Bless the NHS

[PB30]

I just got home after a couple of weeks in hospital and I managed to lose 2lb.

I am new to LCHF diet but I am doing okay. The only thing I miss is ciabatta bread

[cheritorrox]

Get into the groove first then regard it as a treat... you may even find it's not as nice as you remembered!

[PB30 in reply to cheritorrox]

I'm in the grove. I can still remember how nice beer tasted, and I haven't had any for 33years.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador]

Are you saying the NHS put you on a LCHF diet?

Is that strains of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus I hear? Or possibly the sound of a house of cards collapsing?

2lb is a bit on the low side for full-blown LCHF after two weeks, but for some people it does take a while to kick in.

[Lesley1234567 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

Yes it does I’m still plodding

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to Lesley1234567]

LOL poor Lesley. Have you lost a bit of flab at least? Do you feel OK eating this way? I remember you had quite a few health issues you were worried about apart from just weight loss.

[Lesley1234567 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I feel absolutely okay with no carbs I think my problem is the high fat, I don’t eat enough. My health is perfect had tests done and my GP said whatever I am doing carry on (I didn’t mention lchf). Also said I didn’t look overweight and the BMI is a guideline. I stopped counting calories for a few weeks, just started again this last week. But this time have measured it properly and I am eating too low, although I have added more butter and cheese. I did lose two pounds but then in a week I put three on, got weighed this morning and I have lost four pounds. I am excellent at maintaining. I was reading one of your older posts about an author ‘Phinney’ which I googled and he had wrote lchf is not just about cutting sugar, pasta, bread and potatoes. There is obviously a science to it. I am now feeling a bit concerned because although I feel okay. Could I be doing some long term damage by not eating carbs. But having said that I don’t want carbs wouldn’t enjoy eating them now.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to Lesley1234567]

If you feel fine, and your doctor says you're fine, then you're probably fine

Ideally you should add fat to replace the missing carbs (about 100g would be a sensible minimum) but it's surprising how little you can get away with because (a) fat is so energy-dense and (b) you probably have some bodyfat that makes up any shortfall. Where it all goes pear-shaped is when people try to do low-carb AND low-fat.

As for doing yourself harm ... I get quite frustrated by the pundits who say: well yes, eating low-carb makes you feel good, reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and keeps you slim, but it's still bad for you.

I think when that happens, we have to apply a bit of common sense. If we've just dumped a diet that made us fat and miserable, and we're now eating a diet that makes us look and feel good, is it really LIKELY that the first diet is the right one and the second is not? Seems a bit implausible, doesn't it?

Almost everyone feels a load of guilt when they try to add more fat to their diet. I certainly did. But eventually you realise that you're not committing some terrible crime against society by refusing to buy low fat junk food. In time, the feeling will go away, and one day you'll probably say "ah, stuff it" and fry yourself six rashers of bacon, just to annoy the health experts.

[Lesley1234567 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

After years of no bacon I occasionally have one rasher and surprised at how few calories there are. For the first time yesterday I looked at how much protein I was eating and was shocked at only 38 grams. I probably don’t excercise as much as I should do, walk between two to five miles a day and I am concentrating more on core exercises and thinking about going to a gym but I don’t care much for going to a gym, and I just know I will embarrass myself lol. I would love to lose another stone if it happens great if not then maybe I am meant to be as I am. I won’t go back to stuffing myself with carbs as I know how they made me feel and that had been going on for years. Glad I have stopped. Sorry to have gone on and yes I agree no carbs works but it’s probably not for everyone.

[PB30 in reply to Lesley1234567]

I often forget to include more protein. I will get the hang of it one day. My advice to you, if I may be so bold, is not to go to the gym. If you do, stay away from treadmills! As you say, IF it happens it happens, no point getting stressed.

You didn't go on.

[Lesley1234567 in reply to PB30]

Yes I agree, I wouldn’t go on the treadmill as I enjoy walking anyway and I would rather do that outdoors. It’s upper body strength I am lacking and trying to do this with excercise. It’s just the thought of all those sweaty people who have been using the equipment that puts me off. I know it’s me and I’m sure it’s kept very sanitised.

[PB30 in reply to Lesley1234567]

I used to be a member of a gym, (years ago) I wouldn't go back to that establishment, however I just had a thought: My local hospital has a mini gym, in a chapel of are places! Only people who are "overweight" are eligible to attend.

You reminded me when you said about upper body exercise. I can't do any thing else, I have knee, hip and back problems.

At the gym i attended people used to bring there own wipes regardless. Walking in the fresh air, you can't beat it.

[PB30 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I was unable to continue my LCHF diet whilst in hospital, but still managed to lose 2lbs. They certainly looked after me. Do you ever say to yourself I'm glad I was born in the (second half of the) 20th century? I do, and I told the surgeon.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to PB30]

Oh I see, I thought you meant they started you on LCHF at the hospial.

Yeah, the NHS doctors and surgeons are great. It's just the managers, nutritionists and other hangers-on who should have all been fired yesterday.

Just curious: how do the meals work these days? Last time I was in a UK hospital was 20-odd years ago. Did you ask them if there were any low-carb options available, or do you just get what you're given?

[PB30 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

It has improved over the years: there are more options. You can for instance have an Apple or Banana, but very little protein is on offer.

[Daisychain12 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I asked for low carb. Hysterical!! I got offered diabetic jelly as if it was the Holy Grail!!