I am on week three of my 8 weeks and having started at just over 90 kg I’m not losing weight as quickly as I’d hoped – wk 1 4.5 lbs, wk 2 2.25 lbs, wk 3 1 lb (total 7.75 lbs). I’ve stuck strictly to the plan, recording my meals and calories every day and using lots of the recipes from the books. My concern is that although I am losing weight my rate of loss may not be “fast” enough to help my blood sugar – HbA1C results came in at 90 mmol just prior to me starting the diet. I’d had no previous blood sugar tests so have no idea of my history.
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The very fast weight loss in the early weeks that some people experience comes from loosing water rather than fat. –
A lb of fat is equal to approximately 3500 calories. So if you work to keep insulin levels low, you can be sure that any calories burned in excess of calories eaten are coming from your fat stores.
Measuring your progress via the scales is not the best method. – As you keep your insulin levels low other hormone systems can work as they are intended, that includes growth hormone which signals for your body to improve bone density and repair muscles after exercise. A healthy bone structure and muscle structure is obviously better for your longterm health. However this means you will weigh more.
Rather than measuring progress using the scales, use a tape measure and look for inch loss across the whole body. Not just waist and hip measurements as our bodies often work on fat loss from arms, legs, and collar bones became exposed, even a drop in shoe size can occur before starting on the spare tyre. -
hi hp46. Maybe if you gave us some examples of the foods you are eating, are you careful on the portion sizes, have you cut out the starchy carbs (the most important thing for lowering your BG). It is easy to make small mistakes – I have been doing this for 3 years in June and have only just realised I have been miscounting my carbs – have a think. Using the recipes is not always the best way unless you calculate the calories and carbs for yourself as some are quite a way out. There is a steep learning curve with these diet plans so stick with us and ask as many questions as you want.
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Hi HP46 – firstly, welcome and well done on your results to date, every loss is a loss and a step in the right direction. We are all unique and some of us just don’t loose as quickly as others, so comparing your personal results with those of others is no helpful. I’ve never lost more than three or four pounds in a week and most often just one or two – frustrating, but I have had to accept this is how my body works.
It is important to learn that all calories are not equal, so it’s essential to track carb intake as well as calorie intake. You might be inadvertently eating more carbs than you think. Good hydration is also a must, so make sure you are drinking enough and if in doubt, drink another glass of water … or two. As Sunshine-Girl says, if you can give us an idea of your meals/menus, we might be able to offer more specific advice.
Having said all this, you ARE losing, so keep right on doing what you have been doing and make small adjustments as you progress and you might see quicker progress. Best wishes …
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Thanks everyone – great advice about checking the carbs as well as the calories
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Hi hp46, sending you a warm welcome to the community, too 🙂 Just me weighing in with other long termers here, but
I certainly do agree with them. Counting calories AND carbs, and measuring your portions of food, are essential to
your success. It may feel a bit daunting at first, but you will surprise yourself at how fast you adapt to it. SunnyB,
sunshine-girl and I have all been at this in the vicinity of 3 years, and it’s completely sustainable as a lifestyle. If
you’ve recently been diagnosed, you have an excellent chance of reversing T2D. Ask or voice any questions or
concerns you may have, and one of us will soon be by your side! Very best to you,Allie 🙂
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Hi hp46
I thought I’d add in my two penn’orth – it might help with your concern about lowering your blood sugars. I started BSD in May, 2016 and like you I’d just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. My hba1c on diagnosis was around 108 (can’t remember exactly but certainly over 100 mmol/mol) and I was 212lb. So, we’re not far apart on hba1c and weight. I used a home blood glucose testing kit.The blood sugars started coming down pretty much as soon as I started (within days/1-2 weeks) and I’d got my hba1c back into the normal range long before (i.e. months before) I’d lost all the weight I’d needed to get back into my healthy BMI range. My rate of weight loss was pretty average. So, I wouldn’t worry too much about a slower weight loss affecting the reduction in blood sugar levels, I don’t think it will. As others have said, concentrate on keeping your carbs low as you go and you’ll do great.
Btw, you haven’t mentioned if you are on any medication e.g. metformin, etc. If you are, you may need to get advice from your healthcare team on reducing these at some point once your blood sugars have reduced. I haven’t got any experience with meds but other posters have and you can also use the search box to get past posters experience – loads of great experience there too.
Jennie
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Really appreciate the advice and positive vibes- was feeling low and this has really picked me up
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I’m glad that you’re feeling hope and the possibility of positive change, hp46! Success stories abound here, so just
leap in with both feet, and we will support you in doing the rest. It’s an everyday occurrence here 🙂 Whatever stage we
are in, being maintenance or those newly traveling this road, we really do it together. I’m looking forward to sharing your
story, Join any thread that interests you, and I can promise you a warm welcome! Best,Allie
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