I’m actually super excited to start on this plan. I have read the book cover to cover over the last two days, and I’m super jazzed to kick this plan off! I’m going to nip some weight in the bud!

Is there anyone else starting the regime MONDAY?

I am! I actually successfully tried the BSD earlier in the year but put it back on when I went back to my old habits. I’ve had a couple of false starts trying to get back into it, starting again tomorrow for real. I have pre-diabetes and about 25 kg to lose so I’m determined to keep it off this time. No excuses! My health issues are reasons to do this, not reasons to put it off again!

Im and too ready to start on the 10th 😀

So exciting, Natalie and Claire! We will rock this! Any tips from someone who has been on the journey before, Natalie?

I have type 2, as well has high blood pressure. Plan on kicking both of them in the next 8 weeks!

I’m happy to be a sounding board if you are having any issues and you need someone to chat to!

Hello All – I am starting on Monday too – have spent the last 2 weeks reducing portion size in readiness!
I am a bit apprehensive as I have never eaten such a low cal diet. I have been doing LCHF (low carb high fat) which I loved but didn’t lose much weight.
I am 54 T2 5’2″ weighing 11 st 4 pounds. I started Metaformin 3 months ago. I take 3 tablets a day and I plan to reduce gradually when I start losing weight (around the 1 stone mark).
Not sure if I am going to rid myself completely as I am Indian, both my parents dies of diabetic complications and I had gestational diabetes when I had my son! But it can’t harm to try. Good luck everyone!

What a good idea to have smaller meal in preparation, @gadgetgirl! I hope the program works for you! I have never done anything like this, either, so I’m keen to see how my body responds! I hope that you are able to acheive no BSL problems! That would be so awesome!

I’m based in Australia, so I’ll be kicking things off a bit earlier than you guys in the UK. So you’ll hear all about how I am going each week nice and early!

Hi all, count me in starting 10/10. Fingers crossed it’s a date to remember as the first day in a bright future. Here’s to us all getting healthier and happier!

Absolutely, at @curly1! I love your confidence!

Not that the end date is in sight, but we will finish up on Sunday December 4- just in time for the festive season!

I’m in Australia too, Sydney. I can warn you to look out for carb flu/sugar withdrawal around the end of day two and into day three. It might feel like you’re coming down sick, cranky, why not quit the diet for now and start again when you’re feeling better? Don’t listen to that voice! Hold on and it will get easier after a few days. If you give up “for now” you’ll just have to go through it again next time (I should know!).

Nice, Natalie! I’m in Melbourne.

That doesn’t sound too great! I’ll certainly be posting back here if things go south. Hopefully not. I do have quite a love for carbs, though, so I can imagine I might have a bit of a withdrawal!

I like the idea of 10/10 so count me in.
I did this earlier in the year and lost 18lbs, but then my Mum had a massive stroke and life went a bit awry. I gained most of the weight back ( not all!) and am ready to give it a go.
Have been building up to this and pleased to join a group for the support.

I’m starting on 10th October having read the book whilst on holiday last week. I realise I’m in the last chance saloon for developing type 2 diabetes. So yesterday was my birthday and not a day to start low carb and low calories. But I’ve just been to the supermarket and planned my meals for the first few days. Look forward to learning from and sharing ideas/support with everyone else starting tomorrow.

Just about to make a large pork casserole to have with spiralled veggies, and a mahoosive soup to keep me full at lunchtimes.
Anyone got any ideas re breakfast? I tend to have a protein shake ( a ready mix one but low sugar) or eggs.

Hi I’m starting 10/10 too and it can’t come soon enough. the only problem i have is getting hold of some things like flaxseed and chia seeds, but apart from that nervous and excited at the same time. fingers crossed.

most supermarkets sell a variety of seeds, sunflower and pumpkin can also substitute, like nuts they are high in calories and carbs so use sparingly. Or if you are near a Holland and Barrett. I am in France so going to do a big shop there when we come over to UK.

Also if you are near a Costco it’s worth becoming a member as they do all the seeds we need plus most of the other ingredients at wholesale prices.

Holland and Barrett do free delivery over £20 too, if you’re not near a store – and you ay trek to a store and find they don’t have the thing you want.
Tesco have chia seeds, although probably only larger branches – again, you may be able to get them in a delivery, even if not stocked in a local branch; flax are seeds more common, and in most supermarkets.
Amazon have a good range.
There’s also a site I have used occasionally that has a wide range of ‘health’ food heavily discounted, but close to or beyond the Best Before date – all perfectly usable so far. It;s called “Love Health, hate waste”

It is perfectly feasible to do BSD without lots of specialist foods though.

Lesley – I’ve seen several articles and programs recently (including I think MM’s BBC program) where egg based breakfasts have come out of the research as the best to keep people full, and not searching out snacks mid morning.
Pre BSD, I often had egg for breakfast, but mostly with toast; I initially replaced the toast with low sugar baked beans, but now have eggs with vegetables and sometimes fish or meat.
Suspending any prejudices about what is “breakfast food” can be helpful – mostly I have mushrooms and tomatoes, but I do vary that according to what is in the fridge – broccoli, courgette omelettes, asparagus, spinach, sometimes even a leafy salad.

Smoked salmon is delicious with eggs, counts as oily fish, which is good on BSD – and not prohibitively expensive; I buy 200g for £3ish, and that easily lasts for a week of breakfasts (as long as my cat doesn’t get to insistent about sharing)

Thanks. There are some good suggestions there…..
I was just looking through the new BSD recipe book and there’s one for poached eggs with wilted spinach and pine nuts….may give that a try too.
Just making a sweet pot, carrot, tomato and chorizo soup. Comes out at about 140 calories per portion. Smells fab, tbh I made the recipe up as I used what was in the fridge.
And the prom if got out of the freezer was lamb….heigh Ho, now it’s a lamb casserole!

Hi everyone, I started today. Just prepped lunches for next week and looking forward to seeing the results. There’s some great recipes on here and I think with a little planning I should be ok.

Hi everyone, I actually started yesterday – do you mind if I tag along? I know starting on a Saturday is a bit weird but once hubby and I decided to do it this was he first opportunity. Plus I thought a weekend would make the first 48 hours easier. I have A LOT of weight to lose but my first target is 2st.
I started to wind down my eating for a few days before I officially started but I still had carb withdrawals yesterday. Basically I felt dizzy and light headed all day plus a headache so I spent the afternoon on the sofa with lots of peppermint tea. I went for the 2 meal option yesterday but to be honest I don’t think it suits me. Feel a lot better today and am on 3 meals – two down one to go.
Good luck everyone.

Hi I’m also starting back tomorrow on the fast 800! Having had 2 episodes on it before the longest being over 5 weeks. I realise now for me it’s the way I feel and health benefits I should be focusing on and not the weight but I do need to lose about 4 stones so I am in it for the long haul not really thinking of it in 8 weeks but until I get to a healthy weight. I have made cauliflower soup for lunches for the beginning of the week and I will write out a menu for the week. I know I have to plan well! I hope we can keep one another motivated.

I am starting tomorrow as well. I am still planning the first week’s recipes for dinners. Breakfasts are always eggs for me. I never get tired of them. And lunch at work is a salad made at home the night before. I have chicken or shrimp plus the salad veg, which can also vary somewhat. The stumbling block will be to be sure I don’t have too many protein calories early in the day or else dinner will be mighty sparse!.

If I had kept to that sort of regime I wouldn’t be where I am now, but it was all the extras and naughties at home and at work. So, hopefully, I will be able to freeze them out this time.

I’m starting (or should I say re, re, re, re starting) 10/10 too. I have been lurking around this forum since January and have read about the great weight losses and improvements in health that can be obtained if you stick to the plan.
I have a very big birthday looming in December and that means I have 9 weeks to get myself in order and lose some of this weight, so have made a promise to myself to give it my best shot over the next 8 weeks. No more excuses about age, steroids for PMR or waiting until after the next holiday or party – this new way of life is starting tomorrow.
Good luck to us all!

Hi, i’m in Spain but go back and forwards to the UK a lot so I will bring some back with me and will defo try the pumpkin and sunflower seeds. (sparingly )which I can get here in Spain. Thanks to all and good luck for tomorrow. 🙂

Hi everyone. I’m starting on Tuesday this week (11th) but I’ll jump on your train if that’s OK. I’m super nervous – terrified of being starving hungry and falling off the wagon. I’m desperate for this to work but so worried that I won’t be able to do it. Lots of support and handholding required here please. xxxx

Hey busy bee

I too have pmr and suffered all sorts of problems with the steroids including Cushings and high eye pressure which ended up with lots of eye surgery. But after 3 years of that nonsense I started to feel better last May and over the last 19 weeks have lost 58lbs so you go girl!

Wow angiebabe, that is an amazing result. Have you been on 800 calories for the 19 weeks or mixed and matched`?

I’ve been doing 800-900 most days with the odd meal out and 50 carbs or just under. At first I weighed and measured really carefully and now I feel more confident at guessing portion sizes. I’ve had one week plateau but then followed that by a week of careful eating. One week recently I lost more but that was due to pulling a ligament and being in a lot of pain and I think that shocked my system. Until then I was walking daily but only 30 mins and fairly slowly.

I think I’m an example of what happens if you keep plodding on with the BSD it just adds up eventually into something more significant. Also I have a lot to lose about 8st and I’m just passed the halfway mark. It hasn’t always been easy and for some reason I struggled weeks 9-11 but now I’m in the zone and although I definitely take one day at a time I feel for the first time in my life I might just do it.

It’s the forum that’s kept me going and I have learnt so much about my own behaviour over the weeks. My advice would be not to overthink it just keep going one day at a time. Good luck.

Thanks. I’m inspired!

Hope you all don’t mind me joining this thread although i will actually be starting/rebooting the plan on Tuesday the 11th …. it is Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.
I’m 67, a woman, from Canada. I’m at about 240 pounds … i’m guessing because i’ve been sick with sinus/colc stuff so i haven’t been for a weigh in at my gym club.

I am restarting …. because i hardly ever got under both the 800 calorie count and less than 50 carbs …. and to sick to exercise. I just need a fresh start.

Breakfast ideas : tiny amount of chopped ham and onion plus eggs makes a nice denver omelette. Can also add a couple of small tomatoes and/or some sliced of cucumber to fill the plate

Flax …. if you buy whole flax (less likely to go rancid) i keep a separate coffee grinder just to chop them up enough to chip the flax seeds open …. so they provide some fibre … because whole flax seeds just go right through!!

Snacks and or lunches …. a wide variety of chopped/sliced veg. in plastic dish …. love sugar snap peas, small tomatoes, slices of cucumber, green beans, even a couple of sliced carrots … anything you like … i keep it handy when i’ve got the munchies …. it’s also a nice lunch with a bit of cheese

Wow, so many people starting today and tomorrow! Awesome. I’ve just got out of bed and I’m starting the day with water with a squeeze of lemon. Getting enough water is one of my big problems, I seem to have the smallest bladder in Australia! The kids are back at school after two weeks holidays (lots of food treats for us all! Urg) so after I get the youngest away (he’s still in bed right now, odd because if it was still holidays he’d be up playing on the computer, I guess 4th grade doesn’t have the same appeal) I’ll go for a walk then off to do the grocery shopping. A trolley full of healthy food I’m not ashamed of!

Menu plan for the day
B: yoghurt (homemade Greek style) with raspberries
L: rotisserie chicken with salad
D: salmon and baked veges

I also have some homemade tomato soup ready in case of mid-afternoon munchies, about 20 calories for a satisfying mugful.

We can do this!

I’m starting on the 10th also with my partner. From VIC, Australia.

I reached my goal weight over a year ago and since then put on 11kgs which is disappointing. I had done Jenny Craig to lose the last 6kg which took me 12mths.

Im interested to see how I go on the BSD, I’m hoping I see results and can stick with it. I’ve read some wonderful success stories on this forum and positive progress from many which is encouraging.

Also wanting to support my partner on her weight loss journey as well. She is aiming to loose more weight than I and given my work hours, cooks and plans out the meals.

I’m aiming to loose 9kg (1.4 stone). Might be a small amount in comparison to others but with my office job, long work hours and slow metabolism, its going to be a real challenge.

Look forward to reading everyone’s progress.

I’m hoping the 8 week of the 800 will get me in the habit of eating healthy all the time …. and that when i reach my goals that a low complex carb mediteranean diet will be a snap to stay on the rest of my life. It may even be nice to do a 6:1 plan where i do 1 day a week of 800 calories!!

Mind you …. i don’t really expect to reach all my goals until next summer! After all i want to be approx. almost 80 pounds less, healthy, free of diabetes and physically and mentally fit!!! 🙂

Can I join you?! Starting the BSD tomorrow also, after having read MM’s book and psyched myself up over the weekend! I had gestational diabetes with my baby boy (now four months old) and have the feeling I am about to be told I’m pre-diabetic (still waiting for hospital results). I have a lot of weight to lose 😞 hoping the BSD is going to be my success story…

Morning all! I’m starting today, and already feeling better that there are so many all kicking off today. To be truthful, I’m returning from a stint with BSD I did earlier where I lost 9 kg and then fell off the wagon in a spectacular way. I’ve since regained 3 kg but have also regained some motivation, so here I go again. I’m also in Australia, in sunny Cairns, and I’m hoping to drop 12 kg with a goal weight of 72 kg. I found last time that the food wasn’t the problem, it was my high stress levels with work and anxiety which led to the odd relaxing wine, and it was pretty much downhill from there. So, I’ve taken some time off work, and I will be practicing mindfulness and gratitude. Looking forward to the next eight weeks!

MissusO … Hi! Glad to be on the journey with you ……………. and everyone!!

Hi Shimmerling and all – great to see this new thread as I recommence today. I enjoyed several weeks & success on the BSD in April/ May this year before some planned surgery. I have continued with many of the principles since this time but not such low calories daily. I’m ready to reset to 800 calories again and try to drop the daily wine habits. I’m 54 and my goal is to lose 10% and some of that belly fat!! Good luck to everyone starting today 🍓🍆🍏

I forgot to post my stats earlier. I’m 46, 154cm tall (5′ 1/2″) and 83.8kg this morning. I would like to be 26, 168cm (5′ 6″) and 55kg! I think I’ll just work on the weight for now. Actually I’m aiming for 58kg, the top of “normal” BMI for my height, so I have 26kg to lose. Most of it from my belly. I used to be an hourglass, now I’m an apple. Full of carbs!

Natalie …. i am 5 ft. 6 in. ….. and i want to be 5 ft. 8 in. …… mind you i don’t want to be 26 again unless i can know then what i know now!! Of course …. i would like the figure and weight that i had when i was 16 …. i would be very very happy to have that figure at age 67!

Apple, Pear …. i am just full of a whole lot of ….. stuff!

Geez … i just added the calories and carbs for : taco chips, salsa, full fat sour cream and full fat cheddar cheese …… i would have been ok if i hadn’t had a big huge bag of kettle popcorn!!

Oh that sounds delicious – but naughty! I’m used to snacking in the afternoon so I’m feeling a bit peckish – not actually hungry because I had a lovely lunch. It’s just habit. I’ll get used to three healthy meals. But I’m still a bit disbelieving of those who say they are now happy with two meals a day or even one! Not going to happen.

Well … Natalie … this is probably because i’m retired …. but if i sleep in … I am fine with a cup of coffee with cream for a couple of hours …. that means i only need lunch, snacks, and supper.

But most often i do 3 meals … and my veggie plastic container of snack veggies.

My main problem has been constipation …. and getting in enough liquids without making the liquids coffee with cream.

I am using diet drinks …. but with meals … i figure i’m having a few carbs … so maybe my body won’t mind a diet drink (diet drinks make the body expect sugar/fuel … so if i throw a couple of grams of veggie carbs it’s way it won’t be disappointed …. sometimes i talk to my body out loud *patting my belly … i always give it compliments for doing it’s best …. i am also promising my poor feet some poundage relief. I don’t do this in front of people though 🙂 🙂 🙂

I have created a Facebook group for us to use, if you are interested? I find it is an easier way to continue conversations with people on an individual level.
Join me here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1468420283184807/

I blogged about starting the BSD, if you are interested, its here: http://shimmerandglow.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-one.html

Oh wow, there are so many of us starting today! I have tried to respond to you each individually below.

Lesleyp
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m very impressed with your previous achievements, and I’m sure you can do it again! Great work!

Strictly Come Dieting
You’ve got this! It sounds like you are all organised! Happy birthday, too!

kirsty
I hope you have some success finding seeds and things! Here in Australia they are all in the health food aisle of the supermarket.

Frog
Thanks for the info on eggs! I will probably eat a lot of eggs over the course of this 8 weeks! I can imagine my cat will also be happy about the increase in fish in the house! 😀

Bluemoon
I’m starting to think it is mostly about the planning, too. Once you have all of your ingredients and foods prepped its much easier to cope!

Ren65
All the best for this leg of your journey! I too have many kilos to lose. I plan on doing the Fast 800 for eight weeks, then over the festive period going on a slightly less strict med diet (but I will take Christmas and New Years off) I don’t know how I would go sticking on the 800 for the whole of my 30+ kgs.

Tapatch
How good are eggs? 😀

Busybee
That sounds like a great plan! No excuses, just numbers dropping! You’ve got this!

MrsM
I’m happy to chat if you need an ear! I think it might be a tricky diet, but certainly not impossible. You can do it!

Angiebabe
WOW! Good job, you! That is a massive loss, you are a champ! I’m sure you will be able to keep going. It sounds like you are doing an amazing job!

shalimar
Of course you are welcome to join us! I hope that soon you are recovered from your ills! Your food suggestions look delicious, thank you!

Natalie
It sounds like you are all set, I’m impressed! I pee a lot, too! Haha! I like to think of it as one of the ways I am flushing the fat out of my system, so each time I ‘go’ I try and have a secret celebration! It might sound a bit odd, but it works for me. And your day sounds delicious! We’ve got this! 😀
Haha, you are funny with your stats! I can relate to being an apple! I wear my taste buds around the middle!

amyoz
I am also from Victoria! Small world!
Even though you have a small amount to lose you will still be confronted with the same issues those of us with more to lose have, so don’t dismiss your struggles because of that. I wish you all the best!

MissusO
I have the same hope, too. All the best for your journey, you’ve got this!

Wishbone
Hello fellow Australian! Oh wow, it sounds like you have done a massive job in the past! Maybe this bout of the BSD will bring you to your goal? Fingers crossed!

Purple
10% is a good goal! I from what I read, that is achievable with the 8 week program! Keep us posted?

I hope I managed to mention everyone! This is going to be an awesome group! We are going to do awesome things, I can feel it! 😀

I don’t use my Facebook much …. but i sent you a friend request ….. shalimar/a.k.a. christel

Hi shalimar/ Christel! Did you add me? It doesn’t seem to have come up in my notifications?

LOL …. i don’t even know how to send a friend request …. but i see i am part of the Facebook group … all is well.

I really need how to figure out Facebook!!

THANKS

I see you, Christel! 😀 Hurray!
Facebook changes a lot, it is hard to keep up sometimes!

I started getting myself into a ‘good place’ psychologically this last week and really got started today. In the past when I have gone on a diet, I beat myself up when I fall by the wayside, however a couple of years ago I really stuck to a new eating plan and lost about 20 kilos. Like some of you who posted the last couple of days for various reasons I went back to my bad habits and what do you know I’m back to square one.
What I have going for me now is a good basis for long term success, these are a few points I have learned (to state the obvious)
1. I am not on a diet; I want to be healthier, eat well and a by product is loose weight (very much needed)
2. As I’m not dieting if I stray I can go back to the eating plan more easily, hopefully next meal but next
day if need be.
What I’m trying to say is I’m hoping to remove the guilt and the idea of ‘starting again’.
I hope to read many great ideas from you and wish you all the success for the changes you have made to how you eat.

RIGHT ON Allawah24 🙂 HUGS

Guilt and beating yourself up for not being perfect …. is counter-productive!!!

Being kind to others is wonderful … but it has to start with being kind to yourself.

Allawah,
That sounds like a great plan! I am very similar when it comes to the big ‘D’ word. I hope that this new way of thinking helps you to keep that success going!
For me I’m embracing the idea of a diet as though it were a medication prescribed by my doctor. So if I don’t take my medicine (healthy med food) I will get sicker. I think, however, if that doesn’t work for me I might try your technique!

All the best