Adopting a Low Carb Diet (And Feeling Better For It)

I’ve personally found losing weight after having my third baby, Florence, 5 days before my 41st birthday, a rollercoaster.

Whilst I put on a healthy amount of weight during the pregnancy and probably the least amount compared to my others, sticking to a healthy diet overall (I was lucky that my biggest cravings were apples), the weight gain got me in the end, mostly in part to the long c-section recovery I experienced once Florence was born.

Whilst I’d naturally lost weight initially after her birth, as I was incredibly unwell at the end of my third trimester (something I’ve not shared in detail, publicly) so struggled to eat much, and alongside being less mobile due to surgery, meant when I was strong enough to eat, I indulged.

I needed to and there’s nothing wrong with that, whatever the circumstances, as we must as mothers, give ourselves fuel and grace and not feel pressured to lose weight after growing a baby however, I found it harder than ever to lose weight when I was eventually ready to focus on my eating habits when Florence became 9 months or so. I was also suffering mentally after a traumatic birth which makes focusing on health excruciatingly hard.

Having a baby, in my case, at 40 and becoming pregnant months after a devastating miscarriage made it harder for me to lose weight than when I was 28 and 31 respectively with my sons.

Following everything I usually did to lose weight historically didn’t work this time round because I’d found it so hard to stick to anything effective for any period of time. I found Intermittent fasting worked until it didn’t, and I became so moody that my husband, Peter, begged me to start eating breakfast again!

I’ve spent the last few years (Florence is now 3 1/2) yo-yoing back and forth, losing weight and putting it back on again, on repeat.

After several friends and relatives recently shared how adopting a low carb diet had helped them lose weight, improved their sleep and increased their energy, I decided to give it a whirl again. I’ve followed it before and over years at a time with great results but wasn’t sure I’d have the willpower to stick to it this time.

I’m so glad I did though, and the science is on my side to boot.

Research has proven that a low carb diet can improve reflux, something I’ve suffered with acutely since thyroid surgery, especially during my cycle when muscles soften and relax and my reflux ramps up.

I also discovered I suffer with esophageal spasms which can be pretty frightening as I would often wake at night, choking.

Interestingly, the sleep disorder, apnea, where you also wake up gasping for breath, can be helped greatly by following a keto or low carb diet too. I’ve been tested for apnea and don’t have it but if you do, or reflux, please speak to your doctor about starting a low carb diet.

I officially started a strict low carb diet 2 months ago with just 2 portions of nachos and enjoying most fruit bar bananas and grapes due to high sugar content, as the only diversions during that time, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in not only my reflux but in kickstarting my weight loss. Yes, initial and often rapid weightloss is due to losing water but it’s progressed.

I refuse to step on the scales and become numbers-obsessed so I just go on how my clothes feel and my photos look.

My mum thinks I’ve lost a stone (6 kilos) but I’m not so sure. I do know I have a way to go but I’m taking things slowly and day by day. The best part is I’ve not experienced any night choking during my cycle over the past couple of months, which is nothing short of miraculous. The research is right!

I’ve also felt more energised in the day, which comes hand in hand with weightloss, but following a low carb diet has meant less bloating and being able to digest food more easily in my case.

An added bonus has also been beating my personal best on the treadmill as I’ve tried to hit the gym almost daily bar when I’m on my period and need to rest for at least a week. Get me!

I’m so happy I took the plunge and I’m determined to stick with it!

I’ll keep updating you with my progress as I go along, but I have to say I’ve barely missed carbs. Mostly because my favourites: fruit have been integrated in my diet and I love me a Grenade bar and high protein dessert here and there like my low carb chocolate mousse. Most importantly, I feel full and content following this way of eating.

If you’re interested in giving it a go too, check out a day in my life of eating below:

Breakfast is usually eggs, hallumi and smoked salmon with veggies like radishes, celery, olives and gherkins or lean chicken sausages with marinated artichokes, grilled aubergines, and baby tomatoes and I do love thick, Greek yoghurt with berries.

My go-to for lunch is usually a Greek salad, tuna or goat’s cheese salad or a bun-less burger with melted cheese and coleslaw!

Dinner is often a salmon or chicken stir fry, grilled lamb chops with red cabbage, or a roast chicken with sweet strawberries and single cream and a few pieces of dark chocolate when cravings hit.

I’ve kept dinner light on the whole, and some days, have naturally fasted overnight, only eating at midday, as I’ve not felt hungry in the morning.

I’ve essentially relearnt to listen to my body and hunger cues, following my gut (literally).

The fact my blood sugar is balanced with all the protein and fat (I don’t go crazy on fat but I’m certainly not scared of it), means I feel fuller for longer, hence the energy and weightloss.

I really do recommend it!

Have you tried a low carb diet?