Camp Carbaway
Share your low-carb experience around the virtual campfire.
BACKGROUND
Camp Carbaway is an online resource for those individuals who are attempting to lose weight via a low- to no-carb diet, and need additional support.
Support is delivered via internet, requiring a membership and a password in order to access the “campfire”. Once in the campfire, you can expect to have access to forums, tips, and motivation for continuing to engage in your low-carb lifestyle, even when you really want a cracker or a chip.
The website is fairly easy to navigate and was created by three individuals who met in a chat room for low-carb dieters, and decided to branch off and do their own thing, one of which is Kimkins detractor Jeannie Baittenger.
PRO
- Easy to do from home
- Supports the myriad of low- to no-carb diet programs available
- Everyone involved with Camp Carbaway is also a low-carb dieter
- Access to calorie counters
- Access to glycemic index
CON
- Unless you log on, you are on your own to make the right decision meal-by-meal
- Information is not validated by a medical professional
- Cost benefit is only gained by participation
- No clear exercise guidance
FOOD and RECIPE
As typical for low-carb programs, Camp Carbaway has an emphasis on Atkins, Zone, Stillman’s and Carbohydrate Addicts.
EXERCISE
Campers at Camp Carbaway don’t seem to want to talk about activity unless you join in on the campfire chat.
EXPENSE
$19.95 to register for Camp Carbaway, but they are not clear if that is a one time fee or if it needs to be renewed over a period of time.
CONCLUSION
While the website needs a bit of polishing and more disclosure, it is a fun concept that takes what can otherwise be a very isolating topic, weight loss, and makes it an enjoyable group activity. Studies have shown that those who lose weight in groups (think Weight Watchers) do lose more weight, and more importantly, keep it off for a longer period of time then those who go it alone.
Common Misspellings
Camp carboway, camp carberway, camps carboway, camp carb-o-way, Camp Carb Way, Carbaway
Corie: it's good to see something good from that kimkins mess!
Brian: My name is Brian and I am the webmaster for Camp Carbaway. I am pleased with the review, but need to make a few clarifications. First: There is no membership fee for camp. There was one at first, however we decided that since there was not any new “information” on our site we should not charge. Camp membership is by invitation at this point. You can request a membership simply by sending me an e-mail. Second: While our theme is low carb, we do have a few members that do other diets (like Weight Watchers) and have great success. Our intent is to have a support community (like AA for alcoholics) where dieters can share and learn from each other. Third: We do not have a set activity program, however we do have a thread devoted to just exercise. Many of our members enjoy an active lifestyle and share what they do with others. Fourth: We do not have a “Medical Professional” as a staff member. As we don’t promote one specific diet we stick to the time tested advise that you should see your own doctor before starting any weight management or exercise program. The conclusion to your review hits the proverbial nail on the head. We are exactly what you say. We are a group of people trying to live a healthy lifestyle, and support each other on the way. Many of our early membership came from Kimkins members who needed a place to have the community support (that was the only positive at KK), when they left that site. There are several other very good low carb forums out there to get support, but the former KK members never felt welcome at any of them. This is why we started the site in the first place. It has been a great experiment for us, and we are always looking to make new friends. If you are looking for a support group, give us a shot. Just go to the main site for my e-mail address and send me a request to join.
butterfly: Campcarbaway is friendly and lots of wonderful support and diversified with a variety of cultures and exercise challenges and eating plans. It is your home away from home. Come to campcarbaway, we will leave the light on for ya! :)
