Whats that like Joe? 

I assume that GJ will be referring to coban salatasi (Shepherd's salad)? If so, finely chopped: cucumber, tom's, onions, green pepper, flat leafed parsley and mint, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Possibly with beyaz peynir, (white cheese,) which is v similar to feta. So v similar to greek salad, but much more finely chopped and without the olives

I tend not to be overly keen on just cold food, but do like various salads served as a side, from plain good rocket or peppery watercress, through to a mix of anything and everything, as long as it's not smothered in mayonnaise

 Ah, thanks.

Part of the salad regime was to bring me to 11th March when I intend to start a lower carb diet. I'm not on a diet, but adjusting my everyday diet (food intake) to have fewer carbs and higher proportions of fruit and veg. I plan to do this for 2 months to see how it affects me. Hopefully I will lose a little weight, but I am really hoping for increased energy levels and more fulfilling sleep.

One thing to go is confectionary, but hey it's only two months.

So all the ideas on salads was to give me some options, and dare I say it - food for thought. 

I'm on a two week low carb thingy (from tomorrow) EC.

I've got two weeks till I go on hols ... I think I might have left it too late for the half a stone that I wanted to lose,  but 3 pr 4 pounds will do

Good luck with your regime Rexi.

I personally don't follow any advertised diets, but I try to read on-line about how various foods work and see if I can learn and adapt my lifestyle to eat and drink better.

What I don't do is cut anything out completely (food groups), but I do cut out confectionary and alcohol (although I am almost teetotal anyway).

So am I

Well, for the next two weeks anyway

 there's nothing wrong with the odd drink Rexi. Enjoy when you are back able to.

For me it happened over a couple of years, I found that I subconsciously stopped drinking and actually got fed up after one or two glasses. I now go out and have one or two pints and usually enjoy the first but after the second I am thinking about having a softy.

I think that's happening to me too EC.    I had a glass of wine earlier tonight watching Dancing on Ice and poured another.   I've a half full glass sitting in front me, and I really want a cup of tea now.

I too did that Kaffy. I used to come home and open a bottle of beer (600ml) and find I had half left over. I actually think it is a good thing. You can still enjoy a drink, but you don't end up with an upset stomach or bad head the next day.

It was my year anniversary yesterday off the booze. Can't say I've missed it - been a bit 'odd' at times and we have an 'interesting' weekend coming up at Easter but - it's not as hard as some think. In fact ....................it's been a doddle - never thought I'd say that

 Thats so encouraging to hear Soozy, thanks.

I'm contemplating going on the wagon this year  and even... a dry St Patrick's Day for the first time in years!

I don't get much enjoyment from alcohol anymore... just makes me silly then obnoxious then sick the next day.

How to celebrate Paddys Day though? There's some green food colouring in the cupboard... 

Soozy, Roger, I feel a poll coming on. We can find out who are the big drinkers, the moderate drinkers, the occasional drinkers and the teetotallers.

I've just made a 'blow your socks off' Chilli for tonight - I certainly underestimated the strength of them weeny chillis - they certainly pack a punch

Brace yourself Mr Woo 

Fantastic Soozy I am thinking of doing the same,I work to hard at the Gym then booze at the weekend ,stupid .

I was on Atkins for about 2 yrs after meds I was put on caused massive weight gain. Now I'm off those meds, I'm on a more relaxed lower carb diet, similar to yours EC. I just stick to high protein food eg [unprocessed] meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts like almonds hazelnuts + brazils [avoid cashews]  + low carb veg [mostly greens which are said to give you more energy, incidentally].

If you miss confectionery then Atkins bars are ok - some are yukky, some nice.

Low carb sweetener [tesco value sweetener tastes best i.m.o. sweetex gives an aftertaste] sprinkled over fruit or in low carb pancakes sorts out sweet cravings.

Theres a site called avidlite where you can get low carb products + chocs even easter eggs  

If you'd like any more info on low carbs just ask - i musta tried em all 

You start today 11th ! Good luck + tell us how you go EC 

Can you include a "good intentions" option? 

Joins the gang!

Used to be a 'social' drinker....became an 'I'm stressed from work, open a bottle of wine, OMG, where did that go?' drinker....I gave it up for lent the last few years, (was beginning to get a little worried!) Last year, after lent, I just didn't 'get back into' it again and now I'm in danger of being a pita ex-drinker who's had enough at two and fancies a cuppa tea !

 It's in the chopping!

Wonders how I can get this back on topic.....boozy salad dressing? Nope, can't think of one!

I am not subtle in getting back on topic, but going to try some chick peas in my salad this week. Along with some form a light dressing.

Phil Vickery did a blue cheese/vodka dressing in 'This Morning' this morning. He also did lemonade with a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and ice - said it cut through the sugar and made a great thirst quencher (I'm tempted to give it a go).

I honestly think it is!   And the no-olive rule makes a difference too...plus the crumbling of the cheese.

In fact, it's nothing like a Greek salad when you think about it

Either way, Shepherd's salad is luvverly.

Re Greek salad... I forgot to mention that I've never had it served with the feta cut into cubes - not in Greece anyway.  Always came as a whole slab or occasionally in long finger type slices.

Did well today.

Had a small pasta salad, bought some cherry tomatoes to have with it and an apple. Cutting down (not out) on carbs is not easy for me, but the reduction from 2 packs of sandwiches is a good start.

Tonight I am just cooking an omelette to go with my salad.

I wish I had your will power *open HUGE bar of choccie* 

Just joking 

TBH - At the supermarket this lunchtime I was tempted to buy some chocolate, but resisted - just...

Well done you  

I fancy Soozy's fish n chips now.

Fallen off the wagon over the last week or two or three, but feel another stronger stint coming on now the weather is better (I've felt like more hot food of late).

Now that Easter is over, I would guess a number of people will be looking to get their daily diets in some kind of order. So have you been good and not in need of a tune up or have you been bad and are desperately needing a thorough service?

Sorry about the motoring metaphors, it just went that way as I wrote. 

So glad this thread has been revived

How has your improved healthy diet been working? It helps with collective encouragement

I'm into salads since this thread started... and whoever started the feta cheese idea... its lovely, very cooling mmm..

How has your low carb diet been going EC?

I completely missed your question Roger - sorry.

It's not going too bad. I have seen a reduction in the amount of food I eat and when not eating salads I have been trying to make my meals vegetable heavy. Also I have succumbed to the odd treat (chocolate and crisps - not to often, but I always said I would not abstain as that may increase my cravings).

The only thing that is holding me back is exercise, my ankle is still recovering and once my ankle is strong enough I am joining the gym at work. At £4 a week it would be mad not too.

I'm giving it full throttle

Had a lovely warm goat's cheese 'salad' earlier.  Served on a bed of grilled veg (red peppers, zucchini, asparagus and thinly slice hot beetroot); sprinkled with walnuts and served with a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing