What do I need in my fridge today to start Low Carb living?

I am already getting feedback asking "What do I need in my fridge today to start a successful Low Carb lifestyle and start losing weight today!?"

Upon waking up, I wander to the kitchen to let out our dog and blend up my Pure Protein Shake with 16-20 oz water (milk adds carbs) and a few ice cubes. The shake is 25 g protein and 3 net carbs. Great way to start the day.

This was the ONE major change I did starting in July,  about a month prior to going ALL IN on the low carb. I was not a regular breakfast eater. Through reading and research I determined after the age of 35 years of age,  we are losing lean muscle mass at an alarming rate. Eating protein and lifting weights are they best way to combat that statistic and make you look less doughy.

According to my blender that counts the numbers of times it is used, I have now blended 500+ shakes. : )

I continue the day with my Starbucks habit, but made a major adjustment.

I have a venti Pike (or Bold depending on the necessity of coffee that AM), I ask for Heavy Whipping Cream, (not heavy "whip cream" and is thicker and less carbs than half and half) then add 3 splenda, stirred and double cupped. Spenda = 1carb per packet, so my whole coffee AM experience is 3 net carb. This combo also dropped my daily drive thru at "Fivebucks" to $2.48.
Cha - ching :) We did buy a Keurig for home and I can make this blend easily with a Keurig cup, my heavy whipping cream and splenda packets.

For lunch, I have the opportunity to eat at work with a school lunch line situation. It is cost effective, there is really only a McD's (NO!) or Subway (salad works if I miss lunch, but costs $7) as options near my work place. I do a good job of getting 2 kids, a lunch box, 2 backpacks, my work stuff and the 3 of us out the door, into the car, and across town and to school. I can not seem to add the lunch packing to my schedule or priority, so LET IT GO, and buy tray lunch for $3.

Now, we have pretty good options for school lunch.

Talapia, Pork Loin, Hamburger stations, Chicken Breasts, Chickens, Tuna or Egg salad, but there is a SALAD BAR 4 days a week (loaded with veggies and all the fixings) and on Wednesdays, a Deli Bar.

Perfect Scenario.

I get a tray, check out the main course, usually skip it, and build a salad.

Lettuce, broccoli, hard boiled egg, celery or carrots, hummus, bacon, onion... pile it on. Net Carbs keep all the veggie options of the salad low, so add whatever you really like. I prefer ranch dressing and usually add sunflower seeds to top it off.

YUM.

Sometimes they have walking taco salad theme, bbq chicken themed, wedge lettuce with blue cheese themed, spinach salad with strawberries and hot bacon dressing. They really do a great salad bar option!

On Wednesdays, it is Deli Bar. I ask for 2-3 slices of salami, or turkey or whatever, and 2-3 slices of munster cheese and make rolls. (no bread)

If I need a snack around mid afternoon, I found having a bag of roasted almonds in my desk drawer to be very helpful. The best part about low carb is that the protein and the fat sustain you and the hunger and cravings practically disappear. This is what makes staying on plan so "easy".

When I do occasionally "cheat", I am far enough into this that I can tell, almost within 2-3 hours, I am craving more white stuff, and try to nip it by having nuts, or a mozzarella cheese stick, or even just acknowledge that I am burning through the carb, having a low blood sugar and have to wait until the next meal, then get back "on plan". THIS IS A HUGE PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGH. : )

Farther into the plan, I've found Skinny Pop popcorn. Now, according to Paleo thinking, corn is a grain. Popcorn is a carb, but the skinny pop mini bag portions are about 100 calories and only about 10 net carbs, so in a pinch and if I am famished, I enjoy those and they fill me up. I would not suggest this at first or on PHASE I.

For dinner, My hubs has been very supportive of making sure I have something to eat and is the grill master. My kids are also in a pool until late in the evening, so he tends to prep the dinner regimen at home so we are ready when we hit the door.

This is where we have Steak (!), Porkchops, Hamburgers, Tilapia, Salmon, Chicken as the main protein focus.

The mixed veggies come in a huge pack from Sam's and then inside are individual family serve packs that just need heated in the microwave for 5 minutes. The usual peas, carrots, beans and corn are a staple. (Again Paleo would say the corns, peas and carrots have a higher carb/ sugar count.) I add butter to mine and YUM. Broccoli is the same with the little packets inside the big bag. There is a great medley blend that have yellow carrots and everything is sliced on an angle and "fancy". I buy, cut, and freeze squash and zucchini in freezer ziplock baggies to have other options. An Asian blend with peppers, mini corns and water chestnuts is also a good staple and can make for an easy stir fry or left over magic making.

I have worked on a few Crock Pot recipes this winter to really make things easier. See the TAB Recipes. Beef and Broccoli, Beef & Carrot with Herbs de Provence, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Beef Stew, Fajita Chicken (leftovers become Chicken Fajaita Soup...yum), Pork Bbq, Chili Con Carne. YUM.

In the pantry, I have the bag of roasted almonds for munching. I have celery in the fridge which I use as a "chip". Sometimes with Salsa, Brie, or Hummus. Celery is basically "free" carbs, the chips are not, so I use celery. I like to have a Summer Sausage in the fridge. It too can be a few slices for a snack, used as a "chip" for the brie or hummus, or add a cheese slice and call it a day.

I like to keep the pre prepped chicken salad on hand for a fast feeding option. I get it in a container at Sam's or make my homemade Vail Chicken Salad recipe after we have the Sam's roasted chicken for dinner. I created a 3 cheese dip that is a good grab and go with the celery or sausage. The Asian Slaw was a staple last summer.

Forever on the hunt for my Half and Half Diet Snapple Tea and pick up 4 half gallons at a time because it is hard to find. I push water all day, so this is my other alternative.

I added the Grocery List as it's own easy access page. I will also update the recipe page, so check back.

I hope you are now motivated and feel able to jump into low carb losing and living with both feet!