Aww Jackie, what lovely, simple, every day positives. I think that sometimes we look too hard, fail to find, and ignore the lovely things that are staring us in the face.😊

And trust me, there is far more about me that is boring than interesting – but don’t the Chinese have a proverb (or maybe a curse?) about “interesting”? So, frankly, I’m happy to settle for “boring”😉

Victoria, how absolutely wonderful to be 5’11”. Stand tall and proud😊

My lovely daughter-in-law is the same fantastic height as you – she jokes that she only married my son because he was the only guy she ever dated whom she knew she could marry wearing stilletoes and still look small and dainty, which she did, though she towered above her dad – but to get back to the point, height is a gift, so enjoy!!!😀 Wish someone had granted me that gift but, at 68, I guess my growing days are over and I’ll have to settle for the paltry 5’4″ I measure these days (used to be 5’5″ so I’m known as the
incredible shrinking woman – in more ways than one 😱)

I repeat – stand tall and proud 😊

So happy to have seen this post! I’m completing day 5 of week 2 and first week lost 9.5lb and was obviously delighted… this week just 1.5lb as of this morning. I definitely feel different… I wore a dress today that I haven’t in months, as an example. But I’m glad to see that it is a common thing and not just me. I knew it wouldn’t come off at that rate constantly… but, I’d hoped it wouldn’t slow as soon as 2 weeks.
But, I have faith and am doing all the right things. It’s going to be pretty impossible to continue what I’m doing, without losing weight.

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Hi Alliecat, if you feel Amazonian at 5ft 7 what does the make me at 5ft 11? I won’t sensibly get below 11st 7lbs, and probably 12st. Worrying about my height, and thinking I had to hide it, is what started all these problems so many years ago. This time I’m going to enjoy being slim and tall.

Allie, nowhere is it written that the water has to be cold! I often pour boiling water onto several lemon slices and let it brew for a few minutes when the weather is cold, then Ive got a nice warm drink. And when weather is really cold I can never bring myself to drink water straight front tap – brrrrr – so once I drink one glass, I refill and let it stand so that it gets to room temp before next glass is due.

Pleased to hear you have stopped that worrying decline and are holding steady. And nothing wrong with Amazons – have always wanted a few extra inches in height 😉

Sunshine-girl, I am having a similar issue at the moment if I want to eat fresh seasonal and local. I know freezers are not super common in France, but I am eating out of my freezer at the moment. I have asparagus, broccoli, green beans, courgette, etc. that I froze when they were in season. For fresh veg, I am eating a fair bit of cabbage at the moment. One thing that we are lucky to have here is a lot of different types of sprouts. Mung bean sprouts work well for cooked dishes; quite nice in stirfry with baby corn, but also nice in things like curries. I can get them in the supermarket, but you can also sprout your own on the counter quite easily. I am also about to start a batch of mixed sprouts to be used in salads. On the fruit side we are lucky to have local kiwifruit at the moment although they will soon be finished. I’m enjoying the odd one of those.
A few more weeks and there should start to be some salad greens and mustard greens coming available, especially if you have growers nearby that use polytunnels. I have been known to consume quite large quantities of nettles in the spring as they come up before a lot of the garden vegetables and are very nutritious.

Hello, Izzy, and welcome home! You have no doubt seen all of the new faces here. “small steps are big enough
for me” is a marvelous saying, definitely a “keeper” 🙂 I think it’s destined to become a classic. I’m one of those
all or nothing personality types myself, so I went after my goals like a crazy zealot. It only took me 17 years to
get started! However, I managed to lose 50+% of myself, and have maintained my losses for 9 months. We’re
all different however, and you clearly know what is best for you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you…
We all have something to add to this wonderful forum.

Best wishes,

Allie

Hello my lovely ladies….this is aimed at Esnecca, Luvtocook, Allie and anyone else who is very savvy about Kimchi.

I have made my third batch. The first one, was tough and never seemed to ferment. The second smelled and tasted awful. This third one smells like Kimchi and has given bubbles and sought to free itself from the jar. The cabbage part of the Kimchi looks very wilted…however, I tasted a little bit and it seems lovely.

My question is this…how long do I allow it to ferment (it has been 5 days now) before I transfer it to the fridge, also…when I do, should I have it on a plate in case it “overflows” again? I am so excited about having made this (I think successfully).

You are all so knowledgeable about food and recipes I just know you can help me and I thank you in advance.

Hope you are all well.

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxxxx

Well done Zolou, you must be feeling great! I’m glad you mentioned the courgette pattut idea, was just sitting here trying to think what to make today! Have been eating so much cabbage and cauliflower and I need a change!
Verano, I’ve also been making the garlic roast mushrooms from the website, they are phenomenal! And i can recommend the cabbage ‘steaks’ to you both, the accompanying sauce is so, so good. I use an eschalot instead of an onion for a more delicate taste but any way you make it will be delicious!

Congratulations to all of you glorious, petite ladies in the 8 stone bracket! At 5’7″, I feel like an Amazon in your
midst!

CC, I’m having difficulty drinking my usual 3 liters of water, too. This is a particularly cold winter here in New
England, and picking up that cold glass gives me a chill 🙂 Really need to do it however, because I feel better when
I do, and it also plays havoc with the scales when I slack off!

Thank you Sunny, everything remains stable at the present time. You are so incredibly close to where you’d
like to be, you can only be days away…..We all know that you will do it! When you are ready, come out to play
with us on the “Phoenixes..” thread. Esnecca always keeps us guessing, we never know what she’ll turn up
with next 🙂 🙂 🙂

Have a marvelous weekend, everyone!

Allie

I can’t believe you have a boring anything Theodora!

Positives

1)nice words about my hair (thankyou ladies!)

2) My sons really good mood appreciating things I did for him

3) sat and read book in sunshine (enforced inactivity as waiting in for stuff)

4) how pleased son is watching a ‘Big Cats’ documentary right now!

Hi Articfox, weird isn’t it but at least we seem to be shape shifting in the right direction. How is your horse?

Than you Kazzee xx

Thanks Mokovex x

Hi Marylin, I’m pleased to read you are enjoying good health now. Reading your story it makes it all the more important we continue on this WOL to protect ourselves. Your diagnosis at the time must have been shocking and scary. My disease affects both kidneys and is called ADPKD it is not rare as genetic disorders go and some people live their whole life unaffected. The kidneys push on all the other organs from the groin to the lungs giving a ‘pregnant looking’ shape. I’m so ready for Thursday now, I just want it over xx

Hi everyone! Some new faces here! JGwen, you are entirely correct, it IS all about the marketing. One of
my closest friends used to be VP of Human Resources and worked at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
She was in the rag trade for a lot of years, and this is indeed her explanation.

Essie, I just realized you must have had to go thru the jjill site and repost my wardrobe for Theo and Kazz
be able to see “the goods”….That’s an act of friendship my girl, and I thank you kindly for it 🙂 Sometimes my links
work, and sometimes they don’t! But, onto the REAL NEWS….THAT INCREDIBLE houndstooth Valentino jacket!
It gives me palpitations…don’t you realize that Theo and I are “old”? Can’t wait to see it on you! (I hope you’ll
wear the black silk underwear again for the photo shoot. I love that part!) Are the colllar and cuffs velvet? And
just look at the covered buttons, Theo! Impeccable! I always have trouble with a set in waist…too long waisted.
Will be looking forward to the next installment, ladies 🙂 🙂 🙂

Marie123 – I am a bit hazy on kg to stone, I check it and then forget, anyhow, it turns out I am about 9st 3. And 57kg is about 9stone. Apparently I could lose another 10kg (down to 7stone 2) nd still be in a healthy BMI range, but I am definitely not up for that! What would be left of me?! Although I never thought I’d be this small, so I guess as long as I eat healthily I won’t wprry too much if it goes down more. Like people have been saying, the new ‘normal’ is bigger than the old normal.

So glad you had a good birthday meal Mary. Hope the extra few pounds come off very soon. With luck you’ll get a chance to wear the dress somewhere nice before it’s much too big for
you!

Hi Flick, I have had some weird blips up lately too, some which could be easily explained, but others not at all. I have lost 10kg, but I’m losing and gaining the same kg over and over at the moment. However, I did have to pull my belt in another notch and I actually had to use a belt yesterday on one of my nice pairs of work slacks that I couldn’t do up when I started this. They were looser than they were even 2 weeks ago, so I’m hoping that means that I’m finally losing inches around my waist, which wasn’t happening when I was losing all the weight.

Yet again all your posts are so uplifting.
Love the haircut JackieM. I wouldn’t mind looking like her either!
Ahh Theo your mum sounds like a very determined lady. Think you obviously take after her!
SunnyB hope you enjoy/ed your curry. Just interested but how long does it take you to drive to Turkey? Sounds like an interesting trip.

My three, although a bit late…..
1. Still enjoying the sun and the smell of the ocean although the clock is ticking with just a few more days left.
2. So pleased to be missing the awful UK weather.
3. Needing to pinch myself because my grandson is 10 tomorrow. Double figures so soon where has the time gone.

Sounds very sensible Izzy!

Zolou I think you need to salt the courgettes and leave for an hour or so then squeeze out the liquid then they won’t be as wet. And maybe just one egg. Think it may be a little bit of trial and error.

S-g I came across a cauliflower hummus recipe today but I’m not sure if that isn’t just one step too far!!! I now use shredded white cabbage instead of rice with curry and I find that works really well. Good luck with jiggling your veggies about.

Got properly started on Tuesday the 9th and lost about 5lb’s so far which is great because I’m targetting myself on 4lb/month because I don’t want to feel any pressure. Anything more is a nice bonus! and obviously we always lose more in the first weeks typically too. I’m not counting calories – just eating good old BSD food, nuts for a snack on the go if I’m hungry, in addition to make it a life change rather than a diet I’m simply not being overly strict. My daughter had a birthday and I had a slice of cake. I just made sure it was one small slice in an otherwise BSD friendly day. I’m still having a hot chocolate once per day, occasional small amounts of sweet potato. All of these things alongside a low and achievable target has made this much easier than I expected to get back into the swing.

Fingers crossed I can keep at it… I’ve been keeping up with my 10000 steps per day as well. I’m being gentle with myself mostly as I have ongoing issues with anxiety that I’m still struggling with. I don’t want a slice of cake to become something else I can beat myself up about.

Small steps are big enough for me.

Glad things have settled for you Theo and you are happy with how your weight is now. Hope the family issues are resolving themselves as well. Really pleased to read on the other thread, that your Mum’s results at hospital were all good. I’ll think of you when I have my glass of wine at dinner this evening.

Thanks for the kind words CC – I tend to eat using a 16:8 format and it definitely makes a difference for me losing. I’m convinced it’s that, good hydration and keeping the carbs sub 20g, that gives me results. Hope you’ll soon be where you want to be, I’m sure you’ll do it no problem – will look forward to hearing you’ve got there.

Like you, CC, I weigh daily, as I also find it keeps me from doing anything stupid – always a bit uncomfortable when in situations that mean I can’t weight myself. I’m so happy with how I look and feel now, I’m determined never to go back and I definitely don’t want to ever have to buy large baggy clothes again! So for me it’s essential to know what’s going on with the scales on a regular basis. The really great thing though, is we all have the tools to control and maintain and if there are any slips or blips, we know we can deal with any fall out quickly and effectively before things get out of hand.

Keep going everyone, we’re doing great!

In the UK standard sizes are redefined periodically, so that people can kid themselves they are smaller than they are. I now wear a UK10, going into UK8, but I know that – as you say Theo – a few years back it would have had to be a larger size for sure.

Clothes sizes have definitely changed. When I got married, I weighed a little under 8st (110lbs to be exact) and wore a size UK12, which is what my wedding dress was. I now weigh 8st again, and my wedding dress fits me absolutely perfectly, just as it did on my wedding day. But what size do I wear these days? A UK8 (could even get away with a 6 in trousers) – that is TWO WHOLE SIZES SMALLER for the same weight than it was 49 years ago!!!

I LOVE pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) Luvtcook! They are one of my standard go-to foods for topping yogurt, salads, curries and other stews, and snacking on — your idea to toast them sounds great — they have a lot of fiber, protein and wonderful flavor.
If you travel to Scandinavia they are on every breakfast table — yum — with unsweetened “red fruits” (lingonberries and more) just amazing!
Just one word of warning— don’t put them in yogurt overnight — I tried a pre-made/overnight yogurt parfait with pepitas and the pepitas turned soggy and disgusting. Yuk! That went into the trash!

My positives:–

1) Took my 93 year old mother for a hospital out-patient appt. with her physiotherapist this morning as a follow up to her broken and dislocated shoulder (last September) and the lovely physio has signed her off, saying that very few of her patients manage to get as much movement and strength back after such a traumatic injury. So well done Mum (she’s worked really hard at the exercises, bless her😊)

2) Following that appt, had to take her for a chest xray, but that has come back clear😊

3) It’s Friday, and I allow myself wine on a Friday😀😀😀

PS Jackie, loving that little elfin cut – had one just like it years ago and adored it, then wore it really long for years, now just a boring (but very easy to look after) bob.

Hi SunnyB
Well done getting the Christmas lbs off. You’ll get to 8 stone before long. I am struggling to lose the 2lb i put on over Christmas, a combination of feeling hungry and feeling cold. I am determined to get back to133 (currently 134) and hope to achieve 130 lb during February. I have increased my water this week, I love water but being so cold have not drank the usual quantity. Prior to Christmas I was doing 16:8 and since returning to work in January have been eating yoghurt and raspberries before setting off. Shall be going back to missing breakfast again and hoping that 16:8 as well as one or two extended fasts next month will get me where it want to be. It’s scary how quickly weight can return if you don’t keep a watch on the scales, I have vowed never to go 3lb above my goal weight. I weigh myself every morning and that keeps me on the straight and narrow.

Keep maintaining everyone. We’ve proved how resilient we are by achieving our target. As Esnecca says- Not one step back (think that’s what she says!).

I’m good, thank you for asking, Sunny.

Really pleased to hear that those last few pounds are melting away quite easily, you’ll be 8st, or just below, before you know it. That is exactly where I am at, and holding pretty steady +/- a pound. Not really counting calories these days, and allow myself wine every weekend, but staying fairly low carb – def no refined carbs. Almost 9 months into maintenance now and cannot see me ever going back, very happy with this WOE.

Essie, well done on the reverse sit-ups. Not even going to ask what they are, because they sound like some mediaeval form of torture – but each to his own.😝

Saw the courgette pattie idea and immediately googled to find out how they’re made. With only the vaguest idea, I then rushed to the kitchen and improvised – in a bowl went a grated courgette, a grated carrot, 100g cottage cheese, 15g parmesan, 2 eggs, some salt and some chilli flakes. I then cooked it in blobs in the sandwich toaster. The excess liquid took a while to evaporate off, but when it did, they were yum! Served with greek yogurt. I reckoned it at about 400 calories. So had dinner early. Oh well!

I do eat a lot of cauliflower but getting a bit sick of it. I dont count carbs to the extent that I dont eat carrots (6g per 100g carbs) I just dont eat white carbs or MOST underground veg. Mushrooms are a staple but usually for breakfast or with a steak. Making a curry tonight using celeriac, carrots, red peppers, mushrooms, onion and canned tomatoes. I think beans are in season – dont forget in France if it is not in season you cant get it – and also platt, the flat beans. Need to go to Grand Frais (a giant veg emporium) to get some inspiration.

Flick, I share you love of salty snacks and have satisfied that to some extent with nuts, but they are so high in calories that you have to be pretty stingy with them.

But have found a new love that is ringing all the bells with me and is so so good for you. Shelled pumpkin seeds.

I toast them in a small skillet with a 1/4 tsp oil until they brown and a few start popping. Salt them and eat them warm. They are terrific. Almost have a toasty popcorn like taste. They are also high in protein, but according to studies cited by Dr Jason Fung, unlike animal protien, the plant protein has a negligible effect on insulin. No increase.

I love them. To all: Give them a try if you can fine them.

Roasted Pumpkin or Squash Seed Kernels
154 calories
Serving size ¼ cup

Nutrition Facts
Calories 154
Total Carbs. 4g
Dietary Fiber 1.2g
Protein 9.7g
Calcium 12.7mg
Potassium 237.8mg

Interesting article on exactly how fat metabolizes and is expelled from body. Suprisingly, most of it as carbon dioxide.

http://bigthink.com/21st-century-spirituality/when-you-lose-weight-where-does-the-fat-go

Theodora and Allie, how are you getting on? Have you both stabilised your weight now?

It’s been a while since I posted on this thread, but thought I would pop in with an update. Have successfully seen off the couple of pounds gained over the festive season and made in roads into shifting the additional pounds I decided I wanted to be rid of, to get me down to a flat 8st.

Had expected that things would move in the right direction once back on the 800/20 regime, but have been surprised that the weight started to fall quite readily. Very hopeful of being a flat 8st (or possibly a pound or two lighter) in the next week to ten days and then I’ll be back to maintenance – with luck, successfully.

Hope everyone who has reached target is managing well in maintenance – long may it continue.

Thought I’d throw in some positives as the w/e approaches.

1) Made lots of yummy almond crackers today – three lots, one with the addition of milled nuts and flaxseed, one with chia and parmesan and the other with chia and a couple of teaspoons of turmeric latte mix. Should keep me going for a while.

2) Going out with friends for a curry this evening. I’m being very careful all day, just having a little kefir and a few almond crackers, plus lots to drink to keep hydration up to allow me to have a glass of wine later.

3) Almost finished booking the hotels for our drive out and back to Turkey, just a couple left to sort, then all our travel plans will be in place. Very exciting!

I go for various green beans – stringless, runner, dwarf – and sugar snaps, mange tout, baby corns; cauli, broccoli and leafy veggies. Recently, I made some braised celery, which was yummy and made an interesting change from the usual veggies. I love leeks au gratin, but leeks are a bit carby, so I tend to only have them very occasionally. Also sometimes make veggie patties, ringing the changes as to what veg, herbs etc. go into each batch.

Hello sunshine-g I have tried the roasted garlic mushrooms from the website that came from Luvtcook but is posted, as said , on the Take a look thread. Think it’s 150 sides. The mushrooms were lovely but that leaves another 149 to try! Why not have the courgettes hot in a tomato, or other, sauce. I make a mixture of fried shallots, peppers and mushrooms, maybe with some chilli sauce. I have also tried the courgette patties from the above mentioned website and they were also good. I often keep leftover vegetables and make them into patties either fried in a little oil or baked in a loaf tin. Hope this helps a little.

marie123 has a good point, it is vital to keep well hydrated for weight loss. If it is something you struggle with, find a way to remind yourself and keep track. I’m the same and historically hydration has been a struggle for me, but a couple of things I’ve used since being on the BSD, is making myself drink a glass of water whenever I go into the kitchen and I also draw little pictures of cups and glasses on our white board and strike them through when I have a drink. Perhaps you can think of something to prompt you too Megan.

Hi Megan987304

I’ve never been great (consistent) with the drinking water bit of BSD, but keeping well-hydrated definitely helped me with the weight loss. Keep going with it. Good luck.

Good for you s-g. I hope the same comes for me – just 1lb lost last week and this week the scales have not yet moved AT ALL. So fingers crossed (and a lot of food weighing) in the hope that I have something decent to report on Tuesday!

Well done Oddjob!

Flick – big congratulations for getting into the healthy weight range. That’s brilliant!

Jackie – I still have to translate kilograms into stones & lbs but that loss translates well – you’re so close to that target weight

Mokovex – good to hear the treatment seems to be working. Keeping going on BSD while fighting pain and fatigue must be so hard. Good going on the cake front.

Marsie – that must have been a horrible time for you – glad it’s in the past x
Also, I definitely need a grandson!

Got weighed this morning and might have a small but significant result for next week’s weigh-in – but not sure I dare do anything now except hold my breath until Tuesday.

Feels like we’re getting back into the swing of things. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Hi Sunshine girl…I understand what you’re saying about ringing the changes re vegetables. I have recently fallen in love with roast cauliflower and roast cauliflower steaks which have fewer carbs than carrots and parsnips. Both can be gussied up with herbs or spices…We also love caramelised brussels sprouts and mushrooms but go easy on the butter…

I use diet doctor as a source of side dish recipes and a new to me site called I breathe I’m hungry whi h someone put on the Take A Look thread. They have some great ideas for low carb vegetable side dishes…

Angela

I only lost 1lb in week 2 but fear not, it has started up again – not declaring loss until Tuesday

I’m also finding that I’m not shifting weight in the 2nd week, but my water intake is pretty bad.

I have pretty much weaned myself off sweet stuff – I don’t crave cakes and biscuits and I have never been a chocoholic but if I was ever going to ‘cheat’ it would be with a small amount of the real thing rather than a substitute. I made cauliflower bread – it was gross!
SSB

I like the idea of the “hot and puffy” look! I am continuing to lift those dumbells and do think it is getting easier and have increased the repetitions. My arms are really fat, so hoping they will tone up or at least look like Popeye. May get an anchor tattoo to complete the look.

Great stuff, Oddjob!

Wow! That’s rapid weight loss.

Unless the weight loss is dramatic, it’s hard to see it ourselves or in people we see every day. I expect you look slimmer to people who haven’t seen you since you started.

Still no more weight loss for me. I must be eating more than I’ve estimated and will make more effort to keep portion sizes smaller.

On the plus side, I’ve just done an exercise DVD and although I got hot and puffy, I wasn’t feeling wiped out as happened earlier – and I’m much better at the stretching bits. That’s cheered me up.