Snacks advice

[Gaz]

Has anybody got any advice for some quick and easy snacks? I come home from work and everything I see in the low carb books and websites seem to take a while to prepare or cook. Are there any quick any easy snacks that I could whip up in a couple of minutes? I love cheese put the love affair could soon be on the wain if I keep up my abuse of it.

[Bonnie]

Check out thread started by Bleuugirl entitled "Late Night Snacks"...under Daily Low Carber...

:) Bonnie

[fiona]

Hi again Gaz,

Nuts are my favourite crunchy nibble. U can get macedemia at larger branches of Sainsburys in the baking section.

Keep 2-3 boiled eggs always ready in your fridge. Plan ahead for those weak and vulnerable moments.

Beware with cheese. It was partly responsible for my plateau. Cheese is not carb-free. Nor are eggs.

Celery is a big favorite with me now. Crunchy crisp celery with Hellman's full fat mayonnaise. I never used to eat celery pre-Atkins.

There's more but that's something to keep you going.
Take care. Good luck.

[Karen]

You guys have got pork scratchings over there and fantastic, nitrate free bacon. Keep a pound of it already cooked in the fridge and heat it briefly in the microwave or in the oven. A lot of people eat it cold.

Cold cuts - but watch the carb counts - cucumber slices, chicken wings!

Karen

[Andy Davies]

At the risk of being drummed out for heresy, have you tried chocolate? I'm not sure if I'm unique in this, but I find that eating a bar of chocolate (up to about 200g!) does not affect my weight-loss on a low-carb diet. This is not the first time I've admitted it here. But it has to be only chocolate. The thick, chunky Cadbury's is best. No-one has given me any feedback yet as to whether it works for them, or makes them put on weight. But it could be worth a little experiment!

[tamarian]

Andy, is this chocolate with sugar? Any idea how much carbs are in it?

I do find that "big guys" can handle 100+ grams of carb a day while still in ketosis, but 200g with sugar, is a bit more than what I have experienced.

Wa'il

[Andy Davies]

Wa'il. Yes, sugar contained. I'll check on carbs next time I go out. The only half-satisfactory explanation I have seen is that chocolate is low on the glycaemic index

[fiona]

:mad: Hi Andy. Hi Everyone.

Personally I am very - VERY VERY - wary of choclate. There are far too many promotions of chocolate {not to mention the zillion and one cookery programmes on TV} in UK, which can lead you astray - perhaps I should speak for myself … and say lead me astray. A mini mini bar of Kit-Kat contains 61g of carbs - mostly sugar. That's more than 3 (yes THREE) days allowance if u r on Induction :p .

There are very few (if any at all) choclate products that are safe for the carb-addict. I can stay off for months and then one little taste and I've opened a huge can of worms. :D

It’s all too tempting though when I see what used to be my favourite choc-snack on a special offer at one hundreth of the normal price and all the trolleys in front of me at the checkpoint are stacked with ten packs of them – I’m not the only one who noticed the bargain! It’s the psychological blackmail that the multi-billion pound Food Industry practices. I now understand it but still fall prey to it, if I relax my attitude and am not wary – VERY very wary.

Let’s face facts folks… my name is Fiona and I am a recovering carb-addict. I am discerning enough to know that when supermarkets give those fantastic prices on choclate they are hoping to keep me a carb-addict … and possibly the heatwave is causing the choclate to melt! ;) …

Take care

[Mrs. Y]

...I'm **guilty** :eek: as charged. I have a little bit of very good chocolate every weekend, which is my splurge time. Not on Atkins, doing the Zone.

Luckily I don't have any major food addictions and it isn't a trigger for me.

It's certainly not for everyone, but I do look forward to the end of the week, I must say.

That's also when I work out more, as well, so I think it probably counteracts whatever extra ounces are generated by this aberrant behaviour!

My healthier snacks include:

A) spicy green olives (3)
OR
cheese (1 oz)
(goat milk feta; havarti; cheddar)

B) 3 or 4 raw almonds/cashews/pistachios
(roasted w/o oil are OK but
raw has more nutritional value)

C) 2 tblsp. tinned pineapple
or other low glycemic fruit

(the above three go together nicely as a protein/fat/carb combo required by the Zone and usually fill me up)

D) hummus and pappadum and a small glass of red wine

E) red wine and cheese = a perfect Zone snack (!)

F) hardboiled egg w/ a bite of cheese or mayo
and/or a slice of turkey bacon

This is why I love the Zone, because it's SO YUMMY...

179/161/150 (SINCE MARCH/01)

[fiona]

Hi Mrs Yogi

Hope u r fully recovered from that virus u spoke about in your Journal. Sounded absolutely terrible.

We are human beings and a little treat can be therapeutic. Goals of perfection that are difficult to maintain only exacerbate the problem and pull one down further.

I love pappadums - I can never stop at one, Therefore for me it is best not to start at all.

You are right it is not for everyone. And perhaps it is not even that important which diet I choose. What is important is my commitment to it once I have chosen.

Take care.

[Andy Davies]

Hi Fiona,

Yes, I believe you are right about the addictive nature of chocolate. This has always seemed to me its greatest danger. In that respect, it is essentially no different from any other carbohydrate: anything containing starch or sugar can be addictive. Look, for example at the marketing strategy of "Pringles", which actively flaunt the fact with their slogan "We bet you can't eat just one". However, the fascination I have with chocolate specifically is that it bucks the theoretical trend. Let me explain. For the amount of carbohydrate in a 200g bar of chocolate, taken in any other form, I would be in trouble. For some reason, it has no effect whatsoever on my weight-loss programme. One week I did the experiment of eating a 200g bar of chocolate every day. No effect. And this was not instead of some other meal, but as well as all my usual meals. However, something definitely was happening, because I have a nose that glows red like Rudolph the reindeer when I eat carbohydrates. After 2 or 3 days, my nose started going red. I felt no other ill-effects, and there was no interruption to my weight-loss. Weird. Luckily for me, I felt no particular attachment to the chocolate, so I was not addicted, and had no trouble cutting out the chocolate at the end of the experiment. But I can quite see how you have built up a mistrust for chocolate. I am not in any way trying to contradict your assertions, especially as they have the feel of being based on experience. All I am saying is there is an anomaly here, which I do not understand.

Regards.

[Andy Davies]

Wa'il,

57.1g of carbohydrate per 100g of chocolate.

[fiona]

Andy which brand of chocolate r u talking about that has only 57.1g carb/100g?

My mni bar of kit-kat is 61g carb.

{"However, something definitely was happening, because I have a nose that glows red like Rudolph the reindeer when I eat carbohydrates. "} LOL. Count yourself lucky particularly if u can eat it without it affecting your weight loss. How much have you lost so far?

Take care.

[Mrs. Y]

Thanks Fiona, I am all better now! It was a rough one, though, wouldn't wish it on anyone...

Sorry about your pappadums, everyone has different triggers it seems.

[fiona]

I'm glad to hear it. :D My mother and sister (who live in your part of the world) were having a pretty rough time recently. When I stumbled over your journal I took a vested interest in everything you (and everyone else) said. I sent quite a few tips to my mum, who is better but has still not completely got over it.

{Sorry about your pappadums, everyone has different triggers it seems.}
Well at least now I am more aware of what my triggers are. I plan to treat myself (once a year or something like that) AFTER I reach my goal weight. ;) I've got some saffron rice in the freezer (left-overs :( from a meal I cooked for some visitors) waiting patiently. I've been very good about it and not gone near it. :D

Take care

[Andy Davies]

Fiona,

Cadbury's Dairy Milk (Big chunky bar!).

I lose 3 stone in 3 months, then have a rest, then lose another 3 stone. (For our North American readers, one stone = 14 lbs). My best continuous run was in 1996, when I lost 5.5 stone (77lbs) in 6 months.

Regards.

[fiona]

A stone a month. Wow! I am impressed. Does it stay off? Grrrrrreat work. :D

I know Cadburys Milk Chocolate. Doesn't appeal - no crunch. Crunch factor plays a big part in my psyche. LOL :)
Take care

[Andy Davies]

Whether it stays off depends on what you eat afterwards. Nowadays I tend to go onto a plateau for a few months, then back onto weight-loss mode for 3 months. I am currently about 70lb less than I was this time last year, but as with many LC diets, you are not just committed for the short duration of the immediate weight-loss programme. One way or another, we are "stuck" with a LC WOE and WOL ad infinitum.

[jomil]

Andy glad to see you here!

Don't you think that your weight loss extremes can be very unhealthy in the long run?

Check out my comments on the thread ' LC Comparison'
and see what you have to say

Regards
Joe

[Andy Davies]

Hi Joe,

No I don't. And I do not think they are extreme, either. I have answered on the other thread you mention. Regards.

[Gaz]

Thanks everybody for the snack tips. Fell off the wagon over the last couple of days but I'm climbing back on and hope to start making progress again.
If there are any more tips I would like to hear them.
I get the feeling that there are a lot of people that would like to post tips/advice but maybe are to shy or feel intimidated by the more experienced people. Well don't, get typing, everybody's experience and advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks again.

[Karen]

Hi Gaz,

You're not alone!

I don't know how you use the Forum, but if you click on the view new posts link that is on the top right hand side of this page http://forum.lowcarber.org/ a whole world of tips, hints and advice will open to you. Repeat on a daily basis!

Karen

[Ken]

Originally posted by Karen
You guys have got pork scratchings over there

Karen

Although I'm still on Atkins Induction I've been looking at snacks for next week....... ;) The only Pork Scratching I can find (@ Tesco, Asda and Budgens) contain Dextrose which I thought was a NO NO!!. Am I correct saying this and if so does anyone know where u can get 'plain' Scratchings in U.K.:confused:

Thanks in advance...

[Andy Davies]

Hi Ken,

My local Butcher sells Pork Scratchings, for 50p per bag. I don't know about additives, though, because they are sold in paper bags without any ingredients or nutritional information shown. Next time I go past his shop, I'll stick my head in the door and ask!

[Ken]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't thought of trying the butchers, When I've got time I'll pop into my local one and ask there...

Am I correct about Dextrose??

[Gaz]

I don't know how you use the Forum, but if you click on the view new posts link that is on the top right hand side of this page http://forum.lowcarber.org/ a whole world of tips, hints and advice will open to you. Repeat on a daily basis!

Thanks for the tip Karen I didn't see the link at first as it's quite small but have found it now. Thanks.

[fiona]

Ken: The only Pork Scratching I can find (@ Tesco, Asda and Budgens) contain Dextrose which I thought was a NO NO!!.

Yes I believe u r right. Dextrose adds to the carb content. I'll see what I can find about Pork Scratchings but if you succeed before me do share.
Take care

[Andy Davies]

Thanks Fiona, I wasn't sure enough to reply myself.

[Andy Davies]

Ken,

I visited my local butcher today and bought a bag of pork scratchings. They prepare them themselves, by rolling them in salt and cooking them. The woman on the counter did not know for sure about preservatives, but thought salt was the only thing they used. As there was a shop-full of people, I did take up her offer to go into the back and find out more, but will another time. Hope what I've discovered so far is helpful.

[Andy Davies]

That should, of course, have read "did not take"!

[Mrs. Y]

mmm. Saffron is my favourite spice at the moment. I'm going to go home right now and put it on some prawns and butter...

Have you got that rice frozen in a block of ice ? That's what you're supposed to do with a maxed-out credit card. ;)

[Ken]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for taking the trouble to find out about the pork scratchings at your local butchers. I havn't had time to visit mine yet (I hope to next week as I'm off of work then).

[Ken]

Hi Andy,

I called into my local butchers yesterday, NO JOY :( . They said that they did use to make their own scratchings but they didn't sell, so they now use the pork fat in their sausages. Suggested that I try the various butchers in Watford Market. I won't be able to get there just yet as we are off to Lanzarote on Thursday (Looking forward to the sun, but I'm worried about the diet :eek: :eek: :eek: )

Speak soon

Ken

[fiona]

Hi Ken

It is only your own commitment to the diet that counts. If you really want to stick to it you will find ways and means. Ask for salad instead of the usual chips/potatoes that go with most meals.

Leave out the crusts (bread crumbs). Though it is much harder when temptation is all around and u r in holiday mode.

Take some nuts with you for the journey.

Enjoy.
Take care.

[fiona]

Mrs Yogi: Now that's what I call willpower

Well Mrs Yogi I have to disagree with you there. ;) I have just realised that I have had SIX bars of chocolate in my fridge for more than two weeks - so far untouched. NOW THAT is what I call willpower :D

How r u doing?
Take care

[Andy Davies]

Hi Ken,

Fiona beat me to it this time! I was going to say that although I do not know what sort of food will be available where you are going, if you can get hold of any cold meats, fish, seafood or poultry, these will do fine. Back in the UK, I sometimes enjoy a piece of cheese and a tomato. English Cheddar is supposed to have no carbs, but cheddar from other countries does have, so you may have to watch the carb count abroad. Also, tomato has some carb content, but low.

[fiona]

Andy

I am not so sure about English Cheddar's carb content. U r right it does say 1g or <(less than) 1g on the packet. When I first started this diet I thought ... that's great I can just live on cheese and lettuce. My three week pateau was finally shifted when I cut down drastically on the cheese. Now I buy 1kg (cheaper to buy a bigger piece) make it last for 2 weeks then go a week or two without cheese altogether.

Ken/Margaret: u could also get a small emergency supply of local High Protein tinned stuff to take care of temptations before you go out. My suitcase is usually bursting at the seams or I'd take a wee supply from here.
Take care

[Andy Davies]

Thanks Fiona, this confirms what I had for some time been thinking about cheese myself. But as I had not systematically checked it out, I felt uncertain about stating. Another such food item is double cream, which according to Mackarness, you can use fairly liberally, although Donaldson warns against it. My own casual findings are that double cream should be treated with some caution.

[fiona]

I agree with you. Didn't mention it in my post 'cos I was trying to stick to the main topic {worry a little about all my ramblings on topics related in my mind but when I look at the message again seem to be not quite relevant ! :D}.

Yes double cream is another higher carb than it appears. I usually find weeks when I have my favourite strawberry/double cream dessert are weeks that my weight is static.

Umm just had a thought ... wonder if it is 'cos it is dairy?

Now before LC I was allergic to milk and dairy products - lactose intolerance. I was sooo delighted that I could eat cheese and cream without having to put my running shoes on ;)
that I over-compensated. Still haven't quite got the balance right.
... rambling off-topic again - stop fiona !

Bet u when I look at this post later I'll have a few words to say to myself about it LOL

[Andy Davies]

Fiona,

Donaldson was a Doctor who not only treated obesity, but also allergies. He believed that over 60 common complaints were allergic responses to peptides passed down to succeeding generations genetically, as "shock tissue". These could manifest themselves in any one of 5 major body systems. He treated them all with the same thing - 9 vaccinations of milk (yes, milk) injected into different parts of the body in 3 sets of 3 injections. The reasoning for this was that the peptides in milk (which clearly upset Fiona's metabolism) raise up and overcome all other peptides in the body, in just the same way as a vaccination of dead cells from a disease overcome the disease itself. donaldson's patients were successfully treated by this method for 3-year periods at a time, until they needed the next set of milk vaccinations, and symptoms started reappearing again. I will finish my re-draft of his diet this weekend.

[fiona]

Fascinating. Thanks - not quite sure what to make of it :confused:
Take care

[Andy Davies]

If you had been one of Donaldson's patients, you would have been prevented from consuming anything containing milk, cream or dairy products. Additionally, you would have been vaccinated with 9 injections of milk peptides. This, Donaldson would have anticipated, would have cured your asthma and any of 59 other common allergic reactions. This type of treatment proved very effective, and when Donaldson's patients moved interstate and couldn't get back every 3 years for the next course of vaccinations, he sent details to their new GP, who then kept the treatment going. Donaldson was way ahead of his time. I have heard this year of some current research work in Scandinavia in which they have reached the conclusion that the cause of various complaints is...peptides. Sadly, Donaldson died in 1964, and so did not live to see his results indepently confirmed in this way.

[fiona]

I suppose we all have to go one day. Hopefully someone will pick up and carry on.

I know Germany is far ahead of UK on this. I have a good friend there and his knowledge and understanding (in layman's terms) about allergies is always stimulating. Far more help available there.

On a positive note, my asthma is much better. I haven't taken any Ventolin or Becotide for about a month now. Did get wheezy once but otherwise it's been pretty good especially with all the exercise I'm putting in.
Take care.

[Joyce Pari]

Are pork scratchings the same as pork rinds?

Thanks-Joyce

[bluugirl]

yes, i do think so. (i don't eat them)

[Joyce Pari]

Thanks for answering,but if you are not certain I would rather you let someone answer who is.In the past you have made vague attempts at answering and it's just not very helpful-but I do appreciate your consideration-don't take it personal O.K?

Joyce:D

[bluugirl]

well joyce, thanks for ur honesty, and don't worry, rarely do i take things personally. i am sure someone else will answer ur question.

[fiona]

U were right Bluu. I Love your attitude. So positive and bubbly.

Joyce: I wasn't sure myself as I don't eat pork often. But decided to find out. This is part of Karen's response to a similar query raised by another member elsewhere in the Forum.

Karen: . Pork rinds are also called pork scratchings. It is the skin which is dried and fried into crackling crispness.

Karen is our chief resident Chef and Senior Moderator ... and my Guru LOL.

Take care.

[Ken]

Hi Andy...

Just a quickie to let you know that I'm back from my hol's (browner but not quite as slim :( ).

I've found a supply of Scratchings at one of the butchers at Watford Market. :)

Sorry to hear you can't make Fiona's little get together, maybe next time..

[Andy Davies]

Welcome back, Ken.

Now is the time to get back into good habits, and lose the recent gains, before they take hold. A week or two of strict diet, perhaps...?

[Ken]

Andy,

I started back on 'Atkins Induction' at the weekend (only for one week) to kick start the diet again. Things seem to be getting back on track (7lbs lost since Saturday). Thanks for the support.

[Andy Davies]

Hi Ken,

Great news!

Glad you finally found the scratchings, too.

Yes, a pity about the get-together, but another chance will come along in time.

Nothing more to say, except "keep up the good work" (with the diet, that is of course).

Best wishes.