Mi Marie,

thanks for the ‘nudge’, despite good intentions of an update I lost my password … back on track now. We had a good Christmas, a bit of relaxation of the low carb rule on the day itself, but otherwise we’ve been pretty good (give or take the odd mini mince pie!).

Unsuprisingly perhaps, OH is waiting for things to ‘settle down’ before returning to the GP. That said, a recent home Hba1c test came in at 37 – which is great. OH has to have shoulder surgery in early February, so will aim to test with the GP before then. There are good intentions for maintaining low carb during recovery, but any exercise (or even dog walking) will be severely curtailed for at least a month – which will not help blood sugar management. That said, post-recovery we will be able to combine diet and exercise to manage sugar levels for the first time. Even the GP said the shoulder injury may have contributed to the raised blood sugar in the first place, as OH has become less active to avoid making it hurt, increasing weight and insulin resistance.

Good news is that we’ve had no weight gains, and things are fairly stable. Nicely on target 🙂

How are you getting on? Did you manage to ‘let go’ a little but with one eye on the low carb plan? It’s hard, when you know you are making good progress not to give in to temptation for a ‘treat’ that then becomes a habit again … red wine and chocolate anyone?

Got my first bag of almond flour this morning … off to hunt out some recipes …

Hi Shansu…I sympathise with the left overs from Christmas problem, especially the cheese. On the 1st January I gave away or binned anything that didn’t fit with this way of life. I figured that when I was feeling low I’d crack and eat them. 🤣 And I was justified as the other evening I went looking for a box of Quality Street that I know is somewhere in this house. OH had hidden it and I absolutely couldn’t couldn’t ask him. So I went to bed….

Hi Jackie,

I’ve also got high cholesterol. It was 6.1 in August so will read this with interest. Frustratingly, it wasn’t tested in November when I had my first 3 month Hba1c. The practice nurse told me later I should have asked for it. (Was never told that at my initial appointment!).

Anyway, my focus now, as well as still losing weight, is on getting the balance of my diet right, and improving my cholesterol levels. I’m also going to research it as I go, so will post if I come across anything of interest.
– good luck at the GP.

Oooh another pound off this morning 12.6 .. . Its starting to work!! 🙂
Lesson learnt about weighing everything!!

Ok so yesterday wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be. I think because I knew dinner was going to send me over (leftovers from pre-diet), I felt like it gave me licence to overindulge.

On the positive side, I stuck to very low carbs and I was probably around 1100-1200 calories so maybe I’m easing myself into it. Also I did over 14K steps so that’s positive.

And standing on the scales at the beginning of Day 3 to see weight is already shifting is strengthening my resolve (even though I know its just water at this stage).

I’m finding during the day it’s easier (maybe because I’m in the office) but when I get home there’s all that leftover cheese from Xmas. Last time I used to do a post at the end of the day stating what I achieved. Going to try that again from now on.

Me aGain, maybe wrong thread, but I have v high cholesterol and today have been reading links between that and fibre, which as noted above I had issues with. This suggests high soluble fibre can help cholesterol levels, and somewhere I read if you don’t have enough fibre your liver starts producing more cholesterol to sort out excess bile. So maybe my body is still recovering from that abuse a couple months ago.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192

Literally nearly out door to see Dr for follow up session, so feel armed with strong arguments about not having statins and fixing self through low carb high fibre diet.

This morning had Greek yoghurt, macadamia nuts, pecans, chia and flaxseeds. Followed by couple slices apple but that was so sweet I couldn’t eat the whole half I had planned. Maybe I’ll shred a quarter once a week or something. Still, the dog liked it 😁

Milalin – Been thinking about you the last few days. How are you doing?

Hi emu

Wondered how things were going after Christmas and New Year? Is OH having his Hba1c soon?

Let us know how you’re both getting on.

Marie

Yes, me too. I also like some of the stuff in the shop.

Sorry I*m a day late posting, I was feeling cross with myself ( tail between legs), as had put 1.5 lb on due to ‘stress eating anything in my path’ and 1 glass of wine at a party… the wine wasn’t the problem it was the grazing that came with it! along with lots of chatting , I was completely oblivious… learnt my lesson!, but need a plan to manage myself better on a hen party 26th…any suggestions welcome 🤓
Well done everyone, & thank you for the posts they are so helpful.I am learning slowly that I have to keep going & not let failure take the reins. This is the only way I have ever successfully seen the scales move.
learning that milk in your tea is 20 calories is a huge shock, I drink lemon water 1st thing & am replacing some drinks with herbal teas, but I have never counted the milk..I probably had 80 calories yesterday 😱

Can I ask at what stage do I start exercise? Straight away? I seem to remember reading to introduce it slowly?
I walk the dogs & have started back swimming & a few weights at the gym. Id love to do Zumba but reckon I’d eat my arm after it…any thoughts?
Wishing you all a happy ‘hump’ day from sunny Wales 🌞

Jackie – Thanks, I’m trying to be mindful about increasing the fibre in my diet so this will be helpful.

Positives (2 days worth)

1. Got lots of School Governor work done yesterday (it’s a voluntary role, and sometimes feels like busy-work but this felt productive

2. Persuaded husband he was too ill to go to work (cough and cold, but bad one). He went to train station, then came home and is now in bed. He’s stubborn as a mule to this is a big positive,

3. Feel like all the plates are spinning at the moment, even though there’s quite a few of them.

4. Almond milk – used to hate taste, now don’t, means I am enjoying my tea again.

5. Eating healthily, not just low carb. More veg than you can shake a stick at!

6. Haircut tomorrow! Yay!

Thank you for your support Marsie and I don’t take your comments as preaching, just thoughtful and encouraging.
Yesterday turned into a binge both with carbs and wine and today my guts are telling me enough is enough! The long time in the loo and then reading your comments, which are all true, gave me the push to start today and not hover around waiting for next Tuesday.
Thank you!
So here I go again MOODAAT.
X B

thanks angela06, all that pool scooping and cleaning has been worth the effort with the hot spell. Ive got cricket this saturday, hoping weather gods are good to me. have a good one and just one more thing, remember never bloody give up!

Natalie – my daughter’s just started playing lacrosse. It’s brought back so many Malory Towers memories! I loved those books, but definitely didn’t have a Malory Towers childhood here in England either – not just the weather that was different either! Hopefully hers will be like it a bit, in a good way (no midnight feasts on my watch though!) x

Hi all

One of my issues on the Fast800 was keeping … erm … regular. My new mission is to get lots of fibre into my diet. (And am now regular just in case you wondered!) Just found this list of low carb/high fibre foods, thought it would be of use:

https://www.verywell.com/high-fiber-low-carb-food-list-2242216

What lovely uplifting posts from everyone! Happy first birthday Theo it’s a great milestone to reach.
So yesterday I read THE book again, well almost finished, and I think I may try a different method of maybe 4:3 and probably two meals a day, 15:9 which suits me best, I think.

1. I re-read the book and realise that MM offers far more than a rigid 800. You tend to become set on one path but after 6 months of ‘maintainIng’ , instead of losing, I need a new way.
2. I have to be realistic and forget about losing weight when I’m away. It only leads to disappointment and frustration. Staying below my trigger weight is my new goal for holidays.
3. I am going to forget the current challenges and start over next Tuesday (even though I’m still away) with a new journal and a new mindset. I love new journals! Sad I know!

Anyway, hope everyone else is also staying positive.

Hi,

On the drinking tea and coffee with milk subject, I gave up milk in both years ago. It might have been the original Atkins. I now can’t stand milk in either and very rarely drink tea at all. I now overdose on Peppermint tea which keeps me wonderfully hydrated, is warm and tasty.

Looking back Atkins worked brilliantly for me and if I hadn’t allowed myself to be bullied off it be people saying it was faddy and bad for me I probably wouldn’t have diabetes today. Hey ho, can’t rewrite. Just know I’m on the right course now.

Hi Jan, that sounds awful and don’t know if my two cents worth will help but magnesium tablets with your evening meal definitely and (lots if internet info on this one ), a bar of soap in the bed, near your legs. Even those little tablets of hotel soap. Jusr regular soap, not deodorant soap though.
This is mainly for those that suffer leg cramps but give it a go, it’s meant to be very effective and you never know! I think there gave been a few posts about it , but this is just off the top of my head.. good luck, it’s very possibly just your body reacting and adapting and there are some great suggestions to follow x

Hi All

Woke up freezing cold at 4 and now sat in bed, cat in lap and coffee in hand. Somewhat regretting my avocado and feta salad prepared for lunch today. Delish but not exactly warming!!

Mary, hope you and nightie had a fun night 😆

Allie, had my bloods done on Monday, so made an appointment for next week. I’m really lucky as I helped one of the top endocrinologists in the country set up a study last year, so took a chance and emailed him about my condition and he’s been lovely. Told me exactly what tests to ask for and is going to review the report as well as contact my consultant directly. He will also get me in to the best surgeon if that’s what I need. It’s really lovely of him as I certainly couldn’t afford a private consultation and to be fair I’m very pro NHS (bound to be in my job) but I don’t feel guilty about using my contacts!

Tobago on 27th January. Can’t wait! It’s raining there at the minute but at least it’s warm rain 🤣🤣

L x

Bloke41…good morning I was wondering how you were getting on. Your “never bloody give up” inspired me so much last year. I’m so pleased that to hear that you never have done (well apart from the Christmas blip).

Being half asleep here I thought you were talking about Tamworth in the UK…was astonished to hear how hot it was there! I’m a bit slow in the morning! Enjoy the swimming and good luck on the rest of your journey.

Good morning,
Well done, Nick, on breaking the 100kg barrier…
Congratulations to everyone who lost this week and commiserations to those who didn’t…but let’s stick with the plan. Weight loss will happen!

I’m a day late reporting in….total loss this challenge so far is 1.4kgs so I too am still losing Christmas weight and very slowly. Hopefully next week should see an end to it. I’m longing to enter new territory.

I’m following your tea conversation with interest, Flick and Natalie. I don’t eat breakfast but I do drink tea with a little milk and lots of mugs of it. I think I’m going to have to grit my teeth and give up the milk. I drink builder’s tea so it’ll be a big change. And I really do love my tea…

Have a great week!

Hi joannesusan

Sorry for the late reply I’ve been away for a few days and am just catching up on things here.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last August so understand and sympathise with the shock of your initial diagnosis – and yes, I’m exactly the same with alcohol (doesn’t bother me) and chocolate (still a weakness as I also discovered at Christmas). Your initial weight loss and return to normal blood sugar levels are great results!

I’ve used 2 blood glucose monitors which I posted about last week. I’ve copied parts of that post below for info. If you look under Resources above and then scroll down to Helpful Products there are a couple of BG monitors suggested on there. I also spent a lot of time on the diabetes.co.uk forum searching and checking out people’s views on various monitors. Lots of different opinions, I’m afraid. In the end I think you have to go with your best instincts about what will suit you.

Good luck
Marie

Post
I have 2 blood glucose monitors – an SD Codefree and an Accu-Chek Performa Nano. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at the beginning of August and got the meters at the end of August so have been using them for between 4 & 5 months.

The SD Codefree is the one I use on a daily basis to test before and 2 hours after my meals (so 4 times a day right now). The SD Codefree was recommended by a lot of people on the forum at diabetes.co.uk. There is some general information about the SD Codefree here https://www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-glucose-meters/sd-codefree-blood-glucose-meter.html .

One of the reasons people suggest it (probably the main one) is that the test strips are cheap compared to those for some of the other monitors. The starter pack, (which includes the monitor, the lancing device, a few lancets and test strips, is £15.50 (slightly cheaper if you are diabetic). On-going costs include the lancets (£5 per 100) and test strips (£9.23 – 50, £46 – 250). There is also a discount code which is in a number of posts in the diabetes.co.uk forum – easy to find – which will reduce cost of testing strips slightly.

I’ve also got an Accu-Chek Performa Nano which I bought just after the Codefree. I bought it because it was the bg monitor recommended to GP practices to provide for eligible patients in my area and I found it on offer (rare) in a local pharmacy! I’ve used this to record and show my data to clinicians, so e.g. I used it for 2 weeks before my last meeting with the practice nurse and used these numbers rather than the Codefree numbers. I’ve also used it at times to compare with Codefree readings. The Performa Nano starter pack is £24.95 from Boots, (more expensive on Amazon), the test strips are £20 for 50 (Boots, again – didn’t check Amazon).

There is a question about the accuracy of the monitors generally. In my experience, the Codefree readings are consistently higher than the readings from the Performa Nano, (I don’t know, of course, which is more accurate) and I get the odd anomalous reading, more than with the Performa Nano.
All things being equal, I’d prefer the Performa Nano. But the Codefree is much cheaper to run and it does a ‘good enough’ job for me. I’ve found it helpful in seeing the trend in my readings over time (downwards, yeah). It’s also been good at identifying any after meal spikes – equally as good at this as the Performa Nano….

Thanks for posting the link, Flick. It looks an amazing exhibition. I really wish I could see it….

I have read these posts and while you all recommend salt for the cramps, I can’t find anything about the muscle pain. I’m 2 weeks in and have terrible pains in my leg muscles. No cramps, but can hardly walk from the pain. Can anyone fill me in?

Lol I’m the same! When I started drinking more tea I didn’t need to eat as much chocolate, whenever I stop putting sugar in tea I find myself drinking it much less (but I crave chocolate again). It’s clearly the sugar I want, not the caffeine or the tea flavour.

Thank you, marie123. I appreciate it.

Hi Allie, no I mostly just pottered around, sweeping skirting boards and wiping down the odd surface. It was though very exciting and they are now nicely settled in. So I only have myself to blame, I had my first really pain free day last Friday and in my excitment over did it. Mowed lawns, pulled weeds, carried heavy shopping. Really paid for it on Saturday, so it’s back to proper care for a while.

Funny how the scales send little tests. ‘Is that the best you’ve got?’, I growl at them.

I’ve dipped back under 67kg today but only just. Do google the exhibition, it’s on at the Australian National Museum. Actually here’s a link

http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/songlines

Good to try it out though Natalie. Interestingly, I drink less tea now. Not because I like it less. I think my system has learnt it’s not going to get a sugar hit from the milk so doesn’t send me messages to drink tea.

The extended fast didn’t happen, my stomach was hurting by 10:30 so I ate! I don’t think skipping meals suits me at present.

But Flick, after reading your post I tried tea without milk. I like it much better! It isn’t cloying like my tea usually is. I don’t think I’ve ever tried tea without milk before, though I’ve been on and off sugar for years. I was only having a splash of milk and could never understand people who had half their cup milk, so I have no idea why I never thought to try it without any. A revelation.

Well done Nick. How exciting to be approaching the 100 kg milestone!

hey guys, long time no read but great to hear so many positive thoughts!
I’m starting again, my husband and one of my three sons really need to lose a bit more so we are going around again and even though I really don’t think I would like to lose any more than maybe 7kg at the very most, I’m going in guns blazing to help with the enthusiasm and support that is needed for them to reach their goals. In a year they haven’t put on what they lost, but they have a bit further to go and so we are all ready to get back into a healthier frame of mind after the Christmas indulgences.
I have the first of my daughters getting married in October and it is approaching fast and we are going to be the model family in our photos!!!
My four daughters have been very impressed by our previous weight losses and have each embarked on their own versions of the diet, with some success and I think they are starting to want to take it more seriously. People at work have taken it up as well though not as committed in some cases and and in a less healthy way in another case. Anyhow, everyone has their own journey as we well know from the forum.
Keep posting guys you are inspirational and I will try to be more consistent too.
So here I am starting again in January 2018 here in Perth 🙂

It’s a relief that you’ve established your own thread, Flick, because
I’ve fallen into the bad habit of reading all new posts, and then
trying to circle back and respond to them. Just too many posters
at the moment to be able to keep up! I read earlier today that
you are on reduced activity for awhile…Did you sustain an injury
helping your daughter move into her first home? What an exciting
time for her. I’m going to google songlines of the seven sisters.
Hopefully it will provide an eye into the exhibit. It sounds
wonderful 🙂 Don’t worry about the scales playing a joke on you…
you’ve altogether “got this” with your take no prisoners attitude,
and it will all come right in no time, I promise!

Allie

Luvtocook, that fat cell scarring sounds like what the body builders I have been reading about call ‘marbles’ I had some of these myself along the outside of my thighs, although they have now cleared, but they felt just like little hard balls under the skin.

No loss again for me this week. These few pounds are being very stubborn, but I am still tending to eat higher carb as I work my way slowly through my Christmas favourites so this is not a shock. Although currently overweight in BMI terms, I do not seem to have put on much if any ‘size’ so still tend to think it is largely extra water, probably caused by the extra carbs. I will KOKO until the end of the reboot, but may have to get more serious with an FMD week soon, followed by an 800 week and then a full on logged reverse low carb diet to get the metabolism singing again. I need to get back into the habit of logging again every day.

I’m on a week of forced no lifting, jolting, pushing, pulling etc. and am amazed how many activities this excludes so I’m finding it quite difficult. I have found though that trips to galleries are not excluded and have been lucky enough to visit the Songlines of Seven Sisters exhibition at the Nationsl Museum. Not only a fascinating foundation/creation story but also some of the most beautiful Australian indigenous art I have seen. I know we have a difficult history and an ongoing challenge to properly recognise and reconcile, but this exhibition really demonstrated how rich and ancient a culture and made me hopeful.

Thanks Allie, what a lovely post. Really touched me. 😊

I agree, we all feel like old friends here, particularly on this whacky thread 😉 What did we ever do without our daily dose?😜

I think I am a tad behind you on the maintenance anniversary though, I think yours is April? Mine will be May 8th.

But hey, just gives us the excuse for TWO parties 😄😃😄

PS Now if one year in maintenence doesn’t give you the excuse to treat yourself to a smartphone, then nothing will, and I’ll reluctantly have to admit defeat 😢 Go on – you know you’re worth it😊 xx

Hi Big Ron,
I haven’t got any experience of meal replacement shakes.

In his recent Direct study into reversing diabetes via an intervention in GP practices using meal replacement shakes, Roy Taylor (he introduces the BSD and MM mentions his work in the book) used the Cambridge Diet products, I think. But I saw a lecture he gave where he said you can use any well-known supermarket meal replacement shakes. He recently reported on the results – see the link below – and in that he doesn’t identify the product but there is a breakdown of the make-up of the diet shakes he uses (% fat, % fibre etc). You could maybe try to buy something that is a good match to this. He also basically said try a few to see which you prefer the taste of

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/media/wwwnclacuk/newcastlemagneticresonancecentre/files/DiRECT1yearResults.pdf

Good luck with the BSD

Weigh in this morning showed a further loss of 3.3 lbs. Now just above the 100kg and a kiss good bye to ever seeing 16st something on my scales.

Clothes are fitting better,no bloating even after food. Less aches and pains?!? Digestion and bowls are settled which hasn’t been the case for a few years.
These are the positives I’m also going to remember when I hit a plateau, I know it will come. Not if, just when.

But, End of week 2 and it’s a thumbs up. 👍🏻 !!
You all stay positive.

Yes, Theo, I never mind “making a scene”! I SHOULD be making dinner
at this time, but I find this thread just too irresistable. I’ve completely
“lost the plot” today in terms of who is posting where, so I have to
grab this opportunity to wish you a gargantuan “HAPPY BSD
ANNIVERSARY”!!! I’m more than a bit jealous of all of you that
have been on this journey together for an entire year. Today, I can
barely remember what life was like without the friendships and
support that I’ve come to realize here. You are a very special lady
in that regard, your sense of humor makes me lol, and it’s always
a bright spot of sunshine in my day. I salute and respect all of
your accomplishments, and I’m proud to know you as a friend 🙂
Next up, our maintenance anniversary!

Aww, thanks guys. Feeling a little tearful now – in a good way of course. Thank you 😊

Great insight into your kitchen, Essie. Thanks. You are so industrious, not to say adventurous – a bit of a domestic goddess in fact 😊 Just wish you lived on this side of the pond, I’d be dropping in all the time 😊

Well now Essie – you certainly have a bit of a shoe fetish, and you are fast developing one in me too😉 That green-eyed monster is rearing his ugly head again!
As Allie says, they are hot hot HOT! Though actually rather cute too, particularly the booties.😊 But either pair would be very welcome to a place in my wardrobe, should you ever want to avoid Ms Allie Cat who, I’m reliably informed, is a stalker accustomed to accosting previously unknown (in the flesh at any rate😉) ladies wearing hot footwear 😜

Mary, you vixen! Ah, memories, memories…My o/h takes 8 different
kinds of heart meds, so wild nights are now a distant memory.
Enjoy!

Hi Natalie, just to complicate things for you, I have been doing the 16/8 pattern since the start and chose to give up milk in my tea and coffee. Apart from week 4 and last week’s (9) weirdness, I’ve been losing around 1kg a week.

I chose to give up milk so that I stayed in fast mode, fat burnng, but also because I don’t just have one cup of tea. I have tea and coffee in the morning and more tea in the afternoon and sometimes more tea mid morning. A dash of milk is around 20 calories and 2 carbs of which both are sugar. So for me, milk in tea and coffee just had to go. It took a couple of weeks to get over that particular sorrow! Now I’m a dreadful espresso enthusiast (bore) and have made a particular blend of tea leaves I can enjoy black.

I say, give going to lunchtime a try, with your tea, and just test out how that goes.

Like Sandy47 I plan to add some 24 hour fasts if things slow down and as a way of protecting my metabolism. Jason Fung is worth a read or watch on Youtubes.

Well, E, now those are both HOT HOT HOT! I’d wear either of them in
a heartbeat! The boots have brought out my green eyed monster, I
have to admit. I think it’s only a matter of time before I find myself
standing in line at City Fish, and notice a petite, dark haired young woman
with show stopping footwear. I shall speak your given name, and
then we will fall into each other’s arms, laughing hysterically. It’s
time to reschedule our dinner, too! 🙂 I know that Breshnev hat too,
my nephew just returned from St.Petersburg with the same model
for his father. It’s been put to good use out in the driveway, removing
mother nature’s recent largesse. Did you hear me laughing into
the cosmos when I noticed the position you must have assumed
to take these recent photos? Neither one of us could have managed
it in 2016. How would we have been able to get back up off the
floor???

Oh Mary I like your style! Hope you don’t cause ructions in A&E later……. Again!! Poor Jovis or rather lucky Jovis. Have a great night x

Gday all,

Been long time since I’ve posted, still on my journey been very challenging to say the least over last couple of months. Really over indulged over the xmas & new year break.

Week 72 done and dusted, my last post l weighed in @ 103.1 on 5 Nov 2017

Week 72 weigh in: 104.2kg, a gain of 1.1kg since last weigh in post.

Prior to going on holidays in early October l got to 99.4kg, was so close to achieving my 99 kg goal, but carb monster set in while on holidays and l blew out to 105.5 kg. The lowest l got to my pre-holiday weight was 102.4kg on 20/10/2017. Then the Christmas and new year’s holidays came by and l really indulged bad, carb monster and desert over load. We ended up going to Tamworth to the in-laws for 3 days and we had a mighty feast for those days. I couldn’t believe my eyes when l stepped back on the scales on 27/12/2017, I weighed in at 116.5KG! Then l knew l had to go back to the drawing board, carbs were vanished and deserts were off the menu. For some reason l weighed myself 3 days later and l weighed in at 109kg. I don’t know what went on, a loss of 7.5kg in 3 days is unexplainable. It was bloody hot in Tamworth over 40c for our whole trip and l was drinking water like a camel, could of been mostly water weight gain l guess.

Lately l have added swimming to my exercising routine, really enjoying it during our heat wave. Still sticking to my walks but just not as long.

My weight loss journey has had many highs and lows and twist and turns, another 5.2kg to go till l reach my goal weight. My 99kg goal weight has been so close many times but yet so far away.

Though there is on certain thing l know, l will never bloody give up!

take care all…..

LeeLee! How are you feeling?? I’ve had to take care of some of
life’s little chores, so haven’t been on top of all recent news here…
I know that you had extensive blood work done recently. Have
you heard the results yet? Your trip to the islands must be coming
up fast! Hopefully it will be the rest that you need. Thinking of you!

Allie

Mary!!! Love it! 😊😊👍

Kxxx

Girls really? Read my older posts….I can blow his mind!

Yowzer!

Just popped by to say thanks to Esnecca for the creamy dressing suggestions. I’ve been having a salad most days for lunch when I’m at work and so they have really come in handy. I also made one to go with a fish taco salad (minus the taco of course) with a bit of kimchi juice mixed in with the mayo and lime juice and it was divine!