# Low carb diet for 4 weeks - Anyone care to join me? \[Continung discussion\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 10, 2018, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913 "2018-05-10T11:21:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/1 "2018-05-10T11:21:19Z")
I’m looking to get back into my Speedo 🙂 I figure a 4-week commitment is doable and was wondering if any Dopers want to come along for the ride. Because we still have 4 days or so to prepare, we’ll have time to clear the carbs out of the pantry, go meat shopping, and get our heads in the game. Anyone in? mmm ETA: Please don’t crap the thread ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/2 "2018-05-10T12:39:10Z")
Depending on which diet plan you intend to follow, and depending on your personal tastes, you might want to make sure to have something a little sweet to offset those first days of cravings. Some people go with dark chocolate, others with something like berries with heavy whipped cream, or there are various “fluff” recipes out there. I know that some people really struggle in those first couple of days because they end up with really powerful cravings, so don’t be too downhearted if that happens to you! Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/3 "2018-05-10T12:40:54Z")
Can I just watch and offer moral support? ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/4 "2018-05-10T13:27:13Z")
I might join you. I’ve been struggling mightily with cutting carbs and having a fellow sufferer join me might help. How strict are you going to go? Is this full-on keto/Atkins or something slightly less intense? ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/5 "2018-05-10T13:33:23Z")
> [@wonky](#): > > Depending on which diet plan you intend to follow, and depending on your personal tastes, you might want to make sure to have something a little sweet to offset those first days of cravings. Some people go with dark chocolate, others with something like berries with heavy whipped cream, or there are various “fluff” recipes out there. > > I know that some people really struggle in those first couple of days because they end up with really powerful cravings, so don’t be too downhearted if that happens to you! Good luck! Something I discovered a couple years ago that helped a lot with carb cravings was black tea made ersatz English style. Brew up a pot of tea using a good loose-leaf tea and in each cup put a splash of milk and a couple of packets of Splenda. Each cup has less than 1g of carbs (from the milk) but tastes quite sweet and, if you brewed the tea properly using boiling water in a preheated teapot the cuppa will be hot enough that you’ll have to take your time drinking it. Go back for a second cup and by the time you’re done the worst of the craving should be behind you. Of course, you have to like black tea. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/6 "2018-05-10T14:03:21Z")
I would love to but I’m off to vacation in Scotland on May 31. I will go low-carb with you from the 14th til the 30th though. My preferred low-carb way of eating is South Beach. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/7 "2018-05-10T14:03:59Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Can I just watch and offer moral support? That would be awesome. > [@Lancia](#): > > I might join you. I’ve been struggling mightily with cutting carbs and having a fellow sufferer join me might help. > > How strict are you going to go? Is this full-on keto/Atkins or something slightly less intense? Come on in, **Lancia**! 4 weeks ain’t nothin’. I’m going full Atkins induction - no more than 20 carbs/day. My only other constraint is to limit my cheese intake. Otherwise I’ll turn into a big round wheel 'O cheddar. Regarding black tea - I’m not a tea drinker. And **Wonky** , thanks for the sweet (heh) tips. I know from experience I’ll be fine the first few days; come day 4 or 5, though, and I’ll be dreaming about Twinkies. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/8 "2018-05-10T14:08:01Z")
> [@peedin](#): > > I would love to but I’m off to vacation in Scotland on May 31. I will go low-carb with you from the 14th til the 30th though. My preferred low-carb way of eating is South Beach. It’s a deal! mmm ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/9 "2018-05-10T14:44:36Z")
As a former (2x!) low-carber, I don’t really see how committing to LC at induction-style levels for 4 weeks is going to do you any good. I can tell you unequivocally that if you go back to your normal ways afterwards you’ll gain all the weight back (even if you did it for 4 months, really). Low carb needs to be thought of as a lifestyle with permanent changes, not a quick fix for anything. I do assume, though, you’re trying to kickstart some good habits and plan on making permanent changes after 4 weeks are up? May I suggest Whole30 instead? It’s actually tougher than Atkins - no dairy, no soy, no peanut butter, no sulfates - and really gets you in tune with cooking with rules and does help you see how your body does with no food additives and stuff. But also it’s made to only be followed for 30 days. It’s not necessarily [Here’s one article with a bit of an outline.](https://greatist.com/eat/whole30-beginners-guide) You can google it and find a ton more info. Of course there’s an official site (with stuff to buy!) and a book but you can get enough info online to not need that stuff. I’ve done low carb, as I said I did it twice for a couple years at a time, and it’s great and I learned a ton and of course have been able to take all those habits and translate them in to some lifelong habits and tricks. I also did Whole30 once and it was a good experience, and was much harder, but it was meant to only be a short, intense crash course in clean eating. I think Whole30 might better suit your needs. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/10 "2018-05-10T15:24:31Z")
I am trying to eat “clean” and am happy to join you - so complex carbs, protein and good fats. I am working out a LOT, so I can’t drop carbs too much. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/11 "2018-05-10T15:46:12Z")
My gf has done the Dukan Diet a few times, and I have joined her. She likes to keep her weight at some magic number, but will creep up 3 to 5 pounds, and Dukan helps her immensely. [All about Dukan…](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dukan-diet-101) There are 4 phases: [ol] [li]Attack phase (1–7 days): You start the diet by eating unlimited lean protein plus 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran per day.[/li][li]Cruise phase (1–12 months): Alternate lean protein one day with lean protein and non-starchy veggies the next, plus 2 tablespoons of oat bran every day.[/li][li]Consolidation phase (variable): Unlimited lean protein and veggies, some carbs and fats, one day of lean protein only per week, and 2.5 tablespoons of oat bran per day. You should do this for 5 days for every pound lost in phases 1 and 2.[/li][li]Stabilization phase (indefinite): Follows the basic Consolidation phase guidelines, but rules can be loosened as long as weight remains stable. Oat bran is increased to 3 tablespoons per day.[/li][/ol] A cool way to eat your oat bran (really necessary if you are eating zero carbs/fiber) is as a Dukan Pancake. Beat one egg, add 3 Tb oat bran, 2 Tb Greek yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, splenda. Cook like a pancake! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/12 "2018-05-10T16:02:53Z")
In mid-March I cut all processed sugar, avoided natural sugars, cut carbohydrate intake as much as practical, reduced portion sizes, increased percentage of vegetables in meals, and started walking. Three laps ‘around the park’ is 2.05 miles. Sunday I made six laps (4.1 miles) in 83 minutes. My normal walk is four laps, or 2.73 miles. I get exercise at least five days per week. (I’d say I walk 40-55 minutes five days a week, but sometimes I do physical work for a longer period instead.) As of this morning, I have lost 26 pounds. I have a bag of coconut flour and a bag of Splenda. Soon I will see if I can make low-carb pancakes. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/13 "2018-05-10T19:01:16Z")
I’d join you, but it’s you who are going to be joining me. 😉 Been doing the low carb thing for years. For me, it’s a lifestyle and not a temporary diet. I’m real happy with it, but I did find the key to success is not to eliminate the bad carbs you really, really enjoy. The key is to cut them back significantly. For example, I often get wild and crazy on the weekend and have pasta!! I guess if you’re just doing it for a few weeks you might want to banish those bad cards completely, though. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/14 "2018-05-10T20:39:07Z")
I’m in. I’m going ketogenic. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/15 "2018-05-10T22:29:20Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > …I can tell you unequivocally that if you go back to your normal ways afterwards you’ll gain all the weight back… Of course you will, same as any other weight loss plan. People state this as if it’s a revelation. > [@kayaker](#): > > Dukan Diet… Never heard of this, but I’m committed to Atkins. > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > …As of this morning, I have lost 26 pounds. Hearty congratulations! > [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > I’m in. I’m going ketogenic. Welcome aboard! Let’s keep each other going. > [@Poysyn](#): > > I am trying to eat “clean” and am happy to join you… Welcome! mmm ---
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/16 "2018-05-10T23:03:17Z")
Count me in. My version of low carb is to completely eliminate five foods. I’ll be avoiding anything with wheat, sugarcane, rice, corn, and potatoes. Ivalso think that the 3rd to 5th days are the most difficult. When I’ve tried the diet before I get terrible withdrawal headaches around those days, but I look forward to touching it out with moral support from my fellow dopers. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/17 "2018-05-10T23:04:20Z")
> [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > Count me in. My version of low carb is to completely eliminate five foods. I’ll be avoiding anything with wheat, sugarcane, rice, corn, and potatoes. Ivalso think that the 3rd to 5th days are the most difficult. When I’ve tried the diet before I get terrible withdrawal headaches around those days, but I look forward to touching it out with moral support from my fellow dopers. Welcome to the club, **Flik**! mmm ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2018, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/18 "2018-05-10T23:58:57Z")
I’m in. That will give me just enough time to finish off the beer and potatoes on site. How high in carbs are carrots? I’ve got a lot of carrots. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/19 "2018-05-11T00:44:59Z")
I got an A1C test result I didn’t like so I’ve cut the winter carb load down significantly. I’m managing my sweet cravings with coconut oil “fudge,” basically half coconut oil, half unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract, sweetened with stevia and/or Equal. I add different flavorings in, like salted caramel or creme de menthe sugar free Torani syrup, instant espresso dissolved in a bit of hot water or some natural style peanut butter. Beat it up with a mixer or do it up in a food processor, whatever works best for you, then line a pan with parchment paper, spread the fudge out on it, chill for a couple hours then cut it into small pieces. It really hits the spot and kills the sweet tooth. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2018, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913/20 "2018-05-11T01:08:52Z")
OK, these folks are in so far: Mean Mr. Mustard Lancia peedin (through 5/30) Poysyn Sunny Daze FlikTheBlue j666 Already have been doing low carb but in the club: John Mace SmartAleq Cheerleader: Dung Beetle [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-carb-diet-for-4-weeks-anyone-care-to-join-me-continung-discussion/813913.md?page=2)