Hi All
I’m back home after a family visit – travelling back on a Bank Holiday weekend was probably not the best thing to do – delays, delays, delays! As ever being away from home sends my routine awry but like you, Miss Ziggy, I’m back and ready to focus again.

Margaret, – you’ve got my complete sympathy with the arthritic joints – it’s horrible when you have that constant nagging pain. Mine aren’t as bad as yours by the sound of it, and definitely improved by BSD (and/or weight loss?) but it can still flare up a bit particularly when it’s damp. Like you, I try to resist Ibuprofen as much as I can, unless it’s the middle of the night and I just can’t sleep. I love the idea of the sea shanty evening – it sounded great fun. I guess you’ll be in Norfolk right now tracing the family tree. I have a relative by marriage who is a professional genealogist so she has already traced our family tree. It’s lovely to have and she’s got way back (except on the Irish side) but I’ve always thought half the fun would be in doing what you are doing. Hope it’s going well.

sheilaslims – You’ll be a couple of weeks in by now by my reckoning so hope you’re going well, too. Do let us know how you are doing?

Sonia – yes, it poured down in the Lakes. I’ve also just returned from a trip to see family in Manchester and Liverpool and it poured down there, too. Returned yesterday and it’s bright sunshine today – there you are, then. I love Cornwall and we’ve spent many family holidays down there. In doing that, I was definitely recreating the holidays I had as a child with my parents and brothers and sister. I can imagine it must be just as great going there with grandchildren. What was the glamping like?
Btw, I also loved your story about your son and his boyfriend, it did make me smile – aren’t kids great?, in fact, aren’t people great!

I’ve got my annual diabetes check (feet, eyes, etc) this week and my annual health review, including my blood checks, at the GP practice coming up soon. I’m not worried about my bgls as I know from my home testing they’ll be in the normal range, but I’m always a bit wary about the other checks so I’ve got my fingers crossed those results will be OK, too.

My task this morning is to plan my menu for the next few days and then go shopping. I want to try and vary my diet a bit so I’m going to go back and try a few of the BSD book recipes again – I want to focus on more veg and fish and less meat. And, of course, we’re not far off soup season here which I love – but on a hot day like today I’m definitely jumping the gun on that one!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone.
Jennie xx

Welcome back Jennie
I’m not yet in Norfolk that is next week but my husband has now got the bug & has joined Ancestry having found his Mother’s box of family info because I suggested a good 70th birthday gift to his sister could be a nicely framed collage of family photos because he has all those. We have to have something easy to carry because she is resident in Germany & we have been invited to her birthday dinner.
I am enjoying the warm weather this weekend & have thawed out & washed our fridge freezer so am feeling quite virtuous. Unfortunately I am now on a course of antibiotics because of a UTI that I initially thought was thrush & treated that. I’m now having to eat something for breakfast to accommodate taking my morning antibiotic & of course that will upset all my hard won good gut flora & fauna which is why I avoid taking them. I also cannot take ibuprofen because that conflicts with this antibiotic so have had a plain paracetamol! Sorry I know I’m sounding like a moaning Minnie but feel so cross my body is not behaving itself. You are quite right that I need to lose more weight & I know that will help my knees. Good luck with your diabetic & health checkups👍🍀
Sonia I hope all is well with you now?
Miss Ziggy how are you doing?
Sheilaslims I expect you have got into a good routine now & getting used to this slightly different way of eating.
Today I am cooking chicken stir fry with a few lentil noodles for lunch with strawberries & blueberries for pudding & a salad for supper. My freezer is full of cod, salmon & prawns from our fish man who calls every couple of months so we eat those 3-4 times a week because we also are cutting down on our meat intake.
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend 👍😎 I’m off to do some ironing that is the penalty for liking linen clothes 😀
Margaret xx

Hello Wendy, Jennie,reducia, and Sheila’slims and everyone 😝😊
I am well thanks, and continuing with my weekly Pilates classes. The day after Pilates I hurt like hell but after another day I feel good! I was at work this morning and now home and enjoying the warm weather. I am not back at work until Saturday now but I have loads of work to do at home. Our house needs redecorating and I am starting to clear out old clothes etc in preparation! I am also In the process of making my home and garden more maintenance free! So I must dump the junk!!
Tonight my husband will cook some steaks on the BBQ nd I have already made a huge big salad!. We have had a steady supply of raspberries from the allotment and we will have some with cream after dinner!. I also made use of the warm weather and defrosted the freezer! It was a long time overdue and I found all manner of “bad food” in there. It’s now really organized and I will stock it with more fish and meat. The allotment is also producing tomatoes and peppers and my plan is to make lots of soup for the freezer and vegetable curry. I prefer to freeze meals as frozen veg is never that good.
I hope everyone is well and enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Miss Ziggy

Hi Margaret
Oh, no – my comment wasn’t about you needing to lose more weight – how rude of me would that be – I mentioned BSD and/or weight loss? because I’m not sure which it was that improved my arthritic joints. Doing the BSD and reducing the carbs seemed to really help particularly with my hands – maybe less inflammation in the body – but I also lost weight (although not much when things improved) so still not sure which it was. Btw, that’s a lovely idea for the 70th birthday present. It’s made me think I should get a family tree made up from my relative’s info ( it’s only on her website just now) and give that to my brothers – Christmas done in one fell swoop! Now, that would be good! Have a good time in Norfolk and let us know if you turn up any miscreants xx

Hi Miss Ziggy – ‘dump the junk’ is pretty much my motto right now, too. I did a big clean up before my relatives came the other week – but ended up pushing some things into cupboards, drawers etc and left the door to one room firmly shut! One of my children is here this week, (him of the room whose door remained firmly shut) but next week I’m determined to continue clearing things out (including some of his stuff – shhh, say nothing!) and then hopefully – no, we will – decorate.
Still not got the Pilates sorted but glad to hear yours is still going well. The vegetables sound great. I’ve been eating too restrictively in terms of different foodstuffs recently, (it’s a trap I keep falling into – the range of foods I eat from become narrower and narrower) so I’m making a conscious effort to eat more fish and a wider variety of veg again. Enjoy your time off – and remember to use some of it just for yourself xx
Jennie

Hi All – Just back from a wonderful and restful much needed break with my family – great to re-connect with my grandchildren whom I haven’t seen enough of this year. A lovely time glamping in a luxurious tent – SO different from when I used to take my own children ‘proper’ camping – though that was lots of fun too – no bathroom or built in kitchen with fridge then. This was in a green and peaceful Cornish space with a divine view over the hills that I could have gazed at all day – now known as ‘Granny’s view! All much needed. Good times at both the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan and on little ‘nooky’ beaches. Evening time was spent round the communal fire pit socializing and toasting marshmallows. Couldn’t have been better. So am here on BSD – thanks to everyone’s encouragement – with renewed resolution and ready to re-adapt the best way I can within the limits imposed by the specialist. As time goes on I’ll hope to get back within the proper BSD limits. Haven’t been this well in ages so fingers crossed.
Jennie – SO know what you mean about travelling on Bank Hols – all bottle necks were full of bottles 😉 Still, we’ve both survived though my joints are not thanking me today. Sorry about your rain – inevitable I guess. We had our share of downpours in Cornwall too if that makes it any better. Walked my socks off there and lost a few lbs. Much doubt I’m in ketosis though – need to get some sticks. Good luck with your check ups – hope the numbers are all good.
Margaret – you’re not a ‘moaning Minnie’ – I totally sympathise with feeling cross with your body – in fact I think that it’s when we stop feeling cross that we’re in most trouble. ‘Resist it all’ is my motto and if that involves some medication – much as I hate taking it – so-be-it. Hope you feel better soon.
Your Ancestry record for the family birthday present is such a lovely and thoughtful present – sure it’ll be appreciated. You’ve made me think I should get something together for my sons and grandchildren. Enjoy your time in Norfolk with the family tree – hope you have success.
Miss Ziggy – you sound busy and constructive – as Jennie says though – try to make some time for yourself during this free week. Your BBQ and fresh veggies/fruit sound wonderful. I really miss having somewhere to grow things – though sometimes I know that the work involved is not entirely something to ‘miss’ – despite the rewards.
You’ve all encouraged me to clear out my fridges – and particularly freezer – to encourage my new start – so thank you.
sheilaslims – hope things are going well for you – keep us posted.
I too am planning menus for this week – organic veggies from my box and fish/seafood from my ‘shack’ by the sea at the end of my square. Found some simple but interesting prawn recipes on ‘www.thatlowcarblife’ which will keep me happy along with some veg-only meals . Meat definitely sidelined now.
Best wishes to all – great to be in touch with such friendly and like-minded people. SoniaX

Hello everyone & just a short update.
Jennie I’m not offended & don’t worry about mentioning losing weight benefits.
Sonia so pleased you had a wonderful holiday & things are going well now. I’m off to Norfolk tomorrow.
Miss Ziggy I hope your uniforms are continuing to feel looser👍
sheilaslims keep on posting how things are going.
Well I’ve just seen my GP & the antibiotics worked & I am now UTI free! However my urine sample had a slight glucose trace so I am having a blood glucose tolerance test when I get back from Norfolk. I am irritated & slightly alarmed by this particularly since it’s a fast day for me & this urine sample was first thing this morning!!
So I have taken the plunge, despite hating being told what to do, & with the 20% discount joined the Fast 800 twelve week programme to see if it will help me lose a couple of stone in weight. I know that previously taking Tamoxifen caused my weight gain & since then it still seems to rot up my ability to easily lose weight but I suppose it’s worth the cost of £79 to try. Hey ho in for a penny & in for a pound😂😂🙁🤔

Margaret – glad about your UTI but NOT about the blood glucose. Good news with one hand and bad with the other. I know what you mean – EXACTLY – about hating being told what to do – got me in trouble all my life – but I do think the Fast 800 is a good move and will make you feel have grasped the nettle and are doing something about it. We all know it can only do you good as far as BSLs are concerned – especially as you have caught it so early. Good luck with it all – well it’s not exactly luck is it? Rather a decision made for the best and a way to make knowledge and good habits work for you. Enjoy Norfolk – fun and interesting I imagine and a welcome diversion. Will be thinking of you.
Hope everyone else is well and happy – exchange news soon – SoniaX

Thank you so much Sonia for your understanding & kind wishes & I’m no way in such a frustrating situation as you were not knowing for so long what was wrong & will only have to wait a week to get a blood test done. I will however be largely incommunicado where we are in Norfolk because the WiFi reception is so poor so won’t be able to access the Fast800 plan & that is frustrating because once I commit to something I want to immediately get stuck in to it! However I must try to be sensible this week & stay away from the temptation of wine & puddings whilst on holiday & that will be difficult drinking only water & coffee because it will be so boring 😿🙀. I will try & think of the wider picture of less sore knees, not becoming pre-diabetic & slimmer?
You also look after yourself but continue to enjoy life
Margaret xx

Hi Margaret – sorry to hear about the urine sample but it’s good that it has been picked up – although really frustrating as you say just before your trip to Norfolk. That’s a great idea, doing the Fast 800 – that’ll soon kick a lot of things up the wing. Meanwhile, hope you and your husband have a really good time in Norfolk tracking down the ancestors – you’ll have to tell us how you got on when you get back. Take care.

Hi Sonia – it sounds like you had a fantastic time down in Cornwall – one of my favourite places. I like the Eden Project and have visited a few times, but I particularly love the Lost Gardens of Heligan and all those magical Cornish gardens. Sounds like a great time for you and the family and glamping definitely sounds like the way to go! Btw, your ‘fish shack’ still makes me envious – I want one!

Miss Ziggy – hope you got everything done you wanted to this week and the return to work isn’t too bad.

sheilaslims – hope things are going well – shout out if you need any support – on here or anywhere on the Forum – there’s a new monthly thread ‘Seriously Sensible September’ or similar title starting tomorrow xx

So, one of the things I skipped over in my recent cleaning/clearing blitz was the fridge/freezer – it’s clear I won’t be able to hold my head up on here ’til it’s done – so that’s my task for today!

Have a good weekend everyone.
Jennie xx

Hello everyone
Well I have completed my first Fast 800 day & although the quantity of food looked small to me I didn’t really feel hungry. I’m expected to eat three meals a day that feels weird to me but it doesn’t like 5:2 include any fast days so eating similar calories each day. Some interesting new food for me to try including feta & halloumi cheeses & what used to be an old favourite from previous diets cottage cheese! Although surprisingly difficult to find full fat in Waitrose with many more low fat stuff on offer.
Norfolk was enjoyable & I tried to keep to low carb but did have a glass of wine with my supper but no more alcohol for twelve weeks😿🙀I’m also back on black coffee & have bought some herbal teas. Our charcoal filters are going well with two jugs in the now enabling no more mineral water being bought by me in plastic bottles 😇😇 We went to my ancestors tiny village & found the church, unfortunately rebuilt after a fire, & many gravesites with headstones. We photographed all the Mussett’s headstones but I was unable to find out anything new apart from seeing an enclosed area with one detailing the long service of 35 years as a clerk to the church. I then found that they were all on Ancestry🙁anyway in the church headstone record. I’ve now linked into other trees on Ancestry to 1600 but still haven’t solved the mystery of my Huguenots although there were also not only French but Dutch, Belgian & German Huguenots,
I had a full blood test done today & unfortunately also have the dentist this afternoon for a small filling so not a good day for needle phobic me.
Did you get your fridge cleaned Jennie?
I hope you are all doing well
Margaret xx

Hello all hi WENDY!!
Please excuse the erratic typing as I am doing this on my phone.
Sounds like you had a great time in Norfolk. Delving into your past sounds very interesting! I hope all went well at the dentist! I even hate going for Checkups! Not sure how I would feel about a filling! I actually work as phlebotomist so I totally understand your needle phobia ..you are not alone.
Well I am sure I have mentioned that we are planning on doing a lot of clearing out of “stuff” from our house Along with redecorating. While my husband was playing golf in Spain last week I cleared a bedroom ready for decorating! I think he was shocked to see it cleared and has started stripping the wall paper! It was a room that always ended up having to be tidied for guests because it was our dumping ground. It took me two and a half days to clear out clothes etc. My husband also broke up our very very old piano that had no resale value and we couldn’t give it away! It took him a day to break it up!! We have also dismantled metal framed sofa bed that we are able to give away!
I feel much lighter already!! (Mentally) now that these items have gone!! I am actually enjoying looking at colours etc and planning how this spare bedroom will look! I now have to buy a digital piano which will be more compact and will fit better into our home! When it’s finished we move into the spare room and then redecorate our bed room! All of this has been long overdue! Our house is looking tired and in need of a facelift! We have a patio area to build next year and changing a standard window to a patio doors!
BSD ….. I am sticking with it but but but🥴I have been drinking red wine! I know I shouldn’t but what with being so busy it’s the one treat I am finding hard to refuse! I do have one glass with our evening meal🙁🙁🙁!
The evenings are getting colder …STRICTLY is back on TV!! WINTER IS COMING😂😂😂☃️☃️☃️☃️☃️Take care
Miss Ziggy

Hello Miss Ziggy
Wow all the decorating sounds energetic & I bet it’s getting you fit. My blood test was brilliant because the phlebotomist was so fast👍I have great admiration for expertise & I suppose because you are specialists you get lots of practice to hone your skills 😂 I was also glued at the dentist with a sort of veneer added so no injection there. So not a bad day. We are off to our first Arts Society lecture this morning instead of bowls so it’s on the bus & a quick trot across town!
I had a quick weigh this morning & seem to be down four pounds & had blueberries & full fat Greek yoghurt for breakfast & so far on this diet I haven’t been hungry but whether I can keep it up for twelve weeks will be an interesting challenge for me.
I hate the fact that it’s autumn & winter is getting ever closer with darkening evenings. I have a meeting tonight in the local pub so resisting having a glass of wine & finding something else to drink so perhaps decaf coffee. Walking in the village is a real trip hazard so I will have to use my torch coming home. I hate WINTER!!!!
I hope everyone is well?
Margaret xx

Hello & how are you?
The Fast800 seems to be working for me being presented with meal plans & recipes & I lost three pounds this week so that is eight pounds in two weeks. A slight blip on Sunday having a glass of wine at a family get together seeing my eldest sons new house. My granddaughters were having good fun racing around & my younger son was there so a lovely family get together 😀
I’m back on the bandwagon this week hoping for a further weight loss because I’m impatient to finally do this. My blood test was a good 5.9 so I’m not pre-diabetic.
Oh well onwards & downwards.
Margaret xx

Hi everyone, my doctor recommended I go on this diet. I bought the book today and just saw this website link in the book. Had a family member commit suicide a few months ago from amputatuons caused by diabetes. Other siblings have diabetes, and I’m on my way.

Hi Lee15.
A warm welcome to the web site. I am so sorry to hear about your family member, and his/her sufferings with diabetes. There are a number of people with diabetes on this site, who I am sure will be along soon to reassure you that this way of eating is a life-changer. I am not diabetic, but came here after a lifetime of yo-you dieting. I have been on this site for nearly two years and at a healthy BMI weight for the last 18 months.

As you are starting out, perhaps I could suggest some basics:
1) cut out as much white carbohydrate as you can – rice, bread, pasta, sugar.
2) treat yourself to a wide variety of lean protein -eggs, fish, chicken, steak if the budget allows
3) eat plenty of above ground vegetables
4) drink lots of water – at least 2 litres a day.
5) try to avoid processed food – manipulated low-fat concoctions etc. Full fat yoghurt makes a great breakfast!
The recipe section of the website and dietdoctor.com have lots of ideas for really lovely meals, so don’t feel deprived!
You might find in the first few days that you get a bit headachy. Take it – literally – with a pinch of salt, and search for “carb flu”.

There are a number of threads you can join here. In addition to this starter thread, you will find a weekly thread (One week at a time…) and a monthly thread, which are very active and contain a wide range of starters, in-betweeners, and maintainers. Do have a browse, and very best wishes for your journey.

Welcome Lee15
Can I echo all caronl has already advised & I am also so sorry to hear of your family history.
I am not diabetic & first started on this way of eating with following Michael Mosleys 5:2 diet then this one because my husband is a Type 2 diabetic & he needed to lose weight. He successfully did that & has maintained that loss for three years now & was able to much reduce his medication but because he had already had diabetes for over twenty years still needs to take some Metformin but is otherwise very well.
If you regard all food & drink that has any sugar added as not good for you, you will have grasped the basic concept. Much recent research shows that fats are not harmful & eating full fat yoghurt & using olive oil to cook with or add as a salad dressing help you feel satisfied. Part of all this is retraining your body to not expect snacks between meals because all they do is confuse your body so if you feel hungry drink water because hunger & thirst are often mistaken for each other.
You will probably initially feel rumbling in your stomach when you start but just ignore it & carry on because it will pass & enjoy the feeling that your body is reacting & that you are in control of your hunger & it not in control of you!
You can do this with some forward planning & knowing what your next meal with be so you are not scrambling around trying to find something unplanned to eat. Eggs are a good standby & yoghurt or porridge for something fast to eat.
Good luck & keep posting how you are doing👍🍀

Hi there i will join you as well .

I am 43 years old ….5:8 and weighing 17st 3 so really could do with guidance on meals and best times to fast and avoid snacking

Welcome Jamie
You are in the right place to learn how to become healthier, lose weight & improve your blood sugar levels. It is an ongoing learning experience as you will see if you read through previous posts. We all have our ups & downs but the link is we all understand & approve of this way of eating & the benefits it brings. I think the important thing I have learnt is that I am now fully in control of what I can choose to eat & that if I ever feel hungry I drink a large glass of water! If you haven’t already bought Michael Mosleys books do so! That is the Blood Sugar Diet that explains about the interaction between sugar & insulin & The Fast Diet that includes all the latest research. These “diets” are based on good research & it helps to understand how your body & the feeling of hunger works, & this then gives you control!
You may find fasting challenging at first but the important thing is not to eat snacks between meals because that interrupts the digestive process, avoid anything with sugar in it & any white carbohydrates ie white bread rice pasta & processed foods because they all contain sugar in one form or the other. Also accurately record what you eat so you can keep to 800 calories on fast days. You will find that doing all this reduces your appetite & with also eating recommended fats such as full fat yoghurt, olive oil, avocados you will not feel hungry as your body adapts!!
You can do this by learning how to do it.
Good luck & well done taking the first step👍👍👏👏

Hi there……..
Welcome to those that have joined us recently! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Ps someone asked if I have lost weight recently😃 what a confidence boost that was !!

MIss ZIggy

Thanks Wendy
First day completed and I had following Full fat Greek Yogurt 12 blueberries for breakfast, Soup for lunch and 3 pork medallions, Cauliflower and broccoli boiled and then put veg in over with 12 small tomatoes drizzled in olive oil . Sorry for all detail just keen to get guidance to ensure i am doing things right . I might be overthinking things….. Tomorrow rolled oats porridge with semi skimmed milk with apple peel and cinnamon……..Any ideas for lunch and dinner ….I have purchased 8 week blood suger diet recipe book ……I am not diabetic but keen to lose about 2.5 stone and be more healthier . Any help is really appreciated helping me get through first couple weeks

Jamie

Can I join too? I’m on day 8. 8lb down so far and feel great. 3 stone to lose, starting weight 13st 2lb. I am super excited!

Wow Miss Ziggy 👍👏🌟😂 no one has noticed that I have 🙁😂 perhaps they eventually will at Silver Swans ballet class👯‍♀️😬
Well done Jamie what you have eaten sounds great 👍👏👏 just make sure if you are doing 5:2 that you keep below 800 on your two Fast days & on other days try & eat below your BMR plus recording everything you eat so you can keep a daily track of your calories. I am now actually doing Fast800 having done 5:2 for ages but my fast days were Monday & Friday & on fast days I chose not to eat until my evening meal to extend my fast but of course you can divide 800 calories into two or three meals as I’m doing now. Homemade vegetable soup is filling & can be low calorie. Good luck!
Welcome madamebadham & well done losing 8.8lbs & I am also trying to lose 3 stone having stupidly gained a stone I had previously lost this last year🤔🙁do keep recording how you are getting on.
How is everyone else getting on? Fast 800 seems to be working for me I’ve lost 10lbs in the last three weeks. I’m off to short mat bowls this morning & thank goodness the sun is shining ☀️

Hi WENDY ……please explain ….. what is Silver swans Ballet 🤔🤔🤔
Miss Ziggy

Morning all, Thanks Wendy! 😊 Jamie that sounds great although I have avoided oats personally. I know it says we can have them but I’ve chosen to keep carbs super low for the first few weeks. The recipe book is great and I really enjoyed the bacon and brocolli meal. Surprisingly filling. Last night we had red Cabbage and Gammon and that was delish but high calorie so save for another day. I really like smoked mackerel and spinach too. That keeps me going for ages and is cheap! 50g is plenty. Todays meals are boiled egg, soup for lunch and omelette and salad for dinner. That will get me to 770 calories so room for sugar free jelly and cream for pudding!
Good luck!

Miss Ziggy Silver Swans is an exercise class using ballet technique for people aged I think over 55 years. Lots of barre work, plies, leg stretches & balance that will lead onto dance steps. I am really challenged balancewise so good practice for me & because I suspect my what were once toned legs & built up muscle from childhood ballet that now are large & very untoned plus being pear shaped need to become “retoned” is that a word?
I love dancing but after damaging my Achilles’ tendon Scottish dancing this is slower & more structured so I hopefully won’t again damage myself. Silver Swans ballet was promoted by Angela Rippon on tv & I’m sure it’s on YouTube?

WENDY…. that sounds like a brilliant form of exercise. Stretching and toning is so important. Doing something you enjoy is half the battle. I have found Pilates to be of great help regarding my back issues. However I did worry when I started Pilates as it seemed to aggravate my back. But weeks later it seems to be having the desired effect😁 I also have an Achilles problem which was brought on during my initial Yoga class sessions at the beginning of the year (I really hated those classes)😢😢😢. I tore my Achilles doing the “downward dog” . The yoga teacher really didn’t care what anyone was doing she was more interested in her yinging and yanging and omm omiming and burning those smelly puke inducing sticks. We also do downward dog in Pilates and by using a different technique and with no pain I was surprised just how important a good instructor is! + my Pilates teacher is so straightforward and so much fun😁. I will definitely look on Utube for a silver swans video😁
Miss Ziggy

Wendy

Thanks for response …..Having just started i am little confised should i do 5:2 diet or when i bought 8 week blood doet recipe book i thought that meant you tried to not exceed 800 calories day ? i not clear on fasting element as well . i get up i have breakfast …..if i am really hungry and lunch do i have lettuece /tuna wrap and then evening meal 500 calories so i am trying to cut out lunch and snacking . Could you keep me right as feel little unclear on what i am doing

Sorry! Just saw that was addressed to Wendy!

I’m new too so probably not the best to answer but I have 3 meals a day and try not to exceed 800 calories or over 20g carbs. I don’t do any fasting unless you count when I’m asleep!
Catherine 😊

Thanks Catherine …..bought recipe book online/kindle and thought you would be able to print it off but you cant so not easy going through diet book page by page and trying to get your barings ….i am on my 2nd day so just looking for us much help on what foods to cook, things to drink etc .

Thanks for responding

Jamie

No problem! We are all winging it I think! I have alot of water, the occasional diet fizzy drink but not much and tea with a dash of milk. I also have sweetener in my tea which it says not to but I do anyway and still losing. Have you got the my fitness pal app. It will really help if you can get it. I live on mine

Hi Jamie,
There has been some confusion in the past as well about which Way of Eating (WoE) this forum covers. – Dr MM published a book called the Blood Suger Diet, and a lot of us found this forum through following that book. He has subsequently published another book which is more about time restricted eating but they have not set up a new website or new forum on the BSD website instead it seems to have been combined into one forum.
Its not really an issue, simply because there is no formal moderator based system to limit conversations to only following the program set out in the book on this site. Instead we are free to share information / links to the latest research (the Take a Look at This thread is a useful resource) and compare the advice from experts on other programs to reverse T2 and bring Insulin levels under control.
So you came to the forum having read the BSD book, so did a lot of others, including those of us who have been on the forum for some time and stay around on the forum to “pay back” the helping hand we received from more experienced forum members when we joined. (I am coming up to my 2nd anniversary on the forum. I am down 7 stone, and back to a more healthy life).
I would recommend keeping it simple. – Use one of the apps (I used fatsecret) to log all that you plan eat. – Plan is the key word here, much better to put it into the app and see what the totals will be, rather than enter after eating and have an whoops discovery.
Initially cut out the big carb sources, bread, rice, pasta, pizza, sugar, chocolate, underground veg. And instead move to cooking from scratch using a good protein source, and above ground veg.
After a few weeks, when you are used to this level of change, start to tighten up on your carb intake. – Some people would say that its enough to have your carbs low enough to be loosing weight, but my view from the research I have read is that its better to get your level of carbs down enough so that you are in Ketosis. Ketosis is when your insulin levels are low enough that your body has switched over to burning fat. That can either be done by going under 20g of carbs which will be enough to ensure you are in ketosis, or using one of the cheap breathalysers to monitor the level of carbs you can have and still be in ketosis.
You may find the recipes in the book helpful, but many of us found that the calorie values were not accurate, and the level of carbs were too high for us to be in ketosis.

Hi JGwen I’m stealing that advice too. The recipe book is great but i agree some of it is too carby for me. I aim for 20g a day generally but use the book for ideas 😊 you’re all such a great help to us newbies on here, thank you! And fantastically well done on your weight loss! That’s a whole tiny person gone!
Catherine x

Hi peeps, I’m looking to get on board but need to prep first. Ive been diagnosed with prediabetes after having gestational diabetes with my third. Seriously think due to stress at work whilst pregnant 😭
I’ve been eating low carb/calorie for a few weeks and more relaxed on weekends but looking to do the 800 cal a day in the next few days to get down to my ideal weight. I’m actually very thin but carry weight around my tum. Need to finish the book and have my last greggs vegan sausage roll 👌🏼

Hi Madambadham,
I would recommend dropping the diet drinks and sweeteners in hot drinks.
Because the normal blood sugar levels in a healthy adult is equal to 1 teaspoon of sugar dissolved in the approx 5 litres of blood, our body doesn’t hang around when it comes to raising insulin to prevent raised blood sugar levels. – When we taste something sweet it triggers our body into increasing insulin levels. Which is why artificial sweeteners trigger insulin.

I didn’t know that! I will sort this out 😊 Thank you

Fascinating info Gwen & it shows how efficient our bodies can be & how finely balanced the interaction is even starting in the mouth. I have never been a fan of sweeteners although for guests I do offer half brown/stevia sugar & use it to make cakes if required for village meetings. I don’t know if it’s an old wives tale but I was told to always start eating a savoury meal with a piece of protein to prime the release of protein digestive enzymes? I think it’s supposed to slow the insulin release?

I have downloaded my fitness pal app ….any tips or steer ….had look tonight burst my head little but inputted some items into diary

I am on day 2 of 800 calories day and there or there about on calorie front had bursting headache today but i had drunk plenty of water ? unless its not related to diet .

Any ideas for evening meal recipes ….i downloaded sugar blood diet recipe book from amazon and kindle cloud drove me mad so i returned as your unable to save it as pdf or print it off .

thanks for your help/ support

Jamie

Hiya, OK so on the app first of all don’t upgrade it’s not worth it. Secondly set your goals. It will ask you your macro goals which are fat carbs and protein. I set mine at 20g carb 35 fat 45 protein. And 800 cals. Also click on the nutrition tab at the top and it will show you exactly where you’re at during the day. So like I plan my day ahead then check on nutrition and adjust if I need to. Its a bit head doey at first but you get used to it and its data base is huge. There’s not much you can’t find. Including blood sugar diet recipes much to my surprise. If you’re stuck on dinners I’d go with meat or fish and good veg or salad. That way you’re safe. Maybe buy the book in normal format or just browse on here for ideas. I didn’t get headaches but I know its very common. If you Google carb flu you’ll see. I don’t think it usually lasts too long. Another few days and I think you’ll really feel the benefits and see the benefits on the scales too!
Catherine

Hiya, I am on day 8. So far so good! Good luck!

Thanks for all your help Catherine over last 2 days been great to have somebody to give you steer . its really appreciated …….I have landed at my hotel and first time i ordered jug of iced water and americano coffee black …..roll on day 3 …..challenge tomorrow is breakfast, Lunch and diner away from Home . I really need to make time to understand science on blood sugar insulin stuff as i dont have clue BMI’s BSLs i need to learn lingo fast . Thanks again Jamie . Tomorrow Fitness pal and another new adventure

Good luck! Go with eggs for breakfast, safe bet! Keep browsing the web for info. We’ll work it out ☺️ I’m looking forward to your first weigh in!
Sleep well

Hi Jamie
This is a link to a list of acronyms that scatter our posts (BMI, BSL etc) https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/topic/one-week-at-a-time-beginning-27th-august-2019/page/3/#post-117336
I second MadameB and suggest the eggs at breakfast (skip the hash browns!) Where are you located – US, UK? Do you have to find you own lunch or will it be provided at work? My suggestion if it is catered is to eat the sandwich fillings but not the bread, stay away from the fruit platter – except strawberries – cheese and eggs and meat and salad/veg will be best options. As others have said here – don’t be shy for asking the staff for the food you want – ie veg/salad/low carb. Dinner – a SMALL steak and ask for lots of green veggies – skip the potatoes, rice, chips, fries, etc. You’ll do fine!
You are off to a great start!
Merry

Hi again Jamie
Regarding the books – BSD, Fast 800 etc – your local library will have copies of these that you can borrow for free – and most likely other good low carb books (by Jason Fung etc) and low carb recipe books.
Also – if you haven’t read this post (click on link) I’d encourage you to do so. Essie was a long term member of these forums and is very inspirational – and this post has lots of information for a new starter. https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/reply/118464/#post-0
Keep asking questions!
Also – this forum “1st October starters group” is an older forum – so you might like to take a look at the weekly posts – there is a new one started every week: https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/topic/one-week-at-a-time-beginning-1st-october-2019/
and also a Monthly forum where we encourage each other to meet goals (health related in any form – or fitting into something that hasn’t fitted for a while! 😀😀) This month it’s Optimistic in October https://thebloodsugardiet.com/forums/topic/optimistic-in-october/
Merry

Thanks Catherine ……i had play around last night and think i made some progress with App …..i also looked at website called dietdoctor for portion sizes for 20g, 35,45 but when typed your figures into fitness app spat 550 calorie goal(i have altered little ) ? plus i tried to search for BSD recipes but struggled maybe not searching correct way . Have great day …..I am down at breakfast in Hotel so i have my Black coffee, natural yogurt and some pear peal? with little granola on top …..had to stop as i have nut/peanut allergy and not sure if granola could be problem …..so scrambled egg option looks good ..:.what would you suggest for first weigh in date 7 days from start

catch up later

Thanks merry for all your support and steers ….. i am from UK and live in Scotland

Hi Jamie, hope you had a good day. I weigh every day but only log on my fitness pal (mfp) every Monday. Today’s food has been omelette for breakfast, braised Cabbage (leftovers) with 50g smoked mackerel for lunch and tonight I had tuna salad with soya bean ‘spaghetti’ (Aldi, cheap, not awful and v low carb and calorie)
I weighed today and I’m now 9lb diwn in 10 days so mega happy with that.
I’d stay away from fruit other than blueberries or strawberries initially.
Good things to grab for on the go hunger are pieces of cooked turkey or chicken, hard boiled eggs, walnuts (though watch the calories) blueberries, a cheese stick….king prawns. Avoid granola, usually high sugar. I buy flax seed (also linseed) and sdpinkle a little on full fat greek yoghurt. Good source of fibre and low cal carb. Useful cause a week in going to the loo became a challenge!
I hope you’re doing ok. When do you plan to weigh? If you join a different thread take me with you! Just let me know where you go to!
Good slim wishes to you!
Catherine

Evening Catherine ….Just of plane back to edinburgh ….went to asda there and picked up red cabbage, spinach and not got clue how to cook them along with skinless chicken thighs …i was going to have attempt at piri piri chicken….give you update later ….hope you had good day ….well done on weight loss well impressed . Jamie

Evening Catherine ……..Long day after getting home late and then cooking from scratch ……Firstly I boiled Red cabbage with Spinach and cauliflower all in one pot due time of night 8pm and then chucked them in oven with piri piri chicken for hour along with half chopped tomato and yellow peppers(Scottish Mediterranean style) ……….I don’t think dish would have got medal for appearance but tasted ok …..I was concerned that my veg portions are too large. I weighed chicken thigh on scales tonight seemed tiny portion based g weight so i only went with 1 piece ……………..Anyway enough about my cooking skills ……..Plan is to try and avoid alcohol this weekend and stick to diet and weigh in Monday/Tuesday next week which would mean week on diet ……I already feel like its making difference but i am also keen not to get over confident until i weigh myself next week . You must be pleased losing 9ibs in 10 days …….Well done you
I tried on nice shirt in wardrobe tonight one which has not fitted for while ……I was able to get it buttoned but still have long way to go before it looks cool however it still looks like buttons could take someones eye out).
You sounds like you have everything so well organised on meal plan side …….I feel i need get some more simplistic evening meal recipes …….It just feels at moment that meals i am preparing are chucked together to keep calories low and i dont want it to become boring or lead to meals i dont really enjoy ……. I am updating to vegetables rather than chips but its also choosing ones i enjoy eating i think ……. As you will see my spelling and grammar is very average .
Take care and catch up tomorrow
Jamie

First week completed ….starting weight was 17stone 3ibs weigh in today 16st 7ibs really pleased but its not been and easy journey . Roll on week 2

Jamie

Well done Jamie 👏👏👏🌟you have made an excellent start & it will become easier as you settle into your new routine.
Miss Ziggy how are you getting on? I’m having a plateau week losing only 1/2 lb which is a bit frustrating but I will try building in more exercise this week because my SAD lamp is really helping my energy levels come back despite the grey weather! I was rather silly eating nothing before Silver Swans ballet exercise class yesterday trying to reduce more calories after weighing in on Sunday & I felt a bit wobbly although don’t usually. I’m back to FAST800 three meals a day🤔 so far I’ve lost 11lbs & becoming impatient to lose one stone ASAP. Breakfast today is Greek organic yoghurt with blueberries & cinnamon plus some kefir to keep my inner self happy😀 lunch spicy red lentil Dahl with cauliflower rice & a salmon steak marinaded in teriyaki sauce with garlic courgettes for supper & extra other food for my husband who is losing too much weight & now had his diabetic medication reduced by his GP🌟
Onwards & downwards everyone!
Margaret

Wow!!! 10lb in one week that’s so amazing! Well done! I weighed yesterday and I stayed the same at 9lb in 2 weeks but I did shag it up Friday night by drinking far too much vodka and diet Coke 🙄 so I deserved it. I can see the difference now though, just a little, in my tummy particularly. Did you buy the hard copy recipe book?
If you want we can swap a list of the food we eat? Well, meals. Try and inspire each other 😬💪
Well done again! You’ve given birth to a 10lb carb baby!