Hi all
What’s new? Hope everyone’s settled back into things after Christmas and New Year. I struggled a bit at first but feel like I’ve got back into the swing of things the last 4 or 5 days. I’ve managed to lose 3lbs so far so only need to lose another 2lbs and I’ll be back to where I was just before Christmas – a funny kind of progress but there you are!
I’m caring for my sister-in-law at the moment as my older brother’s been taken into hospital so may be on and off the forum for a few weeks but just wanted to touch base and wish everyone well – speak to you soon.
Take care
Jennie xx

Hi Jennie – so pleased to see someone here – has been ages since I came looking – this and that in my way – principally my own head. I’m back to my pre-Christmas weight (Christmas? When was that?) but no further. Have been sticking pretty well to the BSD principles but not as well as I would like. Could be SO much worse though. Need to knuckle under now however – have a further check on the Pre-diabetes status around my birthday in March to make sure I’m still on track. I DO love this WOE – it’s the wine-drinking that is my stumbling block – but apart from that I find it easy and delicious and don’t miss white carbs at all or any of those root vegetables that have never been that appealing anyway.
VERY sorry to hear about your brother – hope things are going well for him. Post when you can – would be happy to hear your news. SoniaX

Hi Sonia,
Oh, I’m so pleased too! I’m still away during the week at the moment and on the drive home this morning (snow delayed my usual Friday evening journey) I was thinking I’d post on here again to see if anyone was still around. I’m absolutely delighted!

Yes, me too with the weight. I put 5lbs on over Christmas and have just managed to get back to my Christmas Eve weight – 11st 2lb.
I also enjoy this way of eating but it’s the portion sizes that get me. As soon as I stop weighing my food my portion sizes creep up.
I’ve been posting on the ‘journey to Easter’ thread – (not the right title) …… to try to hold myself accountable.

Thanks so much for your concern about my brother. He’s 14 years older than me and has had a major stroke. My sister-in-law needs a carer so they’re keeping my brother in a rehabilitation unit in hospital and I’m staying with my sister -in-law during the week – my younger brother who is still working goes there over the weekend. Anyway, my brother is definitely making progress and they’re hoping he might get home in March sometime. On-going care might be tricky, but as I read some one on here (Marsie, I think) say – ‘don’t borrow trouble’ – (what a great saying) – anyway that’s what we’re trying to do.

Keep posting Sonia, so I can hear how you go. xx

If anyone else is still around it really would be lovely to hear from you.
Jennie

Hello everyone I am back in the UK😀
I need to catch up with reading all your posts & I have had some amazing experiences whilst on holiday in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia & Bangkok. My body clock & sleeping patterns are almost back to normal having flown from Bangkok via Dubai to Gatwick arriving at 6am last Friday in the fog! I am a bit the worse for wear having fallen & sat down very heavily on my posterior on a beach in New Zealand whilst photographing the weird Moeraki accretion boulders! I have now seen two doctors one in Sydney & my own GP & I have deep tissue bruising & nothing can be done apart from me taking Ibuprofen as a pain killer & anti-inflammatory. I have bought myself a coccyx cushion & it’s much more comfortable sitting & standing & walking is not a problem.
I gained 8 lbs on holiday & have already lost 4 lbs that I guess was mostly fluid retention & I’m back to no alcohol & low carb but still trying to consistently get back down to daily 800 calories but at the moment averaging around 900! I have bought & am reading MMs latest book the Fast 800 & the latest research is interesting particularly adding in a limited eating window which is what I do anyway not having any calories after 7-0pm but I do need to reduce my “splash” of milk in my coffee that seems to have grown to a much larger amount😂 Oh well I’m back on the bandwagon & really hoping I can quickly lose my excess weight that is now 3 stone 4 lbs😿🙀
I hope this finds you all well & I will catch up my reading your posts
Margaret xx

Margaret – SO happy to see that you’re back – was just wondering about you this morning. Sad, however, to hear of your posterior injury. Sounds like you’re managing it well but it’s not what any of us needs – particularly on holiday. Hope you had a great time despite the accident. 8lb gained and 4lb lost already – sounds very manageable – and well done! You’ve been gone a long time and 8lb is really not bad – losing half is even BETTER!
You’ll find everyone over on a thread – One Week at a Time – this week is starting Feb 19. Great and lively thread with people that you will already know and lots of new ones. After Christmas I thought I’d lost everyone but eventually found them. Loads of good info – go visit.
I’m not having a great time right now – in any respect – but thanks to the gee-up on the new thread am back on ‘proper’ BSD from today. You’ll find a sketchy account on the latest Week at Time – won’t bombard you now/here.
Welcome back – pleased to see you. SoniaX

Hi Margaret – that trip sounds fantastic. I think you’ve done brilliantly just to put on 8lbs and especially since you’ve already lost 4lbs! I’m really sorry to hear about the accident – it sounds really painful. I’ve just bought MM’s book on kindle although I’ve not started reading it yet – I’m also going to see him on tour soon so that will be interesting.

Sonia – I’m not on the one week thread (I’m on the more leisurely Easter road trip) but do post there now and again; I’ve been meaning to pop on to say hi but things have been a bit hectic the last few weeks. Once things have calmed down I’ll pop in and catch up with everyone.
Jennie xx

Hello Jennie & Sonia & thank you for your posts & I am feeling more comfortable now & in less pain because I think my coccyx cushion is taking the pressure off when I sit & probably helping healing.
I have just weighed & have lost another couple of pounds so that is six so far this week that I am very pleased with. I have this morning switched to black coffee & will have to get used to the taste but it extends my fasting window from seven yesterday evening until lunch at 1-0pm today. I’m back to not eating breakfast & having kefir to repopulate my gut with good bacteria & at the moment are highly motivated even resisting wine, crisps & biscuits last night at my WI meeting & my team won the quiz so perhaps my brain has finally caught up with my body now & I’ve recovered from jet lag😂
I think I prefer to continue on this thread posting my progress & experiences because I suppose I’m a bit of a stick in the mud😀but thank you for your info Sonia about the other weekly thread.
Margaret xx

Margaret – well done on a further loss – you’re certainly not letting the grass grow! Congrats on leaving milk out of your coffee – I’m still working on that – my daily drinks take up SO many unnecessary carbs. I’m struggling with weight loss at the moment anyway and have a further diabetes check up next month, so need to maintain the results I had last time – at the very least.
I only let you know about the other thread so you’d know where we were and because I had felt lonely on this one after Christmas when everyone had disappeared and wanted you to know what had happened. I don’t think you’re a stick in the mud at all – it’s all very hectic on the other thread although there IS loads of helpful info over there.
Jennie – sorry to hear your life is hectic at the moment – I imagine it’s the illness in your family and hope things are improving. Will pop over to the Easter Road Trip – ‘more leisurely’ sounds good to me and do come in here when you can.
Hope to see you both here on and off and here your news and progress. SoniaX

I have just weighed & have lost 7lbs! that is one pound short of my gain but I feel very pleased that I am back on track.
Sonia thank you for your posts & do keep going because you have had such a good result & I am sure your next diabetic check will be fine.
Jennie I’m so sorry to hear of illness in your family & that you are all going through a tough the at the moment. I hope things are getting a little better now?
Today our son is bringing our youngest granddaughter to lunch so it’s roast chicken for lunch & then he’s dashing back home to watch the rugby😂
Onwards we go & I am trying to get my calories down to 800 & did an enormous shop yesterday including some fruit & herb teas!
On I go
Margaret xx

Good morning – and a very beautiful one. Am just back from a walk by the sea – irresistible!
Margaret – you’re plainly working really hard re-couping on holiday weight – GREAT! Good job as they say. Apart from the unfortunate injury I’m sure you’ve made memories that will stay with you and no damage done in respect of weight – or very little – win-win. Sounds like you’ve stocked up in readiness for a new onslaught on BSD. I LOVE fruit and herbal teas and often they save my dietary life. Well done on the black coffee – I’ve taken to Coconut milk and vanilla essence in mine. Less cals and works OK. Hope your visit with your granddaughter and son was good – sure it was – grandchildren are such a joy.
I’ve really been struggling lately with health issues that may or may not be connected to electrolyte imbalance. Have been passing out at the drop of the nearest hat – so embarrassing and death to my driving and social lives. I had an appointment with a specialist but it was postponed so am still waiting for another. In the meantime I have decided to switch to The Mediterranean Diet – it’ll keep me in check and I’m hoping that more leeway on carbs may help until I have further info. On the upside, it seems that wine – just a couple of glasses – is a factor so not a drop has passed my lips for weeks. Not easy – but a good habit to acquire!
Jennie – hoping things are looking up for you and your family – I’ve been lurking on the Roadtrip forum and will be joining in when my life sorts itself out.
Push on both and I’ll be doing the same. SoniaX

Quick PS – making coffee just now and somehow realised that I’d said I add Coconut Milk to coffee these days – what I meant was Almond – seems like less cals and less carbs. ‘Poor old dear’ as my elder son says to me when I’m being daft. SoniaX

Hello Sonia
I’m so sorry to hear about you fainting & your possible electrolyte problems & hope you soon get a Drs appointment to get checked out. It must be so frustrating for you sorting out your blood sugars & then having another health problem! Milk wise I have often used Oatly but I don’t like almond milk although adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to coffee is not a bad idea at all because it gives an almost immediate energy boost & is easily digested & Ive often done that.
My husband & I have just had a walk in the sunshine reacquainting ourselves with the changes in the village. It felt very summery apart from the bare trees but with lots of colour from bulbs springing up. I find sunshine really boosts my mood & 5000 steps may slightly balance the large glass of Sauvignon Blanc I had with my Sea Bass lunch but also with loads of vegetables then the rhubarb & ginger I cooked from the recipe in the Fast 800 book that was delicious.
I hope you soon feel much better
Margaret xx

How are you today Sonia?

SO kind of you to enquire, Margaret – especially when it must be taking time to sort out your life and belongings after your trip.
I’m OK – in that I haven’t had an ‘episode’ for over a week but the thought is always with me, so going out anywhere is a slightly scary experience – my crashing to the floor creates so much trouble for everyone. I don’t currently feel it is life-threatening unless I do more damage than the current lumps, bumps etc that I have acquired. I’ve been making a ‘jigsaw’ of everything I feel contributes which is helping, but not a cure until I know what the problem is. My younger son – a computer analyst – practically has a spreadsheet on my episodes and my jigsaw pieces! I’m ringing the hospital pretty well daily in case there’s a cancellation I could hop into.
Anyway – how are YOU doing? Your walk in the sun as a re-connection to your village sounds lovely – I love the Sussex villages.
Hope you’re getting back into BSD relatively painlessly and making progress. Sea Bass lunch at the weekend sounds ‘safe’ and great. I eat a lot of fish and we have a ‘fish shack’ not too far from our square right on the beach which sells freshly caught fish on a pretty much ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’ basis. Delish!
Another beautiful day here so about to walk by the sea in the sun ☀ 😊
Happy to hear your news when you get a mo and any BSD updates. Thanks for the contact – SoniaX

I am fine thank you & have been reading about the anti-inflammatory benefits of coconut oil having rediscovered my book all about coconut oil on my kindle. I have therefore bought & am now using again a new pot of extra virgin coconut oil & applying an older one to my body as a moisturiser & to my husbands rough bald scalp to try to stop more keratosis growing there! He is very fair skinned & is always bashing his head particularly when going up in the loft & always has scrapes & very rough skin on his exposed scalp!
I am also “eating” a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil hoping it may help my deep tissue bruising as well as the occasional Ibuprofen I take. My rear end is becoming less painful so I can only assume it’s healing & tomorrow my husband & I are going back to play short mat bowls that I am looking forward to. Oh well I’m into self help & it can do no harm going back to using coconut oil in cooking & as a moisturiser that is also brilliant used as a conditioner on hair before shampooing😬
I hope your research jigsaw puzzle helps you identify triggers for your fainting. I regard myself as an ongoing biology experiment forever trying to work out why my body reacts the way it does. I do think it helps to be proactive as you have been getting your blood sugar levels sorted out & hope you are soon able to get a resolution & treatment for your fainting.
Do take care!
Margaret xx

HI ALL – hope the week has gone well.
Margaret – I completely agree about self-help and you inspired me to use my coconut oil for more than cooking. So I’ve been putting it in my coffee. I’m working hard at trying to find a means of concocting an acceptable coffee that gives me the same pleasure as my previous ‘recipe’ which involved a teaspoon tip of honey and full fat milk or cream – only two a day I must add. Someone on another forum here suggested vanilla in place of a sweetener which is good but not my beloved honey. Some habits are harder to break than others I guess. Will try coconut oil as a moisturiser for myself and my partner with an equally ‘scarred’ scalp –principally as you say from trips into the loft. Hope it’s helping with your tissue bruising – VERY painful I’m told. Also hope you enjoyed the bowls – must be good for movement – one of my many failings is that I don’t move enough. Have a resolution on the back burner that I need to drag out and adhere to.
I seem to have shed 2lb this week – can only be down to not drinking wine as I haven’t been really sticking to ‘the other rules’ (although I don’t have a problem keeping under 800 cals) because just in case my fainting problem is an electrolyte imbalance, as is suspected, I don’t want to go too low on carbs until all this is sorted out. Currently at about 40g per day – so high as per BSD. It’s a big mess at the moment as I still have no appointment at the hospital. They asked me to contact the Bookings Department but it’s impossible to get thro on the phone and no response to emails. I’m just going to have to sit on the phone on Monday until I succeed. I have also got a GP appt for a medication review on Tuesday so I’ll speak to him about it. I’ve been very lucky in my life and am not used to all this carry-on about my health. Also I want to get back to BSD proper because the point of my being here is to keep my BSLs in check. All in all I’m increasingly frustrated.
Off out now to WALK 😉 to get fresh fish from our local ‘shack’. Monkfish or scallops to wrap in prosciutto if I’m lucky! Plus loadsa salad.
Have a good week and stick with it. Onwards and downwards – my absolute favourite saying of yours – SoniaX

Good morning Sonia
I hope your walk was successful & you were able to buy the fish you wanted. I am surprised you are having such difficulty getting a re-arranged appointment & not being able to speak with a bookings department is disgraceful. Why don’t you go directly to your consultants secretary & explain your situation? Medical secretaries have different telephone numbers & also direct access via their computers to the online appointment booking system. I used to work in the NHS, eight years ago now, & also recently had to change an appointment & got through to my hospital switchboard & just asked to speak to the linked secretary who often do now work for a couple of consultants but usually do answer their phones.
How nice to find you had unexpectedly lost a couple of pounds but don’t worry about that at the moment & concentrate on eating well & maintaining your previous weight loss until you feel totally well again.
I lost 1.25 lbs this last week that now is the eight pounds I gained on holiday however I am not standing on the scales this morning because of the wine consumed over the weekend & a slice of my grandsons chocolate birthday cake when we unexpectedly saw him yesterday at his Mothers new flat.
Today is a fast day with me going to the dentist to have some tooth “caps” repaired but also this afternoon my beading ladies are coming to me because I am hosting & that means cream cakes! custard tarts or biscuits! so I will have to chose carefully today to keep below 800 calories but the carbs not counting today. Oh well I’m looking forward to seeing them because our last meeting was before Christmas.
I hope this week enables you to get your Doctors appointments sorted out.
Take care & onwards & hopefully downwards we go😬
Margaret xx

Hi Margaret –
Most importantly – HOORAH for you on the 1.25lb. If it were me I’d consider it a real victory to have shed holiday lbs so efficiently. Don’t suppose the dentist was much fun but do hope you enjoyed your beading session with your ladies. Guess as you were hosting you could provide enough low cal items to keep yourself satisfied – though the willpower is always a different matter. Hope that – and the fasting – went well. Sure you enjoyed time with your grandson and chocolate cake– those rites of passage are so important and you’re making memories with them. VERY envious of your wine at the weekend – hope to get back to that eventually when I have got this fainting stuff sorted out. I suspect an electrolyte imbalance due to low carbing – has happened (with Atkins) before but not to this extent. Wine does seem to exacerbate it but I need to find a really good nutritionist for decent advice. My GP suspects my Vagus Nerve – a bit more complicated. I got on to my specialist’s secretary immediately the first appt was cancelled and she said – very kindly but firmly – that I am not in a life threatening situation (let’s hope not!) and that others had been bumped up in front of me. I took that on the chin, but having queued on the phone for an hour-ish to get through to Bookings this morning, I was told it would be JUNE before they can see me! Long list of expletives – in my head of course – at that point. I’ve made an appt with a different Doc in my practice to see if I can get some sense made of all this tomorrow.
In the meantime – as you say – ‘onwards and downwards’. Bat on, Margaret, you’re plainly on the right track. Hope your husband’s doing well too btw. ‘Talk’ soon – SoniaX

Hi All

it’s been a couple of months since I’ve posted. I have been going through a bad time since a family member has had a stroke, it’s been a very stressful time so I have been off my diet and I’m afraid have been indulging in rather high carb comfort food. I got on the scales yesterday (haven’t been weighing myself).
I expected to have put on at least 4 -5 kg but to my surprise I have only put on 2.2kg. I’m now back on track as of yesterday.

I’m still a bit down in the dumps and trying not to break with things…although I am not hungry on this way of eating, I still crave carbs … the not so good ones. LOL It’s a never ending battle.

Hi Reducia,
I have been hearing more and more that extra salt is crucial when doing low carb and fasting. There’s a great talk by Dr Phinney on the Low Carb Down Under website and it goes through all the science behind it but he carries around a couple of stock or boullion cubes around with him when he’s out and about to make sure his salt levels don’t fall during the day- weakness, dizziness fatigue etc are all the symptoms. I also watched a fascinating talk on one of the videos on the site saying how important vitamin d is, and for similar symptoms, but the dose needs to be around 4000 iu to be effective which is much higher than we are told, and apparently perfectly safe at this level.
Again a crucial supplement for low carbers, as is magnesium ( slow release)
Hope this helps!

Hello Sonia
How frustrating having to wait until June to be seen! You mentioned the vagus nerve & in MMs book Clever Guts he writes about the direct link from the gut to the brain that is influenced by our gut bacteria that also can have an effect on mood & depression. He recommends increasing the good bacteria by eating fermented food & the most acceptable food I’ve found is Kefir as a prebiotic & of course full fat organic yoghurt as a probiotic. He writes about the research in his book. Do you already have Kefir? Also as Inka13 mentions low salt can be a factor on a fast day so I often have a cup of Bovril during the day to increase my salt intake & taking a multivitamin pill will usually include magnesium & other trace elements.
Welcome back hadenough & the beauty of this way of eating is the ability to rejoin & get back on track again as I have done after my six week break whilst on holiday. I weighed today & my indulgent weekend shows a gain but I’m not worried because I feel I have the “tools” to help myself now because I know how high carb intake doesn’t seem to suit me apart from my ongoing temptation & battle with liking an occasional glass of wine! I know it is hard but this WOE still seems to be a faster way of losing weight than other diets. Good luck with getting back on track.
Margaret xx

Hi Hadenough,
I know how stressful it is dealing with a family member who has had a stroke. – My mother fell hitting her head so had the type of stroke where blood supply to the brain failed due to a broken blood vessel. She was 2/3rds brain dead for the last 6 months of her life as a result.
One of the positive issues/opportunities I feel comes out of encountering stressful times with this way of eating is understanding that we are craving carbs because we are stressed and being able to explore other healthier options for response. – It could be that we don’t stint on eating but instead of over eating carbs go for a higher healthy fat treat. – Its taken me 16 months but I have finally reached the point where if I do eat carbs I don’t get the old high that I used to get. – Which makes it easier to go for the rich BSD friendly meal when you want a food based treat, but equally finding an activity you enjoy which releases stress is good. – When you are dealing with someone who has had a life changing event like a stroke it can really make you realise how important it is to enjoy the time you have to do the things you love.

Hi all –
Hadenough – so very sorry to hear what a difficult time you are having – the stress of nursing family members is immense. I went through something similar 18 months ago and found that between the worry and the running about I actually lost nearly a stone over 6 months with no effort whatsoever. NOT the way to ‘do. it tho – easy to go back to previous habits later. Such good advice from JGwen – go for the fats which really are very satisfying and if you can just find that switch from carbs to fats in your thinking and press it hard you’ll win thro in the end. In the meantime – try to be kind to yourself and practice some tolerance of your habits – you are not in an easy situation. Thinking of you. XXX
Thanks so much Inka 13 – I have been sucking on Himalayan salt crystals – like a medication – along with my BP tabs in the mornings and also taking Magnesium citrate every day. I love the thought of carrying bouillon cubes – such a good idea that I’m adopting immediately. Will get some vit D today and ensure I get 4000 iu daily. Grateful for any help I can get – and very interesting to me that so-called professionally qualified practitioners have less information to offer than the wonderful folk here. My Doctor has actually uttered the words to me in relation to low-carbing – ‘This is where I start to struggle.’ NOT inspiring.
Margaret – had a much more positive Doctor’s visit yesterday evening – they have appointments up to 8.0 pm these days – and am much cheered. PHEW! This new Doctor immediately sent a template letter for the hospital from his PC to the Practice Admin for printing and posting, saying that he would add a handwritten note when he signs it to gee up the hospital – June is ‘beyond all reason’ he considers. I feel that at least someone has listened and is on the case . . . He was also very encouraging in the respect that my BP has now stabilised and I’ve had no more ‘episodes’. He did, however, say how anti-low carb he is and that it doesn’t ‘help the fainting’. As I am typing this – literally – there is an item on the BBC news giving an official account of good results for Diabetics following low carb-800cal diets. Some consistency would be helpful, don’t you think? I don’t drink Bovril but have taken to eating a large teaspoon of almond butter thickly spread with Marmite twice a day. I eat a lot of yoghourt, too which I make myself from a greek culture originally obtained from a local ethnic food shop. I remember your mentioning kefir previously and I need to search it out. I also remember you mentioned getting some made from raw milk in Sussex – need to search for that too. I’ll make it a priority in the name of my gut biome and vagus nerve. I can see Clever Guts is a book I should get – thank you.
Love your positive attitude to your ‘indulgent weekend’ – and completely agree that we have tools to get us past those now. I have one coming up, in fact. Sons – partners – grandchildren all descending for my birthday this weekend and taking me to lunch. Wine shouldn’t be a problem for a change – I’ve been abstaining for a good while since all this fainting started and IF I can, I’ll stick to that. Doesn’t seem like such a hurdle now 🙂 We’ll see. . .
Have a good week all – our ups and downs are sent to try us. SonisX

Good morning.
Sonia I am pleased your GP was able to help you & your BP has stabilised. I must admit I am in no danger of going really low carb because I am luckily not pre-diabetic also this week hosting my beading group the left over cream cakes & custard tarts were my downfall & I have stayed the same weight this week. I must do much better & make inroads into my longer lasting extra weight.
Hadenough I hope your family situation is getting better for you now. I have not had to cope with a family member having a stroke but know the rehab process can take a long time & know particularly if speech is affected how frustrating that can be as well as if possible re-learning to control any movement that has been lost. I looked after my Mother who was becoming increasingly confused with dementia & who was then discovered to have breast cancer & it’s very stressful trying to maintain ones own life & work commitments let alone find any personal time or focus. I have also since her death had breast cancer although luckily am now seventeen years on from my treatment with no reoccurrence but it all takes its toll on ones own personal & emotional resilience.
I suppose all that any of us can do is as the song says to pick ourselves up & start all over again.
Good luck everyone for your next week.
Margaret xx

Hi Margaret – never easy with our favourite foods under our noses. Poor you – sure you’ll find it in yourself to re-coup though – as you’ve said we DO know what to do. I’ve had three days of non-stop fun – meals out – great presents too – including some home-baked caraway bread (carb-laden of course) which I love, baked by DIL – among other very thoughtful presents. Count myself blessed – BUT not weighing this week at all. I’m not generally unhappy with my weight now and feel I can stabilise with a bit of abstinence. Really, I just want to maintain my non-prediabetic status – but the only way I know to do that is low-carbing and I’m fairly upset with the NHS attitude. Hey ho – will just have to wend my way thro it all. My tests for the fainting have been brought forward to the beginning of April and once I know for sure that I have nothing serious the matter with me, I’ll be on the case. For now I’m happy to have had the energy to see me through all the fun without any passing out.
Hadenough – I join with Margaret in wishing you a better and easier time – emotional resilience is in short supply in these situations. I truly wish you well.
Inka13 – am going great guns on the bouillon cubes and Vit D – I feel loads better in many ways and am certainly having no recurrences of the fainting. So I thank you again.
Keep at it everyone – hope your week goes well. SoniaX

Hi everyone
Apologies for not posting for a while. I meant to post before I left home for my brother’s house (I’ve been staying with my brother and sister -in-law for the last 2 weeks). Usually, I bring my lap-top so I can still post but my husband’s laptop broke (he also dropped his phone when he was calling the computer fix-it guy and smashed that on the kitchen floor – you’ve got to smile!), and as he needs one for the bits of work he still does, I left him with mine.

hadenough – I hope things are getting a bit better for you and your family. My brother had a stroke just after Christmas and I’ve been staying with my sister-in-law on and off as she needed someone with her while my brother was in rehabilitation. It’s such a difficult and stressful time adjusting to a new way of things. Take care and look after yourself xx

Sonia – it’s horrible when you don’t know the reason why something’s happening to your own body. I’m really glad that you’re energy is coming back and there’s been no more faints – and to hear they’ve brought your appointment forward to the beginning of April from June ! Oh, and I might have said this before but I do love the idea of your local ‘shack’ – I want one!!

Margaret – I agree with Sonia, you’ve done brilliantly to drop that holiday weight so quickly. Btw, I’m thinking about a long haul holiday for my husband’s 60th – can I ask which of the places you went to were your favourites. Also, I like what you said about seeing yourself as an ongoing biology experiment – me too.

Inka13 – Interesting tip about the bouillon cubes – I might look them up and give them a go, too. Thanks

Well, my good news is my brother is out of rehab and settled back into his home. He’s been out just over a week and we’ve had lots of visits from district nurses, home support service, equipment people etc. Early days but so far so good. I’ll be going over to visit but only staying the odd overnight for now. The other mini-crisis (one of my children) seems to be sorting itself out too, so things are a bit more settled here. I weighed myself this morning and have lost 4lb over the last couple of weeks. Not through any great effort, just through not eating and stress – not the best way to do it , but I’ll take it.

Have a good rest of the day/night everyone.

Hi Jennie 10

Thanks for your thoughts. I am struggling to get back on track t the moment but hopefully, I can get myself in the right headspace as I don’t want to undo all the weight I’ve lost. I had lost 11kg but since Xmas I have put on about 2.4kg, so I need to get back on track.
Hope you your brother is ok, yes it is a stressful time for both of us. Hope you’re ok too.

I hope everyone else is going well too.

Hi hadenough
I’m OK I think – glad to be home. It was a bit tricky last week seeing my brother back at home again and struggling with things, but he’s great (lovely, in fact) so I just tried to follow his lead. I really understand the struggle to get back on track – I’ve lost 4lb in the last two weeks, but that’s because I was not eating, and living on coffee – not the way to go!
I think maintaining your weight loss for a little while until you feel ready is a good way to go. My plan is to stay low carb (for my diabetes) but not worry about losing any more weight just now. Keep in touch.

Hi all – another sunny day here to bring cheer
Jennie- so sorry to hear about your technology problems – guess they’ll get sorted as these things always do – although there are days when I think I’d be better off without it all – but that’s rubbish in the long run of course. VERY pleased to hear you brother’s back home and that he and your sister in law are getting by with help available – tho I’m sure they’re always glad to see you as family. We all need to feel our family is supportive – and you are plainly there for them. Count those 4lb lost as a reward for the care and attention you been meting out.

Hadenough – I really hope you’ll find the strength to stick at it – 2.4 lb is not so much to get rid of – especially on this WoE. Perhaps you could plan a few days of your favourite BSD foods and hope that helps you stick to good eating until they’re gone – or just keep you steady. Once you’ve done that, you may feel more positive about discarding more. Just focus on your health and on how much better you’ll feel when you’re done with the whole process and are skipping around more.

Margaret – where are you? Hope you’re well and progressing. Miss you.

I have to say that I’m in fair despair right now though I know there are folk here who will tell me not to take too much notice of the Docs who are telling me that my passing out is – in part, at least – due to ‘low carbing’ as they put it. I can’t understand that, as Diabetes UK is recommending low carb diets to lower BS levels. The fainting is OK at the moment – different BP meds stopping my numbers drop too low have helped enormously and I no longer crash to the floor – or haven’t for a while. Rather foolishly I’ve upped my carb intake to around 35g daily – foolish because, in paying too much attention to my Doctors, I’ve muddied the waters as to whether it was only a need for change of meds. I will up the carbs gradually but I have to say it was a scary time that I don’t wish to see again. I hope my cardiology appt. next month may clarify things a bit. In the meantime I wonder if anyone has any more info than I have already received here – thanks everyone – as to whether this happens to others. I have upped my salt intake in several ways and I currently take judicious Potassium and Magnesium citrate supplements recommended by someone here – forgive me, I forget who that was. In the meantime, I’m struggling on and although I haven’t discarded any lbs, I have maintained my weight and am happy enough to be on my feet.
Good luck to everyone with your various efforts- it’s not always easy but there is no doubt that it’s worth continuing with.
SoniaX

Hi there,
I haven’t contributed in a long while so I just thought I would let you know where I am right now.
I am really proud of all of you and your successes on BSD. When I first tried it I was successful and lost a substantial amount of weight. I got myself into bad habits and tried again a year later and wasn’t as successful as I was with BSD the first time. In truth I became so despondent and down constantly thinking about food meals and menus etc. Another truth was my head wasn’t coping with my obsession with food and the guilt feeling I had with not eating the correct foods at times. There were also times when other life issues just got in the way and BSD became so hard.
I needed to get of the strict regimen of a diet.
So right now I am not following BSD in fact I am not really following any specific diet other than to eat less of the foods I like. Luckily I have always like protein based meals and have more energy after eating protein. I thank BSD for this😁. I have actually been halving the amount of “normal foods” and coping well.
Mentally this has been good for us at home. Food is less of an issue. Maybe this what is called the maintenance stage with a bit of cheating. Over the past couple of months my weight has stabilised.
I really hope you all continue with BSD and get to where you need to be.
Finally thank all of you for your support! You have all been really valuable over the past few months.

Miss Ziggy

Thanks for your words of encouragement jennie10 and Sonia X
I’m slowly getting back on track. Sometimes I feel like giving up all together. but then I think that since I was off most of my insulin and diabetes tablets and my BSL’s were good, I want to get back to that point.
They have been so up and down since I went off track but like I said I’m getting there.
thank you for your support!

Jennie10, I’m glad to hear your brothers home, it’s such a stressful time when our family members are sick.

Hi Miss Ziggy
I too became so despondent and down constantly thinking about food and my addiction to carbs, so I know how you feel. The past few weeks I have been eating all the wrong foods (highly carb food) and I’m just trying to get myself back in the right headspace to get back on track which I’m slowly doing. Of course, having a family member who is seriously ill doesn’t help my stress levels and when I’m stressed what do I do…seek comfort food.

Anyway, I’m wishing you and everyone else on this journey every success,

Hi everyone – sorry I haven’t responded earlier but more technological problems at our house. After my husband’s computer breaking and phone-dropping the other week, my laptop charger gave up the ghost at the weekend. I should have known wire-wiggling would only work for so long!

Miss Ziggy – I’ve also found it so much harder second time around, it’s funny, isn’t it. I was watching a podcast by Zoe Harcombe the other day where she was saying that we’re better making changes e.g. losing weight, intermittently, giving our bodies time in between to rest and catch up. There’s something that feels instinctively right about that to me. I think we all need to work out what’s best for us at any given time and it sounds like you’ve done just that. Glad it’s working out better for you. xx

hadenough – thanks for the kind thoughts about my brother, he’s settling in at home and the support he’s getting seems to be working out. I’m sending my very best wishes for your relative and family also. I’m glad you’re slowly getting back into it. Don’t give up but do treat yourself gently.

Sonia – The only thing that occurs to me, other than the minerals and electrolytes stuff mentioned, is the bit in the BSD book where MM talks about reducing your BP meds as you go along otherwise your BP can go too low. (Lots of past posters on here had to do that to the point of coming right off them as they continued with the BSD – you’d probably find some info on this using the search box). However, I’m guessing the Drs have already looked at this when they changed your BP meds so I suspect I’m stating the obvious, sorry.
Can it be to do with too low blood sugars? I just don’t know. But, personally, I think it’s a good idea to increase your carbs a bit for now, while you’re waiting for your appointment with the cardiologist. It may be nothing to do with the BSD and lowering your carbs but just in case it is, and there are plenty of people on here who maintain normal bgls on 30, 40, 50g etc. I do hope you get an answer soon.

Wendy – hope you’re going well.

I’m ignoring the scales at the moment and I’m just focusing on getting back into my routine. I’ve made soup for this week’s lunches which always helps me stay on the straight and narrow. I also started having my daily walk again at the weekend. They are going OK-ish – I’m having to grab myself by the scruff of the neck and throw myself out of the front door – but I’m hoping Spring coming will help with that.

Best wishes everyone
Jennie

Edited: Sonia, the only other thing I wondered was if it might be worth posting a new thread asking if others had experienced the same. More people might see it on a separate thread.

Jennie – good to see you –
HA – *grab myself by the scruff of the neck and throw myself out of the front door* REALLY made me laugh – and also I empathise – I’m just the same and with NO excuse. There’s a beautiful green square outside my front door with the sea at the bottom – I really need to buck up! I’ve bought an insulated coffee cup in the hopes that now there’s some sun I might take my coffee downstairs from the flat – drink it on the green under a tree and once out, start walking . Cross all fingers that this is a plan that will work.
Hope you’re having some success with getting back to ‘normal’ after all the upheaval. Also hope your brother and sister-in-law are doing well.
Thank you so much for your various thoughts on my current situation. I may have said that I don’t feel it’s life threatening but it was certainly stopping my life – and it’s massively embarrassing. My BP meds have been changed twice and dosage lowered and I think – hope – it’s fixed me. There is also some question as to whether it may be something to do with my Vagus Nerve. However – the cardiologist is the one who will consider some BP possibilities and, if he agrees, will have the final word on my getting back in my car. Otherwise there’ll be more tests. Once I’ve seen him I will indeed start a thread on this subject if appropriate – SUCH a good idea – thank you. I’ll also be interested to know if others encounter the same extreme anti-low-carb feeling among medical professionals that I have found. I’ve let it take over to some extent – which I wouldn’t have done had it not been for the fainting. Thanks so much for your concern.
Once I’m back on track in whatever way, I think I’ll do as you suggested and chip into another forum – rather talking to myself here if you’re not around. Will there be another Road Trip after Easter, do you know?
As it is – I’ve maintained my weight and plod on. I hope it’s the same for you – sure we’ll all pick up with arrival of Spring proper.
Best of luck and fortitude with it all – SoniaX

Hi Sonia
That green square and sea sound lovely, so hopefully you’ll be able to persuade yourself out there a bit more once everything is sorted. At the minute that’s what I’m having to do, but I’m sticking with it – didn’t get out yesterday (ironically, the most beautiful day here) but I’ve been out most days this week.

I do hope the cardiologist’s appointment helps with some answers about what’s been happening. It may not be life-threatening, but it must really impact on your quality of life. Yes, I haven’t had lots of contact with other medical professionals but certainly my healthcare team, and my annual diabetic review team, were initially very much against my ‘fad’ diet and even after 30 months of normal hba1c numbers on BSD and low carb-ing they still remain sceptical about my numbers remaining there. On this one thing I just ignore them. Having said that, in your shoes in this situation I’d have raised my carbs, too, until you know for sure what’s going on. xx
My brother and sister-in-law are doing OK. I’m off to stay with them tomorrow for a couple of days so I’ll be able to check how everything is working. But my other brother seems to think the care they’re getting is good.
I’ve done pretty well with my food weighing and recording this week – I may even have lost a bit as my clothes feel slightly looser (or is that wishful thinking!) but won’t weigh until I get back here Wednesday, or maybe Thursday (Weds is my OH’s birthday).
I’m not sure what will happen after Kazzee’s Easter thread, but it’s a good idea about also joining in other threads I know it helps motivate me to post across the forum.

Hope everyone else is well.

Jennie xx

Good morning everyone & my apologies for my long absence from posting. I think just recently I have been feeling very disassociated from anything “dieting” , have lost my focus & I have not even been recording what I eat.
Last Monday I had my MRI appointment & found it very traumatic & claustrophobic almost walking out after lying down & having the mask put over my face but was persuaded to have it done with the staff saying they would get me out immediately if I pressed the panic button. I was very panicked & hated every minute but stayed still & got through concentrating on counting breaths trying to square breathe. Oh well all done now & on the bright side I went to see Dr MMs talk about health that was very interesting & amusing & weirdly this last week I lost two pounds! MM has had an accident & damaged his Achilles Tendonwas wearing a protective boot, & amusingly came on stage kneeling on a scooter 😬 I think I must have internalised some of what he said about health & that of course was also about his career on tv & the research he has experienced.
Sonia I have been keeping up reading your posts & am glad you have had your meds changed & are feeling better now? but very frustrating having your driving being affected.
Hadenough Miss Ziggy & Jennie It’s lovely also reading your posts & hearing your news. I think second time around is more difficult & I’m not sure why but perhaps the original excitement of being part of something that was new helped our motivation? I am sure my body’s digestion has changed over the past two years particularly handling white bread that I had a slice of & a couple of hours later felt light headed & very hungry but I seemed ok with some wholewheat couscous. I also can no longer tolerate breakfast coping much better on an empty stomach & a coffee. I had a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday with my youngest son joining us for a pub lunch & bringing a lovely bouquet of flowers. My eldest son & daughter in law had already given me a plant & a very fine bottle of cognac that I have already sampled 😂
I hope you will all keep posting & excuse my absence so we can all keep trying & plodding on together?
With best wishes to you all
Margaret xx

Hi Margaret,
It’s really great to hear from you. I’m so sorry to read about the MRI scan, though. It sounds like it’s been a really awful experience for you. I’ve always been claustrophobic so know I’d find it really difficult having to wear a mask like that, too So, I genuinely admire you for sticking with it and getting through. xx
Glad you enjoyed Dr MM’s health show. I went a few weeks ago and enjoyed it too, although it made me smile when I read on here that one of the questions from the audience (was it funniest/most embarrassing experience being a doctor?) was the same wherever you saw the show – as they say, there’s no business like show business!
I think you’re right about not having that original motivation and excitement that makes it harder the second time round. It certainly hasn’t been as straight-forward for me this time around.
What a lovely Mother’s Day you had – helped along with a little of that cognac, I’m sure ! I also had a lovely day – one of my non-cooking sons found and cooked a low-carb breakfast for me – scrambled egg, smoked salmon and cream cheese on wilted spinach – what a surprise, and it was delicious – which was the real surprise. Lucky us!
Having said how tricky it’s been this time round, I weighed myself for the first time in over 2 weeks yesterday morning and I’m now 10st 4lbs, so only 2lbs away from the top of my healthy BMI (my main goal) so it just shows plodding on still works. We still get there in the end.

Keep going everyone – and have a good weekend. There’s a touch of sunshine in the sky and Spring in the air here, and the daffodils are out – lovely.
Jennie xx

Hi all – pleased to see you here.
Margaret – very happy you’re here again – I really hope you find your way back to this WoE. I’ve also slithered and need to get myself back on track. A big birthday, Mother’s Day and other things have seen me put back 4lb in the last few WEEKS – don’t know how that can happen so quickly tho I don’t expect wine consumption helps. Anyway – one way or another I certainly need to buck up. I’m interested to read of your new reaction to white bread – I’ve never found it agreed with me well so I certainly sympathise. Have fingers crossed for you to re-find your motivation and a new way forward with the foods you consume. Interesting how our systems tell us how to proceed if we give the time and listen.
Sad to hear your MRI caused such a hard time – obviously the panic button is there for a reason. Well done for sticking with it. I’ve always dreaded the thought of an MRI – it would certainly cause me serious grief too
.Jennie and Margaret – sounds like you both enjoyed the MM presentation (show biz pzazz notwithstanding) – HOORAH! I had every intention of attending one of his sessions but my ability to get around – without crashing to floors – put a stop to that too.
Jennie – many congrats for approaching your top BMI number – those milestones are so encouraging. Good for your ‘non-cooking’ son – his breakfast sounds delish – and so thoughtful of him to conform to your BSD principles.
Margaret – it also sounds like your family provided a good time and great goodies for you. Me too – more goodies than I deserved – lunch out plus a lovely country walk in sunshine with sons-partners-grandchildren-dogs. Lots of laughter and such a good day. Three well-treated Mothers – lucky us as you say, Jennie.
As per Jennie’s encouragement I AM plodding on – not one of my strengths long term but it certainly has to happen for all of us to get to where we want to be and I am encouraged to pursue that – thanks. I must say that it’s hard on higher carbs and I don’t like to think what that’s doing to my blood sugar levels. I have only five days now till my appointment with the cardiologist who will – I hope – confirm the fact that, with the seeming end of the passing out and much re-jigging of BP meds on the part of my GP, it really was the root of the problem as you thought, Jennie. I can only hope at the moment that there will be news that means I can feel happy about dropping my carb levels and getting on with that plodding.
At the moment I’m hoping to take advantage of this better weather – and those cheery daffodils – for a change of mood and pick up again with this WoE and the benefits which I know it brings.
Keep at it everyone – we CAN get there despite the odd blip – SoniaX

Hi Sonia
Just wanted to say good luck with your appointment. I really hope things get resolved for you. Let us know how you go. xx

Hello Sonia
Can I echo Jennie’s good wishes for your appointment? & I hope you are able to get some answers to what has been happening to you.
I will post more later when I have more time
Margaret xxxx

Jennie and Margaret – Thanks SO much to you both for your kindness and concern – will indeed keep you posted re my consultation.
Hope everything is going well for you two.
Margaret, are you finding a way back to this WoE?
Jennie – how is the journey to the top of your BMI going?
Hope we can all ‘meet up’ here soon for our respective progress reports. SoniaX

Sonia
I’ve been wondering how you’re going?
Jennie xx

Jennie – thank you so much for asking – you are a good friend. How are YOU doing? Hope you have a healthy BMI in your sights and also that your brother and sister-in-law are doing well. Also hope life is still a bit more settled for you all. I want you to know that I have been very grateful for your various wise and soothing comments lately. Hard tho it is proving to be (5lb regained) I’m encouraged to get back to this and stick to it. Thank you.
Was in hospital almost all day – various tests and then a lo-ong time with an excellent consultant who could not have been more thorough or caring. He asked a million questions, obviously grounded in possible causes he had in his head after reading my notes. In the end he said it really IS a mystery but that he feels a duty of care to ensure that I don’t spend the rest of my life falling to the ground. HOORAH! No one has said THAT before. Helpful that he had the notes re my most serious fall and CT scan so he could see I’m not swinging the lead. It’s still going to take ages and a ton more tests but I’m happy that finally someone is taking me seriously and giving attention to sorting this out. Could have been worse. Still a lot of waiting though. Need to learn patience – and also find fortitude to get back down to it. Hey ho . . . .
Margaret – how’re you doing? Hope all is going well. Was wondering how your wish to learn to enjoy black coffee is going – assume that’s part of your fasting regime. I have cream and (ssh!) a sneaky half teaspoon of honey in mine. Love it and so far nothing else really cuts it but I need to try harder to change old habits. Must learn the lesson alongside you – need to shed my 5lb gained!! So am cutting back my carbs and various other little comforts I’ve taken to lately. Always happy for your hints and tips.
Keep at it folks – we can all do it with this great WoE, despite the odd slip – the good thing is knowing that a serious effort can get us (back) to where we want to be. Xs to both – Sonia

Hi Sonia
It’s really good to hear from you and I’m so glad you are seeing such a good consultant who is set to really help and try to get to the bottom of it all. He does sound great and it’s nice to hear you sounding a bit happier with the whole situation. Are you able to drive again or is that still off the cards? It is tricky getting back in the swing of things, I’ve struggled with that myself, but once you do, 5lbs is a mere bagatelle, you’ll soon make short shrift of that!

Everything with us is much more settled. One of my children is moving for a new job so I’ve been busy helping him trying to find somewhere to live. He lives away from us now but he will be even further away, but he’ll be happier in the job I think, so it’s a positive. My brother has been a bit down recently but we’ve got a family celebration just after Easter, with lots of extended family coming, including a cousin from Canada who he is close with, so hopefully that will give him a boost.

Yes, I finally got into my healthy BMI this week – hurrah! – I’m only 1lb below the top number, but in I’ve squeezed – so I’m claiming it. Then if I go up again over Easter, my strategy is ‘don’t tell anyone!’

Margaret, hadenough, Miss Ziggy – hope you’re all doing well. Have a Happy Easter everyone.

Jennie xx

Hi Jennie Margaret hadenough and everyone😀

Eventhough I needed to step away for a while I am still enjoying reading your posts. I am at the moment in a kind of maintenance mode. So far so good.
I’ve been really busy lately and very stressed and was finding it difficult to commit to BSD fully. To cut a long story short we have a property that we rent and basically the tennant trashed the property leaving owing us rent and a huge bill for re decoration. Their deposit barely covers the damage done.
Anyways we now have new tenants and I feel much more focused. A whole month was spent on the house making It habitable. With myself and my husband doing most of the work to save money. Anyways ……I am back and feeling much more positive.
Guess what ….I actually now like cauliflower rice😱😱😱😱😱😱😐. Once I learned to put as much flavour into as possible I now enjoy it!
I have been buying it already *riced* from Aldi then I had a lightbulb moment!! ( I know I can be slow at times)
£0.70 for a small container of made cauliflower rice. One cauliflower for £0.25 and 4times the amount of rice made in my food processor 😀……duh!!!!!. I have frozen it too so it’s ready to go. I am actually loving Aldi for my BSD shopping and they have the best frozen tuna steaks which can be cooked from frozen for quick meals etc.
I hope you are all doing well and look forward continuing on this journey with all of you!!
MIss ZIggy

Hello everyone and Happy Easter
I have been reading your posts and apologies for my absence from here.
Sonia I’m so glad you have finally got to see a supportive consultant and hope you will soon have some answers.
Jennie many congratulations on reaching your ideal BMI👏👏👏👏👏and I’m glad family things are more settled now.
Hello Miss Ziggy and you did make me laugh with your cauliflower rice😂 but I suppose it is an acquired taste that takes getting used to and my husband is not a fan! I also love eating tuna steaks and have done so this week
How are you Hadenough? I hope things are going well.
My recent news is I just about survived having an MRI and hated every minute of it but have been advised it shows nothing abnormal with no tumour and I have another consultants appointment in July no doubt to discuss my tinnitus and advise hearing aids🙁😼. Weirdly my balance seems to have improved and I wonder if being able to lie down during the long and sometimes bumpy flight back from Bangkok shifted the crystals in my middle ear. I only occasionally stagger and lose balance first thing in the morning now whereas on holiday I managed to look drunk most of the time much to my husband and friends bemusement! Diet wise I did lose my holiday weight and a couple more pounds and continue to fast twice weekly but have just stayed the same weight. I mostly stay low carb except for the odd glass of wine and some couscous and sweet potatoes as a starch but haven’t recently been counting my calories quite frankly feeling quite can’t be botheredish!!🙀🙀 I do know I need to lose my excess weight but fortunately for me I am not prediabetic and my blood sugar is low and my husband is also maintaining his weight after losing two stone. I know I’m rather letting the side down at the moment!! I am still playing short mat bowls each week but know I’m too sedentary because recently I have been sitting reading quite a bit and also playing Wordscapes a stupid but strangely addictive crossword like word game my son introduced us to!
Anyway I hope you all have an enjoyable Easter weekend and I have bought some vegetables to plant in growbags and have been getting out into this lovely sunshine. My husband and I are out to dinner at our local pub tonight after fasting all day today so I will try to drink and eat sensibly👍😬
Margaret xx

Hi both – it’s glorious sunshine here today, long may it continue

Miss Ziggy – what a horrible thing to have happened, I’m so sorry to hear that. One time when I was burgled they completely trashed the place; it really leaves a bad taste in the mouth, doesn’t it? I’m glad to hear at least things are on a bit more of an even keel for you now. I think you’ve done great staying in maintenance, given what’s been going on.
On the cauli rice – can I ask what you use to flavour it up? and do you freeze it raw or cooked? I’ve had it (but when I blitz it etc it just seems to go everywhere and I always eat too much) but mine is always quite bland. (I’m no cook, really). Also, thanks for the tuna steak tip. I eat lots of other fish, but never really tried tuna steaks. Is there anything else you’d recommend from Aldi? Any tips gratefully received!

Thanks, Margaret – everything is definitely better here right now, so I’m happy with that. That’s such positive news for you on the results of the MRI scan you must be so relieved, although I know these things are such ordeals, they can often leave people feeling quite flat. Hope you’re doing OK xx
Hopefully, too, the consultant appointment will help with the tinnitus. I also have tinnitus and probably need hearing aids so I’ll be interested to hear the advice you get. Isn’t it funny about the balance thing. I believe people have good instincts on these things and I know you’re attune to your body so wouldn’t be surprised if your plane journey theory was right! But, whatever the cause, I’m glad it’s a bit better. Btw, there’s no side-letting down anywhere on here – but I know you know that.xx

hadenough, and everyone – hope you have a happy Easter.

Hi Jennie,
Cauliflower Rice
I have two ways at the moment….
When I prepare cauliflower rice I start by frying some chopped onions in coconut oil( I love the smell and flavour). I then add a tsp or two depending on the amount of cauliflower of ground coriander, cumin, ginger , turmeric and crushed dried chillies. I then add the cauliflower rice and kind of stir fry till I feel it’s right! If I have fresh coriander I add it in at the end. Sometimes I add in a few chopped vegetables eg. Chopped French beans red peppers mushrooms.

The second way…..
Chopped fried onions as before, chopped garlic, I then add one or two teaspoons smoked paprika. I Then add a tablespoon of tomato purée. I like spicy food so the paprika I use is the hot one!.

I haven’t actually used the frozen cauliflower yet so will report back on what I think compared to using it fresh. I have frozen mine raw without blanching. Freezing tends to soften vegetables so I anticipate cooking it for a shorter time.
In my option. ….When you buy cauliflower rice ready prepared if you don’t use it all and leave it in your fridge for a couple of days it really stinks ! Really stinks! Really really stinks like something died in your fridge so I am hoping the frozen cauliflower rice will work.
I will be trying to make a kind of Chinese stir fried rice next time with veggies prawns chicken soy sauce and eggs etc I will let you know what I think.

**Aldi frozen Basa fillets are also very good**
I hope this helps😀

MIss ZIggy
I hope this helps.

My two secret weapons for making cauli rice not suck is to use the grating blade on your food processor instead of the chopping blade or the coarse side of a box grater. You get a longer “grain” that way that is much more like real rice and has a more toothsome bite to it than the couscous-like pulsed cauli rice. The second is to roast it in the oven before adding it to anything. Pre-heat the oven to 400F (200C). Toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper and any herbs you like and spread it on a baking sheet. Put it in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, giving it a good toss/stir regularly to make sure it browns evenly and doesn’t scorch.

When it comes out, it is flavourful and most importantly, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. There is no sogginess to fight, no blandness and that characteristic cruciferous funk converts into a really roasty, nutty taste that has converted more than a few cauliflower haters before my very eyes. It can be served on its own as a side or as the base of any meal that you used to serve on rice. My favorite is a really garlicky shrimp scampi.

Hi Jennie and everyone

Thanks for asking about me. Well, I have to say that since Xmas I have been extremely down in the dumps. Have put a couple of kgs back on and haven’t been very good, food wise. I’m still having trouble getting my head back into the low carb /800 cals a day eating but I am determined that come tomorrow (its Easter Sunday today) that I’m going to get back on track.

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter.