As some of you maybe aware I restarted induction. DH decided that he would join me!

He's driving me absolutely crazy! The reason, he was (and I guess still is) absolutely addicted to carbs! (Guys, please don't get offended on my next comment) I don't know if it is because guys willpower is not as good as ours, or his withdrawal symptoms are greater then mine, but I've never seen anyone complain so much in my life. I almost smacked him last night.

How can I help DH deal with his carb cravings?

Another thing is DH works in the landscaping and snow removal industry. He's outside all day and rarely gets access to a kitchen. So he needs something quick for lunch that he can eat on the go. Since he started induction he's complained to me about the lunches that I have made for him stating that they aren't very practical. He's use to eating at McPukes for lunch every other day or eating sandwiches and a bag of chips.

Last night I lost it, I headed out to the store at 10:30 pm (thankfully our local grocery store is open 24 hours).

I was able to find low carb flat breads a total of 10 net carbs. I decided to increase DH's carbs from the low induction level of 20 grams to 30 grams. The extra 10 grams is the flat bread. Is this ok?

Thanks,

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Anik

Stats
198/183/115
"My metabolism isn't low, it's just hibernating!"

Oh, Anik, I think you've made a wise move. Besides, men lose faster than women, even eating more carbs. If it will help him stay on plan, even if it slows him down a bit, it's better that he eat your good food that chips and white bread. Just be sure to check the ingredients on the flat bread. You don't want any trans fat or white flour, if at all possible. If you can find lc tortillas, they make good wraps that are easy to pack and eat.

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Nita

I love the lc tortillas made into a BLT or sub sandwich. I love bacon and when I eat it I don't feel so deprived. I have crappy willpower as well. I can convince myself to eat off plan pretty darn easily. So when I am getting back on during my induction I eat some pretty hearty-higher fat meals. After a week my appetite is down and my carb cravings gone (well as much as they will ever be "gone"). So flatbread or lc tortillas filled with tuna and cheese or anything with mayo and cheese helps me get through the rough patches.

If DH loves mickey d's and wants the "treat" of eating out then he could have the grilled chicken cobb salad though he would have to use his own dressing as most of their dressings are too high in carbs. That salad only has 11 grams of carbs but the regular dressing adds 9 more. These salads are too high in sodium to be an everyday thing but I like them on occassion. I don't know if your DH eats salads or not but it's a suggestion.

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Anik - tell him to go enjoy McPuk's....just do it without the bread. Tell him to order the double bacon, double cheese cheesburger and go for it... just without the bread. Fast food is simply a way of life...and managing it rather than running from it is a requirement.

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Started: 261
Currently: 182

Better yet, tell him to make his own lunches and own dinner.

Seriously.

I don't mean that in a nasty way. I mean that in a good way. If he really wants to follow a low carb WOE (or any other WOE, for that matter), then he's a big boy -- an adult -- and needs to be involved in his WOE. HE needs to read labels, HE needs to decide what carb count is good for his, HE needs to read a plan and choose HIS plan.

In other words, he needs to be accountable for HIS choices. That way, he can't gripe at you for his choices.

And, when he is successful for his choices, he will be proud of himself.

My two cents...

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April

The face of a child can say a lot -- especially the mouth part of the face.

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Yeah - I'm with April. ;-) I can remember a friend of mine pulling that one on me...forgot how awful it made me feel when she wasn't doing well.... like it was all MY fault. She is an adult, etc etc... ;-)

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Started: 261
Currently: 182

if your dh works outdoors in a highly physical job, he may well need more than 20 carbs a day because of all the activity. moving on to the next phase, once he has gotten over the sugar/carb withdrawl, may be a good idea.

and if you just started, it takes a few days for the cravings to subside. while i don't have an issue with adjusting a plan to work for you, the bread may be a bit early if you guys have just started, since you need to get away from cravings. for some people, bread starts off the chain.

the bottom line is that you both have to find a balance you can live with. i'd rather see folks doing "imperfect" low carb for life than atkin's perfection for a week and a half....

the fact that he's having cravings at all, though, pretty much tells me that he needs this change phsysiologically.

and if he whines about lunches you make for him, then get the man to decide what he wants for himself. go over the food lists and plan ahead. the trap you have to avoid is getting caught up in his process. specifically, don't let his being "on" or "off" low carb control what you do. even if he gets fussy and stops lc'ing, you need to keep on going. often, one person's success will bring family members around.

good luck 2 u!

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Thanks all for your suggestions.

I'll take your advices and let him make his own lunches and if he doesn?t like my dinners, well he can make his own. (means more leftovers for lunch!)

Goddess, I think your right with his "cravings" it may be all in his head. The only time I had cravings was the first two days, but I just kept busy.

I'll leave Dr. A's book in the bathroom and take out Uncle John's Bathroom reader out. Maybe DH will actually read it when he's in there.

Take care,

Anik

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Anik

Stats
198/183/115
"My metabolism isn't low, it's just hibernating!"

Anik, How's DH doing????? Do tell!!!!! I hope he can adjust!!!!!

Healthy Life makes a GOOD LC bread. I will make my DH chicken salad, egg salad or whatever on my bread once in awhile. He doesn't complain.

I agree, his being a guy, 10 extra carbs won't hurt his process.

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Hi Again Barb,

DH is doing a lot better. His cravings have gone, and he's actually adjusting very well. He's making his own lunch now. What I find funny is at dinner, he'll even tell me, "I have to have more veggies cuz, I didn't get enough at lunch!".

I was soo proud of him on Saturday. It was my niece's first birthday and my mother threw a huge party for her. Mom went out of her way, to make sure there was legal foods that DH and I could eat. But of course there was huge amounts of high carb foods.

I told myself that I wasn't going to watch DH like a hawlk if he falls off the waggon, he could get right back up there the next day.

Well, by the end of the night, my father who's a real joker started to tease DH about being on a diet, and even got a handfull of cake to try to stuff it in DH's face! It was really funny to see. (DH didn't even open his mouth). DH did yell out, "no I don't want to have to go through the carb withdrawls again!"

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Anik

Stats
198/183/115
"My metabolism isn't low, it's just hibernating!"

That is FANTASTIC!!!!!!! I'm so proud of YOU AND your DH!!!!!! Keep up the good work. And I know what willpower and dedication that took!!!!!! Hooray for you BOTH!!!!!

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That's great, Anik!

I use those LC wrap breads (I only get half a sandwich), but my DH won't eat them because he said that even if I make his lunch in the morning that the bread is soggy by lunchtime. He will eat sandwiches with Sarah Lee's light bread, which has a ton of fiber, is low in calories, and is only 6.5 net carbs per slice.

Good going on getting him to make his own lunch. My DH just skips lunch altogether if I don't make it for him. I've spoiled him dreadfully for 6 years, and I'm really paying for it now

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Katie
275/238/150
Restarted 01/08/2007
37 pounds lost!
http://justanotherfatgirl.blogspot.com

Great going, Anik, and your DH. My DH will do his own lunch when he's on his own, but we have the good fortune of being able to go home every day, so I end up cooking something, or grabbing leftovers. In a pinch, DH can throw together something, even if it's only some pastrami and cheese and a few pickles. At least he doesn't starve. I don't make a special effort anymore to make sure he has something when I am out of town for a few days. Used to, but not anymore. I figure a man in his mid-50s should be able to make a few meals on his own. If he can't, he knows where the restaurants are!

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Nita

Actually from what was send in this thread, and what co-workers and family have stated, I thought it was a good idea to let DH make his own lunches.

If DH doesn't eat lunch cuz he was too lazy to make his own, then that's not my fault!

BTW DH lost 13 pounds on induction!

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Anik

Stats
198/183/115
"My metabolism isn't low, it's just hibernating!"

such good news! it sounds like backing off and letting dh be responsible for himself was just the ticket. congrats to you both on you progress!

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