The Yoli YES shakes have tasted good to me from the beginning, and now I look forward to them. They are sweetened with stevia and I mix mine with 6 ounces of Non-fat milk for added protein and 6 ounces of unsweetened almond milk for it’s yumminess. I prefer the taste of Silk PureAlmond unsweetened (35 Calories) and have gotten so used to this that I can drink it plain. Another thing I never thought I’d say.

My biggest advice is to clear out the freezer, cupboards and fridge. If I don’t have access to it, I don’t go out and buy it. I have occasionally indulged in something because it was there…some chocolate from Wyatt’s Valentine's bag, some treats Paul brought home from school, etc. For the most part, they have been great about either hiding it or not having it around, so I’m not tempted.

I miss popcorn, cereal, garlic bread, pizza, Magnum bars, and mashed potatoes. I will eventually add some limited things back and have some free meals, but for now it’s best for me to not have it. Ironically, I think I’ve lost maybe 1 pound since the last weigh-in, but I’m feeling great and want to stick to the plan, even if I don’t reach my goal until the summer.