Morning everyone hope you got a good nights sleep? I am just in from my night shift and it was really good! I think I might be finally getting used to it😂😂

Kafin that is an excellent result!❤️ Don’t worry though as the police ones are a lot more sophisticated and if you haven’t drunk any alcohol then your reading would be 0😂😂. Even though I finished my fast on Monday evening I still got a 0.52 reading yesterday👍 So my fast has really kicked me into my fat burning. I also got very full very quickly last night. So maybe my stomach has shrunk too😂😂

So great to see so many positives on here already today. I am looking forward to my bed today!

Allie thank you for your tip on ginger as I seem to waste a lot and I hate doing that!😢

Strong curves I don’t want to take anything away from your PT but the world has not caught up with this way of eating yet and I am sure you will be able to still do your training and you will probably have more energy when you start burning fat rather than the limited energy from glucose or sugar or carb. Dr Fung explains it like having a wallet full of a certain amount of money. So we all have about £2000 in our wallet of easy and accessible calories/sugar/energy that we get from carbs and other foods, but when we go into fat burning we actually have an endless money pit we can use! So all that excess fat can be burned which will give us more stores to use and a lot more energy. Also with the PT saying this diet won’t work for you he could actually be slowing you down and with that you will have to have more sessions to get to where you want to be! (He has to make a living and with clients getting where they want to be sooner he could stand to lose money. 😂. When I had a personal trainer a few years ago he taught me about the Keto way! He also said if I was to going to have carbs(at the time I was only eating porridge as my carbs) and he told me to eat it in the evening as it would help make me sleepy and I would get a decent nights sleep. He explained that low carb, good protein and a lot of good fats would help with all the muscle repair. This diet wasn’t around then and Keto was not as popular as it is now. A slice of bread is almost 4 spoonfuls if sugar (I believe) once it has passed through our system and that is not good if you are eating bread more than once a day everyday! That’s one hell of a sugar intake!! There are runners in here and at first they were worried that not having that carb hit would effect their performance but people guided them to try other things and they have said it is better as they don’t seem to get a carb crash after. Articfoxes advice is good too. I know I am no expert but we have all proved on here that this way of eating works. Fasting is so good for us as it actually allows our growth hormone stay switched on for longer by keeping insulin at bay! Which in turn heals our muscles and helps with bone density too. So now that I have waffled on I would like to welcome you to the forum and wish you all the best on your journey. It is your body and there is no such thing as one size fits all, what works for one may not work for another! But you won’t know until you try it, you will soon know if it is not for you hun. Good luck Birdy💞🦜

Thank you Kazzuk and so lovely to see you posting. You have been missed xx💞🦜

Hi Stongcurves, I think that Dr MM talks about this fast diet being particularly good at getting rid of fat around internal organs. That’s the type of fat where you are fat on the inside but don’t look fat. If my memory serves me right, for example the fat stored around the liver which gums up the works.

I am sure that there is no way of getting the body to target fat in the order we would like. I even managed to drop a shoe size before my first dress size drop with this way of eating. I understand that the spare tyre is the first area of fat created, and in women its a sensible place for the body to store fat (we are designed to carry extra weight in that location as part of being pregnant), so its the last place the body gives up the fat from.

I have just been a volunteer on a research project at the local university into the impact of a single short session of weight training on presence of muscles in woman in their 50’s The reason for the research is that they have discovered that women tend to suffer muscle loss then start to have failing health. So the research was to discover what the impact of a single short intensive workout would be. – You can tell a man came up with the idea that if you had a simple gym in town centres women would be willing to pop in to use it while out shopping.

I normally did the work outs in the fasted state. I can’t remember the before measurements for the chest press /pull, but for leg press over the 12 weeks I went from a maximum weight of 160kg to 250kg. There was one session where I had to drop back on weights against the previous weeks achievement but that was when I had spent the day before fencing to keep the goat kids from getting into mischief.

I have been puzzling about the difference between inch loss and fat lost during the training program. They gave us a full MOT, with everything from ultrasounds of blood vessels, ECG, cognition tests, response time tests, VO2 on tread mill, power on stationary bike, used a special machine to test strength and power on individual limbs for working out with weights etc etc, over 3 hours of testing. Included was an impressive looking body composition scanner. I had expected having lost 3 inches from bust, waist, and 4.5 inches off my hips as well as arms and legs being smaller that the fat lost figure would be much higher than it was. Just 1.6kg. (and a 1.1kg gain of muscle) I have since been told that these machines are not very good at distinguishing fat around organs, so if you loose fat around an organ it records it as a reduction of muscle.
I would also suggest Phinneys work on low carb performance. He has some interesting podcasts as well as his books. There was a link to a podcast by Dr Bikman that I posted around Jan / Feb 2018 on the Take a look at this thread that I think you would find helpful.
Its not just about fuelling the body but also the “dance” of hormone interactions. For example Insulin blocks the growth hormone which is responsible for rebuilding muscle after exercise.
If you have been eating high carbs for a while and so have become insulin resistant will take even more time for our bodies to switch between the two fuel sources, sugar or fat, the body can’t burn both at the same time. – So I would suggest if you want to get rid of fat you need to stick in fat burning mode.

Hi JGwen,
Thanks for taking the time to post the info about the exercises you’re doing. I’m reviewing what exercises I should do at the gym to help with my Type II and build strength, maintain or slow down muscle loss, so this info is really useful.

I started walking 3 years ago after being diagnosed with Type II and started exercising about two and a half years ago, but what I did in the gym itself was basically a general circuit I was shown at the time by the gym instructors. Although I lost a lot of weight on BSD I managed to not lose muscle which was good (in fact, I gained muscle – although only a very small amount). I’ve been away from home a lot over the last 6 months so I have got out of a regular gym routine. Now, I want to kick start my routine again, but design it specifically for my needs as an older woman with Type II – so will be using your info as well as going back to read MM’s HiiT stuff and doing other research.

Just for general info, I’m going to post a YouTube video on Exercise by Ted Naiman on the Take a Look at This thread. I came across it a few weeks ago. That’s what got me interested in thinking about what I should be doing for maximum gain in the gym. There’s something about what you’re doing that seemed to ring a bell with what he’s saying. I don’t know anything about exercise and I don’t know anything about Ted Naiman, but it might be worth a look.

Jennie xx

Thank you JGwen for posting your gym exercises. I will give that program a try. I am really impressed by the weights you are doing – leg presses 160-240kg. I am doing about 35kg 😙. So I guess I can only improve!
I’ll take a look at that video Jennie. Thanks

Hi everyone, I seem to have lost my mojo when it comes to exercise although I did swim every day whilst on the ship and in the freezing cold but the pool was heated. Since we got back our pool has not got past 22 degrees and the weather has been pretty iffy so just not doing anything. In winter I do aerobics and yoga on YouTube but dont seem inclined in summer as I feel like I should be outside. The weather is set to improve so hopefully I will be swimming by next week with the whole summer to look forward to.

Weight appears to be on the move with a half pound loss and BG is well into the low levels at 5.3. Hopefully this is just the start. Bon continuation a tous. Have a good rest of the week.

SG the weather will not be helping with you mojo, it has the same effect on me! Luckily I have dogs to walk so at least I am walking everyday😂. When it rains it is not as long as it should be🙄 but I still get off of my butt😂. I also walk loads at work too thank giodness. I am wanting to start at a gym but the cost puts me off🙄. Ah well I will get my push bike serviced and get out on that as soon as the weather improves as my son loves cycling and it can be something we can do together.❤️❤️ Hope your pool warms up soon, I would love my own pool as I am a real water baby and always have been, but with the rubbish weather in the UK it would be pointless😂.

As always JGwen you explain things so eloquently thank you 🙏 I always understand things better when you explain them and I really appreciate it🤗🤗. Right I am off to scrub my mat again as one of my dogs have been sick🙄, I wonder how many calories vigorously scrubbing burns😂😂😂 💞🦜

Hi guys I can’t remember what thread somone wrote about this diet and helping sooth the brain for people with problems? I think it was Jennie10 who posted it sorry if that is wrong. I also read that it can help with my sons ADHD. So I am slowly cutting his carb intake down. It is a slow progress as even though I know this diet works for me and I know without a shadow of doubt that we don’t need processed carbs I am worried I will restrict his diet too much! I also don’t want him to get the carb flu symptoms as he has enough to contend with bless him. I am quite lucky that my boy will eat most vegetables and I am trying to introduce new ones to him. So far I have got him to try asparagus, mushrooms and avocado, but he does not like them. I can understand as I think I was a little older than him when I started to enjoy mushrooms. He is 13 so quite an awkward age anyway😂. Since I started this WOE I stopped buying cereal but he was still having toast, but I am here in the mornings now and I have been cooking him sausages, eggs and bacon or a omelette and then sending him off to school with one sandwich. His tablets do effect his appetite but over the last year it doesn’t suppress it as much thank goodness. He is 5’6” and he weighs 9stone, he has 6 monthly check ups for his condition and they test his blood pressure, weight and height at these appointments to make sure that he is progressing normally in his growth and health. He had always been on the higher to normal height and his weight is normal to. Phew I am doing something right!😂. I wonder if I can do more though and I really want him to stop relying on proceeds carbs. I did buy him tea cakes today but now wish I hadn’t as they have raisins in them so quite big sugar hit! He doesn’t have sweets and never has been a child that has to have them, although he does like chocolate but I limit it to once every couple of weeks. He usually only asks for it if he is shopping with me and never asks to me to bring him one back when I go on my own which is more often than not! He hates food shopping😂❤️. So that’s me! A little stuck of what to do and how to continue. Any advice would be greatly received. Thank you Birdy💞🦜

Hi everyone
All this talk of exercise makes me feel a little inadequate as I can’t do anything remotely physical for another 2 months which means aqua gym is out of the question and I can’t even splash about in a swimming pool for another 2 weeks to ensure complete healing. I am just hoping I can get the all clear to go on beautiful walks around Sardinia !
JGwen’s research is fascinating .I must say I have never set foot in a gym and I honestly can’t see it happening, certainly not with weights ! I will look to continue yoga and why not pilates as soon as I can .
At least my insides don’t stop me fasting .On the contrary I am enjoying getting back into my rythm.
Take heart SG, we are due for some high temperatures next week so your pool will soon heat up.
Birdy I am a bit shocked when I think of the food I used to feed my boys ! Sweets, biscuits and other sugary ‘treats ‘which my grandchildren ( one day , one day !!) will never be offered by me . I think you are doing well making gradual changes.Teenagers are very stuck in their ways . Seeing them glugging cans of fizzy drinks is disheartening. Can you incorporate a few nuts and seeds ? Maybe just see how he reacts to new foods without being too drastic. Weaning him off refined, processed carbs is definitely a good move. It’s a delicate balance introducing foods which he will enjoy without provoking the usual teenage rebellion ! You are doing great as usual, focusing on his well-being.
I am at school here waiting for another meeting to start and I will not be home before 9pm tonight. I only have one more evening of meetings next week and then life will become more normal again.
Well done everyone. Lots of great results being discussed and I haven’t had to nag anyone at all 😉
Talking of nagging … 😉 SixT ..it’s easy to get to see a specialist in France and I rarely see my GP but it does mean that healthcare does get pretty compartmentalised. I didn’t even know I had this hernia problem as I had assumed it was linked to my previous op. I am being seen quickly which is reassuring as I need to consider my options after being fully informed.
Have a great evening everyone .xx

No, don’t worry Wendleg!! Exercise will wait for you when you are healthy again and have sorted the hernia issues. It really will not affect you — don’t worry.
I had back surgery in 2008, after I blew out L4 and L5 in a ski accident. It took a year but I was stronger after the surgery than before and the time “off” made no real impact on me.
So just have patience and focus on healing. Fitness comes back quickly.
Julia

What a busy thread this is this week!
Sorry I haven’t had much of a chance to post but have still been reading and keeping up with it all.
I’m not as organised as some on here and struggle to remember all the things I’ve read so I can’t mention everyone.
But welcome to all the newbies and well done to all the regulars who are doing so well.
Beegirl, well done on being able to resist temptation, that’s one thing I’m still struggling with…….I don’t think I’ll ever be able to resist!
Kafin, your comments about the breathalyzer made me laugh as I’m struggling with that too. I can’t get it to register at all. I even went to the pub at the weekend ( solely for the purpose of checking that my breathalyzer actually works) Well, I couldn’t even get it to register with the alcohol. The machine must be working though as it easily registered when OH tried it out after the pub. I just can’t seem to get the hang of it……but I’ll keep practicing.
SG, I’m so pleased to read about your great blood results. Well done. That’s fantastic news. You’re doing so well.
Sorry about your health problems Wendy, hopefully it can get fixed soon.
Birdy, it sounds like you’re doing great with your son. You’re a good parent and always doing what is best for him and he’s a good boy who is willing to give things a go. I really struggled feeding my kids when they were younger. They were such fussy eaters but in hindsight I think I was just as much to blame as I would give in to them to make sure they would eat something. If I could do it all again I would definitely do it differently.

Hi all,
I’ve had a productive morning. Went to the gym for the first time in a while. I’m actually astounded at the weights I managed to lift as I thought for sure I would have turned into a weakling. Definitely room for improvement, but it turns out that trying to walk and hang onto a rearing, bolting horse all winter allowed me to maintain some muscle mass. Unfortunately mat exercises where I have to lie flat on my back such as swiss ball hamstring curls are still causing problems with my vertigo so I had some dizzy moments. I get to see the specialist at the end of the month, so it will be good to tell him exactly which movements are still causing problems.
Jennie – thanks for the video you posted over in the Take a Look at This thread. That is really helpful and certainly explains why when I was in bootcamp I could eat so much food and still lose weight. We were definitely working to failure all the time and building up lots of Type 2 muscle.
I came home from the gym and started some batch cooking as it has suddenly turned very hot here (34 degrees C yesterday and felt like 38 with the humidity) so I wanted to get some things cooked up and prepared while it was still cool in the morning and then they could just be put in the microwave or eaten cold later. Lots of different salads put together and a version of the savoury cheesecake from the recipe section. Today’s bg numbers have been good with nothing above 5.6 or lower than 4.8 so far.

Wendy – as Julia says, your fitness will come back quite quickly when you are able to start exercising again. I didn’t ride my horse for 11 months and the first 2 times back on resulted in sore muscles, but yesterday was my 4th session and I can already feel my body starting to re-adapt.
6T – sorry just realized I attributed your comment about my estate agent to Birdy!
Birdy – I think you are doing great with your son and tea cakes every now and again will likely be fine for a growing teenager. Maybe you can find ways of sneaking some different veggies into things as a way to adapt his tastebuds without him realizing it? I know I didn’t eat mushrooms until I was well into my teens as my sisters and I a film at a local nature house when we were quite young about the dangers of eating wild mushrooms and then we became convinced for many years that all mushrooms were a no-go.
Scottishgal – I’m still far from perfect on the temptations too, but I think if we just stick with it and dust ourselves off and get back on the wagon as quickly as possible when we fall off, then hopefully we will start to be able to resist too. I haven’t had a single milk chocolate covered almond in weeks and weeks, so that is a small victory, and I think it helps to focus on the positive changes we have made. I’m already feeling so much more engergetic as a result of improving my iron and b12 levels that that alone is starting to make things easier to resist as I’m not feeling in dire need for a quick energy boost.

I am glad that on reflection annoyed and yelling GPs might have been overstated…Really, we are all clever, well informed and eloquent, so deserve nothing less than courteous advice. Wendy, do take care, I can imagine some “wince” points. “Comparmentalised” care is a good term. xx

Hi all.
Birdy, I wanted to respond to your post on your son – first of all, you sound like a wonderful mother, so caring and you’re doing a great job with his food and managing his ADHD. The only thing I wanted to add (and I’m sure you’re already doing this, it’s just this topic is a real trigger for me) is I feel that it’s really important to talk about what you’re doing and why with him. As a child whose mother restricted her eating IN CASE she got fat, not because she already was, it would have done so much less damage if she had explained that there was nothing wrong with me, I hadn’t done anything wrong, I wasn’t being punished and we dealt with it together as a family, instead of singling me out and not my brother. I was a lot younger than your son so he will understand a little better – is he interested in helping you cook because that can be a good way to introduce things plus spend time together. He’s lucky that he’s not a big sweets person and it sounds like he’s doing great. I would end up sneaking food and I often wonder what I would be like if there hadn’t been so much focus on food and turned it into my enemy. I know I’ve said some of this before and I truly think you’re amazing with what the two of you have accomplished so far so hopefully you take this in the spirit it’s typed! I think it’s ok for kids to have occasional treats and I enjoy doing that for my nieces since I know they eat well most of the time and I think if you make certain things a restricted item, kids (and Kirsten) will go our of their way to get them. I love your take it slow approach!
Scottishgal – I hope you can master the breathalyzer, it really makes a difference in your mindset. Since mine stopped being broken, I haven’t been out of ketosis and seeing that makes me reluctant to mess it up! I don’t know what yours is like, mine is super budget and only requires ten seconds of blowing so it’s easy to use.
Love to everyone else – hope the week is going well!

Hello Kristen and thank you for your reply🤗. I actually sat my boy down and explained about carbs and how they can effect his ADHD, I asked him if he wanted to earn a £100😂, of course he said yes as he wants a gaming chair! So I explained that I I wanted him to try different foods for a month and cut right back on his bread, pasta and potato intake. He is up for it and I have explained how much it could sooth his mind and condition and how much healthier it will be for his muscles. He wants to be a strong rugby player so all I have to do is mention muscles and he is there and ready to try anything😂. Bless him. He recently started enjoying curry and he can take spice which is good. We have seen a difference in his spots already with all the water he is drinking now too. I think he is almost up to 2 litres a day. So we are experimenting and having fun. ❤️ How is Albert? I am sending hugs to you both💞🦜 Birdy xx

You are an amazing Mum, Birdy! That’s such an awesome way to do it.
Albert came home today and he’s fine although vocal and a little restless! He smells like poop though so I’ve given him a sponge bath 😆

Kirsten I have just noticed I spelt your name wrong earlier🙃sorry. I will blame it on auto correct😂. That is such great news on Albert❤️❤️❤️ Did he enjoy his sponge bath? My old cats used to hate water😢.

My son unfortunately woke up with the biggest most red spot I have ever seen on his chin! It must be all the rubbish coming out! I have put some pure aloe on it so hopefully it will be less red by the time he gets to school! I am now 29 hrs into my second fast thus week. I really thought I would have struggled at work as my job involves a lot of heavy lifting, climbing and walking, but I was so wrong!👍. I had so much energy and although I am feeling sleepy now I know I could continue to do things around the house! I am not though and as soon as my boy leaves for school I am going to bed! I can’t believe how awake I felt and how much energy I had! It is truly remarkable. I hope you all have a good day and I will see you all in a few hours. Birdy💞🦜

Morning all. 🙂 Nice weather for ducks, as they say! I’m glad it’s Friday – struggling to work with cancelled trains due to flooded lines…. it’s just about worn me out! I’ve bought one of those breathalyzers that JGwen recommended but I’ve yet to use it. I shall set it up this weekend. Groceries ordered online and will collect tonight. Wishing you all a much drier weekend!

Morning Kazzee trains are a nightmare and I always want to laugh when they say they are running late because of a leaf on the line😂😂. I did ask someone once if this was a real thing and apparently it is!! Sorry you have had a nightmare! The great British weather can be a real pain in the butt sometimes! One inch of water or snow and public transport goes out the window and supermarkets run out of milk and bread😂😂. You will have a few laughs trying to get the breathalyser to work! It took me and others quite a few attempts to get it going! But once you are there it can give you a real boost when you see you are in fat burning mode. It really motivates you and proves once again that all our hard work pays off.❤️

I feel a little swollen after my sleep but that is nothing unusual when I come off of nights! It really does make me feel like I am hungover too! I am still fasting as I am not hungry, but I am enjoying a coffee with a tablespoon of double/heavy cream! Have I broken the fast by doing this? I also jumped on the scales🙄. I know we are not supposed to hold too much hope on them but mine have moved down again and are reading that I have lost another 5lbs😉🙃. We shall see what happens when I have eaten over the next couple of days. My OH is back from Tokyo later today so tomorrow I can get him to do my measuring🤗

I really love seeing you that have posted Kazz it warms my heart and I know you and I are going to smash this WOE❤️❤️ I am so thankful as always for this forum and everyone on it. Birdy 💞🦜

Birdy, he loved it just slightly more than the bath I tried to give him earlier. And I by love, I mean hate. Now he smells like lavender poop

Hi everyone. As are not planning a BIG holiday in the foreseeable we have decided to have little treats now and then with long weekends and short breaks. We have just booked a 3 night break in Burgos, Spain at the same hotel we stayed at overnight while travelling from Portugal to our home after a holiday with the family. You know when you stay somewhere and say I would really like to come back but never do, so we decided we would. 15th July is the date so that gives me something to aim for and motivates me on the diet. No worries about my blood glucose as it is settled around 4.8 and 5.3. Perfect.

More holidays in the sun!! South West London is actually very pleasant at this time of year….. Allie, can you say what “finished” beef is? We are being promised chlorinated US chicken here post-“the B word”. Which now includes the possibility of BoJo…You obviously avoid that in your own shopping trolley, and enough of controversial topics! Kafin, I am glad Albert is more pleasantly (?) fragranced. I went upstairs today and found a dead bird which my cat had obviously sneaked in. Nice. Poor thing; it was otherwise wholly intact; just the hunting instinct, notwithstanding a full belly. I have tried collars with bells but he just ditches those!

Kazz – it sounds like you are getting our rain. June is normally quite a wet month for us and it has been so dry. Luckily quite cool for the first week or so, but now it has turned hot as well. Looks like we might be in for a drought this summer which will be a nightmare for hay prices.
I made quite an interesting discovery today with regard to my blood glucose. I was wondering why I have been keeping fairly steady most of the time with just some little blips up when I eat, and then in the afternoon my levels start having a lot more mountains and valleys, which is precisely when I’m not eating anything. After sitting in horrendous Friday afternoon traffic, I finally figured it out. It is the driving to and from seeing my horse that is causing it. I think I’ve become so used to how stressful it is that I don’t even notice that I’m stressed. But the proof is there in black and white on my little graph. I drive 2 hours round trip most days to go see him, so it is a significant amount of time. I knew that having him so far from home was causing problems, but I thought more so for impacting on having time for myself, time to exercise, being able to cook and prepare healthy meals, etc. I never even really thought that the stressful nature of the driving in horrible traffic could be raising my cortisol enough to impact my blood glucose levels so much. Anyway, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel because I’m arranging for my horse to go out on grass livery next month. It will be much further away, so I won’t get to see him, but because he will be out 24/7, I also won’t have to go and exercise him all the time. So I’ll be getting some me time back and hopefully will be able to get these cortisol levels back under control.

Hi Birdy
Yes, the discussion about fat and the brain was on the Road Trip thread, but it wasn’t me who mentioned it. It was mentioned by sunshine-girl and California-girl linked to a post by 6T about an article in the Telegraph. Sunshine-girl also mentioned ADHD.
I didn’t see the article but I mentioned I’d heard something on Radio 4 a while back about how children with complex epilepsy are being placed on a very low carb (ketogenic) diet as part of their treatment. In fact, it is part of NICE guidelines – who knew!.
I know dietdoctor.com also has a little bit about ADHD, low-carb and keto, but I’m guessing you’ve already seen this.

Anyway, I ‘m posting because I wanted to say I agree with the others, can’t really add anything to their advice about your son’s diet changes, but I also think you’re doing it brilliantly. Let us know how your son gets on.

Btw, what is it with lads and gaming. Mine are a chunk older but still just the same!

Jennie xx

For info, if anyone is interested I just checked bbciplayer – the interview about children and epilepsy was on Inside Health – February 5th and is still available for people in UK.

Good morning, all 🙂 I’ve been enjoying the cat stories today, and have been exchanging a whole host of them with
kafin13. We’ve always had siamese, and they can certainly get up to a lot of mischief. I wouldn’t have enjoyed the dead
bird in the house, 6T! On one occasion, a bird fell down the chimney, and the first I knew of it was 2 cats were chattering
in their gutteral way. I found the live bird perched on a curtain rod in the lounge. I was anticipating splatter all over the
silk balloon shades, so my idea of quick thinking was to run into the kitchen, open the utility drawer and grab a pair of
gardening gloves. I gently plucked the terrified bird off the curtain rod, opened the entry door, and gently tossed it into
the air. The cats were quite disappointed, but the creature got its bearings and flew away!

And now for an explanation of grass finished beef! Commercially grown beef in this country are shipped to “feed lots”,
where they are stuffed with grain to fatten them for market, and they are crammed into filthy pens, where they are
injected with antibiotics. We’ve got packaging proclaiming much more expensive beef to be grass fed. They aren’t
penned, but could be fed anything prior to market. Grass “finished” beef means that they aren’t fed anything other
than grass before being presented for sale. This beef has a slightly different taste, more muscle, and the drippings
are a much deeper red. We quite like the taste, but it is expensive, and hard to find in the usual grocery stores here.
I no longer live in an affluent area and there is no market for it here, so I pick it up in the town I grew up in when I
happen to be there for a dr’s appt. For animal cruelty reasons and my adversion to antibiotics and grain fed animals,
it’s basically the only steak that I will eat. 6T, you may have access in London? I know that Kazz can’t locate a source
in the Midlands.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I hope you will see the sun soon 🙂

Hi everyone, hope you are having a great weekend. We are hoping to see the sun again, starting from tomorrow. I have booked the holiday and already managed to find a housesitter (we had 5 applicants in 24 hours) and are looking forward to using that as motivation to lose a bit of weight. No hurry as it is more important for me to keep my BG under control and currently trying to reduce the insulin as I had to up it a bit to compensate for the holiday – going down slowly.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Still horrible lottery numbers, still not rich but still happy with life.

Hi Allie, Kazz, Birdy, Kirsten ,SG, 6T ,articfox , Jennie, Scottishgal, Californiagal, JGwe, Merrymelba and anyone I have forgotten to mention !!
It’s a very quiet Saturday here and no garden time as it’s a bit cool and grey but due to improve tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.I am just enjoying not having any taxing brain work to do !

I had some good news today.My eldest son has booked to come to France for the month of August !! (He lives in Oz ) I can’t wait !! I do miss my boys.

Tomorrow we are planning to get up fairly early and go to a local ‘vide grenier’ , French car boot/garage sale with lots of vintage items ! Do you enjoy them Sg ? Skipping ? I love them in the summer ! I don’ t feel guilty buying cheapo preloved clothes there. I am embarrassed to say I have listed and sold almost 50 outfits on eBay !!! My previous ample tunics look a bit baggy and shapeless now .

How is everyone doing ? Thinking of you all xxx

Here’s to a great and relaxing weekend, everyone. We were hoping for a bit of rain on Sunday to stop everything from looking so parched, but unfortunately it seems to have been removed from the forecast now. Back down to 24 C though, so much more bearable temperatures.
I weighed in this morning and I’ve lost another 0.2 kg. Looks like my last loss wasn’t just due to dehydration because I’ve been much more vigilant about drinking enough water over the last 2 days and feel fully hydrated and I’ve still lost more. I’m not even consciously restricting calories at this point, just doing a bit of time restricted eating and trying to keep decent control over my blood glucose, so I’m pretty pleased with this loss – a total of 0.6kg in a week!

My apologies in advance for my long post.
Hello… It’s been a while. I’ve been dealing with and/or denying issues in my personal life. Honestly, things are still really rocky, but I have gotten to the point where my heart is more bothered by the fact that I’ve put myself on the back burner again than it is by the strained relationship with my spouse. I’m in the mid to high 170s…. That’s about a 15-20 pound gain since I quit being faithful to my BSD lifestyle. I hate it. My vintage dresses are tight and I’m exhausted. I have no energy for anything and I can’t get a good night’s rest. I am really miserable. I can’t keep living like this. I feel like a hollow shell honestly, too busy caring for other issues and carrying others’ burdens to properly care for myself. That’s not right and it’s not fair… So I have decided to take a step back and get control of my health and happiness again.
Of course, my first step was to check in on you guys. I come every now and then to peek from the shadows, too ashamed of my lack of willpower to post a reply to anyone. Thanks for all those who didn’t forget me. I’m going to do what I used to and leave this site open so every time I’m on my tablet, I see all the posts and remember I’m not alone.
Starting tomorrow, I’m going to get back on track with my eating, activity, and sleep. I’ll return to my old menu that worked so well before. I’m going to become a homebody for a while until I regain my ability to say no to bad food choices. I’m going to do my best to restart the fitness blender program I was doing before my sabbatical. I’m also going to aim to sleep by 11 each night.
I need and want to do this for myself so when I look in the mirror, I can once again see that strong, determined gaze.
I look forward to encouraging and being encouraged by all of you.

Hi Amz – there’s a lot of people here that will be very happy to hear from you and I’m so glad you reached out. As someone who is on their fourth restart, I can totally relate to not wanting to post and hating the weight gain. What I have noticed is that the diet is quite forgiving and despite long breaks, I’ve managed to get back to the same point that I quit it within two weeks so I bet your body has retained some of that memory. What’s helping me stay on track at the moment is the breathalyzer and not wanting to come out of Ketosis and reading about the science behind it. However we can help, we’re here for you xx

It’s so good to hear from you Amz. I’m sorry things are still not going well at home but I really admire your determination and strength to get back on track despite everything else that’s going on in your life.
I’m wondering if the symptoms you describe could be due to depression. Perhaps you should consider seeing your doctor just in case.
My marriage broke up 9 years ago through no fault of my own (would have been our 30th wedding anniversary today). There is no way I could have stuck to bsd at that time! I didn’t care about anything, including my weight and how I looked. I was constantly tired and miserable and just wanted to stay in bed. I reluctantly took anti depressants for a while. They don’t cure the problems but they do help you to cope with things so that eventually you can move on in your own way. I thought my life was over but I’m now with a lovely man and couldn’t be happier.
Please continue to check in on here whether you stick to bsd or not. We are all here for you and I can assure you that no one will judge you. We all fall off the wagon and a lot of the time, unlike you, we don’t have a good excuse for it. We’re just human!
Thinking of you x

Amz, I looked back and found the message you had posted in the W/C 29 April thread, after you had been to a party and were looking back at the photos of the event. You said then “Looking back at those pictures last night really helped me wrap my head around a crazy thought I have been having lately – I really am a beautiful person. I’m physically attractive and inside I’m even more lovely. This reminder has really put my heart at peace amidst this emotional turmoil I have found myself in.” Can you get the photos out again? A few lbs gain in the last few weeks is nothing – you are the same person. Have the pics blown up to poster size and put them all round the house to remind yourself of this! All best to you. Kafin, good that you have mastered the breathalyser and that you are finding it so helpful! How is Albert? My murderous cat went out after breakfast and came back with a mouse. How can a cat miaow when it’s got a mouse in its mouth? Anyway, went outside, grabbed him and he dropped it. It may have been playing dead…did not wait to see. Cat now lazing indoors after play wrestle session with the dachshunds. Have a good day all!

Morning all❤️ A massive welcome back to you Amz it is so great to see a post from you and please don’t apologise for the length as it is great to be able to read just how strong you are!🤗. You are a strong woman before you start to disagree! You have put up with a lot and I know how hard a negative relationship can upset your equilibrium! It never just upsets one part, it effects you in so many different ways! Stress makes you unhappy and then also causes bad sleep as your mind won’t switch off of all the questions you ask yourself! The blame you put on yourself wether conscious or not! The sleep deprivation then causes hormone imbalances that starts the whole viscous cycle all over again!😢. So add into the mix the age old eating for comfort which leads you to gain the weight back, so you then beat yourself up for doing so! Round and round it goes and there is no getting off😢. But you have got off! You have identified what is going wrong! So now you are back here with us and we are more than happy to open up our arms and welcome you back with a massive hug. This proves you are a strong determined woman 💐🌺 . We have missed you lovely lady❤️. I know it is easy to say, but please never feel you cannot post as you have fallen of the wagon as we are all in the same boat hun and we are here to support you and everyone through this way if life. Scottishgal’s post was beautiful and so was 6T’s and Kafin’s. We all want you here and we are really happy you are back! Hugs Birdy 💞🦜

Thank you Jennie for your support and advice. I have had a look on diet doctor and the article was great to read. The little boy on there has done amazingly and it really worked for him. The whole family benefitted from the diet too! It really warmed my heart and has given me a little more of a nudge in the right direction.

Thank you to all you guys that have wished me well with my decision. I now just need to get him to stick to it! Actually he is very good as I tell him it will make him big and strong and his little six pack will show even more without excess sugar and that makes him smile from ear to ear❤️😂🤗. Who knew 13 year old boys were so vain😂😂😂. I hope you all have had a good weekend hugs Birdy 💞🦜

Amz!!!! So good to hear from you. I have just returned also, so do not think you are the only one! I am so so glad you are back and taking back your health! I hope to see you here often. We can do this together!!!

Catherine

WELCOME HOME, Amz! Wendy and I have kept a torch burning for you, in the hope that you’d be back here with us soon.
Birdy is so right, don’t stay away if you’ve regained some weight. This forum is far more than a site for diet support..
It’s about life in general. You know that you can get back to your gloriously colorful dresses, for you know exactly how to
do it. Link arms with us..We’re here for you 🙂

I couldn’t agree more with Allie!!

Just popped in to say Welcome Back to Amz – great to see you here again.

Also, wondered if anyone has any advice on leg cramps at night? Since I started on this they’ve become a regular problem and are impacting the quality of my sleep.
I’m taking a daily multivit, a separate magnesium supplement (started that yesterday), have had epsom salt baths and have some magnesium cream I apply to my legs before bed every night. I also make sure I drink 2 – 3 litres a day and add some salt occasionally (as well as cooking with salt, which I never used to do). Anything I’m missing that might help stop them at all?

Hi BeeGirl – what a coincidence, there’s a current thread on just that topic (search for Leg cramps) and the answer for you may just lie in a bar of soap slipped under the duvet at night! Have a look at the thread, Jenney just posted today!

Hi beegirl please be carful with magnesium it is not a good one to mess with as if you don’t take it with the right vitamins you can have problems. I don’t know what is right to go with it but I would suggest Googling it hun. Also are you getting enough salt into your system? Remember because we drink so much water on this woe it flushes the salt out. I keep mine up by drinking san pellegrino sparkling water as it has sodium in it. Plus I dip my damp finger in my maldon sea salt and lick that off😂. Not having enough salt can cause cramp. Also you can get prescribed quinine tablets. I would say get some tonic water but we can’t have it on this woe. Hope this helps? 💞🦜

BeeGirl, I always recommend the soap for cramps, just a small bar (like you get in hotels) or a chunk cut from a bigger bar – you dont want it to be a lump in the bed. Put it down by your legs / feet. Works every time. About the magnesium. my doctor recommended this for me and in about 4 or 5 days I had gained 3lbs. Checked with Mr Google and it turns out it causes fluid retention. Bit stupid really as I am on fluid tablets so the doctor got it wrong.

Hi Beegirl – I actually need magnesium and it also keep me regular particularly with their he WOE but I’m aware it’s lot right for everyone and I also can’t say it had anything to do with stopping leg cramps for me. What really worked for me was consistent yoga – that was one of the things I really noticed after I started going regularly. Before that at least once a night, I had horrendous cramps that would leave my muscles feeling strained for several days. Not sure if that’s an option for you but that’s my two cents worth!

Thanks for everyone’s warm welcome. 😊 I only slept about thirty minutes last night so my energy is really low today, but so far I have stayed away from terrible food choices. I’m going to do my best to go to bed early, or at least at a decent time, so my body can properly rest. I may be over 800 calories a bit, but I’m determined not to eat anything that’s not bsd approved. Might try a small workout if I feel the strength to complete it later on. Small baby steps will help me get back on track I know so I’ll just take it slowly. My weight today was 179.6, brushing so close to 180 is nerve-wracking, but I’ll just keep that as a starting point and aim for a downward trend. Water is my friend so I’m trying my best to hydrate properly. I look forward to feeling better once my body is properly cared for again.

Amz, good to see you back. I’ve been treading water for 18 months! It’s never too late to climb back on and take control again. I’ve had a few months break from posting but am glad to be back in the bosom of these very supportive amazing people. 😁
Hi Articfox, is there any chance of moving your horse closer? I guess you would have if it was possible. Sounds like a nightmare journey. Stressful jobs don’t help our cortisol levels either, do they? I have one and I’m in the process of changing things there. Just waiting now for a vacancy to come up.
Birdy, as always, lovely to read your wonderful posts and thank you for your warm words. We seem to be on the same page with our journey in terms of weight loss which is nice. 👍 😁.
Thanks everyone for your welcome backs. I hope everyone has had an enjoyable weekend?
Kazzeex

Hello Everyone, I have just seen this thread and would like to join in if I may please?
Sunderland

Of course you may, Sunderland! Welcome 🙂

6T – Albert is doing just fine although he’s still radioactive so for two weeks we have to have limited contact (which he doesn’t understand at all!) and he can’t go outside so he’s being very vocal about his displeasure !

Poor Albert! The local rats must be happy though…I take it you can’t borrow a lead-lined apron? I would keep him inside for a bit after the two week quarantine period, so you can enjoy lots of cuddles and he doesn’t go off in a huff! He sounds very much “The cat that walked by himself” – for those who might not know, one of the Just So Stories by Kipling. Worth a read by cat lovers/admirers!

AMZ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I am so pleased to see you back with us !! As Allie has said we always shout out for you but we were fearful that you weren’t coming back. We don’t care about the numbers….we care about you being well and happy .
I know you have been battling the same difficult issues since you first joined the forum and the fantastic women here have reached out to welcome you back today with the same generosity, warmth and empathy . We care about YOU , Amz.You know we are here and will support you whatever numbers you report.
This is going to be one of my direct posts ………….I can’t stand back and not say what I think.
Amz, this WOE alone will not make you happy.It will make you physically healthier and feel better in your beautiful vintage dresses but for it to be durable you have to be emotionally settled and serene.
I believe you will go round in circles, celebrating victories on the scales and berating yourself for your perceived weakness and lack of willpower until you address the issues that are undermining you . As Scottishgal suggests, can you get help initially from your doctor , can you see a counsellor for the marital difficulties ? Only you can know if that is the right path for you to take. The magical number you would like to achieve is not going to make everything that is crowding in on you go away. Maybe turn it on its head…confront the issues first if you can face the fear of doing that and then you can gently focus on yourself….the rest will follow. That will take some time and no doubt considerable upheaval but you are very much worth it, Amz.
Whatever you decide, we will always be here to listen and share with you.Please stay with us and never be ashamed to post .As Allie says we are so much more than a diet support group.
Lots of love, Amz
Wendy xxx