We are coming to the end of January so on we go for another Week . I hope you all continue to be motivated by the lovely people on the thread and feel happy to share your expériences, tips and advice. You are very safe with us !

I am recording all your WHYs and keeping an eye on you all 😉 I will be replying to you all individually this evening.

Anyone hesitating , doubting, just jump in and say HI ! Looking forward to getting to know you all

Wendy x

I have just spent a few minutes checking back through the weekly threads so far this year and feel a need to gather everyone up so noone falls by the wayside .

First of all we have a solid group of regulars …you know who you are but here goes :
Sunny B, Verano, caronl, sixturkeys, JGwen,Jennie10, MerryMelba, Elky , Birdy, articfox, Patricia1066, Scottishgal, Mariet
I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. There are some very experienced, knowledgeable people in the group and they are always available to share their experience and support. They know the dangers and pitfalls and they have been where you are !
I counted 20 new members from the first weekly thread and we would love to know how you are all doing . Some are returners who have had great success but need to get back on track . I hope you are not letting anything knock you off course. If that is the case, don’t stay away , just come back and jump back on. Look forwards not backwards and believe in yourself.

I don’t want anyone to feel discouraged. You really can get back control but you need to be committed ( and patient !)
So this is a shout out to you all ….whether you are starting out or some way down the line ( it’s a long list, bear with me !)
Butterlover !
Yowzer !
Gattina !
Sunnysideup !
Tili !
Riccoh !
Slimmykim !
peachcake4me !
happyitsworking !
Oimadam !
Gill33UK !
mumofStig !
KatrenaJ !
PhoenixBurns !
Capricornia !
freester !
Welcome to new members ! Several of you mentioned your objectives to reverse diabetes and to lower blood glucose levels. The research speaks for itself and there can be no greater motivation than avoiding serious health issues in the future. This programme will work for you .

You might have a lot or a more modest amount to ‘discard’ It doesn’t matter whether you are thinking it will be a very long ‘ journey’ or just for the 8 weeks. Your success will not be sustainable unless you make some very profound long lasting changes . It may seem inconceivable right now but there will come a time when you won’t have to battle with yourself to resist certain foods. Your idea of comfort and ‘treat ‘foods will change.
We have talked about your WHY, about really wanting to do this. We have talked about taking action and not making excuses… You can’t do it half-heartedly .
So come and tell us how you are doing. A new week begins . The excitement of New Year renewal might start to wane…Don’t allow that to happen . Stay focused and determined .
Lots of love to everyone xxx

Wow Wendy, once more some inspirational stuff there and thank you for continuing to put so much energy into this thread. You truly are our standard bearer, rallying us all together as we go into our own personal battles.

I’m in for another week and am still focused and determined to get back to target. Monday to Monday I am down another 1.2lb. Frustratingly it was lower yesterday, but it obviously hasn’t consolidated yet, so only reporting on the scales reading this morning. This drop is by many standards modest, however, as a slow loser I know this is about right for me and it brings me back to within 4lb of my target weight. Given that my goal is to get a smidge below target by 1st April, I’m on course and happy to be down 5.8lb since starting back on the full on 800/20 regime at the beginning of this month.

Still feeling in control and enjoying it; clothes feeling more comfortable and I’m feeling so much better for being fully on track – not jaded by the aging of the new year, I got my eyes firmly fixed on the prize!

Hope others will be responding to Wendy’s rally cry and that we will all be striding forward into another week shoulder to shoulder.

Hello all. I’ve been away for a while, not that I’d posted very often before but I’ve really appreciated this forum.
I started this last year in August and lost about 7 kilos, felt amazing and also stopped drinking. Then went on a five day break with two friends and got talked into drinking and eating the wrong food (my fault, obviously). Still went back to this WOE and off on a (dental) holiday for three weeks. The friends I stayed with made beautiful food every night and I think I had one or maybe two nights with no alcohol. So back to Oz and tried to start again. Didn’t work and I’ve been really depressed and bigger than ever. Just had seven days off work and struggling to go back today. I have to go back. Here in Canberra over the past couple of months we have had terrible smoke pollution – the highest in the world on some days (the air here is usually pristine) and you might have seen the news about the bushfires. There are currently more fires around Canberra, and it’s just the beginning of the season. There is yet another heatwave here and it will be in the high to late 30s all week. I hate hot weather. Meanwhile it hailed (how ironic) on Monday so badly that it broke the skylight in my kitchen, it was hailing inside and loud and scary – I hid in the smallest room until it stopped. My deck outside is shredded. Anyway, I’ve managed to get to the shops after my dr visits and just stuffed my face. I started EMDR therapy and have now been twice. Sceptical that anything could help after a life time of anxiety and depression, but thought I have to now at 53, at least try.
So I’m back to give this another go. I felt so amazing when I did it before and am desperate to get back there and stop this hopeless rollercoaster, using food to avoid participating in life. I cancel almost every social occasion – even missed out on the opportunity to see my long-distance friend in SE Asia as I’m too fat (on purpose again!).
Sorry for the rant. It is good to get it out.
Heidi

Heiding, you’re very welcome here and please don’t apologise for ‘ranting’, this is a safe place to vent and it sounds like you have had a rough time. The positive is that you are taking steps to take control and improve your life.

The therapy is a great step forward and if you can again begin to eat using the BSD principles, seeing progress downwards on the scales again will give you a boost too.

Don’t beat yourself up for the weight gained, there’s no benefit to be had from negative thinking. Look to the future and your weight goal, make a start and take it baby step by baby step … you know you can do it! Stick with us and well do all we can to help you along the way.

Thanks for starting the new thread, Wendy. I’m doing my best to be really consistent right now, and I think the weekly thread is helping, because just as I might want to start slacking off, a new weekly thread starts and I have to renew my committment.
Heiding – as SunnyB says, don’t worry about ranting. Sometimes it is what we need to do. Weather these days is certainly more intense and scary than ever before, and it sounds like you’ve been through a lot of stress lately.

I’m starting out the week with both NSV and a SV. This morning I weighed in at 92.6kg, so down another 0.3kg from yesterday. But even better was seeing how gappy my waistband is getting on a pair of work trousers. Still not losing much through the hips and legs, but seeing how much I’ve lost around my waist in just 2 weeks is quite impressive.
It’s going to be a bit harder to fast this week, so I’m just going to do 16:8 or 18:6 most days and see how I go. I am travelling for work tomorrow which means lunch out with colleagues. I was invited to another lunch after I give a presentation on Wednesday, but said I would be too busy, so I can go swing dancing at lunch instead (this may be my best day to fast). Then one of the head honchos from head office is coming that afternoon with doughnuts, but at least I have forewarning, and doughnuts have never been much of a favourite for me anyway. Thursday evening I have a professional dinner. It is at a place where I have been a couple of times before and the catering is always good with a mediterranean theme, so lots of on plan foods to choose from.
I have had one little bit of an upset. I finally received an appointment with a specialist clinic for some testing related to my vertigo for the end of February. That is good news in a way because it only took 9 months and they initially told me it could take up to 18 months. However, the notice I received says they want someone to accompany me because I will likely be very dizzy after and shouldn’t drive. My sister was the obvious choice because she lives in town and actually works only 3 or 4 streets away. However, she is refusing, which is very disappointing. It can be quite difficult for me to ask anyone for assistance, even family members, but now I’m in the situation of trying to find a non-relative who is willing to step up. Given that most people I know in the area abandoned me after my accident, I’m not overly hopeful that there really is anyone who will be willing to help me out. Maybe I’ll have to recruit a Girl Guide who is short on good deeds for the month? Anyway, this is causing me a lot of stress at the moment, but hopefully it will work out in the end.

You are so good to set up this thread every week, Wendleg, it really does help me.

I’ve been pretty much AWOL for the last few weeks, which I always suspected was going to happen because it never feels to me like the serious business of a new year properly starts until after Australia Day. And now that’s behind me, so I have run out of excuses to put my head down and get serious.

And I’m pleased that I’m now getting back into the routine. I’m pretty much back to where I was in mid-November, which is a bit disappointing. But OTOH it’s better than where I was in mid-January, so I’ll take that teeny tiny measure of success 🙂 I’m not yet back into OMAD, never mind fasting, I think it’ll take me a few more days yet to get there. But I’m pretty confident I’m heading in the right direction now.

SunnyB it’s great that you’re still focussed and I think 5.8lb since the start of the month is fantastic – you are absolutely right to be happy with that.

Heidi I’m sorry you’re struggling just now. I’m with you in that I hate the heat, and the smoky weather is just nasty, and it’s all too easy for me to eat something I know is not a wise choice just because I want the comfort. But every day is a new day, and represents the chance for me to make better choices. Maybe you’re like me, and were subconsciously feeling like it was still the holidays until after Oz Day? Hopefully being back at work will make it easier for you to get back into the food routine too – I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Arcticfox, it sounds like you’re on a real roll with food, yay for you!! I’m sorry that your sister won’t go with you to the appointment, but maybe she’ll change her mind closer to then? I absolutely get what you mean about struggling to ask others for help, I’m in that camp too. I know intellectually that it’s crazy, because most people are in fact delighted to feel that they’re needed and are more than happy to help. But does that make it easier for me to ask? Nope, it surely does not. Sigh. Anyway, I really hope a good solution pops up for you.

Hope everyone has a good week,
Elky

Morning/Evening everyone !
I have a few minutes here in front of the computer before the bell goes 🙂
I really felt for you heiding reading your post. As SunnyB , articfox and Elky have said , you are in a safe place and now that you have expressed your frustrations you can be free to take action. We are our own worst enemies at times and yet we owe it to ourselves to treat ourselves well.That means choosing nourishing foods that will boost your mood and make you feel great again. If you feel depressed and anxious then come and chat to us. There will always be someone to listen. You are young heiding and yes you are dealing with a lot but you are being proactive. Don’t give up because you will just feel worse. Can you do some meal planning , logging and tracking in the first instance ? Banish the sweet treats. Drink lots . Simple changes which become second nature .
All the very best and a big hug coming your way xx

Articfox, great NSV and SV, you are doing wonderfully. Sorry your are struggling with finding someone to accompany you to your appointment. It can be hard to ask for assistance, but as Elky said, often people feel flattered to be needed. Not easy though to make that approach to someone, especially if you don’t know them well. In our area, there is a volunteer scheme to get patients to and from hospital. Would it be worth investigating if there is a similar scheme near you? The hospital may be able to advise perhaps. Anyway, hope you soon find a good solution.
Elky, good to see you posting again. It’s easy to let things drift isn’t it? Especially when there is another upcoming event – Christmas, New Year, Oz Day (or in my case, my birthday in January). This year I made a conscious decision not to procrastinate as I commonly would. Pleased that you are with us now and it sounds like you are back on the straight and narrow, so I’m confident you will soon be reporting good results again.
I saw another little dip on the scales this morning, but won’t report of discard again until next week. Will be popping in here from time to time though, to keep contact with this wonderful team of people.

I can’t post on this week’s thread regularly but reading through the posts so far made me think of my meditation app and how it’s helps me to relax and put the world into perspective. So I’ve copied the mindfulness article from ‘The BSD’ section above, hoping it might be of help to those who are feeling overwhelmed and consumed by guilt. Sometimes we just need to take a bit of ‘downtime’ and stop being so hard on ourselves.

MINDFUL COFFEE AND CAKE
Here is a mindfulness practice from the simpler and perhaps more pleasurable end of the range of practices. In other words, have a go – this will be fun and good for you!
The next time you have a few moments to yourself when you feel that now is a good moment to indulge yourself (just a bit), take some time to make yourself a really nice cup of coffee and cut yourself a slice of cake of the type and size of your choosing.
Then find a place to sit and simply drink and eat with as much awareness of your own experience moment by moment as is possible. Start by allowing the warmth of the coffee mug to come through to your hands; then allow yourself to become aware of the rich aroma of the coffee itself for a few moments before taking your first very small sip; allow the full flavour of the coffee to flood around your mouth noting both the bitterness and the aroma; when you have swallowed this first sip take a moment to savour the after taste before your next sip.
Now this whole practice may have totally absorbed you or you may find that your mind has already got bored and is wandering off to all sorts of much more interesting things, way away from this simple experience. You may even find yourself (if you are a coffee connoisseur) starting to critique the methods of whoever made it. In either case, as soon as you notice that the mind has wandered, simply come back to experiencing the coffee.
Then, do the same with the cake. But this time start by simply gazing at the colours, patterns and shapes of the cake you have chosen. What do you notice about it? Or what do you notice in yourself as you begin to anticipate eating: mouth beginning to water? Worried that you made the wrong choice? Thoughts about the cake making process? Whatever – this is all part of the experience of cake eating. When you take a bite, make it a small one and allow yourself as long as you choose, to experience the various flavours and textures as you chew and move the cake around you mouth. At a moment of your choice, swallow but then, again, take time after the swallowing to savour the after affects and the after tastes before facing the momentous decision of whether to go for another sip of coffee or another bite of cake.
Carry on this way as long as you choose or until you have finished, noticing also all the thoughts, emotions, memories and associations which come up for you along the way. Finally simply sit quietly for as long as you feel able.
You notice that I suggested carrying on for as long as you choose or until you finish. So, you don’t have to finish. One of the interesting things I noticed when I first ate cake in this way was that, about half way through the slice of cake I had cut for myself I felt I had had enough. Usually when I eat cake I have eaten the whole thing before I realise I have taken too much and that I now feel a bit sick. So – here could be a wonderful way of halving your cake input as well as transforming your whole experience of cake eating!
But more than that, this is also an illustration of how our experience of every moment of life could be transformed by paying this kind of attention to it – from the mundane tasks to the stressful experiences. We add so many of our own layers of stress to each experience as the mind worries about this or anticipates that. Here is a way of simply coming back to the experience itself and just to this experience. ‘Tomorrow has enough worries of its own’. Let them not take me away from truly savouring the here and the now.
Tim Stead, mindfulness teacher

Hi wendleg, Thank you for starting the new week for us. And for your rallying cry! I may be among the solid regulars, but am a bit more solid this week than last. 🙁 I won’t go into the reasons. But will dust myself off and start again. Many congrats SunnyB on your discard this month. I shall aim to follow your example. Welcome back heiding. Good luck to everyone travelling with us this week. We will do this because we are worth it. (Apologies to the cosmetics company!).

Morning All, still here although did hiccup over the weekend with alcohol I never ate anything I shouldn’t despite eating out twice and having family for Sunday dinner, weigh day is tomorrow so the scales will tell. I am trying to do the 16:8 fasting, so later breakfasts, small lunch and dinner, seems to be working although some days I can only manage 12 hours.
My sister who is on the Cambridge diet also dropped 8lbs in her first week so we are neck and neck on that front and encouraging each other on.
Two people commented at the weekend that I looked like I had lost weight, always a boost. I lots about 9lbs over Christmas through stress and then with the 8lbs so far since starting this BSD clothes are starting to feel a bit more comfortable.
Tonight I am taking up Salsa dancing, something I have always wanted to do so here’s hoping I don’t have 2 left feet and can keep up with the young pretty things!!
Good luck everyone, thanks for the encouraging posts, all the best.

Hello all
Thanks for starting this Wendleg and for the shout out – I love the fact that we all have an exclamation mark after our name 😉
Heiding – I too am a returner. I did this twice before and felt great both times but didn’t manage to sustain it. It’s easy to topple off the wagon and then continue with familiar old patterns, but that’s because I didn’t make those fundamental changes to my way of life. That is what I’m trying to achieve this time so a topple will be just that, just a small blip and doesn’t have to be an end to a new way of life. Your story is familiar to me – I too have made lots of excuses to avoid social occasions, particularly when I was feeling low. This is the year for us both – I wish you all the best on your journey and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Arcticfox – well done on the weight loss and I hope you find someone to come with you to your appointment.
Verano – thanks for the mindfulness tip – I struggle with mindfulness and haven’t really got to grips with it, my mind keeps wondering and I’m never sure what I’m supposed to get out of it.
All the best
x

Mornings! Weigh in today was a bit disappointing at only 2lbs lost, but as I posted elsewhere, I’ve bought some Fybogel which I think will make all the difference as I go on with the diet. Even though I’m eating more veg than I used to, and drinking loads it wasn’t enough to fix things. It seems to be getting easier to eat less, as I’m no longer hungry all the time which is great 🙂
Good luck to everybody for the coming week x

Hi everyone !
Results are results, however small and you know it is not just about the Numbers . Think long term, think of the health benefits and never get discouraged.
Well done everyone, just for sticking with us and not giving up whatever the challenges and disappointments.

I totally agree, Gattina . We really do have to change the familiar patterns. I sense you know exactly what to do and you have offered some very good advice to people struggling ( I have been reading some older posts )
Watch out Gattina … I will be asking you to host and watch over the thread when I am away for a week !! That way you will not be able to disappear 😉 😉 I know you won’t , really …you are a keeper !

Articfox, I remember you saying you did not get the support you needed after your accident and I find it very hard to understand why anyone would refuse to help . If it was just a question of transport it would be less tricky but it sounds like you need someone to travel with you. You have time to find someone. …you will sort it.

So good to see you back with us Elky and let us know how you get on with your reboot ! You and Kafin are our favourite Egg Fasters !

Well done MumofStig. Keep going . Psyllium husks dissolved in warm water to make a gloopy ‘drink’ were my go to to address any transit issues .

We most definitely are worth it, caronl ! Nobody can do this for us . I do think success is a combination of not being too hard on ourselves as Verano has said . (noone is perfect, noone gets it right all the time ) and also a good dose of determination and stubborn commitment 😉

I am the type of person who functions better when I just cut something out completely . It wouldn’t work just allowing myself a bit of something off plan and justifying it because of the occasion or my mood. I have a long history of over eating and to get to grips with that I just had to stop eating the crappy stuff .Maybe as time has gone by I have readjusted so that I don’t feel I am refusing or denying myself a particular food. That food has lost its appeal so it’s no longer a hardship as I can choose something else I want which is unvariably better for me.
I really don’ t know if what I am saying will help anyone. It is just my approach.

There are a few women on the thread in their early fifties. I was still faffing about at that age and I do regret that I didn’t find this way of eating before. But then again maybe I needed the trial and error and ‘failure’ ( I don’t really like that word) to make me appreciate things more now and make me so determined not to go back . So ladies ( and any gents ) grab this opportunity to make this the last time you faff about like me !!
Gill33Uk, Gattina, Elky, Scottishgal ,heiding …I am looking at you ! ;-)
Of course I am not forgetting the more ‘senior ‘ members of our thread and that is not meant to offend at all , believe me ! It is never too late to make the massive changes which will transform our lives and health. Indeed whatever age you are , make this the year when you get where you want to be so you will never regret any wasted time and false starts

I want to hear from you ! You can tell me off if you disagree 😉 Scottishgal, where have you gone again ? Patricia1066 are you Ok ?
Butterlover ! How are you coping with the Chinese New Year celebrations ?

Hi wendleg and co. May a join you? The thread I joined a little while ago has gone very quiet and I’m feeling rather adrift!
In my third week now and swinging between feeling pleased proud and optimistic and totally outfaced, impatient and disappointed with progress so far. I am a pretty even tempered, well-regulated person usually, but I feel like I’m losing my marbles! I started this wanting to be healthier and feel better in myself (which I already do), but now find myself preoccupied with weight. I am suddenly aware of how unhappy and ashamed of my appearance I have been for so long, but I just pretended to myself that it didn’t really matter.
I haven’t had a slip up yet with calories or carbs, but partly because I have been a hermit. Going out for dinner next Monday with a dear friend and dreading it, which doesn’t seem right! Can’t get my head around eating without first whipping out the kitchen scales, which is not really the done thing in a restaurant!
I love the mindfulness tip, Verano. Not tried it with cake, but really enjoyed trying the principle with my dinner tonight.
Best wishes to all!

Hello Bryla, welcome to the weekly thread. I remember well the first time I was faced with a social meal out and how panicked I was that I was going to completely screw up and trash the progress I’d made, as I wouldn’t be able to know the calorie and carb content of what I’d be eating.

In truth, this way of eating is very forgiving and as long as you make good menu choices sticking to BSD principles and return to full on control the following day, any impact from yoir meal out will be minimal. In fact you might not even notice any impact at all.

Strangely I was talking to a friend this afternoon, about how we had both been blind to how much weight we were harbouring before we started on the BSD. Perhaps it’s some kind of protective mechanism, turning a blind eye as it were. Don’t be hard on yourself for not noticing and acknowledging befire now how unhappy you were in you skin, you have already found the tools with this way of life, to make the changes you desire.

Go out and enjoy your meal with your friend and keep posting here for support and encouragement.

Hi folks,just a quicky,,need to come back and play catch up,but just want to say thank youWENDY….Youre so kind encouraging us all to KOKO and not lose heart. XX
Last week and this am doing alternate day fasting..going ok but feel i am eating a little too much on non fast days…x
Will be back to catch upon how all you guys are doing this week x 🥰🥰🥰 keep the faith! X

Thanks for all your encouragement Wendy! It is always a delight to read your posts. Hi Elky and Kafin, and are you still around LouiseK and Birdy?
Yes – the Aussies now have got past the last summer Long Weekend, so all back to rights now as the year gets properly started 👨‍🦲👨‍🦲 I am keeping a good watch on carb intake to ensure a good end to this week!
It is really good to see so many returners and new starters (hi Bryla and heiding)
I was wondering if Tech Support would allow us to add a “Forums FAQ” link under the Forums tab? JGwen and lots of others have really good experience and advice that gets posted regularly, but often this gets lost in a post thread, and the same questions are frequently asked. If we could pack these top 5-10 questions into a FAQ we would be able to direct people to for quick access to information. (I know there is a search function here but it seems to be often missed) A few of the top 10 could be JGwen’s post about weight (kilo of water, kilo of cheese) and scales not reflecting the whole story; constipation (!); level of carbs needed; exercise; etc etc
What are your thoughts?

Still here, still keeping up with the plan! More discard over the week, which is nice. Still hitting 11000 steps a day and managed 3 sessions on the bike during the week plus a weekend HIIT session with my 11 year old son. Keeping up the strength exercises too.
This may sound like a lot but it comes from one of my goals, to be fit enough to ride the local area. But also, I read a scientific paper (I’m still a nerd 😂) about where the fat goes when we lose weight. It turns out we breath out 85% of our fat as Carbon Dioxide. The rest turns to water and we all know where that goes… So my theory is the more I breathe the more carbon (and consequently fat) I am shifting, the best way to breathe more is to exercise more. Obviously, there are limits, I am on only 800 calories a day so i can’t go nuts or a collapse may ensue.
Heidi, i well know the ups and down of my own weight and mood. My first diet was in 2001 aged 24ish and pretty much yoyo dieted once a year until about 5 years ago when i decided to pack it in. 6 months a year being miserable wasn’t doing me any good. When i found the BSD diet, I figured I could stomach 8 weeks even if it failed. However, reading the book and following the advice about sugar, and short chain carbs, blood sugar levels, etc. I haven’t really felt hunger for the last few days because i am making good choices. Amazed I managed to put away 3k calories a day (and scared i’ll go back to it). So i hope you can find a route through to your goals, and don’t blame yourself, its not your fault, its just life and part of being human. Someone brighter than me wrote “To err is human to forgive is divine”, so forgive yourself and keep on putting one foot in front of the other.
Good luck this week everyone!

49 years old, diagnosed since 2000 but doctors think I had diabetes for many years before that. I have recently been referred to a specialist clinic (again) because my blood sugars were so high and I was such a “complex case”. I have cycled through so many different drugs and my doctor wanted to go back to the old drugs to see if they might not work again. Now W2D3 and my blood sugar this morning was 5.9 – with no meds at all! Sitting here contemplating the miracle of it. I am sure there will be lots of ups and downs, but I woke up this morning at 5.9 and I am so pleased!

Morning and thanks for the welcome.

Week 4 Day 5 of the 800 BSD today. If I’m being honest these last few days have been the hardest. I’ve been feeling more hungry than I have since I started. I’m staying on plan but yesterday was particularly hard. I had a frustrating work day and a few things going on personally. I’ve also not had an alcoholic drink since I started.

Got home. Quick (on plan) meal and headed out to Cricket nets. A good enjoyable session but was hungry when I got home. Stayed on plan but had a bit of a pick of Seedy Crackers from the BSD recipe book, and some almonds and hazelnuts.

On a positive side. I started off 17.5 I am now below 16 stone. Don’t think I’ve been that light since my mid twenties. My target is 15.5 stone.

I’m off skiing in 2 weeks. Normally I take full advantage of the beer / wine / cheese / potato fest. I’m already planning on how to make the right choices whilst still enjoying my holiday.

I’ve read / following the BSD book but I am currently reading the Fast 800. More from a point of view of maintenance once I’ve met my aims.

I need new trousers they are all too big around the waste. Slightly gutting I’ve got a load of shorts I bought end of summer sales, brand new but going to be too big 🙂

Good morning all – hope everyone is fairing well today.

Wendleg – ho ho! now that would be a challenge. I’m not sure I could be trusted with such a responsibility but I definitely see the school teacher in you 🙂
Capricornia – that is such a great result, I’m really pleased for you. This woe does work and its so great to be drug free
Freester – great results and its a lovely feeling when clothes start to feel loose. I have the same problem with a pair of jeans I bought just before Christmas – I usually live in jeggings but thought I would try jeans for a change. They’re now feeling rather loose around the waist so I haven’t had much wear out of them – somehow I don’t seem to mind 🙂
MerryMelba – I think that’s a really good idea about the FAQs – the same issues do keep coming up for so many of us

I’m feeling so much better today – my cold is definitely on the mend and my throat not so painful. I might even venture out into the big wide world today. I’ve been hibernating this past week and only ventured to the chemist and then the local supermarket for some supplies, so I’m definitely in need of some exercise.
All the best everyone – KOKO

Hi guys, I thought it was a good idea to set up a frequently asked questions thread.

We don’t need to ask the moderators to do that, we can start new thread for ourselves. – So in the Starting BSD topic I have added a thread called frequently asked questions. Anyone who reads the forum by looking for new posts will see it.

So how about making a list on the thread of the questions you feel would be best addressed on that thread. –

As well as the scales, I think the other topics are Keto Flu (the need for electrolytes) and exercise when eating 800 calories a day (when in ketosis and fat adapted your body can access your fat stores, so can burn all the calories . meals previously saved.)

Hi JGwen
Thanks! 😀That’s a good selection of topics – keto flu is a must. 🤒
I had thought of having the FAQ as a tab, which would take people to a FAQ “document” which could contain info on the top 10-15 most asked questions
I just wondered that with a thread, the thread wouldn’t be prominent after a few weeks of no one posting on it so it wouldn’t be noticeable as a new post?

Morning All
End of week 2 and lost 3lb’s so that’s 11lbs in total. W3 D1 today and am starting with an 18 hour fast, 40 minutes to go tell lunch, tuna salad today for a change. I joined a dance class last night as I don’t move enough, my job is sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day, I walk to and from the car and that’s about it! Really enjoyed it and plan on going back next week, learning the cha cha cha!
I knocked myself back with booze at the weekend, it’s so hard when its routine, but I have the choice and will try to make the best one. 4 weeks tomorrow tell I go away for a week of winter sun, that as well as veering away from the pre diabetes should really be enough motivation! I will go over the book again tonight and check out some new recipes although it’s not the food that’s the problem, just booze and weekends! (I did turn down the offer of a bottle of wine last night after our dance class so H didn’t have any larger either, good for us both!)
Wishing you all a good week as we come to the end of January, thanks for keeping me going with your wise words.

Hi MM,
I guess because most of the questions are commonly repeated, it will be simple enough to point new people to the thread when they join. We just need to occasionally do a bump post on the thread to raise it up into the list seen when people are scrolling.

There is already a FAQ heading on the menu list for the forum.

I would guess that anything that the moderators approve would have to follow the contents of the books published by Dr MM, while the advantage of the forum is that we are free to share links to other research and authors.

Hi everyone,
Thank you so much, SunnyB! Don’t feel as much of an idiot now. I have checked out a couple of menus online and figured out that I should be able to cope with some social eating. I also realised that whereas I once would have cleaned my plate on automatic pilot, I no longer eat so mindlessly, so I can always just eat what I need. I guess all of us doing this, ups and downs included, are already demonstrating that our willpower is pretty awesome. My fear that I will dive across the restaurant and grab someone’s chips is probably not going to come true.
Capricornia – wow! Congratulations. So chuffed for you. I am not diabetic, but my father is Type 2 and I just wish I could get him to consider what folks like you are achieving. He has always been told by his Dr to eat every couple of hours and to consume as much bread and fruit as he likes (which is a lot), which now strikes me as catastrophic. Just maybe I can set a good example and open his mind a bit to other options….
On another note, I took delivery of some of the Fast 800 shakes today. There are many days where I just don’t find time to eat during the working day. Yesterday that resulted in an accidental 23 hr fast, which I’m not complaining about, but I don’t want to do that every day for now. I struggled to find any reviews online, and those that existed were not terribly complimentary, so I was not expecting much. But oh my goodness! I had a chocolate shake at lunchtime (with unsweetened almond milk) and thought I had died and gone to heaven. Yes, the texture was not the best ever (though I don’t have a blender, which I’m sure would help), but the chocolatey sweetness was delicious to me. I couldn’t have been happier with a giant blackforest gateau. These are only going to be an emergency fallback for me, but I am so pleased I took the plunge. I will try the vanilla next and report back in case anyone else is interested.
Keep going everyone! You are helping me along by sharing your progress more than you will ever know.

Hi all, just checking in (keeps me on track)
This was my tenth day without any chocolate, “was” being the operative word as I succumbed today and bought a bar of chocolate. I blame the hormones and purposefully stepped off the wagon rather than falling off. But I know I can get back on track and it was only a blip.
I bought myself an outfit yesterday for my holiday. It’s one size smaller and is a bit neat on but it was the only size left and was a bargain…….reduced from £45 to £10 (as store is closing down). Can’t resist a bargain! But it’s now my incentive and will give me the motivation I desperately need to keep going.
Hope everyone else is doing well. Read some great success stories while catching up with all the posts, in particular capricornia who is a fellow diabetic. Well done on reducing your morning reading and without meds too. That’s a great achievement as the morning reading is usually the last and most difficult to get under control due to dawn phenomenon. Keep up the good work.

It’s lovely to see people checking in !

Welcome Bryla ! You certainly don’t need to feel idiotic with your meal out appréhensions and Sunny has given you some very sound advice. You have made a great start and there is no reason to fear you wll lose control. One thing struck me reading your post about the shakes . I know you said they serve their purpose as an emergency fall back but I would be wary that they will perpertuate any sugar cravings .They are no doubt made with artifical sweetners . It dépends how you feel about sugar Bryla. It was very much an addiction I needed to crack .

Those are fantastic blood sugar results Capricoria ! I am so pleased for you ! I hope your doctors respond favourably to the changes you are making and you don’t feel pressure to conform !

Hi PhoenixBurns ! Glad you are not hangry any more and you sound as if you are adapting very well to your new way of eating. Don’t worry too much about what will happen after the initial 8 weeks. You should have some well established new habits which will seem second nature and you will be well armed for the next stage whatever you decide .

You are doing well too, freester ! Your target is within reach. Skiiing is not my thing but I know in France it is associated with very hearty cheesy, potato fondue type dishes …yikes ! I hope you stay on track. Our blokes tend to show great enthusiasm and then they disappear , maybe happily maintaining ? I hope you stay with us freester. Get selling those oversized shorts !

Don’t stay away too long Yowzer ! We are here to give you all the support you need so you don’t sit eating biccies by the fire 😉

Glad you are feeling better Gattina . This school teacher frequently gets sneezed and coughed on so I reckon I have built up some immunity over the years. I swear by my Golden Lattes too with almond milk, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric+pepper. How did you get on at the diabetes clinic ? Go out and treat yourself to some new jeans !

You are having brilliant results too Gill33 ! You will break the boozy weeked routine ..stay focused, especially with your holiday coming up. Glad you enjoyed your dance class. I check out the dietdoctor website for recipes and also Jamie’s 5 Ingredients which can be adapted to create low carb dishes. I keep things fairly simple during the week and cook more at weekends.

I too love the idea of a FAQ section, Merry and JGwen. I think it would be really useful . I have just checked out the tab at the top of the page. It certainly addreses many questions but we often get lots of varied queries not covered there . One that keeps coming up is how to tackle emotional eating.
Keep posting everyone !

Oooh Scottishgal I love seeing your name on the thread and hearing your news ! I reckon you did brilliantly resisting the choc ( better than me just lately !!) Thank goodness I have no more Godiva 90% left 😉 I don’t blame you for your blip today…that treat was very well managed and I can’t even nag you Scottishgal 😉 Good on you xx
You will soon be feeling great in that new outfit too. We will keep you motivated, never fear !!

Well there’s another first…….not being nagged by Wendy lol
But seriously Wendy, thank you for your encouragement……you always keep me on the straight and narrow

Hello, hello
Thanks for your fabulous post again Wendy and for keeping us all on track and motivated.
I’m starting my third week with greater focus. During week 1 and 2 I felt I drifted a bit so I am now in the ‘going for gold’ zone which means that my motivation and determination to lose weight now matches my wish and need to do just that. What that means in reality, is no bread, no pasta, no potatoes and no ‘other’ high-carb stuff. For me, it’s the only way that works and amazingly, I don’t feel I’m missing out. So 800 cals, low carbs , lots of protein and full fat. That’s working for me right now but I’ve yet to add in more exercise. In truth, that is my nemesis but I know it’s something I need to do. Self-motivation to exercise more is a struggle but I know I’ll get there. I will, honest.
Encouraging hugs to anyone struggling and congratulatory hugs to all of you who are showing success.
We can do this.
Oi Madam x

Hello lovely people – hope everyone is well today
I’m afraid my post is going to be a rant – so skip now if you want. I’ve just got back from my check up at the diabetes clinic – overall my results are pretty good. I’ve lost 6 kgs since I last saw them in December, my hba1c is down from 108 to 72 (12 to 8.8 old measures). Still too high but a significant difference and I’m sure down to this woe. But I’m upset because they seemed to suggest there was support available at the last appointment which they’ve completely ignored, things like the weight management service and the talking therapies. I explained that I struggled with sustaining weight loss – I could do a diet for a while but not long term. Today the woman I saw was very dismissive, she nodded and smiled but showed no interest. She didn’t even introduce herself, I have no idea who she was!
I explained the problems I’d had with the medication side affects and she just prescribed more of the same.
Since my last appointment I’ve been going over and over in my mind whether I should go onto the weight management service but no mention was made of it today.

OK – so the good things are my hba1c is significantly reduced and I’ve lost weight. But I’m really disappointed – I felt hopeful after my last appointment, as though there was some genuine support available beyond the usual pointless ‘eat well plate’ but it never amounts to anything. It’s all just lip service and nothing of value ever comes from seeing healthcare professionals. I know I should have been more assertive but it’s difficult when in a vulnerable position – at least I felt vulnerable. I’m not sure I wanted to do the weight management service but I did want some follow up – no point in dangling these options in front of me if you have no intention of following up on it.

OK my rant is over, I’ve vented and I’ll stop fretting over this eventually. My results were improved whereas in December they were frighteningly high.
I know this woe will help me even if the nhs doesn’t and there is support out there from the lovely people on this forum.

Hey Gattina – it’s been said before, but I’ll repeat … this is the place to come and rant or vent whenever it’s necessary. Very frustrating that you aren’t getting the support you thought was on offer. Looking for the positives though, you have done brilliantly on the BSD with very evident positive medical results.

Think we always feel vulnerable as a patient and it can be really challenging to voice what we are wanting or hoping for in that situation. You mentioned that the person you saw this time was someone different and that they weren’t engaged with you. Perhaps at the next appointment it will be someone else and you’ll be able to speak more freely and get what you need from the encounter. If your reactions to the medication becomes unbearable, make an appointment and go back to see your doctor before your next routine blood check appointment. There’s no reason you should put up with bad side effects.

Aside from that, stick with us and this WOE and I’m sure your next set of results will be even more impressive and you know that we will be here to support, encourage and celebrate the successes, so a huge well done on this latest set of results …. be proud and keep on keeping on!

Hi Gattina, I agree with sunny.
When I was first diagnosed diabetic I went on a “course”. I can’t remember the name of it but it was one hour a week for six weeks. In hindsight it was a total waste of time and I only managed to get control of my bg levels by doing the BSD and coming on here.
There is a lot more support and advice on here than you’ll ever get from the NHS. And most of the time the NHS give the wrong advice anyway!
Stick with the BSD and I can assure you the numbers will come down. I got mine into the normal range last year (been diabetic since 2011) and reduced my meds. Unfortunately though I didn’t have the willpower to stick with it. But I’m back on it again and getting the control back. If I can do it then anyone can.
Just keep on keeping on……well done on your achievements so far and look forward to the next, which will be even better.
Oh and if you have bad side effects on metformin then insist you get the slow release version…..it’s much better

I’m always pretty weary by Thursday but wanted to check in with you before I crashed 😉

That’s lovely to hear we are keeping you motivated OiMadam and it sounds like you are on track now, which is great. I think exercise only works long term if it is enjoyable and the only activity that appeals to me is aquagym which I do as often as I can ..3 times a week on a good Week but sometimes only one class preceded by a pampering hammam and salt sauna at the weekend ! I also do a ‘private’ yoga session every Wednesday afternoon which I know does me a lot of good ! I have never set foot in a gym.I have a hernia op coming up so now is not the time to start swinging kettlebells ! I will walk lots around Valencia and that’s about it. I have heard it said that exercise is not necessarily for weightloss but for well being. Just find something you enjoy . My exercise bike has been parked in the lounge for months !!

Oh Gattina that lack of support and meaningful advice is so frustrating but take heart from Scottishgal’s experience. You will manage your bg levels and you will feel great. Don’t let your medical team get you down.There are lots of people to help and support you on here …..
…….Scottishgal ( resist that choc SG 😉
……..Jennie10 ( Type 2 diabetic in remission) Read through Jennie’s posts …she is very experienced too
Here is a recent one ………….
posted by Jennie10 on Rising Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
on 18 Jan 2020 at 13:22 in Fast 800

Hi Penny
I’ve just come on to post about a book and am dashing to my friend’s but just read your post and wanted to respond. .
I also experienced rising blood sugar levels. Mine was after a few weeks – 4, I think. My bgls were slowly going down week by week and then they suddenly went up again. Mine stayed there for about 2 weeks and then went down again and stayed down. (Others went down much quicker). Not everyone reports it but it’s still pretty common.
My understanding is it’s because glucose is being released into your blood stream from your body. I’ve heard Jason Fung say it should be seen as a positive sign as you are releasing all of that stored glucose and it’s on it’s way out. Certainly, it was positive for me as mine stayed low after that.
When I have more time I’ll try to find where he says it, but meanwhile it’s good you found this thread.
Take care
Jennie xx
: forgot to say, what a fantastic weight loss – big congratulations.

…….Verano
……..sunshine-girl ( who has gone very quiet ?? Where are you SG ??)
Read back through the threads and that should lift you Gattina, as there are some spectacular bg results being recorded.
I am looking forward to the weekend and one last week before the holidays. I hope everyone stays positive and focused whatever challenges the weekend brings. I have to go in for Open Day on Saturday but hope to be in time for aquagym !

Lots of love to everyone and hope to hear from you xxx

Hi Everyone.good to see everyone posting.Ihave been completely off plan for afew days with a gain of 1.5kg.Chinese New year was more challenging than christmas but Im on the way back now.Im very motivated .Yesterday I met with my old boss and few old work friends who I have not seen since my stroke in september.They were really welcoming and I now have a few days of work in February and lots of offers of help if I need it.I bought a couple of new tops and had a bsd friendly lunch came home echausted and feeling determined to stay on track.Bgl is down to 5.2 this morning.Im having lunch with a very nic old friend today so planning a steak or grilled fish with Salad .no wine and a long chat.I hope you are all doing .well never give up.

Hi everyone,
I can’t believe we are so far the week already! I’m definitely starting to adjust to a different WOE and obsessing less about what I can eat and when I can eat it.
Thank you for your wise words of caution regarding the shakes, Wendleg. The Fast 800 shakes do contain stevia and while this is not ‘artificial sweetener’ (and there are no other artificial ingredients) I was cautious about any sugar-type substance and did a lot of reading about stevia before making a purchase. Of course it is sweet and the danger of it triggering a cephalic response is there. The research suggests that stevia can be problematic for some of us, but not others (certainly more risky for those of us with diabetes, which I do not have). My own experience since that one shake on Wednesday was no cravings or hunger – still comfortably under 800 cals and 20g carbs that day and the following. After my dinner that day I then did another unplanned 23 hour fast without any discomfort and still feel good this morning. Who knows if that will be the case next time I use one… I will not be complacent. I am definitely not suggesting anyone else should try them, but I think that they might be okay for me now and then to help me to stick to wider goals. The fact that I enjoyed the taste is a bonus!
4lb discard for me so far in my third week (running from Saturday), which has been the same each week since the beginning. My body obviously didn’t get the memo about the usual patterns of weight loss! However, since I was in ketosis on day 3, it might be that I had less glycogen and associated water to get rid of than some and was burning fat relatively quickly. No change in diet/WOE had even entered my head on January 1st – an impulsive decision has turned into one of the kindest and most worthwhile things I have ever done for myself and I couldn’t have imagined that I would be going into February with a new outlook, more energy and a whole load of clothes that don’t fit properly any more. What a lovely problem to have!
Best wishes and well done to everyone.

Good morning all
SunnyB, Scottishgal and Wendleg – thanks for your responses. I was feeling low yesterday and really disappointed at how my appointment went. At my first appointment I had the impression they were prepared to consider options beyond just writing a prescription but I guess I was wrong. I too did the training when I was first diagnosed – it’s called DESMOND. I agree it was pointless – I remember asking about the Roy Taylor research but they were dismissive. At the time the research was still ongoing but it has now been completed and published and I’ve read that the NHS are rolling it out – so where is that happening? All I hear is the same wrong advice, even the care assistant told me yesterday that I’ve got to have breakfast. I think I’m more annoyed at myself for not being more assertive – I know I should have spoken up – when I was caring for my father I didn’t let healthcare professionals get away with anything. I spoke up, I questioned, I demanded a good service – I’m not sure why I can’t do the same for myself.
Anyway – I know this woe gets results and I am really pleased with what I’ve achieved so far. Thank you for your support I do appreciate it.
Scottishgal – thanks for the tip on the slow release Metformin, I’ll make an appointment with my gp and see if I can get it changed.
Bryla – well done on the discard, sounds like you are doing really well
Wendleg – walking in Valencia sounds lovely. I spent a summer in Valencia to study Spanish about a million years ago 🙂 I’m sure it’s still just as lovely.
Have a good weekend everyone
x

Hello. I’m here to join in once again… Although I’m notorious for popping in and then disappearing soon after, I am grateful for your continued patience and support. 🙏

My name is Amz and I have successfully lost around thirty pounds on BSD previously, but I now struggle to maintain dedication and focus. I suffer from depression and a difficult marriage. My biggest challenges are emotional eating and lack of energy. I currently weigh somewhere between 200-205 pounds, which is quite frustrating because as some of you know, I replaced my whole wardrobe last spring when I reached 160. None of my clothes fit, the workout videos I used to do everyday are now too challenging, and I am unhappy when I look in the mirror. I feel upset that I allowed my emotional issues to get the best of me over the past year. I want to do better from now on.

I think I would like to fast a couple days to remind myself of what it feels like to be actually hungry and not just eating because I’m upset. I also have an social event each night for the next three days which will make it hard to stay on track, so I think fasting through them would be the best. My daughter wants me to wear matching dresses with her to an another event we are going to on April 7th, so for now, I want to work with that in mind. My marriage is just as rocky and I’m now working along with homeschooling so my time is constrained, but I want to include some exercise too. It’s winter here, but I’m done increasing my layers of blubber. I’m okay with freezing, so I look forward to an interchange of encouragement with you all.

Sorry for the long post! And many thanks to Wendy for never giving up on me.

Oh Amz !!!!!!!!!!!! You are back !!! I am so happy to see you !!! I really am sorry though that you are still struggling with a lot of difficult issues but just remember you are never alone . It has been tough for you emotionally and it is hardly surprising that you have not been able to focus on yourself and your health.
Getting back the control you want with your food will have positive repercussions in lots of other areas Amz. You will grow in confidence and self esteem. You will have more energy and be better able to cope with difficult challenges.
I remember your beautiful vintage dresses. You will be there again Amz.
Yes, fasting to recognise the hunger signals again is a good idea. Can you take a bit of time to plan meals for the week so you are ready with healthy low carb meals so you don’t get overwhelmed in case of upset ? I know you want to look after your daughter too so could you have some fun cooking time together ?
The main thing is to believe in yourself. You had fantastic success last year . Look forward not backwards.You can do it .
I understand that food is what we reach for when we feel low, upset, belittled and made to feel worthless but you can break that vicious circle of reaching for comfort foods Amz.
Maybe start back with some gentle exercise if the workouts seem too challenging at the moment. You can build up to them. Do something that you enjoy.
I am glad to hear you are working again but with the homeschooling too you are spending alot of time with food temptations within reach. Plan ahead again and remove any dangerous trigger foods ?
Whatever your plan just keep checking in and telling us how you are doing Amz. You have made that important first step to return so stay positive and remember you will always find support on here. Lots of love xxx

Good to see you back again and fired up to keep going, Butterlover ! You had some uplifting moments recently , so lovely. Have a great weekend and keep posting or I will come and find you too !!!

I love your positiity too Bryla ! You are having very encouraging results and I loved your comment about this woe being a gift to ourselves . You are absolutely right ! Make this your year Bryla, you will never regret it xx

Gattina , put the frustrations behind you now and just focus on showing the medics that you can get results doing things your way ( with the invaluable experience of lovely folk who have reversed diabetes on the forum) It is shocking that the long held advice has caused such devastating conséquences regarding diabètes. Definitely don’t allow yourself to be disregarded and walked over by an unsupportive team ! Get angry !!!
We’re on your side, Gattina ! Did you see Verano and Jennie 10 mentioned Roy Taylor’s new book ? His recommendations are even discussed on the Diabètes Uk website !!!

Have a lovely weekend everyone. I have to get up early to go into school for Open Day tomorrow but it’s only once a year and I will just go straight to aquagym at midday so it’ s not really an extra journey. I will have to dress decently though , not my usual sloppy tracky bottoms and who manages to get a bra on after coming out of a swimming pool ??? 🙂 🙂

It’s going to be very mild over the next few days which is nice. I love the idea of Spring nudging in !
I am going to try an aubergine ricotta recipe I saw in Roy Taylor’s book this weekend .

Lots of love everyone and check in if you can xxx

Been fasting all day.. So cold! About to head to a pizza party… 😓 I plan on abstaining, but I’ll report the evenings results when I get home.

😁🧡👏👍🎉
I successfully rejected the pizza.

Woo Hoo Amz! Well done you 🌟🌟🌟

Hi Amz! Nice to ‘meet’ you. What inspiring self-control. Hope you’re deservedly chuffed with yourself. Well done! I’m rooting for you.