Discussions

Hey I'm trying out this low-carb lifestyle right now and while there are great communities online, some local discussion would be nice too.  
 
What are your favorite low-carb menu items or modifications when eating out in Brandon? I discovered 5 Guys would serve burger bowls with no bun about a week before they closed :/  
 
Whats the best place to get specific items at grocery stores? Bulk barn has a nice selection of sweeteners, and Superstore has liquid stevia drops on sale right now (stevia & water - no fillers!)  
 
I'll share more if there is any interest. Cheers!

Can I ask why you're interested in this lifestyle? What are the reasons you chose this. No judgement, just curious.

I've just started going keto about three weeks ago and I've been sticking with fairly bare bones recipes of meat and veggies.  
Subway chopped salads are a great way to monitor exactly what goes into the meal!

Hey London, thanks for asking. I really don't want to turn this into a debate about pros and cons. Don't make any major changes to your life without consulting a doctor. I just want to meet people that are already doing this.  
 
I'm trying to improve my relationship with food. The last couple years for me have been the most stressful in my life and I realized as I started making healthier changes, I had some really bad eating habits.  
 
This has helped me stabilize my moods and hunger. Everything is very predictable. I can get anxious with too much information, too many options, but working within the limited parameters of this style of diet. I cook at all the time now, instead of eating out all the time.  
 
Part of the improvement can be attributed to meal-prepping, where I prepare all my lunches for the week. I always feel good about it, no internal dialogue, just getting on with it.

If you are looking for a new lowcarb/ketogenic recipe, I love checking out pintrest. Sooo many ideas to check out and try. Goodluck!

I've just recently started Keto/Low carb. Pinterest is a great place to find lots of meal options and replacements. Also if you have Instagram, there are tons of people on there documenting their journey on Keto and they have lots of support and meal ideas.  
Two Farm Kids and Hedley's Health Hut have some different low carb options. Swerve is a great sugar replacement, you can get it in granulated and powdered. I've ordered it on amazon and also got some at Hedley's.  
I've ordered from lowcarbcanada.ca and lowcarbgrocery.com for different things as well. They have way more options than I could ever find in the Brandon area.  
Costco has black bean spaghetti which is a great replacement for pasta that we just discovered and enjoyed! Zucchini noodles are a good replacement as well, they don't have a strong flavour so they blend in well.  
Pita Pit has great salads that are very low in net carbs and are definitely my favourite place to get salads. For the most part going out to eat is tricky, lots of salads, vegetable sides and no breaded meat. Wings are a great option as long as they aren't breaded! I always do research before we go out for a meal so I know what to order. You can also order bunless sandwiches/burgers at Wendy's. Most places are pretty flexible with that stuff.  
Good luck!

I have the pinterest extension installed on my browser so in addition to browsing, I'm able to create a collection of recipes I know I can modify to my liking.  
 
Great tip about Wendy's - any places you know have breadless wings?

my wife and i have started not so much straight keto diet but we have eliminated bread, any grains, sugar , and potatoes. it's tough for a bit but once you start feeling better you'll not have the same desire to go back. stay away from processed meat and eat lots of greens. we had our sons b day today and offered regular snacks and pop with what we would normally eat and we took a day off to eat the same. i feel like garbage so it's worth it to stick with it

Hey,  
 
I've been keto since last year November. You can inbox me if you'd like.

Hi, I am eating low carb. I make fathead pizza crust sometimes. Have been looking for a bread replacement recipe for buns. Have tried a recipe with phsyllium husk powder, 2 failures,haha. I am trying with different powder tonite.

PrairieDog204 said "Hey I'm trying out this low-carb lifestyle right now and while there are great communities online, some local discussion would be nice too.     What are your favorite low-carb menu items or modifications when eating out in Brandon? I discovered 5 Guys would serve burger bowls with no bun about a week before they closed :/     Whats the best place to get specific items at grocery stores? Bulk barn has a nice selection of sweeteners, and Superstore has liquid stevia drops on sale right now (stevia & water - no fillers!)     I'll share more if there is any interest. Cheers! "

Congratulations on going towards this lifestyle. I am on a low carb diet, not Keto.  
Now and then, I will go off track and that's when I'll get inflammation on my feet or joints.  
This might be a stupid question, but what is bunless burger at Wendy's? Just the burger without the buns? Seems strange to me.

Hey thanks for joining in everyone! I''m going to post after work today some products I''ve found around town that I like.  
 
Fondue, my feet and joints feel AWESOME in the mornings compared to before. I think some places put all the burger toppings onto a wrapper in a tray, and some places will actually wrap a large piece of lettuce around the outside. Not sure what Wendy''s does.  
 
Edgey, I haven''t tried any crusts yet, but the recipe that uses canned shredded chicken and cheese looks a little more appealing to me than the fathead. I don''t have a microwave so I haven''t been able to try mug buns yet. Let us know how your attempt works out. I HAVE made protein powder pancakes that were pretty darn good though.  
 
Matt1892, carb hangovers! I eat extra many days but I''ve never had enough to experience anything major.  
 
Edited by PrairieDog204, 2017-08-14 09:33:23

Went back and read your message properly instead of skimming.  
 
Burger King/Wendys  
I do burger patty (mainly beef) with bacon sometimes in a pinch but ask them to hold the ketchup and the bun but wrap it in lettuce and increase the mayo. I normally pair that with a diet pepsi/coke.  
 
The Keg  
I also do the steaks and lobster at the Keg vegetables on the side and a tonne of butter :-D.  
For dessert I''ve actually requested whipped cream and they obliged me.........  
 
Montanna''s  
Ribs but ask them to hold the sauce. The cheese dip is awesome, then I just add the coleslaw or garden/ceasar salad.  
 
KFC  
Whichever type of chicken, just remove the skin. Works in a pinch.  
 
Subway.  
Any of their garden salads with chicken or beef (or whatever meat you prefer) and nice bit of mayo.  
 
I buy my sweetener in the mall at the health store as Superstore no longer carries Swerve (according to them).  
I do fat bombs, gummy bears etc. I find if I prepare a dessert/treat it keeps me from indulging in other stuff when I might be having a rough day.  
 
I do the 85 - 90% dark chocolate from superstore and their regular salted butter when it goes on sale. I do regular BPC&C in the mornings sometimes or mostly just do a 24:1. That way I only really have to to think about 1 meal.  
I also do a lot of chocolate mug cakes. I've done my own bread and lasagna also.  
 
 
I use pinterest a lot and there are a few groups I follow on Facebook. There is also a Keto Canada group that''s growing.  
 
I mix my keto at this point with IF and EF as I''ve been fat adapted for quite a while. I''m not as strict as I was back then because sometimes, life does "happen", but for the most part its been pretty stress free. It has solved a multitude of health issues I had been experiencing and the "zapping" of almost 60lbs without thought has been a MAJOR plus.  
 
If you are ever interested in IF or EF, research Dr. Jason Fung and the Obesity code. (That''s if you haven''t already done this).  
 
:-D Good luck!  
 
Edited by scotchy, 2017-08-14 09:45:30

Hey thanks. I didn't know they can wrap a large lettuce around the meat.  
Has anyone tried Sprouted Grain bread?

Hey!  
 
I've been eating keto for just over a month now. I've been loving it.  
 
I have a couple cookbooks: The Keto Diet by LeAnne Vogel and The 30 Day Ketogenic Cleanse by Maria Emmerich. I do a lot of cooking out of these books and it has been fantastic. I was surprised to see that Cole's actually had a pretty good selection of Keto cookbooks.  
 
Snacks: Pork rinds & guacamole, pork rind nachos, blueberry flax muffins (Vogel), jalapeno poppers, keto granola, keto waffles, salami and cheese roll ups, avocado + salt  
 
Dinners: Egg Roll in a Bowl/ Crack Slaw, Fat Head pizza, sausages and cabbage.  
 
As for eating out: Wendy's will wrap your burger in lettuce, which is awesome. For breakfasts usually I'll get a sausage egg mcmuffin without the muffin part. Tim's will also do the same. Salads are always a great option but I've found the best way to eat out is just to ask what adaptations can be made! I recently read about someone who went to Olive Garden and asked for Chicken Alfredo made with broccoli instead of pasta and they did it!  
 
As for buying Keto products, my biggest piece of advice is to keep your eyes out for naturally Keto products in the regular aisles of grocery stores. Just watch out for added sugars in products.  
 
Walmart has a great protein peanut butter spread right now that comes in Salted Caramel or Chocolate hazelnut flavours. Apparently Costco sometimes has Whisps which are chips made from cheese. Gonna check it out next time I go to Winnipeg.  
 
Keto is fantastic. People look at you like you're crazy at first but the science is fascinating.  
 
There is also a very active Instagram community for Keto which I highly recommend joining. Very supportive!  
 
Always fun to meet someone local on Keto!

Hey great posts! Scotchy, too bad we can't eat at the Keg every night right? I made 12 chocolate/coconut/peanut fat bombs and ate them in like 5 days so I haven't attempted any desserts at all. Quest Bars just make me want more.  
 
So we can find Swerve at Hedley's in the mall, and probably Two Farm Kids?  
 
I found a Stevia/Erythritol, which is probably similar to that, at Bulk Barn. The also have Monk Fruit/Erythritol Blend - and a huge assortment of chocolates that are suitable for low carb recipes.  
 
I'm buying stupid stupid expensive grass-fed butter from New Zealand "Kiwi Pure" at Superstore - if anybody has a local source please let me know.  
 
I buy True Lime (crystalized lime) for my water bottle I carry around. Real Salt (mineral salt from Utah comparable or better than "Himalayan" Salt from Pakistan. President's Choice Flavored water (Peach Mist is my favorite). "The Greek Gods Greek Yogurt" at 5 net carbs per 1/2 cup and so good! Lastly, Bodylogix Natural Whey Vanilla, at 3 carbs per scoop, is the powder I picked up there for some recipes.  
 
Can anybody chime in about meat? I'm eating more meat now than ever and I'd really like to support a local butcher like Obermeyer or Tender Cut, but I'm clueless beyond ground beef and chicken thighs.  
 
Also someone bring me some Whisps from Costco please thanks.  
 
I'm wondering now what life would be like if we had a Trader Joes.

Hermione, the only pork rinds I could find are Old Dutch Bac'n Puffs and I didn't care for them - is there another option?

PrairieDog204 said "Hermione, the only pork rinds I could find are Old Dutch Bac'n Puffs and I didn't care for them - is there another option? "

I know this was directed at Hermione, but check Walmart or Giant Tiger. They have an unflavored version. I'm at work so I dont have the package in front of me. I use it like chips with dip (Spinach dip :-D) or use them to make nachos.  
 
I'm hoping to make a Costco run, hopefully the one in Winnipeg now has the Whisps.

PrairieDog204 said "Hey great posts! Scotchy, too bad we can't eat at the Keg every night right? I made 12 chocolate/coconut/peanut fat bombs and ate them in like 5 days so I haven't attempted any desserts at all. Quest Bars just make me want more.     So we can find Swerve at Hedley's in the mall, and probably Two Farm Kids?     I found a Stevia/Erythritol, which is probably similar to that, at Bulk Barn. The also have Monk Fruit/Erythritol Blend - and a huge assortment of chocolates that are suitable for low carb recipes.     I'm buying stupid stupid expensive grass-fed butter from New Zealand "Kiwi Pure" at Superstore - if anybody has a local source please let me know.     I buy True Lime (crystalized lime) for my water bottle I carry around. Real Salt (mineral salt from Utah comparable or better than "Himalayan" Salt from Pakistan. President's Choice Flavored water (Peach Mist is my favorite). "The Greek Gods Greek Yogurt" at 5 net carbs per 1/2 cup and so good! Lastly, Bodylogix Natural Whey Vanilla, at 3 carbs per scoop, is the powder I picked up there for some recipes.     Can anybody chime in about meat? I'm eating more meat now than ever and I'd really like to support a local butcher like Obermeyer or Tender Cut, but I'm clueless beyond ground beef and chicken thighs.     Also someone bring me some Whisps from Costco please thanks.     I'm wondering now what life would be like if we had a Trader Joes. "

I've done the keto cheesecake pretzel salad and oooooh boy, I get my sweet fix every time. Headley's does have Swerve and I think so does Two Farm Kids. I get my coconut and almond flour at Bulk barn and they also have a great selection of the flavoured Stevia drops.  
 
I don't do the whole grass-fed butter thing as that would just frustrate my pocket too much. I use a lot of butter so the diet would become more of a burden. The No Name salted worked just fine for me and when the Lactantia (sp???) goes on sale, I do that too.  
 
I used to flavor my water but I use flavored tea bags. Way cheaper and pretty awesome selection of flavours.  
 
I also do chia cheesecake puddings pretty frequently as its awesome, along with chia noatmeal porridge with toasted almonds and coconut.  
 
For meat, I just use regular chicken especially when its on sale at Walmart or Superstore for 1.47 - 1.97. Superstore has a box of bacon ends for 12.99 for 2kg. Corned beef also works wonderfully to fit the macros. (Mixed with mayo and wrapped in lettuce its awesome. Or sauteed with coleslaw mix).  
 
I'll also pick up pork loin when its on sale for 1.97 @ superstore. I do sausages and pepperoni, laughing cow cheese wedges and pickles.  
 
I've done ice cream bars covered in chocolate and those were awesome.  
 
I think a Trader Joes would be awesome ......... so would a Costco......:-D

That's a great tip with the tea. I hate buying anything in a plastic bottle so I'm going to try that out, maybe adding some minerals would help mimic that satisfying taste.  
 
Where do I find this box of bacon? Is it in the bacon display or in the chest coolers with the bulkier packaged meats?  
 
I picked up Laughing Cow triangles twice, and then the BabyBell mozza went on clearance for $2 (regular $12ish) and they were so good I don't think I can go back. They're real firm cheese whereas the triangles are basically cream cheese.  
 
I don't like going to Wal-mart, but if I get a big enough list of recommends I'll do a quick run some day.

I was on a keto diet (without any "cheat meals") for four months.  
A&W will make and burger a lettuce burger!! I found myself eating a lettuce wrapped teen burger several times a week haha!  
Otherwise I found ordering things like steak and Caesar salad to be the best choices when going to restaurants.  
 
Just a word of advice to consider. I developed an itchy rash from being deficient in nutrients ( caused by keto). I ended up having to go off the diet at four months to try and clear up the rash. I would advise that you take vitamins to avoid this happening to you!!!

PrairieDog204 said "That's a great tip with the tea. I hate buying anything in a plastic bottle so I'm going to try that out, maybe adding some minerals would help mimic that satisfying taste.     Where do I find this box of bacon? Is it in the bacon display or in the chest coolers with the bulkier packaged meats?     I picked up Laughing Cow triangles twice, and then the BabyBell mozza went on clearance for $2 (regular $12ish) and they were so good I don't think I can go back. They're real firm cheese whereas the triangles are basically cream cheese.     I don't like going to Wal-mart, but if I get a big enough list of recommends I'll do a quick run some day. "

Its in that freezer right in front of the cheese section where you find the cheese wedges etc. White box.  
 
I do the babybells when my heart doesnt hurt me so much about the price or when they go on sale. Was a competition in my house with the kids for them..........  
 
Check Giant Tiger for the pork rinds first. The bag is clear, cream/pale tan and brown. Just cant recall the brand right now.

Pinkbutterflies said "I was on a keto diet (without any "cheat meals") for four months.   A&W will make and burger a lettuce burger!! I found myself eating a lettuce wrapped teen burger several times a week haha!   Otherwise I found ordering things like steak and Caesar salad to be the best choices when going to restaurants.     Just a word of advice to consider. I developed an itchy rash from being deficient in nutrients ( caused by keto). I ended up having to go off the diet at four months to try and clear up the rash. I would advise that you take vitamins to avoid this happening to you!!! "

Thanks for the A&W tip.  
 
Another way to combat the Keto rash would have been to up your carbs a bit too.....

Can i use protien powder in morning shakes on keto? Just starting and excited about it!

I've been considering doing the keto diet so I'm happy to see this thread!!  
 
I was reading this link. Is it a good, accurate article? http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101#section15  
 
I'm diabetic and have arthritis so this diet sounds like it will help?? I need to make a lifestyle change...I'm tired of being sore I think giving up carbs is gonna be really tough for me but I need to finally try!  
 
Would anyone care to share any of their recipes/meals? Or what a day of food would typically look like for you?  
 
Thanks!!

The keto diet seems very overwhelming but does get better as you go day by day. I lost 25lbs in the first 6 weeks! And I noticed belly and thigh fat gone first. Also skin cleared up amazingly. Typical day for me is -  
Breakfast - two scrambled eggs, half avacado, a couple Tomato slices  
Lunch - usually salad w chicken breast or chicken/salmon salad on celery sticks, full fat dressing or mayo  
Supper- steak, Cesar salad.  
 
Pinterest has a ton of menu ideas and acceptable food lists. What to eat and what to avoid. Giving up beer was hard but vodka and water is ok! Powerade zero is ok to have too if you feel effects of the keto flu.  
 
We should start a keto Facebook page for us "locals" to share tips etc!

When I reread my post above it doesn't seem like I eat much! lol I should of added in I do snack throughout the day if hungry. Pepperoni sticks and cheese, cucumber slices dipped in ranch, etc. also I've recently read some people fast most of the day on keto and only eat during a certain window. For example if you have supper at 6pm some people won't eat again til noon the next day. I'd have to do some more research into this tho if I was wanting to try to out.

If you (or anyone) makes a local page, let us know! I'd be interested

Oh yes, was also gonna ask....can you mix the vodka and Powerade?? Lol. I actually don't mind using water as a mix though since it's all I drink pretty much. Or I'll add a squirt of liquid juice (which might not be allowed on keto diet...I don't know??)

That article is not inaccurate, except that the ratios i:ncluded are an explanation of what the average person may consume, but it doesn't give the proper information/targets needed to plan your own meals/diet.  
 
The topic is too vast to be covered in a single discussion, especially if differing opinions arise, or if you have very specific goals. There are load of resources out there, spend at least a week researching online, or get a book. If you have medical issues talk to a Dr.  
 
Can anybody recommend a Dr. that is well versed in a ketogenic diet?  
 
I'm not in charge or anything but I hope to keep this particular thread sort of shopping/eating out oriented.  
 
Having said that, anybody excited for RibFest? Hope they have something for us!