Are you ready to get SERIOUS, to challenge yourself, to lose weight and improve your health, and have a FUN group of like-minded people to do it all with? Great! Join us for the Fall 2016 Low Carb Challenge! 🙂
Please read this entire page. It contains important links, information & challenge details. It should answer any questions you have, but if not you can leave a comment/question for me below. I’m happy to help any way I can!
Note: All material provided on this site and throughout this challenge is intended for informational & motivational purposes only and is not professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.
How To Sign Up & Join In
If you received this by email, you’re good to go! Just make sure you are also in the Challenge Group on Facebook. You can find the link on the Challenge Page.
Otherwise sign up below now, and you’ll get the details in your inbox! Watch for a confirmation request and confirm your email address -or you’ll miss out!
If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay! You can still join in and follow along simply by subscribing via email and participating with me right here. 🙂
Either way you’ll want to get connected on your favorite social channel so we can stay in touch, so you’ll get my helpful tips & updates plus easy low carb food ideas. You’ll find the links to my channels below at the end of this post.
Challenge Details Plus Important Links & Information
The Fall Challenge runs from August 1st to October 29th, 2016.
The Starting Weigh-In Thread link if you’re participating in the Challenge Group.
Make sure you weigh-in at the link above, in a comment below here on this post, or in your MyFitnessPal account (or whatever app/method you use to track your progress).
If you participated in the July Mini-Challenge: Final Weigh-In Thread
Join us for a total of 13 weeks of FUN, challenging ourselves to be healthier & leaner & stronger than ever before!
This challenge is only 13 weeks, just 3 months, only 90 days. It’s enough time to break bad habits, create new habits, improve your health dramatically, lose a substantial amount of weight, and totally impress your doctor with great numbers!
The timing is perfect to be leaner & looking awesome for the holidays! 🙂
The challenge: To eat low carb for 90 full days!
That means: 20 net carbs per day max, 70% fat minimum.
By committing to this challenge you agree to stay on track for 90 days by eating 20 net carbs per day MAX, and at least 70% of your calories in healthy fats.
What You Need To Know To Get Started:
Checklist For Getting Started With Low Carb
Learn the Common Low Carb Terms & Acronyms
Macros & Carb Tracking Made Simple!
Struggling or Not Losing Weight Eating Low Carb? Read This
LCHF: Low Carb High Fat Diet Explained
Ketosis & Low Carb Flu Explained (What To Expect!)
How To Track Your Meals & Tracking Net Carbs
How Much Water Should You Drink? Read This
Throughout the challenge, I host FUN mini-challenges and share helpful tips & creative ideas. Watch for those! There will be a new theme every week. 🙂 You’ll receive those details by email, and also find those in the Challenge Facebook Group.
Fall Challenge To-Do List
1. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning. This is the only true weigh, as your weight fluctuates 5 pounds or more throughout a single day. Post/Log your starting weight today.
2. Set up MyFitnessPal and record your weight there, and also log all of your meals.
This is how I have MyFitnessPal Set Up To Track Net Carbs.
That only works online, not on mobile/tablet.
Sometimes you’ll lose more inches than pounds, and it’s another great way to track your progress!
4. I highly recommend you take a “before photo” today. You’ll regret not having pictures to compare! Sometimes the scales may not show much loss, but comparison photos tell a different story. 🙂
5. Read The 8 links above. Educate yourself on how the Low Carb Diet (and this challenge) works!
Do These Steps:
- Sign up by email at 90DayLowCarbChallenge.com
This will put you on the list to receive official challenge updates. This is not the same as Facebook emails from the group, so make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already!
- Read the Pinned Post in the Facebook Group
Plus the Getting Started links I shared above. This will eliminate A LOT of repeat questions! 🙂 The Group Rules are posted there as well.
- Follow @lowcarbtraveler on Instagram
Use the #lowcarbchallenge hashtag in your updates!
- Follow Low Carb Challenge Group Recipes on Pinterest
You can find or pin group recipes (yours, and those you like) to our group board, to make them easier to save & find!
- Like The Facebook Page
You’ll get to see my own daily meals, as I’m eating them!
- Join the Low Carb Challenge Facebook Group
^ Make sure you have all of these steps covered!
Here’s to an AWESOME Fall together! 🙂 *cheers*
I want to help you every step of the way. I’ll be here for you, and like always I’ll share tips & ideas & thoughts with you along the way to help you through all of the challenges of losing weight and getting healthy. I’ll share my own meals with you for ideas, as well as my MyFitnessPal food diaries, for live examples.
If you’re in the Facebook Group, keep an eye out for my updates there. You can always do a search in the group for “Lynn Terry” to see if you missed one.
On my Facebook Page, you can get online and hover over the Like Button and choose to Get Notifications so you don’t miss a single update!
That, plus my live examples & motivational emails every morning will help keep great ideas in front of you, and help to keep you on track. 🙂
Questions / Comments / Thoughts? Leave a note below!
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
I’m glad we’re starting over today. I actually gained weight on the 20-day challenge. Had a great first week, ate exactly the same and gained it back plus a few ounces more. UGH But today is a new day. I like the longer challenges as this HAS to be a lifestyle for me, not an on and off. And I still have to break my dependence on food for emotional distress. I’m doing way better than I ever have, but it’s still there. I feel the pull when things go into the crapper. I WILL conquer this mess.
So good luck to all of us beginning today! As we used to say back in the dark ages of the 1960s when I was in high school, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
That’s the problem with shorter challenges – the 2nd and 3rd week can see a lot of holds and fluctuations. π
The thing that worked for me was to STAY consistent (super low carb) for 30 straight days. After that, my cravings and desire to eat when I was stressed etc totally disappeared. I have a hard time even working up a craving if I decide I WANT to eat off plan now, lol. That’s a GOOD problem to have!
The longer you are consistent with absolutely no sugar or cheats, the more your body will resist it. π
I agree, Lynn. Consistency is the key. . . . and keeping my fat up. One of my problems, because of the many surgeries and my altered “innards” is that I can only eat about 3 oz. of anything at a time. And when I get upset, it’s like my stomach closes up and I can’t eat. . . or else. So one of my problems is staying calm enough to eat enough food. I’ve tracked and I’m always gaining weight when I’m not eating. UGH My doctor said that it’s because my body is signaling starvation mode and/or I’m filling up with water, which is a huge problem for me. Oh, and I’m going back to daily weighing so I see the fluctuations and can track them against the food eaten the day before.
Just be aware that it takes up to 72 hours for your body to fully process and metabolize anything you eat, so tomorrow’s weight doesn’t necessarily reflect today’s meals. Bodies are so complex, lol.
But yes, being consistent and listening to your own body and keeping good logs and learning as you go – all great things!!
Lynn I saw a link yesterday about how excess protein turns into glucose but can’t seem to find it now.
Hi Debra,
I don’t know which link it was, but yes – you want to limit your protein to 20-25% of your total daily calories. See: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/7006/macronutrients/ for a simple explanation.
That also explains why you can’t go by grams, but have to use percentages or ratios instead.
I started back Monday September 12th I started with intermittent fast I cut my carbs very low and have lost 8 pounds I don’t eat till noon and nothing after 7pm is the very low carb healthy to stay on long term
Oh wow – great results the first week, Marlene! I don’t sleep or work on a regular schedule so that wouldn’t work for me, but I’m glad you found something that’s working for you!
Is this YOUR challenge or is someone sponsoring it.
Hi Jordan π
This is my challenge, and I’ve been hosting them for close to 5 years now.
I’m in! This is perfect timing for me to lose those unwanted pounds before the holidays. I somehow gained 2.5 pounds since yesterday…boo! So this challenge I hope to lose about 30 pounds, which is totally doable if I stay on track. As of right now I’m 230.5 . Which I guess is good considering I was almost 250 a few months ago.
This challenge I’d like to KISS. I know it won’t be that way everyday but for the most part I’d like to have simple meals without any fuss. I’m also going to try to reduce any sweet snacks for a while. Again…this might not happen everyday but I’m going to try to keep it to a minimum. I’m hoping for the best and which everyone else the same! βΊ
Great goals, Justine! π What if you have one day a week, or maybe two, for the low carb sweets – like Wednesday and Saturday evening only. That may help, instead of just “reducing” to have a specific limitation, or special day. Thoughts?
That would be a great idea. I think having set days/day for a sweet treat will keep my cravings at bay for sure. Thanks for the suggestion.
You’re welcome. It helps me to do that. I like sugar free candy on Saturday nights, late night tv time lol. It’s easy to keep the thought/craving at bay when you have “something to look forward to.” π
Thank you so much for these challenges. I love being a part of this group, it keeps me going even when I fall…thank you so much for encouraging us all so wonderfully! And you Lynn look amazing!!! π So proud of your success.
Thank you, Amy!! π π I really enjoy it, and love having all of you to do this with every day. It makes it so much more fun, and so much easier to stay motivated!
The end of the 20 day challenge finds me at the same weight. I’m quite pleased as I was up a couple pounds last week!
My goal for the 90 days is to finally get rid of the last 15-20 lbs of “hard lard” that have been stuck to me for years!
Thanks for hosting Lynn and for all the fabulous information you provide!
Great goal, Lori! I think I started and ended at the same weight too, lol. Like Carla and I were discussing above… shorter challenges are tough because of the fluctuations the first few weeks. π
I’m excited about losing the last of my body fat too – the stubborn part in the middle, lol – I think maybe about the same amount as you, 15’ish pounds. I’m aiming to GAIN some serious muscle weight this round too!! π
Here’s to an awesome Fall together! *cheers*
Down 7 lbs from the mini challenge. My goal is to lose another 20 lbs and exercise more.
Thank you Lynn!!! You’re the best for being there Johnny on the spot with your wisdom, experience and support. It is so appreciated.
Let’s do this!
That made me smile, Roye. π Thank you! You did GREAT the last 3 weeks!! I love your goal for the Fall challenge too. Exercising more is also on my list!
Omg, your LC biscuits/bread bites probably just saved me life! Lol. While on vacation I knew I knocked myself out of ketosis but honestly had forgotten how rough the keto flu could be. The last three days have been horrible…i’ve also got a little of a sinus thing going on so that’s part of it I’m sure. I’m hungry but no appetite, slight headache, and just a feeling of NEEDING something. After seven months of LC this has kicked my rear. Anyway, I made the biscuits and had one straight out of the oven with a little peanut butter and sf jam. Delicious, and feeling better!!
I did weigh in this morning and am still holding with the two pounds lost in our twenty day challenge. But, I’m wearing a smaller size so I’m super excited for the next challenge. I hope to be 130lbs by Christmas. That’s only 13lbs away but it will take me that long I’m sure!!
Keep the recipes coming!!
Ugh, Keto flu is the worst. I am expecting it on Tuesday or Wednesday myself, after the “pint night” on Saturday night – even with the lower carb ice cream. π And I have a road trip on Wednesday where I need to be pleasant! haha Irritability (like PMS on steroids) is my worst symptom. Oh, along with the screaming headaches of course…
Anyway, I’m SO glad you enjoyed the low carb bread! The recipe is here for anyone that wants to see it: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/12574/easy-low-carb-recipes/ I love those. π
Starting weight 155lbs. Goal: 135lbs. Excited about doing this!!!
Hi Leanne! π 20 pounds is definitely achievable, especially with your enthusiasm! I’m excited about this challenge. So glad you joined in!!
I am ready for the next 90 days! Starting weight is 145.2, goal weigh is 140! Let’s do it!
Hi Jane! How tall are you? I ask because I thought 140’ish was my goal. But then I forget I shrunk a couple of inches, lol. I’m below 5’5″ now.
Anyway, what are your plans once your reach your goal? π
I am about your height, 5’4″! I just have stomach fat to work on now lol! I think when I reach goal, I will slowly add back in some carbs, likely from fruit and veggies. No bread, no cookies, no milk chocolate. I know I will need to be careful so I don’t get out of control!
What is your plan when u hit goal? (You are my inspiration btw!)
Yes, I am very short-waisted (all legs, lol) so the belly fat is the worst for me. π
My big goal right now is to tone and get in amazing shape. I think I’ll continue to push myself harder, and get even MORE active when I reach that goal… because I’ll be able to DO even more. π I’m having so much fun pushing my limits so far!!
As for food, I plan to stay ketogenic. It keeps me out of chronic pain – and I gain weight super fast when I’m out of ketosis. π
Lynn,
I love low carb traveler! You are doing an awesome job. I would love to be a part of the next 90 day challenge but have not been able to connect on Facebook. Could you tell me how to become part of the group again. Thanks, Brigitte
Hi Brigitte π Did you get removed somehow? Message me on my Facebook Page so I can check for you – that way I’ll have your profile & username: http://www.facebook.com/lowcarbtraveler I’ll look into it. π
I’m so excited about this challenge. I’m starting Day 1 at 198.
Welcome Twyla! π Have you ever done low carb before? Let me know if you have any questions about the challenge!
Hi Lynn. I don’t do Facebook so I’ll be participating via comments here. Starting day 1 at 208.
Perfect Jenni π I’m so glad you joined us!!
I’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones. I’ve done keto before and felt great but now I’m supposed to limit animal proteins, salt, and many greens esp spinach. I canny imagine being able to do both…?
Hi Ascos,
I’ve never had kidney stones, but I’ve heard they are terribly painful. I would do whatever it takes to get well! (ie listen to your doc π )
I don’t know how long you’ve been eating low carb, but one of the most common mistakes is to also eat “high protein” instead of high fat – which can cause things like gout and kidney stones from what I have read & researched.
You want to limit protein to 20-25% of your total calories, and get at least 70% in healthy fats. How are you tracking?
I lost 1lb this week of the challenge. I am bit confused on the %of carbs?
Congrats, Jana!
I ignore a lot of that. I just keep it simple: 20 net carbs max, 70% fat minimum. Everything else works itself out. In MyFitnessPal I ignore things like goals, etc and just watch those TWO things only. Does that help??
Lynn,
I have just started reading on the low carb diet. I saw where someone had mentioned the 90 day challenge group on Facebook and joined the page and then found where you would email your eating for the day so I signed up for it. I still don’t understand the percentage stuff but I’m trying. Is it to late for me to join the challenge group for losing weight and is my weight gonna be posted somewhere for everyone to see?
Hi Rebecca π Welcome!
Our group on Facebook is private, so only other members can see your posts or comments in that group. We do weekly weigh-ins, but those are optional. If you do post in those threads, only other members can see it.
It’s really easy and you want to keep it simple to start. Just eat 20 net carbs per day max, and 70% fat minimum. This is a simple explanation and illustration: http://www.travelinglowcarb.com/7006/macronutrients/
Let me know if you have any questions. π I’m always here! *cheers*
Hi, Lynn!
I am no stranger to low carb, but by far, no expert. To make a long story short, I’m ready to change my routine again after years of on-again, off-again weight loss attempts. I just found this challenge and was wondering if I could still join? I would definitely appreciate the accountability!
Sure, Caroline – people join in every day! I would LOVE for you to join us. π Welcome to the FUN group!!
Happy Monday All, My scales finally moved in the right direction! βΊ I am down about 2 1/2 My lowest weight since March. yes, 2016, and I have 6 1/2 more lbs to lose to be where I was 6 months ago. I gain so fast if I do not watch what I eat. Lynn, you are teaching me how to stay in control no matter where I am. I went to a family reunion this weekend and ate at a marina with my daughters family and did great both places. Did not overeat, and felt great when we left. I love this woe. thanks for being there for us, Lynn!
Thank you, Julie – and kudos!! You are doing GREAT. π Congrats on reaching your lowest weight since March. That feels SO good I know. I’m like you – I gain weight super fast, so for me losing any at all is definitely a plus lol.
The “not overeating” part and feeling in control is the absolute best part for me. That seemed like such a hard thing to tame, but just staying consistent – made it easy! I’m glad to be over those things. π
I just found this site when I googled low carb eating. I see it’s too late to start the challenge. Can I still, just join the group? I did low carb years ago with good results. I really need a little help !
Hi Deb & Welcome π It’s never too late to join in! People join in every single day. Besides, you’ll have a GREAT head start on the next challenge. π I look forward to getting to know you!
I just found this group last week. Will you be starting a new challenge when this one ends?
Hi Diana π I host several challenges a year. I haven’t announced the next challenge start date yet, but stay tuned! And of course I continue eating low carb in between challenges right here, so most people continue on with me here at the blog & across social media. π Glad you joined us!
Thank you I’m just jumping on in and starting today. Gotta get back on track & focused. Thank you!!
Awesome – I’ll be right here with you! π
May I go ahead and join up for next challenge sense this one is just about over?
Hi Nita – yes, of course! The challenge group stays open & active year round, even between official challenges. I will be announcing the next official challenge soon, but in the meantime I continue to eat low carb right here every day, so jump right in with me! π
I want to do this but the challenge will be over in three days. Will a new one start Nov 1st?
Hi Sharee π Yes, we’re kicking off a new challenge! Make sure you are signed up by email at http://www.90DayLowCarbChallenge.com – I’ll be emailing out the details soon. π