Low Carb, show season & unexpected benefits...

[GatoGordo]

FW, don't worry, my CAT has a bigger butt than that horse!

[oskaar]

I think diet and butrition goes under rider fitness...

I did my first conditioning set of the year yesterday, and although I didn't hike my stirrups up to Derby length like I would mid-season, I'm usually pretty sore after the first one. I am 1-month post ruptured disk, I rearranged my furniture the night before (by myself), and had a hard workout at the gym an hour prior. I felt great! I'm not even sore today in my back! I have always been quite fit, but I have a pretty good-sized (and well-earned!) beer belly left over from hs/college. Losing 15 or so pounds is making a big difference! Now, if only I can start losing the double Ds...

Now, he said he needs a Master CD to make copies. Is that like the brand? Aren't they all the same?-- my boss

[PinkPony]

I want to try atkins but the only thing I really eat is pasta and rice. I LOVE pasta! I guess I'll have to grin and bear it if I want to fit in my breeches again.

[Magnolia]

I like big butts....

So my boyfriend took a short video of me riding this weekend. I was all proud of me from waist up. Then he got the cantering away butt shot. You know the one. The butt wider than the horse. Doh.

So, where I'm at is a Size Large top and size XXL bottom. My dieting does nothing beyond reduce my waist and boobs. Exercise builds muscle under my leg fat and burns fat from mu mid section. I feel cursed, but at least my bottom heavy should help me stay on the horse.

Any thoughts on exercises or diets to help my bottom half catch up to my top half so I don't have any more, MGMBIH moments?

The witchy witch witch of south central NC.

[Amy]

I too got on Atkins again because (horse related) I needed to loose some weight and get fit for the horses that will be ridden this spring. I have a 3yo going to the trainer on Sunday for 2 weeks and when he comes back GREEN I need to be able to stick with him.

I count net carbs not total. From the beginning I did not worry about amount of veggies. I eat WAY more than was allowed for the first 2 weeks. So- deduct fiber and I was still at about 20 g per day.

Now I have 1/2 lc high fiber bagel for breakfast (7g - 6 g fiber= 1 g net), a piece of grilled meat and a salad from Wendy's (Spring mix with ranch and almonds- remove the tomatoes/cukes/onion), snack sf jello and whip cream, dinner grilled lean meat (usually chicken or pork- hate fish!) and maybe 3 c of cooked veggies (usually squash, onions and mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli...)

I make a sf custard that is pretty good that I have sometimes for snacks. I also buy some sf cheesecakes and sf chocolates (ashers are the best- but don't eat too much!). If anyone LOVES cornbread I have a TOO DIE FOR RECIPE! As well as a lc flatbread for pizza or just plain eating- both quick and easy. You can pt me. I was a baker so it is very important to me that 'fake' has to be GREAT... otherwise I don't want it.

Plenty of folks on atkins eat pintos or blackbeans- but once they are in the maintaning stage for life. I still want to shed more weight so I won't be doing that yet.

Everybody is different- this 'diet' works for me because I don't feel deprived so no need to binge. If you can loose weight on whatever plan then good for you!

Edited to add... Magnolia I started working out now at a Curves like place- this has helped me tighten up a lot!

[This message was edited by Amy on Feb. 09, 2004 at 10:59 AM.]

[oskaar]

Magnolia--

Have you tried spinning? It's great for getting into riding shape, but it really streamlines your lower body too. I have a friend at home who is built the same way, and she looks awesome! She also does lots of yoga and stretching.

Oh, and I'm going to email you again...

[AWIP]

Please send me the pizza crust recipe ... Pizza is what I really miss.

Ways to get through on the dessert front:
- Dr. Oetker's light chocolate mousse Its actually low carb & always has been. I make it with whipping cream, super yummy.
- Light strawberry jello with whipped cream for a good strawberry mousse. (or whatever flavor)
- Chapman's Sugar free Ice Cream The carb count is lower than most of the new sugar free icecreams popping up & I can't taste a difference. The Dutch Chocolate & Neapolatin are great.

Welcome to the first day I've been able to function without reactine & sudafed in at least a year. The reduced allergies are going to make life at the barn much easier.

[Heineken]

Ok, started today...tell me about the caffeine thing...do I REALLY have to give up my coffee??? And what are some other snack ideas???

[Amy]

Heineken~ I gave up the diet cokes because I needed to drink more water and I find if I drink them I may put on a little water weight- but plenty of folks don't give up the caffeine and still loose. You are suppose to drink an extra 8 oz of water for every 8 oz of caffeine drink I think. As for snacks I usually have sf jello with whip cream- but have in the past eaten pork rinds, celery with dip, pickles, pickeled okra, thin sliced deli meat, nuts, jerky, cheese...

Work in progress- I'll post it here in case anyone else wants it... not mine, came from another person but it is good!

8 oz cream cheese at room temp
4 lrg eggs at room temp
1/2 c almond flour (bobs red mills-Walmart)
1/4 c grated parmesan
1 tsp minced garlic (fresh)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 c atkins bake mix
1 tsp salt
Mix all with blender until well mixed. Then add _by hand) 1 c shredded italian cheeses (I use prepackaged shredded). ***line bottom of 11x17 pan with parchement paper- you must do this to help you spread it and for removal. It is sticky so hard to spread- try to get it even. Sprinkle italian seasoning on top and bake in 350F oven for 20-30 min or until brown. SMELLS AWESOME! After it is done, add toppings and broil until done.

[Amwrider]

Atkins is the only diet that works for me. I had lost 12 pounds in the first 3 weeks of January then got that flu bug that has been going around my workplace. Put on 5, but have gone back on Atkins again. I cheat from time to time and I cannot completely give up my Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke with lime.

I have to make myself fit for show season! It is rapidly approaching (and in Florida I have to get fit for beach season also!).

I thought I would post a couple of recipes for yummy deserts. This is my mother's cheesecake recipe:

Low Carb Cheesecake

(3) 8 oz packages Cream Cheese
(5) large eggs
1 cup sugar substitute
1 generous Tbsp vanilla
1 tsp Cream of Tartar

Separate the eggs. In a bowl, whip the whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks are formed. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese with vanilla, egg yolks and sugar substitute. When thoroughly mixed, gently fold in the egg whites.

Pour into greased springform cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool and remove from pan.

I shared this with another horse forum and another member made it and added a crust to the recipe. This is her crust:

amwrider - I made your cheesecake this past Sunday. WOW !!!!! Thanks. I did grind up almonds, added a dash of cinnamon, and a tad bit of brown sugar subsitute, all held together with melted butter for a crust. Won't be the last time that recipe graces my house. (p.s. I took it to a cookout that evening and not one soul knew it was good for them. lol)

Someone on that forum also suggested this desert:

Well, I didn't try the cheesecake recipe, the first one tasted so much like eggs (the atkins one) that I was afraid to try this one. So I took a half cup of heavy cream, whipped it till it was thickening, added an 8 oz block of softened cream cheese, and a little vanilla. Whipped it up, and ate it in a bowl with strawberries. Was AWESOME. I am amazed at how few carbs in heavy cream and in cream cheese, and such a great source of calcium. Heck, strawberries have only like 1.8 net grams per quarter cup.

*****************
He who angers you, controls you.

[evenstar]

Thanks for the recipe Amy. I've been missing pizza a little, though I admit I'm surprised I haven't missed pasta (which used to be a staple in my diet). Fortunately, I LOFF veggies. I, too, will fill my plate with lots of veggies and then for protein have baked chicken or fish or a small piece of beef (recalling the serving as a deck of cards in terms of portion size).

I never gave up my morning coffee even when I started the diet. Coffee is a definite food group in my life!

Now I do need to add in more of the exercise component. I am definitely not fit enough to ride my bigger moving mare for any extended period of time! It's not that I have to work to keep her moving, just that the dynamics of staying with her, posting or sitting, are so much more than with my other horse. I've thought about spinning class (we have one at work twice a week that's really cheap) but I think you already have to be somewhat fit before you try it - spinning is really intense!

[BybeeGirl]

For those interested in the South Beach Diet recipes etc, you can check out their forums from Prevention.com. Basically nice folks over there that will help you, chastise you, support you, whatever you need at the moment.
http://forums.prevention.com/forum.jsp?forum=40

My first show this year is scheduled for March, and my 2-ways could be a little looser. Thank goodness for TS 4-ways

http://www.geocities.com/kimrmayo

[dsedler]

I don't know if Donatos Pizza is a nationwide chain, but for those craving pizza, they now make a low carb pizza. It is basically pizza without the crust. Fairly small, but it fills me up. I think it is about 7". Here is the link to Donatos. http://www.donatos.com/

http://community.webshots.com/user/dsedler

[AWIP]

horse_poor:

Stumbled across a Low carb & PCOS link for you

http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisp...1b61bf528&f=46

[Everythingbutwings]

Grumble grumble grump. Fairweather:<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>no spuds / rice / bread / pasta / sugar thing, you really don't think twice about it <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's not about no carbs, it's ALL about NO Snacks! (Can you tell ETBW has been doctor directed to "low carb"?)

Suddenly, all the meats and fancy cheeses in my fridge hold no appeal. I am craving an apple. I need crackers for my cheese. Toast for my eggs!

Struggling along here, I made spaghetti squash lasagna and love it. Salad is great but I find myself feeling like a sneak 'cause I grabbed an extra cherry tomato and several slivers of bell pepper.

My blood pressure is high, so is my cholesterol and I am tons overweight so low carb it will be. I WANT to ride my horses, not just take care of them. I want to fit the few riding clothes I have and not give in and buy bigger (can't afford that anyway).


Whoever mentioned the headaches, I noticed that as well. Hmmmm)

Wingsie will be happier. Miss Aimee will ride him and I'll be up on Maddie, something I can't do now due to my weight.

Even the FREAKING horse cookies are high carb!

Friendship is Love without his wings
-Lord Byron

[JDufort]

how do you make spaghetti squash lasagna? sounds great.

I has spaghetti squash just last night.

Jeanne
eventing - what doesn't break you makes you strong!

[Amy]

ETBW... have you tried any of the LC alternatives? Not sure why you are dr prescribed (weight loss, diebetes etc) but you can eat a lot of things if you eat in moderation! And provided you like really whole grain taste!. My lc bagels are only 1 net carb per 1/2 and I think many of the lc breads are maybe 3 per slice. The italian flatbread I posted is yummy and I think 4 carbs per large slice. The cornbread I make is 3 carbs per slice... if you are not STRICT on 20 carbs (more like 30) and you count net carbs then many of these things are doable. I love Todds low carb pizza- the crust is yummy! The substitutes make the plan a whole lot more life long for me!

[maplebrook]

My hubby the guormet made pizza using thinly sliced eggplant in place of crust, and it was YUMMY! SLic the eggplant about1/4" thick. Bake it for a few minutes to get some of the moisture out. Then top with a little tomato sauce with pizza seasonings or fresh tomatoes and anyting else you want. We used onions, pepperoni, mushrooms, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Then throw it under the broiler for a minute or 2 to bake the top and crisp up the pepperonis.
I was amazed at how good this is!

I've lost about 15 pounds on Atkins for 5 weeks. I can fit into my breeches again that were way too tight a couple months ago. Plus, I'm amazed at how much energy I have. I think too that the extra protein I'm eating is helping me to build muscle where I need it. My legs have gotten stronger, said my trainer in a recent lesson. Cool!

[Everythingbutwings]

I'm working out of the groceries I have on hand already. I have tons of fresh veggies, a great variety of cheeses and plenty of chicken, beef, seafood and pork in the freezer.

Unfortunately, my pantry (as Robby Johnson will attest) is crammed with shelves full of lovely carbs.

I think, once the intitial phase passes, I'll do fine. I never realized just how much I'd want that ONE piece of toast at breakfast or the sweeter vegetables. Fruit is difficult, too. I am lusting for the grapefruit I have left in the office fridge!

Spaghetti squash lasagna is easy and delicious. I

n an oven proof dish, pour a little marinara sauce (either make your own or use jarred). Add a layer of cooked squash strands, a layer of mozzarella and parmesan, another layer of sauce, squash and cheeses. Bake in a preheated oven at 325 for about 30 minutes or until bubbling and the cheese is beginning to brown.

You can add a layer of saute'd onion, bell pepper and mushrooms if you want to go wild. Black olives go well, too.

I made the Chicken Cacciatori recipe from the Atkins site (also using spaghetti squash) and it was great. I changed the recipe from 2 T of rosemary to 1 and added a tablespoon of thyme, a bay leaf and some sliced mushrooms. I'm having the leftovers from that today for lunch.

I'm doing well with the meal part of the low carb diet. It's just in between when I want to grab a chip or cracker that's hard.

By the way, making a bunch of bacon and sausage patties in advance, then nuking them along with an egg at work is handling the breakfast part fairly well. I was used to having a bagel or instant oatmeal once I arrived at work but now I'm scrambling eggs in a coffee cup in the microwave. No OJ or toast thought.

Friendship is Love without his wings
-Lord Byron

[hp]

Random thoughts about Atkins/low carb diets
I think its wonderful that people can lose weight on this type of eating plan and eliminate refined sugars and processed foods (i.e. soda, cakes, candies, etc.) Maintaining a healthy weight is certainly better for your health and beneficial for riding.

What I find bothersome are my impressions from people on the low carb plan such as carbs are “bad”; they are the root of obesity, or I can’t eat carrots because they have too much sugar. Its just not that simple. Yes, obesity rates have climbed despite the low fat craze of the eighties, (as someone pointed out) but also happening at the same time was an increase in portion sizes, an overall increase in caloric intake, and decreasing physical activity levels. Its not clearly a direct cause and effect of carbohydrates in general.

The boom in developing new low carb products is interestingly similar to the boom of low /no fat products available in the eighties. Instead of helping with weight loss/ maintenance, it probably didn’t help because people thought they could eat as much as they wanted because it was “not fat.” There is some speculation among nutrition experts as to whether the same thing will happen with the low/no carb products.

I guess my point is that calories count no matter where they come from, so get the most nutrition (vitamins, minerals, and other good stuff for your well-being) from whatever the food source.