Sunday, May 31, 2015

zero carb food list

Zero Carb Fruits and Veggies

Many vegetables have no carbs or almost no carbs, including cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, spinach and celery. As a general rule, most leafy or green vegetables will have zero or very few carbs
Low-sugar fruits can be consumed in moderation. These include avocado and a few berries.
Almost Zero Carb Fruits & Veggies:
Serving size: 1/2 cup
  • Spinach .2
  • Parsley .4
  • Avocado .5
  • Radish .5
  • Lettuce .25
  • Bok Choy .7
  • Celery .8
Serving size: 1/4 cup
  • Mushrooms .5
  • Garlic (1/2 clove) .5
  • Pokeberry Shoots .5
  • Cabbage .5
  • Asparagus (3 pieces) .6
  • Coconut .5
  • Yellow Squash .7
  • Raspberries .7
  • Cauliflower .7
  • Broccoli .8
  • Cucumber .9

Zero Carb Dairy

Most cheese is zero carb, or almost zero carb. According to USDA food lists, Camembert, cheddar, Munster and parmesan cheeses have zero carbs.
Heavy cream and whipped cream are excellent options, each having only trace amounts of carbs. Be sure to check the labels. To sweeten, add a sprinkle of Splenda.
Eggs are often listed as zero carb, but many have small amounts. Count .5 net carbs per egg to be on the safe side.

Zero Carb Oils and Fats

Avocado oil, olive oil, peanut oil and coconut oil have zero carbs and are the healthiest options.
Butter has no carbs and may be used for cooking as well.

Zero Carb Herbs and Spices

Zero carb herbs such as turmeric, oregano, sage, dill and thyme add incredible flavor.

Everyday Zero Carb Seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Vinegar
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Most Hot Sauces
  • Pre-mixed Seasonings (check each label)
  • Yellow Mustard
  • Dill weed
  • Chives

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Sons weight loss

So almost two weeks ago my son started along with me on this new way of eating and he has not got any of the keto flu at all.. and has not been sick or have headaches or fatigue he is not very much over weight as i am  and he still is losing weight very fast/ he is down I believe he said eight pounds so far which imo for his size is awesome so even if you just need to lose a few this woe works

Dont always watch the scale

So i was finding myself a bit with being obsessed weighing myself and the first moth i lost alot of weight  which was amazing . now it's going a bit slower on the scale but i find im losing inches just not the weight. I was walking down the steps going into the laundry room and had my hands full when down came my shorts which use to be snug and out came the moon :)  You may notice your not losing numbers but you are losing inches so whatever you do please dont give up ,I now consider this a new lifestyle of eating not a diet and I like this i dont have to go hungry and still lose weight (this makes the fat girl happy)

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

4th week on low carb diet

So i am very glad to be typing that sunday may 24 th was my 4th week mark eating low carb and so far i have lost a total of 28 pounds :) I know i have a long way to go but im getting it done  yay.. If you are thinking of doing this and need tips on how to start please let me know and i will be more than happy to give out any advice i can.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Where to start on your low carb journey ?

AVOID CARBS! I’m fairly certain we all know that one.
Ok, so let’s get down to the basics:
1. Low carb
• Aim for 20 net carbs/ day. Some people can eat more, but 20 is a safe starting point for all.
• Fiber isn’t counted in your carbs (carbs – fiber = net carbs). Eat your veggies just beware of how many carbs are in them
2. Eat your protein!
• This includes bacon, you’re welcome
3. Fat is your friend.
• Use it to flavor your meat and veggies.
• Get it out of your head that fat is the enemy.
• No longer buy low fat or fat free products.
4. Fat can also come from your body.
• Once in ketosis you are a fat burning machine. If you have a lot of body fat to burn it’s wise to consume less. If you are in maintenance you’ll need to consume more.
5. Eat the right kinds of fats
• Eat monos and saturates for fuel (butter, olive oil, coconut oil)
• Limit high polyunsaturated sources (soy, corn, cottonseed)
6. Keto flu (you may experience this when entering ketosis)
• Supplement sodium 2g/ day (i.e. drink 1-2 cups of broth per day)
• Replace magnesium/ sodium/ electrolytes to stop muscle cramps (my favorite way of doing this is by drinking pickle juice)
• Drink lots of water
• Remember this too shall pass and it’s SOOO worth it
7. Stalls
• Many people complain of a stall, when in fact it isn’t a true stall. To be considered a stall you need to have not lost weight for AT LEAST 6 weeks. That’s right folks, 6 weeks! We don’t get fat overnight, we’re not going to get skinny overnight.
• Weight loss isn’t linear. You are going to see some gains, the scale not moving, but you’ll also see loss.
• Keep a chart of your weight loss and track the TREND. If the trending line is down overall then you are succeeding!
• Stop beating yourself up, this is a marathon not a sprint. If you get discouraged you’ll be more likely to stop. So just don’t do it and keep on keeping on!   ( to view some yummy low carb recipes check out my youtube BLONDE4FIRE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJw7iwxr-48YWVauEg-LgMg   and subscribe to my channel) If you also have a channel or blog please leave me a comment with the link and i will check it out : ) 

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Two weeks on low carb diet

Today is two weeks ( sunday,may 10,2015)  i have been on my low carb diet and i feel pretty amazing : ) I have lost so far twenty pounds and it feels great. I have noticed i have not had to take an aspirin for my head aches i use to have every other day. they have gone away and not sure if this diet is the solution but I am guessing it is. I have also noticed my feet or hands have not swelled up once since i started and they would do it as well few times a week. My right hand use to fall asleep all the time and i would get pins and needles and that has not happened, I had a touch of carpel tunnel in my hand which has not flarred up. Well  today is mothers day and this health will be my present to myself/ I doubt many people will read this but if you do and you are thinking of starting this diet you should give it a go you may find it will help you in more ways than you know. also I have been posting some low carb recipes and treats to get you through this and help fight cravings you may have I welcome you to subscribe to my youtube channel  BLONDE4FIRE and share your channels with me as well to sub too. There are also a few amazing pages on facebook with amazing people that are always there to help you in any way they can

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Low carb veggie list

0 Net Carb Vegetables 
Endive
1 Net Carb Vegetables
Bok choy

Broccoli Raab
Celery
2 Net Carb Vegetables 
Arugula
Asparagus
Chard
Chayote
Eggplant
Hearts of Palm
Jicama
Lettuce
Radishes
Spinach
3 Net Carb Vegetables 
Bell Peppers, Green
Cabbage, Green & Savoy
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Daikon
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms, Button
Pumpkin Puree (1 cup)
Rhubarb
Summer Squash
Zucchini
4 Net Carb Vegetables 
Avocado, California (1 cup)
Fennel
Green Beans
Mushrooms, Crimini & Oyster
Okra
Radicchio
Tomatoes
5 Net Carb Vegetables 
Avocado, Florida (1 cup)
Bell Peppers, Red
Broccoli
Edamame (1/2 cup)
Mushrooms, Enoki
Turnips
6 Net Carb Vegetables 
Artichoke (1 choke)
Bell Peppers, Yellow
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage, Red
Snow Peas
Sugar Snap Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
7 Net Carb Vegetables 
No vegetables
8 Net Carb Vegetables 
Carrots
Celeriac
Edamame
Winter Squash (“all varieties” average as defined by USDA)
9 Net Carb Vegetables 
Onion
Kale

Ketogenic food list

Make sure you always read labels just in case there are hidden carbs! Some of these food items are more healthy than others but all in all this is a pretty good ketogenic food list. It’s best to mix things up, some people think that a ketogenic diet is all about eating bacon and eggs all day long but it really isn’t. Try to get a good mix of fat, protein and most of your carbs from low carb veggies. They fill you up, give you vitamins and help with digestion. I try to aim for 65% fat, 30% protein and 5% carbs, you can always browse through my blog to read more about the ketogenic (low carb) diet, find some good recipes etc. That being said, here’s a ketogenic food list for you :)

Cheese

American Cheese
Blue Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Cottage Cheese
Cream Cheese
Feta Cheese
Gouda Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Swiss Cheese

Dairy

Almond Milk (unsweetened)
Coconut Cream
Coconut Milk (unsweetened)
Greek Yogurt
Heavy Cream
Sour Cream
Soy Milk (unsweetened)
Whipped Cream

Dressings

Blue Cheese
Creamy Caesar
Ranch

Fats and oils

Almond Butter
Almond Oil
Avocado Oil
Butter
Canola Oil
Cocoa Butter
Coconut Oil
Fish Oil
Flax Seed Oil
Grape Seed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Lard
Macadamia Oil
Mayonnaise
Olive Oil
Peanut Butter
Peanut Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Soybean Oil
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Butter
Vegetable Oil
Walnut Oil

Fish

Anchovy
Bass
Burbot
Carp
Caviare
Flounder
Haddock
Halibut
Herring
Mackerel
Salmon
Sardines
Sole
Tilapia
Trout
Tuna
Tuna (canned)

Flours/Meals

Almond Flour
Almond Meal
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
Coconut flour
Flax Seed Meal
Psyllium Husk
Sesame Seed Flour

Fowl

Chicken
Duck
Goose
Quail
Turkey

Fruits

Avocado
Blackberry – in moderation
Cranberry - in moderation
Lemon - in moderation
Lime - in moderation
Olives
Raspberry
Rhubarb - in moderation
Tomato – yeah, it’s a fruit! - in moderation

Meat

Bacon
Beef
Bologna
Ham
Hot Dog/Frankfurter
Lamb
Pepperoni
Pork
Sausage
Veal
Venison

Nuts

Almonds
Brazilnuts
Cashews – in moderation
Coconut
Hazelnuts
Macadamias
Peanuts
Pecans
Pistachios
Walnuts

Seeds

Chia Seeds
Flax Seeds
Hemp Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Safflower Seeds
Sesame Seeds
Sunflower Seeds

Shellfish

Clams
Crabmeat
Lobster
Mussels
Oysters
Shrimp
Squid

Vegetables

Arugula
Asparagus
Broccoli
Broccoli Rabe
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chicory Greens
Cucumber
Eggplant
Endive
Fennel bulb
Garlic – in moderation
Green Bean
Jalapeno
Lettuce, Green Leaf
Lettuce, Romaine
Parsley
Radish
Spinach
Soy Bean – black
Zucchini

Vegetables to consume in moderation

Artichoke
Brussel Sprouts
Carrots
Celeriac
Kale
Kohlrabi
Mushrooms
Okra
Onion
Pepper
Pumpkin
Snow Pea
Spaghetti Squash
Turnips 

What can be done to help keto flu?

  • First of all – you’re probably dehydrated. Drink PLENTY of water while you’re on the keto diet. And then some more.
  • Watch your electrolytes. When the body is getting rid of excess insulin from your former carb-crazy diet you´ll lose lots of fluids that have been retained in your body. This causes the rapid weight loss most people see in their first few days of ketosis, it’s mostly water, sorry. When you lose all the retained water you also lose electrolytes likesodium, magnesium and potassium. When you’re lacking them you´ll feel like crap so when you’re feeling really ill on the keto flu try things like chicken/beef broth and look for foods rich in these minerals. Take a multi-vitamin and a multi-mineral. I’ve heard good things about
  • Eat more fat – Yup, load up. Butter everything, bacon everything, eat fatty meats and put heavy cream in your coffee. This will force your body to hurry up the transition. You´ll think this is crazy and think you´ll never get skinny eating this way, but you will.
  • Don’t eat too much protein – The body can transform protein into glucose so if you eat too much of it in the first days it will slow down the transition. Go for fatty meat and cheese if you can, add fat to protein shakes etc. The first instinct when you’re on a diet might be to nibble on a chicken breast to lose weight. Don’t do that unless it’s smothered in cheese, wrapped with bacon and has some mayo on the side :)
 Drink water, replenish electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium) with food and supplements, drink broth, eat fat and not too much protein.
I really hope this helps. I know it helped me getting over the worst of the dreaded keto flu.

What is keto flu?

Many people (not everyone!) who start a low carb diet experience what’s called the “keto flu” or the “induction flu” in the first few days while the body is adapting to burning ketones instead of glucose. The basic symptoms are:
  • headaches
  • nausea
  • upset stomach
  • Lack of mental clarity (brain fog)
  • sleepiness
  • fatigue
It’s called the “keto flu” for a reason: you feel sick. I’ve gone through it and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Fortunately it only lasted 3 days (1 of them were pretty bad) but then suddenly I woke up feeling much better, less hungry and my energy level was really high and consistent throughout the day! While at one point (or three or four) but I plowed through it and when it was over I didn’t regret a thing because what I gained mentally and physically was 100% worth it.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

low carb life

My new low carb life and why i chose it. One week ago today i knew i needed a change when i went for a three mile walk and was dying after it :) I have been on forums of atkins and all kinds of low carb sites and was reading hundreds of peoples success stories so i thought what the heck. I woke up the next morning and made breakfast which was easy and so yummy i could eat eggs and cheese and meat so i thought this would be a snap. I knew the only problem i would have would be giving up junk like cake and ice cream and pies cause this was the stuff i loved to eat. I was always one to eat veggies in fact there is only two i have had i did not  like, so that evening i made meat and veggies and i was fine and not at all hungry all night so i did not need no snack. Well after a few days i wasent craving sweets as much as i was before but just in case i got some sugar free pudding and jello and was able to enjoy them with whip cream as that has zero carbs. Now i did start to get a bit sick and was getting dizzy when i went to bed and the bed would spin like i drank all night :( but as i looked this up i found out most people get what is called keto flu and it dont last long. You go through a detox   and with the help of broth and some salt i was fine in two days/. the only other side affect was i was a bit tired for two days but after a week i felt amazing i have so much energy and in seven days i had lost eight pounds i was very happy with this result so i knew this is what i wanted to do and continue on this path .There are several recipes and so many good things to eat it really is not that hard. If anyone ever wants to try this there are lots of facebook pages with lots of people who have gone through this and love this life style :) Happy eating ps if you would like to check out my youtube page i have some amazing recipes there that help me out tons (blonde4fire) come subscribe and join me we can lose it together and support one another