Hi Scottishgal,
Over the last year of being a member of the forum I have seen the question of rate of weight loss come up frequently. – I know how you feel, one of the things that attracted me to pick up the BSD book was the section on the front cover about the amount of weight lost on average in 8 weeks, but over the time I have been on this journey I have realised that the scales are not the best way to monitor progress.
The scales only show your total weight, they do not record how that weight is split between water, muscles, bone density, fat, even amount of food “in transit”.
High insulin levels cause your body to store water, when people achieve rapid weight loss in the initial period that is normally water.
A lot of the focus on the forum is eating low carb to help bring insulin under control so that our bodies can use our fat stores for fuel. When you get down to burning fat you need to remember that 1lb of fat is 3500 kcals of energy. However that is not the full story. There are a number of other hormone controlled processes that high insulin levels impact on. One of which is the production of growth hormone, which is the process of repairing muscles after exercise and ensuring that bones are a healthy density.
The upshot of this is that it is better to monitor progress by monitoring body shape than by changes in the readings on the scale. It may be that your body is becoming healthier and slimmer but there simply isn’t any change with the scales.
My own experience has ranged from dropping one dress size = nearly 2 stone weight loss at the start, the last dress size drop over the last couple of months came with a 1 kg gain.

Okay, sorry for the late entry, super busy morning.
Last Tuesday I was 168… Today I am 158.2
I haven’t taken my measurements yet, but my new size 12 jeans are looser and my bras I just purchased a little bit ago need to be replaced so I’m pretty sure I’ve lost some inches.
My goal for the week is to continue to be encouraged by all of you and keep up with the workout program I started.

Thank you so much JGwen for your reply. It’s been very helpful. I must admit I’ve not been good today. Well over the carb and cals limits. I started off thinking longer fasting might help kick start the weight loss so I skipped breakfast and didn’t eat until lunchtime. But psychologically it didn’t work and I ended up eating more than normal tonight. Back to the normal routine tomorrow and hopefully thinking positively again.

I am so with you on that, Scottishgirl, when I’m hungry I eat all around me. Yet, because I record it, I see how many carbs, low considering the hunger, and it’s still only just matching my energy requirements. So next day, I started with a huge breakfast, a 3 egg omlette and had a full tummy all day.
I really like fatsecret, no secrets between us!

Thanks JGwen for your comprehensive response on weight loss. I intend to keep all that in mind, and not be disheartened by no drop on the scales.

AMZ, congratulations on a fabulous drop and you say you’re in size 12 jeans. That’s fantastic!

Morning Kazzeeeee !!
Yes, well done Amz ! I have never ever owned a pair of size 12 jeans or even size 14 come to that !! So pleased for you !

Have a great day everyone .Don’t worry I’m fine,I haven’t keeled over in exhaustion or hunger.Feeling fine.I will check in later as we don’t work Wednesday afternoons in French schools, yippppeeee !!

xxx

Hello there GGH!! Hope you have been able to read of my report yesterday and two links JGwen offered for **information. Im SO pleased I dont own scales . . . and the advice of so many earlier on to just measure has just been proven – Im same weight as weeks ago and yet 11cms discarded from girth. Clothing was talking to me . . . yes, waistbands, bras, knickers . . . all the sings were there and made no sense untiI read the links. I can still remember endo instructing me to toss the finger pricker in the drawer . . . it was stressing to employ it so many times a day awaiting the results. And I have experienced an opportunity to have scales while I housesat for my younger son and his family . . . I found it stressful to see the fluctuations . . . which have SO MANY reasons for being so! Proof is in inches . . . (or cms wherever you may be :)) and a nice surprise – no . . . confirmation of effort – when all added up 🙂 Quack Quack! xxx

Wonderful to see such activity on the thread again this week.
G/Heart – good to see you continue to make excellent progress and sounding upbeat.
Scottishgal – I really hope you are feeling more positive and much less anxious today. JGwen passed on some very useful and reassuring information, which hopefully has inspired you to make today a fresh start. Don’t worry about the wobble yesterday, just get back to what you’ve been doing so well to date.
wendleg – I’m confident you will manage to continue your fast to lunchtime today and I have huge admiration for your determination.
Duckie – I’m sure you are still flying high from your results yesterday and will carry you through the week. It’s good to be reminded that the result on the scales is not the be all and end all, that it is also the non-scales victories that need to be acknowledged as well – some of which are actually of more value.
Hope everyone will have a good BSD day and look forward to the lively exchange on this thread continuing.

Congrats, Patricia! I know you’re excited. Well done!
Max.

Woo hoo! Great job, Woodduckie!! So nice to see those non-scale victories.
Max.

Good morning, and new week, good people.
I am STILL not budging weight wise. Although it has only been 2 weeks, it seems like longer. Unlike Woodduckie, I am still tied to my scale. Old habits are hard to break.
Welcome all new posters!
Big mistake this morning. Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Thought I was going to heave. Still feel a little queasy. Not for me.
Have a great week, all. Stay strong!
Max.

Oh, AMZ! What a monstrous loss in 1 week! How did you do it!?! I remember well your early posts when
you first found us..At that time you felt that support at home was low to non existent. It has been marvelous
to see you spread your wings, develop loads of self confidence, .and are now burning those scales up! All of
this is FOR YOU, not anyone else…and look what you are accomplishing 🙂 Keep the fires burning in the Carolinas.
And keep posting on the forums! You are an inspiration to all members that are just starting out. Very best,

Allie

Finally had time to read through am the posts I missed yesterday.

Sunny, Wendy, thanks again for hosting! Your insights are always encouraging and helpful.

SunshineGirl, I also have an event in about 9 weeks. I would like to be in the 149s, which would be about 9 lbs less than I am now. We can do it! Your cruise sounds wonderful! I wish I was tagging along!

Amziel, a big welcome to you. I hope everything goes well for you this time around. Remember your success from last summer and stick to the plan.

Verano, a pound discarded is still a win, right! I have similar hope of around 9 lbs over the next nine weeks so I’ll be cheering you on!

Nifer, hello and welcome. It’s good that this WOE had helped with your digestive issues. I have found the same thing on my end. In fact when I go off plan and eat grain, I often times feel so sick afterwards, which has really curbed that craving. 4.5 is an awesome loss!

Kvictoriar, a win is a win! Staying low carb is important, but I also find myself over 800 calories someone. We just have to do our best and keep our goal in mind.

Littlesis, that’s so loving it you to support your brother. Prior often underestimate the need for a good support system during weight loss. When I first started on BSD, my weekly discards were disappointing, just a couple pounds at a time, but now I know it all adds up! 2 lbs a week is still 8 lbs a month, 96 a year, lol. So make sure you rejoice in the small wins as well.

Patricia, your weekly results were awesome. Be proud of yourself! I’m so happy you have such a loving family supporting you.

8weeks, great job! Keep at it. When I am busy and have lots of plans, I find planning ahead helpful. Maybe there are some snacks you can make before your trip that will keep well as you travel, that you can reach for instead of settling for the unhealthy options around you. I’ll look for some recipes tonight.

Sixturkeys, rejoice in your loss. Sometimes it is slow goings, but it is still a downward trend. I have found that in my case, precise weighing is essential for my diet. Many people tell me it’s too much trouble, but since I know it works and will help me with my goals, I have tried to make it a habit to do it with each meal.

Avis, welcome. I just got a fitbit myself so we can challenge each other. My weakness when I started was sweets… When finally kicked that habit was seeing my daughter inherit that sweet tooth. Me giving up on my daily came and chocolate would help her lead a healthier life as well. So find your inspiration and keep in mind when temptation strikes! I used to work at the library to and I really loved it! I’d always come home with piles of books to add to my reading list.

Allie, welcome back. I’m always encouraged when I hear your BSD success story. I really need to sit down and read that companion book your always mentioning. I bet it will be a new source of encouragement and determination. It’s also freezing in the Carolinas, though we have little blips of warm days in the 60s every now and then, but it only makes the colder days harder. Thanks for your kind words! I made a determination to stick with 20 carbs or less and 800 calories. I also include 3 fast days a week. Also, last Wednesday, I started a workout routine on fitness blender that includes cardio, HIIT, and strength training. It had really helped, I think.

Thinking Thin, great loss! Adding activity, in my opinion, is essential for me to continue doing the desired results. Plus, it really helps boost my mood and endure food temptations.

Shellbob, keep at it. I was also discouraged at my results at first,but Aliie and others kept pushing me not to give up, and now a few months later in so glad I listened to them. So you can do it! We are all on your side.

Reducia, glad you are still with us. I also love how these threads seem to wipe the slate clean and give us a fresh start. Let’s continue forward to our goals!

Butterlover, your abandoned teaspoon of sugar is a success in itself! Hurray for you! I look forward to your report next week.

Scottishgirl, don’t be discouraged. I went a whole month at one point without any changes, except the occasional gain. Just keep at it! And take your measurements!

Mariet, I’m sorry to hear about your family. I hope all is well. I like your positive attitude though!

Jgwen, I was really encouraged by your post on rate of weight loss. It emphasized to me once again the need for patience. Slow and steady wins the race after all.

Kazz, thanks! It has been slow goings, but I’m happy I’ve stuck it out. I’m well on my way to my next goal, size 10!

Wendy, thanks for your well wishes! I’m glad you’re still with us. I’ve very pleased to say the 12s are feeling loose already. It’s so due in part to your and everyone else’s constant encouragement these past few months!

WoodDuckie, I also feel my loss more with the way my clothes fit than what my scale says. I just to tell my hand that it wouldn’t matter if I weighed 800 pounds of I was healthy and thin. So I’m trying to focus more on NSV now.

Maximin, keep at it! Think of all the positive changes and effects of adjusting your rating habits besides seeing the scale number drop. You can do it!

Phew! Finally caught up! I’ll try harder to keep up with everyone’s comments this week.

Reporting back on my extended 65 hour fast.
I had dinner on Sunday evening and then fasted all day Monday and Tuesday, eating lunch today (Wednesday) at 1pm.
About hunger…yes I did have a few hunger pangs on Monday evening but totally manageable. I drink water and green tea throughout the day. Hunger does not last and I have learnt that it is nothing to fear. Nothing terrible will happen and indeed I had no ill effects. Any sensation of hunger completely eased on Tuesday . Fasting is definitely easier with successive days.

How do I cope thinking about food ? I just accept that on that particular day I will not be eating and that’s that.I don’ t experience cravings to make me grab food.

I really think that as a result of my fasting experiments I respect food more. I look forward to delicious , nutritious food which I can enjoy in the knowledge that it is doing me good. In the past I would shovel in all sorts of rubbish , irrespective of whether I was hungry or not and in fact I never felt satisfied. It is good to recognise hunger now and to be more in tune with my body and what it needs.
I’m not being fanatical. I know I can manage the extended fasts now so I will slot one in every month. I will continue to do my 24 and 36 hour fasts during my working Week.

I read somewhere that it is a question of practice.Starting out with short fasts and gradually building up to longer periods. I wish I had been on the forum when Esnecca was posting as I would have enjoyed sharing our fasting expériences !
Hope everyone is having a good day !

You WOULD have enjoyed Essie, I’m sure, Wendy. She had steel in her spine, and could always inspire it in
others. PCOS was behind her 200lb. weight gain from her early 20’s to mid 40’s, and she was fearless in getting
rid of it. Another feisty one, like us! She may be gone from the forums, but definitely not forgotten. She may
surprise us one day, and drop by with an update. Her famous phrase is “Not One Step Backwards!” We can
certainly relate to that…You are our current “Fasting Queen”! Thanks for posting your results, and how you got
through it. Essie was doing a 3-4 day fast once a month, too!

It’s evening on Tuesday here in London, and I have had a delicious light meal; a tartine of salmon and avocado on rye bread. I took a bite and decided to finish the toppings only.
Allie or was it Wendleg, said that at some point, I’d try bread and it just wouldn’t be all I’d anticipated.
I feel great, just love the food I have cooked for myself doesn’t feel like privation, the way I really taste it not just use it.

Think you lost a day Patricia, as it’s currently Wednesday in the UK! But well done on brilliant break through …. only eating the topping and leaving the bread. It’s must feel like a real win, knowing that the temptation of bread has been binned. Huge congrats!

Well done Patricia ! You are beating those cravings !

I think I have steel in my spine too Allie and I certainly needed it tonight as I just received one of those ‘threatening’emails very similar to one sunshine-girl received recently it seems.

I am to send a substantial amount of my well-earned dosh to prevent porn videos I have been viewing/posting being sent to close family members and friends !!! . Now that would be Something !! How do these low life imbeciles believe people would be so naive as to give in to their ridiculous demands ?? I wouldn’t mind if I had been up to illicit practices but posting on here about my bloomers is about as naughty as I get 😉 😉

I have a good mind to send a photo of said bloomers to Low Life . That should shut him up !!! 🙂 🙂 At least it gave my lovely hubby a good laugh !!!

Love the idea of said imbecile receiving a photo of your wayward bloomers! Can you imagine what they’d make of that response? Brilliant.

How disgusting, Wendy! Perhaps a photo of you wearing them on your head? Perverts! I suppose
that they count on a number of these who have something to hide? Messages from the dark side,
I think! Fingers and toes crossed that this is as intrusive as it gets! They have no idea who they
are dealing with 🙂 MORONS! XXX

Oh dear, a weight gain at the end of my second week. Feeling a bit flat about it, as I been counting my carbs and keeping them low. Blood sugar reading this morning also hasn’t budged… (only 12 hrs of fasting though before reading… I find it is always higher at this point, but much better if I do it after 14 hrs.. a sign I need to go longer without food?) Well done to those with some great results this week. Onwards and hopefully downwards for the rest of us for the week ahead! KR

Hi KR! Am I to understand this is second week of change to BSD? Please dont be despondent . . . Other changes are going on in your body which are unseen and when they have reshuffled the next stage begins 🙂 Please check back to JGwen’s shared links explaining about (certain) body fluctuations . . . – (fat burning, muscle strengthening and bones repair etc..) There was reference there to WHEN our body releases certain hormones secretions etc.. One I remember was right before we wake . . . giving us the impetus to get going in the mornings 🙂 How clever are our bodies? Please also remember we are all here for varying reasons . . . are different weights, sizes, measurements . . . and no-one fsils in this school. So NO COMPARING!!! Only SHARING individual’s results so we can LEARN 🙂 Im coming up for my 8th month anniversary of beginning my new WoE life. Initially I discarded almost 2 stone – (12kgs – over several weeks maybe 13-14?) . . . My results over this past 13 weeks . . . (I dont own scales so use Doc surgery ones when I pass the door of the clinic on my way shopping :)) sees no “weight” change but 11cms gone from my waist . . . Im LOOKING much thinner in my (smaller sized) clothes . . . so much so Im drawing comments all over . . . The Non-Scales Victories! (NSV’s). My suggestion is only check BSL maybe once a day – (if you have to!) – measure tummy IN THE SAME place but only maybe each week . . . and without stressing . . . be mindful of your food . . . (like I was) – BUT dont make it a science until you get into the swing of things 🙂 I began my journey with a rekkie of what I liked and was good for the criteria . . . then what “quantities of” LOOKED like . . . discarded everything else from pantry and fridge . . . and moved on. I do AIM for 800 cals – <20carbs – if one day I hit 900 . . . ? (I wouldnt KNOW!!!) – so be it because tmrw may only be 750 . . . carbs I view in a similar fashion . . . if today it works out 22-23 because I had an extra coffee . . . tmrw it might be 18 . . . My view ONLY . . . I added in the fasting when I got the hang of the routine and other changes 🙂 Just what worked for me . . . Hang in there and the LOADS of helpful empathetic people in this forum are here to help 🙂 We all are doing it . . . however it works for us as individuals 🙂 Quack Quack 🙂

Thanks Duckie, that’s very helpful. Yes, I’ve just finished the second week. I do think my clothes feel a bit looser, so will go with that. Good advice not to make science of it – I will be a bit more relaxed with all that stuff!

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for a bit of motivation as I keep intending to track my calories and then life gets in the way and I give in to the odd craving for dark chocolate or cheese! I did the fast 800 (although was nearer 1000) two years ago with great success having tested as diabetic following a pregnancy, losing a stone and feeling great in my skin and fully intending to reverse what I thought was type 2. As it turned out, I have autoimmune LADA so won’t be reversing it but doing the BSD helped me get that diagnosis far earlier than I would otherwise. Since then I’ve had to start some insulin and have put some of the weight back on and find myself reaching for (a few too many) BSD friendly snacks which mean I’ve now got about 10lbs to lose to feel as good as I know I can. Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated. I’m doing weight training 5 times a week, taking berberine supplements which seem to help and as of today I’m going to return to tracking 800-1000 calories a day, I just need to stop turning to food when I’m bored, tired, cold, kids are fighting,etc! Any of you found strategies that work instead? Cup of tea? Mindfulness?

Hi TofiEm! You have made a wonderful discovery if you have recognised you turn to food for solace 🙂 And the reasons you do/when you do 🙂 The dark dark choc isnt too bad 🙂 Maybe sit quietly and have a small piece with a coffee . . . The contrasting flavours are interesting! Difficult to find something when children are dependent and needy and fractious . . . maybe if they are old enough ask them to help with a jigsaw . . .? leave it on a table or bench somewhere to be turned to IMMEDIATELY rather than have to get it out etc etc etc.. Step outside with a coffee or bottle of water and hose the garden . . . even just a few minutes helps because we are delaying answering the body’s craving 🙂 Have a book handy . . . have a craft or hobby you can pick up and out down . . . nothing with a pattern to follow . . . (I make cards . . . and have a craft station where I leave off what Im doing today and pick up again when time permits). I also dry lavender . . . cutting the bloom stems, sorting for length then tying satin ribbons “just so” . . . does take time 🙂 Go take a shower . . . and while sourcing fresh undies . . . sort the drawer! Its a diversion so the carb craver is told to wait . . . and then it does NOT receive what it asked for/demanded – when it demanded!!! When it realises it can no longer demand what it likes and how it USED to . . . it will subside with the questions 🙂 And thr further we progress into this WoE . . . flavours and tastes change. ( had a slice of 2.5grms carb per slice toast last week which used to be my go-to accompaniment to scrambled eggs. It tasted like sawdust . . . and added NOTHING to the scrambled egg. So 8 months on – bread no more 🙂 Hope this helps 🙂 Call in when you need a hand or shoulder . . . or a cuppa . . . someone will be here 🙂 Quack Quack 🙂

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone !
I am spreading the love here !!

So many wonderful women ( a few blokes 😉 with immense insight, empathy and consideration generously shared on this fantastic forum. Thank you for everything you do !
I love you all
Wendy xxx

Hello to All from ‘Downunder!’
This way of eating really makes sense to me. I am doing the ‘fast 800’ to begin with but I am worried I will not be able to sustain it for 8 weeks/or until I reach my goal. I will aim to switch to a 5:2 ‘mediterranean’ type diet for the longterm.
I started on 12th Feb, and have made it my goal to shed 10kg (22ish pounds) this round.
Day 3 and I am down 1.1kg. I am really hungry today, but am filling up on water.
I have a question; I know it is ok to have a Pepsi max, as it has no calories, but does it affect you in other ways?

Hey there! Another Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi! (Im from near Bowral/Mittagong . . . and you?) Great decisions and welcome to where there is no judgement, plenty of sympathy and support . . . advice and information from real people ho have had real experiences 🙂 Please consider this isnt “just for 8 weeks to look good” diet. It is best considered as a new way of WoE forever. Otherwise in a few months time it will be back to square one and considered another diet that didnt work 🙂 It is a lifestyle change for good . . . and with that in mind, I personally wouldnt have Pepsi or any of those drinks . . . until the 8 weeks transition is done. Then Id consider the 5:2 . . . (Thats just me and reason? TASTE DEFINITELY CHANGES AFTER THE 8 WEEKS IN TRAINING! TheDRINKS have sweeteners! (Aspartame etc). And those receptors of our brain that react to sweetness of ANY kind – (cos they dont know about carbs calories real or fake) – say OH OK there some sweetness! Now Id like some more please . . . and fighting the carb demon is then on collision course with what you are doing 🙂 This open for discussion . . . though my viewpoint is dismiss AS MANY temptations and carb companions and collaborators as possible as quickly as possible, make the transition – and the adventure easy as possible 🙂 Stay tuned and see what others have to say. We are ALL fonts of knowledge from our own personal perspectives and others are learned friends 🙂 All have info to share 🙂 All the best in your endeavours. It will be SO worth it believe me 🙂 Quack! Quack!

22pounds to go welcome. This way of eating is fundamentally different to any other ‘diet’ in that it focuses on carbohydrates, it’s possible to stay within 800 calories a day but still be high carb. For example an apple which is fairly low calorie can have 19g of carbs. Although MM doesn’t specify a daily number of carbs 50g or less is considered low carb unless you are very insulin resistant when you may need to drop to less than 20g a day.
Also the best way forward is to find yourself an app/computer program such as Fatsecret or Myfitnesspal to name but two, and start to weigh your food and check the carbs and calories and log the results. You will soon get a good idea about carbs.
As WoodDuckie says diet drinks are not a good idea.
Enjoy the journey.

22poundstogo, I started on the same day as you (today is Day 3) and I am also wondering if I will really be able to keep this up for 8 weeks as I’ve been hungry and had trouble sleeping. I am changing tack today and seeking out more filling low cal foods, so having soup for lunch instead of salad. Also drinking lots of water (with fresh lemon and lime) and herbal teas. I have over 60lbs to lose so I hope it gets easier 🙁

Hey there avisamuelgrey 🙂 All normal! SO PLEASE . . . dont stress! Body is challenging you 🙂 Thats all . . . be careful of the lime in the water . . . check the carbs 🙂 Thats a surprise! Just for now . . . maybe not look at 60lbs – thats on the way/maybe at the end of the journey . . . please stay with one day at a time or even one hour when you have to. And please dont give in to the carb craver within . . . when your hungry . . . have some good nuts . . . some cheese . . . a hardboiled egg . . . chew on coldsnap snow peas . . . make a coffee with 2/3 water 1/3 milk, a dollop of cream couple of drops of vanilla essence – (the real stuff) – and cinnamon or nutmeg . . . figure out when you need your protein . . . do you need it to kick start or at dinner? If in the beginning you need to do a few more than 800 cals or maybe 25 carb . . . then dont beat up on yourself . . . just trim it when you can . . . as your progress. Liken it to a sprinter who simply couldnt/cant run a sub minute if they havent trained for a long time. Consider yourself in training 🙂 and it seems to me you are doing everything possible for a great start 🙂 We are here to cheer you on . . .:) Dont forget where we are. Im Cheerleader Duckie and e have pom pom matching prtice every Monday at 10 am. Teatowels are permitted if pom poms not yet purchased! HAVE A LAUGH and enjoy the ride . . . Its fun and wow what rewards await 🙂 ! QuaCk QuACK!

Hi 22poundstogo, Our bodies respond to the taste of anything sweet by releasing insulin. Its insulin that blocks our bodies ability to access our fat stores as a source of energy. So anything with artificial sweeteners in it will also raise insulin levels and for that reason is also out from our diet.
If you crave something fizzy, soda water is the best option. You can add a slice of lemon or lime to the drink to give a hint of flavour. – Commercially produced flavoured water also contains sweeteners so they are also out.

Thank you WoodDuckie, your enthusiasm is very inspiring! The time between lunch and dinner seems to be the hardest bit for me at the moment, but the water really does help. Will hang in there for now.

It’s such a delight to see so many post for today already and it’s wonderful that some new ‘faces’ are joining in too!
22poundstogo – that is a good solid start and be assured it will get easier.
avisamuel – the early days are the toughest, but your body will adjust and after a couple of weeks you’ll find that the idea of doing eight weeks won’t feel as daunting. Using these weekly threads to break things down will hopefully help too.
Duckie – so good to see you are still flying high!
Verano – good to see you here too, hope your week is going well.
wendleg – Happy Valentine to you too.
Hope everyone has a good day ….

Hi KR, In case you don’t follow a number of threads, I think the links I posted that WoodDuckie is referring to were in reply to her post on the three positives thread.

Hi Wendy, I am also including more fasting in my weekly program. I haven’t talked about it much on the forum because we so often have newcomers to the threads and I can remember than I would have run for the hills if I thought that you had to fast to achieve weight loss when I first started on this path. But if you want to chat about fasting then I would be happy to join you.
For the benefit of newcomers. By eating low carb and sticking to 800 cals I am down over 90lbs since October 2017 which takes me below my initial target weight and I am back to the dress size I was for most of my adult life before I started putting on weight following 6 months of inactivity while a broken ankle knitted together. However I still have a spare tyre and chunky thighs that I would like to get rid of. There is a process called autophagy which helps to prevent loose skin, also there are theories on body set points, which is the weight our body is used to being and works to maintain. Its believed that by fasting you can reset the body set point as well as triggering autophagy, and that is what I am trying to achieve by fasting.

Hi JGwen ! I am glad to see you are including fasting too. I was aware it might seem daunting to newcomers and certainly didn’t want to give the impression that it is an essential part of this program. However I do see it as a useful tool. I began doing OMAD ( 24 hour fasts) very early on and I progressed naturally to 36 hours. Jason Fung advises 3 x36h weekly fasts for optimum weight loss .I have only ever done 2 x36h in a Week . As you know I experimented with an extended 65h this Week which I was pleased to have managed. I like feeling in control, it is quite liberating and I no longer fear hunger. I am intrigued by the health benefits of fasting on the immune system too. Autophagy is fascinating. I would love to keep chatting JGwen.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate!

JGwen and Wendy, if you’d like to compare notes on your fasting accomplishments, I have an idea. Since I
exchange emails with both of you, I’d be more than happy to facilitate you getting in touch with each other,
and you wouldn’t have to have your contact addresses out on an open forum. You know how to reach me 🙂
Very happy to help!

Just been having a quick catch-up with everyone’s posts, there is so much to take in. Jgwen’s discussion about body set points worries me….I have wondered about this for a while but thought it was just in my head. I have often got down to about 93 kg then ground to a halt…..now I’m having a wobble as I’ve reached the dreaded 93 kgs and ground to a halt again…..I know I know i’m only halfway through wk 2 but it was going so well ☹ I haven’t been below 90 kgs since my daughter was diagnosed with a recurrent brain tumour 18 years ago (for many reasons…hospital food, lack of time for exercise, no time left for me time etc.). Getting just to 89 kgs would be a massive psychological milestone. I know it will pick up again and if it doesn’t I’ve taken everything on board about reducing carbs to 30g, and fasting. I haven’t done either yet as it was going so well 🙄.
Right wobble done! sometimes writing it down is helpful…..its also great to have all you really knowledgeable folks to provide support….I definitely don’t feel I’m doing this alone 😊

Hi Shellbob, “I know I’m only halfway through wk 2..”. But then you are looking back 18 years to a massively traumatic time (I do hope your daughter is fully recovered). I know all about wobbles, and mine are against the background of very minor matters compared to yours! And yes, you are not alone! Just ignore “93”!

Thanks sixturkeys, I’ll try to 😊. Sadly my daughter now requires 24/7 care at home after years of treatment. However we can all draw inspiration from her as she’s still smiling and trying to live everyday to the full. Perhaps later down the line I can tell you all about the insanity of the human metabolism when the brain stops joining in…..but I think for now I need a bit of time to focus on me 💞

Oh Shellbob, I am so sorry to hear that. I have never had to walk even an inch in your shoes. Saying that yes you should focus on you sounds very hollow. All I can say is that you and all yours are in my thoughts. xx

Hi JGwen, I read with interest and amazement that you have been doing this since October 17 and have lost 90lbs. That is really brilliant. Well done. But can I ask in all that time how strict and rigid were you with your eating? I realise this is a new way of eating for life. But I’m half way through week 6 and really struggling…… more than I did at the beginning. I think it’s all in the mind but it’s the thought of not having a particular food again. Or can I have it as an occasional treat? Or if I do will it just bring back all the cravings? My weight hasn’t shifted in over 2 weeks and actually went up by 2lbs this morning. I’m beginning to wonder if I should just give in for a couple of days and then start again. I’ve only really been half heartedly sticking to it this week anyway. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks x

Scottishgirl, I’m not very experienced, but please allow me to give my two cents. I started in October 2018 and today I am 43 pounds lower, 200 to 156, size 18/20 to 12.
I am happy with my success, but I didn’t always feel that way. I wondered if this diet would succeed and had disappointing discards the first few weeks, which made me have a similar mindset to what you seem to have now – I can give in to my cravings and just restart in a few days… I’m sad to say I sabotaged myself multiple times, making me lose all the ground I had gained in the weeks before.
By the time January came around I was back around 180 pounds. That’s when I realized what I was doing – here I am surrounded by wonderful, supportive women who share their experiences and success stories and I never really allowed myself to be a part of that. I’d give up or give in the moment I felt anxious, sad, or angry. That isn’t fair to me or those who are giving their all to encourage me. So since the beginning of the year, I have stuck wholeheartedly to BSD and I have found great success. I go up sometimes and stand still, but overall I can see a downward trend in my weight and I definitely can report a great difference in clothes size.
So what I would encourage you to do it put your heart into it, weight and record all your food, and wait for your body to respond.
It helped me to turn my attention in something else, which right now is working out. I started with trying to walk for an hour each day, then snuck a few jogging intervals in. The C2K app is good for beginners. Right now I’m working on completing the three free 5 day workout challenges on fitness blender. In less than an hour usually, I get in a good sweat. They have a calendar system so you can pick and assign whatever video you want to do each day. And it’s great because there is such variety: easy, difficult, cardio, strength training, low impact, HIIT, etc… Maybe try to include some exercise instead of carbs. I’m sure you will be happier with the results.

Thank you All for taking the time to reply to my question and for your welcoming words. I had heard something similar before, so I had a feeling the diet soda was out. (And I knew it was filled with acid and of no nutritional value.) No worries I will try the fizzy soda water JGwen! I am definitely in it for the longterm, wanting to make this way of eating permanent/lifetime/for my health . For all the other Aussies, I am from Brisbane, Qld, Australia. So excited for this change!!!!!

What a beautifully honest post, Amz! (gangrene). I REMEMBER your early days 🙂 We did have to
be the wind beneath your wings for awhile!…..Until you began to believe and invest in yourself 🙂
What a fantastic success story. So proud of you!!!

Allie

Hi Scottishgirl !
Yes, I do believe you have to be pretty strict in your food choices as this is the way to beat the cravings and be free from the carb /sugar addiction which will be beneficial in the long term. What foods are you missing ? Can you find a satisfying substitute ?
I fear you are in danger of giving up if you are planning a couple of days off ….
Plan out your menus .There is delicious nutritious food available which does not include carbs etc.. Choose healthy fats which will satisfy you.
Stay with us and we will do our best to help

Morning Allie !!
Good to see you !!
Yes, it’s wonderful that Amz is engaging with the members and sounding so positive and committed .
We are so glad you found your way back and stayed with us ! Yes, we are definitely proud of you .
You have had some major challenges and you have come through ! Celebrate those successes and enjoy being fabulous in your vintage dress !

Hi 22pounds !
I always have a soft spot for the Aussie members on the forum as my two sons are in Oz at the moment..in Cairns and Melbourne.I miss them but they love your beautiful country and are vey happy.
Welcome to the thread ! You will always find helpful advice on her to accompany and support you.Just keep asking the questions.. I always recommend the diet doctor website for useful videos,articles, and recipes as you start out
http://www.dietdoctor.com
Let us know how you get on !