I need help with food choices! Please! :)

[Mrs. Charming]

Ok friends, I need some help here. I'm a carb addict. Love them. Dearly. I have PCOS and we've been trying to concieve for a year and a half, and one thing that can help that is a low carb diet because of its link to insulin resistance. So, I need to start eating less carbs, but I'm running into big probs with Atkins/South Beach for a few reasons:
I don't eat fish/seafood (bleccch), I'm midly lactose intolerant (so no creamy sauces), I can't have soy (PCOS), and artificial sweeteners give me headaches that last for what feels like eternity. Oh, and eggs, not a fan of eggs. Threw them up in elementary school, and I puke a little bit just thinking about them.

I like meat, fruits, basic veggies like tomatoes, green beans, peas, salads, etc. Spicy foods are always good, too! Ethnic foods, you betcha!

I lost weight in the Spring by limiting my quantities, and removing unnecessary carbs from my diet, i.e. eating a burger open faced, no french fries, etc. I just can't seem to get rid of my lo-mein.

I know I could get out and walk a little more, I know I should... darn motivation!

So, can someone help me with ideas for low-carb foods? I just can't seem to think outside of the box as far as meals and snacks that would appeal to my, and DH. (He could lose a little weight, too)

I know this is a lot to ask and I'm sure I sound like the pickiest person EVER! I'm sorry!
Thank you for your help!

 

[FireDancer]

OK, the first thing most people will tell you here is that diets don't work. Lifestyle changes do. It isn't easy, I will grant you that, but a lifestyle change is more permanent than a diet. I would also look at food differently. Remember that food isn't your friend, it is fuel. It is there to meet a specific need which is to sustain life. I believe the mental aspect of the lifestyle change is easily as important as the physical side.

While there are good aspects of Atkins and South Beach I don't think either are really a catch all. Cutting carbs is important, but choosing better carbs is also important. I am all for limiting sugar as I think that is a huge source of empty calories but I also think most artificial sweeteners are worse for you. As much as eating pads of butter is bad for you, a little is better than margarine.

There is a lot of good info here on the boards but to cut to the chase and answer your question about some specific ideas:

Lentils and rice or black beans and rice. Heck lentils, black beans and rice can work too. Of course rice is a carb but using brown rice and using it sparingly when compared to the beans or lentils will limit them.

If you like veggies there are some out there that you might not have heard of but are very good. Celery root (aka celeriac) is great. It has the consistency of potatoes without all the starch. Fennel, parsnips, and artichoke hearts are all good.

Lean beef is always good but Bison is even better. It is leaner but just as tasty and can be used to make burgers or meat loaf.

Cous Cous, while a carb, can be used as a base for many good and nutritious dishes. You can use some low sodium broth, cous cous, diced tomatoes, cucumbers (remove the seeds) and basil make a good alternative to pasta.

Is yogurt out? If not non fat yogurt with fresh fruit and granola is good.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I have a friend of mine who gave me this basic outline. You want to have good carbs and proteins at meals about equal portions. Veggies, low carb variety and healthy fats. Try to make the portions into six, not increase in total daily calories, just split into six meals to have through the day. Here is her example:

1800 cal/day: 700 protein, 700 carbs, 400 fats

Fats: olive oil, flaxseed almond butter

Proteins: fish, chicken, turkey, egg whites cottage cheese

At least 6-8 servings of veggies (non-starchy)

Carbs: oatmeal, Ezekiel bread, sweet potatoes, brown rice, apple, pear, berries, grapefruit, corn, peas

6 meals a day (include protein and carb each meal) keep portions so can keep to the calorie limit per day.

Breakfast ex: 1 C oatmeal, 4 egg whites, splenda (optional), cinnamon a little water to moisten, stir together. Microwave 1:20 approx

Pancakes: 5 egg whites, ½ oatmeal, tsp. vanilla extract, cinnamon, blend in blender, pour in skillet, spray butter, sugar free syrup

Keep in mind the great info the above poster offered. You can do this!

 

[FireDancer]

I have to second Almond Butter. If you have a Trader Joe's in your area they have a raw crunchy version that is great. The only ingredient is literally almonds, not even extra salt is added.

 

[Mickeyorbust]

Hey there, I don't think you're picky. I have some of the same dislikes. My biggest problem is sugar/carbs as well, stumbling block is cravings. I'm really good at preparing the healthy meals, but still feel unsatisfied. After I've eaten, I'm not necessarily hungry just didn't satisfy my craving. I've found that a handful of roasted almonds or sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds really helps satisfy the sugar/carb cravings.

Keep in mind you get carbs from whole foods (veggie's, fruit). So, instead of preparing dinner my old way, 1 protien, 1 veggie and 1 starch..I just subsituted the 1 starch for another veggie or fruit.

And, I second the pp's...it's not a diet, it's a life style change. Don't try to change everything at once. Take small steps. Sounds like you're already headed in the right direction, just keep going.

ETA: The pp mentioned Trader Joes - They have great Whole Wheat wraps that are low carbs...They're in the refridg. section. Yum, love em!