Latest forum posts

  • posted by  alliecat on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
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    Hello, Laska – I’m intrigued by your statement that your results are
    “unaccountable”. Have I understood you correctly when you say that
    your total loss since you began 2 weeks ago is 2.5lbs? Maybe we help
    you figure out the reason. Do you weigh and measure everything? What
    do your macros look like? Water consumption? Carbs? At first glance
    and if the day you’ve outlined above is typical, it seems your proteins
    are a bit high…I’d like to help, but need more info 🙂

    Allie

  • posted by  SaltySeaBird on Getting ready for a restart in 2018
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    I’m feeling very pleased with myself – I almost gave in and had toast with my soup at lunchtime BUT I didn’t! I ate my chicken and cauliflower soup mindfully and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m sure that each time we make a strong choice, it makes the next time easier.
    Stay strong ladies! 💪 👍
    SSB

  • posted by  Laska on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    hello all .I am keeping the faith despite the fact that I havent lost anything more! – well a brief 3/4 over the weekend which is back on this morning DESPITE 2 days of16.8 fasting and both days being so far under my 800 ls (more like 500) that today I have been ravenous !. Its unaccountable..just 2.5 lb off in two weeks.

    So today I have fed the monster 3 eggs with butter for breakfast and a chicken breast and cucumber for lunch . I also intend to have more chicken and veggies for dinner..

    Maybe ill get a WHOOSH sometime soon… strange thing is I do ^feel^ a bit lighter …

  • posted by  VictoriaM on Blood sugar dropping too low?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi,

    Diabetes.co.uk say normal is 4 to 6 (or 7 if your are diabetic) so you are fine. Unless to are prone to hypoglycaemia or taking meds that can cause it, your body shouldn’t take you too low.

    The reading is something to be happy about not something to worry about. Well done

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on Blood sugar dropping too low?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Sarah, since starting this I have reduced my BG from its highest at 11 to a normal of 4.5. At one time I would have said 4.5 was too low and try to stay around 5.0 but I now have no fear of ‘lows’. At one time I was going to give up as I dropped from 11.0 to around 5.5 in about 3 weeks and it scared me to death, but I kept going and have my diabetes under good control.

    It is hard to tell someone else what to do as we are not medics but can only speak from my own experience. As you are not on medication you cannot adjust doses up or down so if you are at all worried you might have to increase food. That does not mean going over your calorie allowance or eating sweets or sugary things to up your BG. So, assuming 4.2 is an okay figure, if you go much lower like under 4.0 then you might want to add a couple of prunes to your breakfast just to push it up a little. Maybe check it in the afternoon too, before dinner, I do mine around 6.30 as, if you have not snacked in between lunch and dinner this is a time when you can get lows. Again, if it is too low i.e. under 4.0 then have a small snack like yoghurt and prunes or a slice of ham. As long as you keep a close eye on things at this time and know how you are feeling then you should be okay. I know if I get shaky or blurred vision or numb lips or fingers, it is time to test and eat something. Take care of yourself.

  • posted by  Sarah_500 on Preparing to start on Monday
    on in Welcome to the BSD
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    The first week has gone well – I’ve lost 6.6lbs and 2.5 inches around my waist, so I am pretty happy. Down side is that my blood sugar is pretty low, 4.2 this morning and I am worried that it is going to continue dropping at the same rate. Given my other health issues I really don’t need to create any new ones

  • Kelsbells – well done on Day 1. I always think the same about giving them carbs but now give them white bread but only with savoury topping and think at least they feel like they are getting something they like plus we eat way less sugar at home overall. Strangely more relaxed about their diet now mine is sorted.

    Am pretty sure you could make carbs way less for children and it would be fine, just they’d need more of the good stuff, especially stuff with fibre. That was where my own fast800 was lacking, I have to make special effort to eat my greens now. And son in particular wouldn’t eat kale or spinach (yet!?)

    Keep up good work!

    Natalie – 😂😂😂 about the baking daughter and younger son. My daughter is also getting more and more conscious about food, but I think in an informed way, knowing about protein and good fats. I think it’s a good thing. I was obese as a child and desperately unhappy without knowing what to do except not eat (impossible!). whereas she is not and also she is looking at stuff like healthy smoothies, which we then make. If anything I think our WoE is a great help when explaining what is faddy and rubbish out on the great wide inter web.

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everyone, like VictoriaM I too have hit a plateau. Usually happens when I have a good loss one week and I lost 4lbs last week. I have lost this week but put it back on. Seems strange when I only had 650 calories on Saturday as I had a cauliflower base pizza for lunch and saved some for my snack. Anyway, as we all know our bodies are not machines and have some funny quirks. One for me, and it is around the time of the month, I havent had a period for 20 years but around 14th 15th I get bloated and ratty (ask hubby) so I dont put too much store in a small gain or stagnating. On the other hand my BG is now down to 5.4 so I am back into the good figures. I wont be put off and will continue to stick with the plan happy in the knowledge that it does work and will start to lose again.

    See you all tomorrow for the weigh it, good or bad.

  • posted by  Sarah_500 on Blood sugar dropping too low?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    I started this diet because my GP informed me that I was Pre-diabetic and I didn’t want to end up medicated. I have been on steroids for 10 years which have contributed to my weight gain.

    I am now on W2D1 and my blood sugar has dropped from 6 last week to 4.2 this morning. I am concerned that this drop is going to continue, or is it possible that it will level out?

    The weight loss, 6.6lbs has been fantastic however I do not want to put my health at further risk. So am feeling a little confused as to how to proceed.

  • posted by  bridgetreilly on Preparing to start on Monday
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    How did the first week go, Sarah?

    I had one lapse (found some Cadbury’s eclairs in my handbag and ate them all) but mostly stuck to the plan and found it a lot easier than I was expecting.

  • posted by  SunnyB on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Just thought I’d drop in to say I won’t be posting my end of week 2 results until Wednesday, as we won’t be home until tomorrow night, so I won’t be able to weigh-in tomorrow morning as I normally would.

    Been at my folks since Wednesday last week and think I have managed to keep things under control, so hoping at worst to be the same and at best to have lost a little. Ketosticks have consistently shown positive, so I’ll be miffed if I find any gain.

    Hope everyone is happy with what the scales tell them tomorrow and I’ll look forward to reading about lots of losses.

  • posted by  SunnyB on Positive Thoughts Thread Anyone?
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Morning all – sorry to have been out of the loop for a few days. We have been staying with my folks, while OH refits their bathroom and does a few other job, like installing an alarm system (I know, bolting the stable door and all that, but gives peace of mind). Anyway, haven’t had the chance to get online much, so haven’t been posting, thought I’d drop in a few positives now though, while I have the chance.

    1) Mum has got about 80% of her jewellery back from the burglary.
    2) Had a lovely family time yesterday, with son and family visiting us at my folks house.
    3) Going to go and trawl a huge health food store this afternoon – hoping to pick up some BSD friendly goodies.

    Going to be greedy and have a fourth today:

    4) OH has managed not to lose his cool with my Dad’s ‘helping’, while he’s been working! Although it’s come close a couple of times.

  • posted by  SunnyB on A hard lesson
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Runrascal, be assured that the gain will be retained fluid because of the carb intake. It will right itself over the next few days, just be sure to stick to the 800 and keep the hydration up. Wise not to binge like that though, as it undermines your progress and worst case scenario, could become a slippery slope back to old habits getting a stronghold again.

    Keep up the good work and let us know how you get on.

  • IN November 2017 I went to see my GP for my routine bloods. He asked me what I had been doing because my levels were all normal, infact he told me that my diabetes was gone!. I confessed I had not taken ANY medication since I starting in April – he was shocked. I now have bloods once a year as well as my eye scans as a “precaution” (his words, not mine) but this morning my level was 4.1. I had a full roast dinner the night before. I have no problems with hands or feet, and I no longer feel sluggish and lethargic.

    He said he wished he could “get me out there to talk to other patients” – 2 work colleagues also purchased the recipe book and one no longer needs his insulin top up.

    All in all, not only do I now eat more tastier foods, but it’s the best money I ever spent, apparently less than 2 standard cups of take away coffee.

    I am glad to see more of Michael in the Daily Mail and I always stick up for him and the various methods if needs be, these are no bullshit sensible approaches and it’s possible to do 0 exercise and still lose weight.

    All my friends told me coke zero was the problem as to why I had diabetes, and yet I drunk it in high volume every day through the BSD. I also lost 2 stone and It had zero effect on weight.

    After years of trying shakes and throttling the calories – I found this 800-1000 a day diet to be not only filling but easy to manage. I mean come on.. Who isn’t full after scoffing green beans? I love green beans!

    If it’s good enough for the med then it’s good enough for me!

  • posted by  JulesB on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Sandy13

    I tend to try and keep things fairly simple, such as chicken with salad, or steak with salad, fish with veg and then spice up with a bit of chilli or pepper. I am attempting just 2 meals a day, by having two eggs (scrambled or hard boiled) at around 11am (or later if possible) and then have dinner at around 6. I have also been using cauliflower or broccoli rice a lot to go with spaghetti bolognaise, (without the spaghetti), which is vaguely tasty – but is a great replacement for rice or pasta. If you can’t get prepared cauli rice I just stick some florets in the blender and make them into a grain, then pop into the microwave for 2 minutes.

    For snacks I may have a small piece of cheese or ham, or even smoked salmon.

  • posted by  Sandy13 on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi JulesB

    No wonder you try and do a weeks menu , you can’t have much time to cook. I’ve tried a couple of the recipes from this site, but some seem to be very high in cals. I shall just have to wait till after the 8 weeks are up.

    I do like to have 3 meals a day so try & spread the calories.

  • posted by  JulesB on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Sandy13

    I have a very sedentary job, which means I sit at a screen for over 9 hours a day. I how now started setting an alarm on my phone to get me up and moving around every hour and get some steps in!

    Olive picking sounds more fun!

  • posted by  Sandy13 on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi JulesB,
    I know what you mean about the weather, it keeps raining here. We should start olive picking but the rain is putting that on hold, which is a shame, as that’s good enough exercise. The first year we did it we just about stayed awake to eat dinner then we were in bed by 9pm!

    I have got an exercise dvd but I’ve left it in the UK, I’ll have to get my son to dig it out & send it.

  • posted by  JulesB on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi Sandy13

    I have started making a menu plan for the whole week and then go and do a big shop, so I have everything in and not tempted by visiting the shop more than once a week.

    I am fairly limited on exercising, but trying to walks 10k steps a day and do a little lifting with dumbells. However it is pouring down today, so I will be pacing up and down inside!

  • posted by  Joes Nonna on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thank Allie, so eloquent and generous good wishes. I take them as a big virtual hug. In October 2016 I weighed in at 19 stone 4 pounds, having lost around 4 pounds before beginning this way of life. I have maintained a lot, but never gone back to the white carbs!

    Kazz I wish I could admit to it being water, but alas, it is still here today. Despite a 24 hour fast yesterday! I just cannot get my head around it. Jovis has lost half a stone and doesn’t even know how (because I feed him healthy food lol). Sometimes it doesn’t seem fair. BUT…3 steps forward, two backwards….for me at least.

    Lee, I feel your pain! What a busy day you have in front of you. Take care my friend and enjoy what you can.

    Lots of love on my Birthday Eve.

    Mary
    xxxx

  • posted by  Sandy13 on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks for the encouragement JulesB, I’m still waiting for my books but just keeping to what I know I like and counting cals/carbs. I write everything down and try to work out the next day or so in advance.

    I’m ashamed to say I haven’t started exercising yet! Too cold to swim in the sea so will have to start walking, I guess.

  • After only 2 weeks on the BSD my fasting blood glucose is down from 6.7 to 5 mmol/l. I’ve lost 3.6kg & my blood pressure is down from 140/90 to 120/75. I’m delighted. I’ve had to modify the BSD a bit to take account of the fact I run about 40 miles a week. I just have unsweetened porridge for breakfast.

  • Day 3. Good morning – a crushing loss of only 0.2kg this morning down to 75.7kg. However, given this is still going down and only just at the very beginning I am happy that it’s going in the right direction. I’ve kept to just under 800kcal each day, have drunk a lot of water and haven’t felt hungry. Even losing just 02.kg a day would shift a kilo a week. STAY POSITIVE! Have a great day everyone.

  • posted by  VictoriaM on A hard lesson
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi runrascal. I know how you feel, that’s what happened to me over Christmas. I read comments from older hands here about how that goes with time and I’m looking forward to that. For now I know that I can’t allow myself any slack.

    Well done on getting back on to the wagon so quickly

  • posted by  runrascal on A hard lesson
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    2 weeks in and 7 lbs down I “treated” myself to 20 gm of chocolate (fruit and nut). And triggered a massive sugar craving. By my old standards the ensuing binge was pretty moderate, but still came to around 2000 calories over my 800. If ever I needed proof of my sugar addiction this is it. I fasted yesterday with only a 500 calories meal in the evening, but the scales still punished me this morning with a 1.5 lb gain. On the plus side it has taught me a good lesson 😱

  • posted by  JulesB on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Well done Sandy13

    I think more than anything a good weight loss says “I can do this” and certainly gives me the motivation to carry on.

  • posted by  Sandy13 on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi all, just finished my first week and have lost 7lbs! Not bad for an old biddy. Have several stones to go though.
    I didn’t crave carbs at all and didn’t feel hungry, so really pleased with the week.

    I know some of the loss will have been water but hope for another good week.

    Well done everyone..

  • wow, thanks everyone, this is helpful. We do normally eat healthy most of the time in terms of lots of vegies, meat and tofu etc but we do have carbs with most meals – so noodles, pasta, flatbread, potatoes etc. So I will continue to keep up the carbs for him and ditch them for me. Seems strange though if carbs are bad for you, why would I give them to my kid? Everything in moderation, right! Anyway almost through day 1. Quite chuffed. Thanks again for your advice.

  • posted by  VictoriaM on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi everybody.

    There’s a lot of really go losses out there, well done to you all.

    I’m definitely on a plateau at the moment, having lost my Christmas extra quite quickly I haven’t moved since! That 6 days, so I think I’m due a whoosh some time soon. Sticking to 800/20 and believing it will work.

    Non Scales Victories,
    My blood sugar has tested between 4.2 and 5.6 since 2nd Jan, so I’m hoping that the doc will reduce my metformin prescription.
    I had to go into the loft to get out some things for my amateur dramatic performance, and while I was there I tried on some summer trousers that I couldn’t get anywhere near when I put them away in October. Now they do up, tight and a bit bulgy when I sit down, but a wonderful felling to pull that zip up. I’ve brought them downstairs and will use them as a check as I get smaller. (Jeans aren’t any use as they are already loose, but I’m not buying new ones till I finish).

  • posted by  JulesB on I've started!
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hello Squidge

    Good to see your weight loss continuing and that you can see light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I have much further to go, I want to lose another 2.5 – 3 stone.

    My mexican meal at the weekend went very well, and as you suggested we used lettuce to wrap our chicken whilst everyone else had tortillas and I didn’t feel deprived, although I do think that my appetite has subsided and I have lost that constant craving for food.

    Have a great week

  • Hi Traceyanne, I hope you feel better soon and can get onboard properly.
    At my biggest (that I would get on the scales for) I was 16st 10Lbs, that was 10 years ago and I lost 4 stone on Slimming World. It’s been a bit roller-coaster since then but I’ve managed to stay around 12st 10lbs for the last 5 years or so but never get much lower.
    This diet makes so much sense to me, how carbs make you store fat, and I’m sure we’ll get to our targets. I was 12st 1lb yesterday, I haven’t been that low since my early 20s. My waist is stubbornly still 36.25″, all the inch loss was off my hips & legs, but that’s where I store fat & water!
    Bit worried about tomorrow as I’m meeting a friend for lunch, I hope they have salad on the menu, not just sandwiches and jacked spuds!
    Have a good day everyone x

  • Wow everybody you’re doing great! I’m still sort of doing the diet…..the illness is hanging in there. I’m probably still eating less than 800 cals a day because of it but that’s not going to hurt in the long run.
    Legend2cv well done on the weight loss so far, a new grandson in March, that’s lovely, I’m sure you’ll be that skinny nana you are hoping for!!!! 🙂
    So although I’m not eating the cals I should be, in my head I have officially started the diet. I took my weight and waist measurement and calculated my BMI. Not a pleasant read…so I’ve started at 16st 12lb with a waist measurement of 50 inches and a BMI of 39.2 shocking stuff! But……no more. I will turn this around and lose the weight, I need to for my self respect but also because I want to be around to see my children grow up!!!
    I’m in it for the ride…..let’s make it a good one…..wooooo hoooo!!! 🙂

  • posted by  Natalie on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    It’s often hard to know which entry to pick on the calorie counters. I make a nice chicken broth, with roasted bones and some veges, strain everything off and just drink the liquid. How many calories is that? MyFitnessPal offers a range from about 5 calories to about 150 a cup!

  • Grrrrr 🤬
    Stuck to plan all week. Avoiding catered lunch at meetings (sandwiches) and my reward? A 3lb gain!
    I’m hoping it’s a combination of Christmas payback, adrenal tumour hormones and my body getting back into the swing of things…😱

    Got a day off today and thankfully no time to dwell or give in to temptation. Blood tests, hairdresser, lunch out (already selected the chicken, bacon and avocado salad), chiropractor and chiropodist. Will have to go back to work for a rest!

    Happy Monday everyone!

    L xx

  • posted by  Verano on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Nick unfortunately most of these carb/calorie counters are inaccurate some just more than others. I tend to add my own products if the counter seems too way out. There are also anomalies with foods such as lentils when it’s oftwn difficult to work out if they are counting dry or cooked weight. I use Fatsecret.co.uk only because it’s less cumbersome than myfitnesspal. They are all probably accurate enough for our purposes.

  • On the subject of Original Rolled oats- just had my first bowl this morning after 10 weeks of 800BSD and it did not spike my BGL at all, in fact it dropped further then before the porridge 2 1/2 hours later. I think for myself, I dont like to have any more then one food per day of any dodgy carbs, and mostly not at all, until I know how it effects my BGL- and also have to consider Glyceamic load. I have been doing quite well to have less focus now on missing pasta and rice or bread for that matter.I compensated the sweetness by adding blackberries and seeds for texture and it was the kind of sweet that I can get to like . But, I will not be eating it every day at least in the short term.I have had no sugar cravings now for 7 weeks and find the natural sweetness of whole foods ( carrots, beetroots, capsicums) quite delicious and a reminder of my healthy diet from the family home growing up. Walking past the bakery and the smell of all the sweet pastries gives me a slight nauseous feeling- I wonder how I could have consumed the amount of sweet foods that I did.
    Apart from the significant weight loss of 14 kg in 10 weeks, I have also had seismic shift in my attitude to food and a newfound respect for my bodies ability to process carbs and its amazing ability to suffer ill health for a prolonged period and to bounce back
    with the healthy food plan for life.

  • Well done everyone who can report losses as we head towards another weigh day.

    I have nothing to report, same old same old, except that the daily swings seem to be getting bigger, can be a difference of 1.5kg from one day to the next. I’m now eyeing my scales in case that’s where the problem lies. Not really worried or even annoyed any more, my clothing is not getting tighter and I know I’m eating well. It’ll show up sooner or later 🙂

    Speaking of eating well, any BSDers who live in Sydney, I can thoroughly recommend The Picnic at Burwood. It’s a fantastic small restaurant inside Burwood Park; Mediterranean/Lebanese food. So fresh and tasty and they offer low carb versions of the items on the menu (naked burgers etc). I was very impressed.

    My holiday is over, back at work today. So much to catch up on! I hope everyone’s having a good day.

  • posted by  alliecat on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    As I’m “closing up shop” for the night, I’m just dropping by to wish
    you a very happy birthday, Nonna Mary. I t must be a great relief
    to both you and Jovis that he has secured permanent employment.
    All good wishes that your 61st year will be filled with joy and good
    health, for both you and those that you love. I don’t think that I ever
    knew your starting point with respect to your weight, but 4 stone
    in 15 months is an outstanding achievement. Onward and downward!
    Many happy returns of the day 🙂

    Allie

  • posted by  alliecat on Two weeks in
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hiya, Flick. I can’t allow the sun to set on this day without
    congratulating you on the hard won victory of arriving at a healthy
    BMI. I might have felt a seismic shift when you yelled “YES” into
    the cosmos when your scales confirmed it!! Just my personal
    opinion, but I think your thread should be required reading for all
    newbies embarking on this WOL. Wear your bush pants with pride,
    you’ve earned it! As to the fiber question that you’ve raised on another
    thread, avocado, raspberries, chia seeds and raw cacao nibs are the
    “go to” foods that I find the easiest to include as part of my diet. One
    of the other staples is 8 oz of organic frozen leaf spinach, which
    comes in at 7.2 gm of fiber. The U.S. guidelines specify 25gm of fiber
    for women, for men, it’s 30-40gm. I’ve just recently read that for
    women over 55, 21gm is acceptable.
    I’m raising a full glass of sparkling water to you, Flick. You have so
    “got this”! I’m looking forward to seeing where cycle 2 takes you!

    Allie

  • posted by  Nick C on 8 week Fast 800 'reboot' starting 2 January 2018
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi all
    its late and i should really be hitting the pillow. But a quick statement “I DON’T TRUST FAT SECRET” . Finding too many stored ingredients on their database are incorrect to the labeling on the packaging, especially in the carb section!

    Diet Doctors garlic bread and a shared baked Camembert with celery sticks for dinner tonight. it was delicious!!

    My day started with a cup of coffee before changing and jumping on the spinning bike. 8km & 15 minutes later a quick wipe down and water before 2.2km jog on the treadmill.

    Positive start and set me up for the rest of the day.