Going Low Carb Revisited

Back in February I posted about beginning a low-carb diet to quickly shed some weight and get back to my racing shape. Unfortunately that effort was unsuccessful due to several lifestyle interruptions and what in retrospect was a poorly designed program. In fact, I returned from my Malaysian holiday the heaviest weight of my life. It was time to take serious action.

Almost 4 weeks ago I began another low-carb diet, this time properly designed by a dietitian friend. Out went all the bread, pasta, rice, biscuits, and most simple sugars. All I could eat were 3 pieces of fruit per day, as much undressed salad or steamed vegetables, 100grams of lean protein and some dietary bars, or shakes. I did keep coffee and the occasional beer and wine on my list, because life is too short to miss out on some things.

The first few days were hellish. My body screamed at me and I almost gave up within 3 days. Then it started to get easier. By the end of week one a small weight loss was evident and I was feeling pretty good. I was encouraged to see out week two as thats when the results start to really show. Sure enough, I had shed a few kilos by then.

Now I have settled in to this diet and it is getting much easier to maintain. I have had one or two meals in four weeks that have broken the rules (I go to a lot of business lunches) and last weekend I relented and ate some carb meals while entertaining friends. As a cyclist and gym member I have decided to put a little more protein than the recommended 100 grams into the mix for muscle maintenance. But come Monday morning it was back into the carb-free routine.

The results have been great. I am now 4.5kg (9.9 pounds) less than the day I returned from Malaysia and feel really good. I don't feel like I am starving but also not carb-heavy. I experience less highs and lows throughout the day. Best of all, I returned to bike racing last weekend and won. A month ago I doubt that would have happened.

I will most likely maintain this diet for a few more weeks and get closer to a real lean racing weight before moderating the approach. I will keep you posted.