[Mayfly]

Hello all

Whilst I love eggs, they can have an unfortuante result if I eat too many of them. Please can you tell me a suitable substitute I can buy easily in the UK, like a protein drink? I'm worried I'm going to pick one which is secretly full of carbs, and although Jeanie's website is brilliant, it's in the US. If possible, I'd like to go into the shop and look at what I'm buying.

I still get hung up on how many carbs I should be buying, for example, there are some Ryvita biscuits which have 50g (?) per 100g, which is lower than most, but sounds absolutely sky high to me. Although, since you would then only eating one, does that make them OK?

I HAVE to keep my levels to the lowest I possible can for the next two months until I get my BGs tested again to persuade the doctor that I don't need insulin. Or if I do, then I want to make sure my weight is as low as it can go. So I really want to get as much info up front before buying anything, rather than experimenting, and getting it wrong sometimes.

Many thanks

 

[Gizmo]

Because you asked about a protein drink, I assume you want something to replace the protein in your diet for the eggs you don't eat. Egg substitute is made with egg whites, so even if they had it in the UK, it would probably still produce 'unfortunate results' for you. When it comes to nutrition, an egg contains protein, omega 3, vitamin K, and leutin. You can get protein from eating meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. You can get omega 3 by eating fish or taking an omega 3 supplement. Dark green, leafy veggies are the best source for vitamin K, and spinich, broccoli, lettuce, brussels sprouts, okra, celery, tomatoes and carrots, among other veggies, contain leutin. So you don't really need a protein drink to replace eggs in your diet.

 

[Mayfly]

Hiya, well, what I'd like is something really quick and easy. Dr Bernstein recommends some protein drinks, but they are American, and I have never seen them over here. I would like the UK equivelant - and of Bran-O-Crisp.....I think that's right. Also, I can't stomach thinsg like broccoli and that in the morning, I can handle a drink better. I can't have tomatoes or carrots - too many carbs. I can't have sausages or bacon as they spike me too much.

Most low carbers seem to get hold of these drinks, I just would like to know where from.

 

[canadiandude]

Mayfly, most of the protein drinks I've seen this side of the pond tend to be high in carbs. The ones I know of are Nutridiet and Allevo which are available here in Sweden in most grocery stores. There are others that you can get specifically at health food shops and they might be better suited to your needs. Most come as bars, meal replacement drinks or soups. Ask the person at the health food shop about protein shakes/ drinks and they might be able to steer you to a good choice.

 

[1970clea]

Try these:
Atkins-EMEA - United Kingdom
Sugar Free Superstore Limited Savoury Selection

There are bound to be more just Google low-carb store uk.

PS I am not endorsing these as I have not tried them out - I prefer to restrict carbs and cook fresh meat/veg rather than replace them with alternatives. Let me know if they are any good

 

[d33na]

hi May

I faced a huge phobia and walked into one of those Body Builder type shops and ask one of those very fit people about protein powders. I was surprised at how helpful they were...I found (I wanted low carb and as cheap as possible) Whey Protein Concentrate to be the best value.

Ok...um I have tried the Pea Protein lol and I'd rather eat dirt...it was horrid...but my daughter is happy to add a scoop to a smoothie and says she can't taste it...

The one I buy is unflavoured as I want to make mini pancakes from mine. I was craving something to bite that was low carb...So Iv'e tweaked a recipe that's VERY low carb and has a fairly bland taste that can be altered to be sweet or savoury.

I have seen some protein powders in health food stores and supermarkets here in Australia. You really need to do a bit of a drive around and compare prices...I paid $55 Australian dollars for 1.5kilos of WPC. That's a good price I think considering I make 12 small pancake from 3/4 cup of WPC. I put them into 4 portions of 3. A quick carb count and I get i carb per 3 mini pancake portions.

The Whey Protein Isolate is nearly double the price here and Ive used both and can't tell the difference. Hope this helps

 

[Mayfly]

Great, thanks for the help. I'll have to come back to this, I'm nearly out of time for being on the net. See you soon!

 

[smorgan]

Since eggs contain both protein and fat and protein drinks only contain protein (and some carbs) this will not really be a "swap" but rather a change in your diet.

If I'm understanding what "unfortunate results" means, I used to have the same problem with eggs right before a fast many years ago. What worked for me was eating a small salad along with it with a generous dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper - the vinegar being the main point here. That completely eliminated any subsequent "unfortunate results" for me.

 

[Patdart]

I'm highly allergic to whey, so I use a egg white protein powder to make shakes and smoothies. I add cocoa powder for a chocolate shake and sweetener of choice, and that makes a breakfast for me some days. Fruit also other days, like berries frozen are good too with a touch of vanilla sometimes.

 

[Mayfly]

By unfortunate, I mean the mail (to quote Stephen King) starts to arrive faster and without any control after too many egges, although at the moment I have had the problem that the mail hasn't arrived at all for five days. Because I had a tummy problem, I took some immodium, which would normally slow things up, but instead I've had "cement insides". I wouldn't dwell on this, except that it either implies I was getting most of my fibre from my carbs, or that I am successfully controlling my food intake - which I would much prefer to happen.

Anyway, I will go to a health food shop on Saturday, and make some enquries. I just want to make sure I get the lowest carb option. And then if they can't help me, I can use the internet options to get some.

I'd love to add fruit - I'm thinking of trying to put some back into my diet, although I'm wodering if my testing equipment is broken, it's had the same result twice in a row - unusual for me!

Thanks for the help.

 

[Patdart]

When things turn into concrete, I use a product called ClearFlax or another version of Metamucil or some such. I eat too much cheese and it 'binds' me as my g'mother used to call it. I also eat things made with Flax meal like the 'bread' I had last night. Those are both low carb and work well. I wish eggs did me that way..that would be such an easy solution!

 

[Mayfly]

Many thanks. Maybe I can try something like prunes as well - what I don't want is to take something which will reverse the effects too much. Difficult to get things right at the moment whilst my body is still in flux over the new diet.

 

[d33na]

when you go low carb you can sometimes need fiber...the most efficient Ive found is Psyllium husks...it looks like wheat germ or wheat bran but it's fiber content is as high as it's carbs...2 tablespoons in liquid (i think it tastes yukky) will do it...I used to make a little sort of pancake with an egg and Psyllium husk and a bit of baking powder...Ive even used that to make savoury pancakes with prawns or crab meat and scallions... or a sweet one with cinnamon and fake sugar...

 

[Mayfly]

Ah, I may need a bit of fibre, I had a bit of an issue yesterday which was a bit shocking - difficult to go into details, but if you have ever had piles, you may understand......But this is linked to other issues I've had in the past, so it's not just the new diet. Another trip to the Health food shop I think. I found that the nutri drink, whilst tasting very nice, does spike me a lot, so I will have to use it sparingly. It does say, "Low carb" though.And it cost a BOMB!

 

[d33na]

May psyllium is very cheap and will keep you um regular

 

[1970clea]

Psyllium HUsk can be bought here in the UK from any pharmacist under the brand name Fybogel - flavoured orange or blackcurrant in sachets to mix as a drink. It does work. Not that I need it any more that to Met-belly!!

 

[Mayfly]

Oh my goodness, I remember Fybogel! Yup, maybe the next step!