Topcac – do not despair! From today, you have 3 days to minimise that gain, if you want to, ready for this weekend. I went into the 16’s, 2 weeks ago (first time in a decade) and then went back to 17.2 after a weeks holiday at home and a 4 lb gain last week. It doesn’t take much to show a gain. You can do this. Just make small monthly achievable goals until you get back to 8.11…. Feeling unhappy at work is just awful… get yourself out for a walk no matter what the weather or find somewhere to sit if you can to get a bit of a break at lunchtimes. Imagine going for interviews looking and feeling your best, rather than feeling your worst!

Hugs
Kazzeeexx

Haha, Marianne! You made me lol when you remarked that you had to check
your lists to find out what’s on the menu. I’ve been doing that since 6/2016,
and continue to this day inspite of being in maintenance. No one can ever
accuse me of being “too spontaneous”! It seems to have worked out well
however. I’ve shed more than 50% of myself with the BSD. Best of luck
to you on your journey to wellness!

Allie

Hey, Mary, happy Noodle Day to you, too! I love the sound of that (even if
I coined it 🙂 ) I’m sorry that little Joe hasn’t recovered from his laryngitis.
I have no background in pediatrics so can’t do much to help. What I can
tell you is that I had a case of it that didn’t even begin to improve for a
good 4 weeks, and it was probably 6 wks before I sounded like myself.
However, I didn’t do anything sensible like refrain from talking! You know
me, how could I be expected to be quiet for so long??? How does little
Joe feel? I can never get it in gear re Christmas shopping until after
thanksgiving (tomorrow) which means that inevitably the things I choose
will be out of stock! Procrastination is a personality trait that I seem to
have picked up from jim. He never does his shopping until Christmas
eve, when I’d of course prefer him to be home 🙂 Enjoy your day with the
precious Noodle.

I see I have no takers to exchange Christmas traditions with today.
Have a great one!

Much love,
Allie

A happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends across the pond 🙂

Allie – your grandma with English roots pretty much sums up our Xmas tradition! I found a batter mix for gluten free Yorkshire puds. My mum will definitely want those along with roast potatoes and stuffing, although I can live without that stuff. Roast parsnips is not something I am prepared to miss out on though! A friend of mine did creamed sprouts one year which was delicious! I think you’ll find a recipe on youtube or the internet I’m sure. Do you have mince pies in the US? Instead of making them with normal or puff pastry, lining a muffin tin with filo pastry makes a lovely lighter version. Here’s a link (hopefully) http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2011/12/a-very-british-christmas-part-2-mince-pies What would we do without online shopping? I do all my Xmas shopping that way. I LOATHE the Xmas crowds too and nothing puts me in a bad mood quicker than jostling shoppers and crowded, overheated shops! 🙂 Oh, and I did reply to your email yesterday morning but your husband has probably been hogging his laptop! 🙂

Mary – Noodle day, yay! Be prepared to fall into bed exhausted but that’s quite a nice thing really! Hmmm, sorry to hear your 3 year old’s (is this Noodle?) voice has got worse. If it was you I’d suggest honey and lemon and brandy to drink and rub Vick on your chest. Hopefully someone will be able to respond.

Rassle frassle – that made me laugh! I’d forgotten that, who was that? Mutley?

Ahh, good musical choices Mary. I was only 11 around then so after DC, I migrated to the Bay City Rollers but not for long, I got ridiculed for it! I did a bit of a stint as a punk, but got detention at school for wearing a safety pin in my pierced ear! Then I was introduced to Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles for the rest of the 70’s and never looked back! I was a new romantic for awhile as the 80’s kicked in and that really was my era but always had a bit of a thing for melodic rock too! Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, Chicago, Europe! I’ve recently bought a Journey concert on DVD from 1981. Back then, I had the Escape album, but never knew what anyone looked like! Boy, Steve Perry’s man hair! Right, can you tell my bosses are out of the office today?! I really must crack on.

See you later – before I get fired…

Kazzeee xx

Morning all

4 days in London and 5.5lbs gained. Back in the 10s and feeling very sorry for myself. Looks like I will finish yet another challenge heavier than when I started it. The trend has been upwards since April and I loathe myself for it. Have no motivation and another weekend of debauchery ahead at which I have no desire to make any effort to eat well.

I’m hoping this feeling will pass before I hit 11 stone – having been at 8st 11 this year it’s soul destroying. Will try to focus on the positives – after this weekend I have no social engagements until Christmas (OK, one lunch and my work xmas do but I can cope with those). It’s all mental, I’m comfort eating, I’m miserable at work and I can’t leave, just yet. Need to find some positivity from somewhere so just want to say a big thank you to everyone on here for continuing to post, no matter how you are feeling. Have a good final week, I will try not to eat my own body weight in bad food.
TC xxx

HAPPY NOODLE DAY TO ALL!

Well Kazz…I must admit to feel a little sad about David Cassidy…although not a real crush of mine I did love the Partridge Family and the fact that he is only 7 years older than me, suffering Dementia then dying is sad. I liked a lot of people, Donny, Michael, Labi Sifre, but I was more of a rock chick lol. The Who, Lynard Skynyrd, Stones, Deep Purple, Cream, David Bowie…The Sweet. It was the bubble gum time of music and I enjoyed the variety of music…even joke records like “Grandad” got into the charts. Oh and Joe Dolce…Shut Uppya Face…lol. Such fun times! Re Strictly…since Aston went out I find nothing surprising! I still can’t see why they kept Mollie King in…I can’t see an improvement. Grrr…rassle frassle (Cartoon swearing).

I have been quite worried about my lovely 3 year old boy since September when he had a cold and lost his voice. It hasn’t come back with any strength. The Doctor said it was Laryngitis and it would improve. Now with this new cold it is worse. Any Nurses or Doctors out there that can reassure me?

I fasted for 24 hours yesterday and didn’t even have tea (I can’t drink it without sugar). I had so better lose weight this week !

Waiting for parcels today as well as having Noodle. Started my Christmas shopping…at last. I am not a super organised person at this time of year. I prefer the hustle and bustle. However, like you Allie, I get a little uncomfortable in crowds. Always have. I won’t attend a “Stadium” concert. I don’t see the point of paying lots of money to watch a tiny figure or a giant TV screen. Makes no sense to me. I like my comfort. You can keep the “atmosphere!”

Well I feel a black coffee coming on. Something I can drink without sugar!

Lots of love
Nonna Mary
xxxx

Morning, Kazz. I’m sorry that you are having “one of those weeks” in the
office. With your commute, those are long days! I won’t look for any
selfies from the ladies this week 🙂 Good luck with your fast. You all amaze
me. When you have time, I’d really like to hear what you feel like throughout
that time period? All I can imagine is feeling really shaky and sick!
The David Cassidy story didn’t even make the news here, as far as I know.
After your revelations about his fantasy status in your life, I took a peak at
the article in the daily mail. The contemporary photo of him is nearly
unrecognizable. I never had any posters on the wall. My fantasies were of
the more living, breathing type on offer at school. And never skinny! Probably
why I ended up with an athlete for my o/h…………
We will be waiting here for you when you get caught up at work,

xoxoxo
Allie

Hi All. ‘Im late again ,its a habit. not sure why. lovely to see everyone offering support for those who are struggling.Its what keeps me reading this forum. I’m lucky to have lost, I was 80.3kg yesterday which is close to my goal of 80KG but I have been giving in to occasional piece of toast and an odd icecream so its pure luck. Today, I’m up 0.2kg but I know Its my own doing. I have a bad back so today I went to a chiropractor who is a friend of a relative and I feel so much better. Ive been stumbling around for a while and not really happy with the treatment from the physio.Today, the advice and the explanation was so reassuring that its just a muscle spasm so highly possible to get a cure.I’m feeling much more motivated to keep to BSD and to up my exercise .
Surprisingly, Christmas is not worrying me. I don’t have too many events to attend and I will eat BSD priciples up to Christmas day when I will eat and drink everything that I want. The good thing is I’m not so attracted to sickly sweet stuff. The usual turkey, ham and seafoods are all BSD friendly. As I’m in Australia we have a lot of salads ,deserts of fresh fruit .some good cheeses.a bit of wine and I’m good.Probably I will be tempted by good breads and a big dollop of thick cream. I’m going to try hard to not have left overs ,they are very tempting.
Marsie, love the name for the next challenge ,count me in.Good wishes to you all. Big Hugs to those struggling. Cheers Lynne

Just been checking my BMI. Am in healthy zone, but quite fancied being in middle of healthy zone. That means a new target of 57kg. Goddamit, why am I so short?! Still, will focus on the 60kg for now and then climb down the 50s probably in the new year as it’s going slowly now but I’m happy with what I’m eating (or not eating!)

Sunshine Girl – just read through the thread. Hope you are still reading if not posting. I have enjoyed your posts since I joined. I hope you stay with the forum and know you will be missed if you don’t. Sounds like you know yourself really well, am sure you will do what is the best for you right now. Take best care of yourself xx

Not in any way needy, Theo! I feel the same way about you…It is highly
inconvenient that a rather large body of water prevents us from carrying
on in person. I’m literally getting nothing done this week because I’m
spending so much time being entertained on this thread! I’m not sure
I even remember where the vacuum cleaner is…It’s a good thing that you’re
asleep when it’s time to make dinner, or it’s possible I might be doing an
unexpected fast 🙂
Truthfully, I don’t know how I managed this weight loss without the forum,
either! I think o/h’s health was the beginning of it. I knew that I couldn’t
reverse heart failure, but I was just arrogant enough to believe I could
prevent it from getting worse. ( He has unloaded 50lbs). He could do
even better if he would give up the damn cold cereal! Basically, between
us, we’ve tossed 200lbs of fat from this house. Kind of gross, when
you think about it! Probably TMI 🙂 Be back later, my sweet….

Allie

Sunshine – I hadn’t seen your original post until now. I made a conscious decision to stop reading and listening to the news as much as possible. It is only ever bad and depressing! I had one or two experiences when I was a mid teen back in the 70’s. Fortunately, nothing too severe but inappropriate all the same and there is an anger inside that surfaces sometimes. My bestie (who also experienced similar things) and I have counselled each other over the years. You are not bringing people down at all. Stay – we will always be here to support you. 🙂

Hugs
Kazzee xx

Daily weigh in,

Today -0.5lb 😀

Which bring me to a new low of 130.6lb (9st 4lb). My weight shot up a couple of years ago when we moved city and then my mum died suddenly but I am back into the lower end of a weight bracket that I inhabited for many years. Whilst this is a good BMI, my cholesterol and body fat percentage was still awful. I am now optimistic of tackling those in the right way and perhaps even ditching the additional 7lb of baby weight I put on after my first was born nearly 13 years ago.

Only another 0.7lb to be in the 120s. Hubby has plateaued after his 30lb (ish) loss and has decided to maintain for a bit. Ideally he would like to shift another 10lb but at the moment that just feels like gravy and so he will look again next year. What is really interesting is the number of people we know who have seen our results and adopted this WOE. Particularly men. Probably huge generalisations but traditionally I guess it has been easier for women to access weight loss programmes like weight watchers and slimming world but we have been fascinated by the number of our male friends who have just asked for ‘a link’ to what we are doing.

I have a birthday on Friday and having friends over so there will be strawberry daiquiri and cake but the main course will be BSD compliant.

Go well today. x

Thank you Luvtcook. 🙂

I have lost 9.5 Kg in the first four weeks which I am reasonably happy with. My Blood Sugar reading this morning was 4.2.

Still need to lose at least another 6 or 7 Kg, ideally another 10.

Good morning my friends

Well, firstly I’m really upset to hear about my first crush, David Cassidy. My walls and doors were covered in Jackie posters of him back in 1974…. It is so so sad. RIP, David.

It’s been manic at work, so sorry for very few posts. I’m relieved to say that I peaked at the scales today and they are moving back down now and I’ve lost 2 of the 4 lb gain.

I’m going to have a go at a 36 hour fast today so wish me luck!

I’ll be back later today I hope. Have a great day wherever you are.

Kazzeeee xxxx

Morning,

Sunshinegirl- adding my pleas to the others. Don’t leave here, if leaving here means you become more isolated and battling your demons becomes more lonely. I have found that this isn’t just a place for people who can succeed but simply for those who want to make changes. I struggle with depression too and have found that unfortunately simply understanding the past and how I got to be where I am isn’t enough to move on from it in the ways I would always wish. It is sooooo complex. For me, trying to ditch ‘should’ thinking has proved somewhat helpful, i.e. I ‘should’ be able to cope with the news, I ‘should’ be able to move past this. I no longer listen to news on TV or radio but look at the headlines on a newswebsite and then choose which articles I want to find out more about that way I stay informed but on my terms. The point of saying this is that we don’t have to be ‘sorted’ to be successful in our goals and if you find this group of people supportive then please keep with it. x

Posting a new low, 61.9kg, first time the scales have said 61.anything. Hooray, trick seems to be no breakfast followed by low carb eating from midday. Lots of spinach added to the core meals but my only carbs are coming from veg now (and dairy. Oh and dark chocolate).

I expect I will pootle up and down the 61kg for a bit now, then the final kg is in sight for 60kg – wow, what a journey. Currently have lost 14.7kg.

Good on you, s-g. Mindfulness/keeping on keeping on/one day at a time/venting on here as and when needed/etc ……… you obviously know yourself fairly well so your ability to pick and choose your strategies for good health will see you through xx

Hi everyone, I’ve had a fairly decent week. I’m down 1.6kg (3.5lbs) since last Tuesday, or 600g since Friday when I last reported in. So I’m sitting at 83.4kg, so 1.4kg off my mini-goal for this challenge.
I ended up largely fasting today. I had to go on a tour for work and was running late this morning, so even though I had packed breakfast, I didn’t have time to eat it. Lunch was provided on the tour, but there wasn’t anything I could eat (sandwiches, and nothing vegetarian). I did have the forethought to pack some veggie broth in a thermos this morning and I was glad to have something hot to sip on while others ate their lunch as it was a very cold and wet day and we were outside most of the time. When I got back to the office I had a few cherry tomatoes and a tiny apple that I had also packed, and that was it for the entire day (20g of carbs which is quite high for less than 200cal consumed, but given that it wasn’t a well planned fast, I’m giving myself a bit of a break on that front). There were some treats in the office kitchen when I got back, but I just looked the other way and left with just my cup of tea. By that time I had decided I would try to fast for the rest of the day. I’ve felt quite good fasting today. When I tried 5:2 before I found it quite difficult and ended up over-eating a lot on my non-fast days. I think it was because I wasn’t keeping my carbs low at all and I was quite hungry and felt weak on my fast days. So, I’ll see how I feel tomorrow, and if all is well, I may start back on 5:2, but keeping the carbs low on the non-fast days. I haven’t lost any inches off my waist yet this month, so maybe fasting will help with that.
Sunshine-girl, I am sorry you are feeling so low. It must be very hard for you right now, but I too hope that you keep posting as I enjoy reading your posts.

I am happy AngS. So blessed – so many things to be thankful for 🙂

I have made my own receipe book, by cutting and sticking all the ‘suitable’ meals from magazines and diabetic cookbooks etc following Michael Mosley’s ground rules for the M plan. Went back to good old quick and tasty harrissa chicken tonight 🙂

I hope you enjoy your holiday AngS and don’t find all of the beige buffet delights too tempting. I am not sure I could put myself through that – I have really strong willpower as long as there is nothing to tempt me

Your hubby has been such a great support to you – it must be tough to watch him eat more and still loose weight. Hang in there, I’m sure it will continue to drop gradually until you reach a natural low.

~Thanks for the BG monitor tip; it seems quite a reasonable price compared to some I’ve seen so I shall look into it.
I had some bread today; I wasn’t meaning to but the broccoli bread I’d made a few days ago sprouted mould and a disgusting smell so it had to be ditched! Note to self; defrost from freezer as and when needed if I make it again! I won’t beat myself up about it though; I always have a week of all meals planned, so for tomorrow so I shall consult that to see what I’m eating!

Marianne x

Hello everyone- am late to post today. Been a busy day and just got back from choir practice. Two weeks today I will be singing in the Bridgewater Hall. I sing with the Manchester and District Hospitals Choir and we sing for Clic Sargent which is a charity for children and young adults with cancer. My weigh in was pleasing this morning at 1.4 lb down this week making me 0.2 lb under my goal weight. I am putting on and losing the same pound again like I always do. Anyway, am happy with that. I am not doing anything differently than previously so hopefully will maintain my weight loss.

Sunshine girl- hope your mindfulness course helps you to find some inner peace and strength. You have made many friends on here and the beauty of this forum is that we are anonymous so are able to vent and be open and honest . You’ve always been very supportive to us. I have no doubt that you have the inner strength to achieve your goal. Take time to achieve this- there is no rush.

Well done everyone for keeping strong and keeping on with this way of life. One more week before the Christmas challenge will be upon us! December and Christmas are definitely going to be a challenge for me! This will be my first Christmas without mince pies, stollen slices, Christmas cake. The patients have already started bringing in chocolates for the staff at work! I will not be bringing any home. Luckily my husband is vegan so he won’t eat any. I am determined to keep on the healthy path for the next few weeks.

Allie, my friend – and I really feel you are my friend – I’d like to put 10 thumbs up but sadly, last time I looked, I only had 2😢 Maybe you are better endowed than me?😉

Frankly, Allie, I have no idea how you achieved what you have without this forum. All power to you and I, for one, am grateful that you found us and are generous enough to share your experiences with us.

Go girl – I really consider you a “best mate”. Really hope that doesn’t sound too needy? Certainly not meant to be, just kind of feel we are kindred spirits.

PS Will answer your post on refocusing topic when I have enough time to answer judicially. Xxxx

Posting my final result a day late, sorry. This has been an excercise in maintenance for me though that wasn’t my plan😨 I’m still 3lb from goal and it’s my own fault. A few months ago I seemed to handle social events much better than I am now, when my calendar has so many looming! I don’t know why my headspace has gone from committed to oh well a little more won’t hurt! Like you Allie, my O/H says I’ve lost enough and am looking drawn though unlike you I still have a BMI of 25.1.

Sunshine-girl, I am feeling for you. Over the 9 months I’ve been on this forum I have loved reading your posts and the thoughtful, considered advice you’ve given others. I know that feeling of dreading going to bed although I don’t have the same demons lying in wait. I hope your mindfulness exercises help you back out of this place.

Thank you, Theodora! 10 thumbs up, you’ve expressed exactly how I feel
about this extraordinary forum and all of the exceptional, supportive people
on it. It’s brought an otherwise unknown joy to my life, and I’m grateful
to everyone here for adding a new dimension to my days. I’ve only been
here for a little over 3 months, but I now can’t imagine my days without
the laughter and the occasional tears that we share.

Allie

Sunny, I truly don’t think anyone took your comments as an attack – we are all too caring and supportive of each other for that. I understand exactly where you are coming from, when losses are hard won, one should be grateful for every pound lost and not stress about more.

Obviously Allie and I seem to be in a rather unique position, where our metabolism seems to have gone into overdrive and we are both struggling NOT to lose more weight.

But we know that no offence was meant, and certainly none was taken. We are all in this together and each of our experiences is valid and hopefully will be of some help to others who are not so far along in their BSD journeys.

This is such a caring forum that, despite only having the written word, I’m sure we all know that no comment is ever meant other than in a supportive way. So thank you. X

Sunny, PLEASE, no offense taken, I assure you 🙂 🙂 🙂 I freely stated that I
may have misunderstood. I do occasionally get it wrong. Just looking for
a better understanding of what you had to say. In fact, I agree with you!
I’m having a more difficult time with maintenance than I ever did with weight
loss. I knew what I had to do and just did it. This maintenance stuff has so
many more variables to it. I’m trying so hard to have a more relaxed attitude
about it. You can help me with this, and I hope that you will!

Love,
Allie

My dear sunshinegirl- We haven’t exchanged posts, but I always read what
you have to say and appreciate your knowledge and advice. I can very
much relate to the pain that has gained an advantage over you now, as well as
what we hear on the news be it the U.S. or the UK. These are just triggers. We
all have developed defense mechanisms to deal with childhood abuse/trauma.
Sometimes these things stay safely tucked away in the closet, at other times
they make an untimely appearance. Please give yourself the nurturing and
love you may have never received. This is a very safe place, and we all care
very much about your welfare. Stay with us, you are not a downer in any way,
and all we want to do is help.

Love xxx
Allie

Apologies, I seem to have inadvertently nudged a hornets nest! I wasn’t intending any slight to those who have more wriggle room than they might like. You have it right Theodora, all I meant was for those of us who lose slowly and have struggled to get to target and then on top of that any kind of wriggle room, perhaps we should take the time to just enjoy the fact we hit our original goals and not stress all the time about losing still more.

It is definitely a comfort factor having some wriggle room, but maybe for those who find this hard won, we shouldn’t make it our life’s focus and take time to enjoy the fact we have achieved so much already. It’s a personal thing though and not intended as an attack on anyone.

Allie, being in a similar position to yourself, I understand fully how you (mis)read Sunny’s post.

You and I have too much wriggle room, and we really are struggling not to lose any more. However, I think Sunny meant that, once we are at target, maybe we (general term we, not you and I) should be content and not be stressing about losing any more just to gain wriggle room? Correct me if I’m wrong, Sunny. As Jackie says, wriggle room is great, but not worth stressing over. As you and I both know, wriggle room is not necessarily all it’s cracked up to be.

Do hope I haven’t misread posts here? If I have, please ignore me xxx

Wow Eliza52, what amazing progress! I definitely think you should go to the ‘advice’ session – give them your stats and show them how, in real life, the BSD is soooooo much better than ‘traditional’ advice.
Have a fabulous and healthy Christmas
SSB

S-G, couldn’t put it any more eloquently than Esnecca.

My darling daughter has recently been diagnosed with PTSD after 12 years of struggling (though for totally different reasons, and manifesting itself in totally different ways from yours) but now her mantra is…….

I can’t change my past, I CAN take control of my future.

She is getting there, but it’s been a long haul. Thank God she has a supportive family and, in particular the most amazing husband, and from reading your posts , it would appear you have a close family too.

Please feel free to vent on here as often as you want to. …..you are among friends xx

Hi Brava
Enjoy the 2% but once you’ve used it, my advice would be full fat.

You sound as if you have a good handle on this, but as Allie says, if you need any help, just shout.

Yes I agree with Esnecca! Please don’t go sunshine girl, weight loss or not, sunshine or showers!
The mindfulness will hopefully help you sleep… zzz

Thank you Ensecca and others

Just past noon here, so good afternoon to you all! My hardboiled egg and
serving of kimchi is at the ready….

Mary, I didn’t buy any clothes for years either. I got by with 3 shirts and 1
pair of cropped pants in the summer, and 3 shirts, 1 sweater, and 2 pairs
of trousers in the winter. There just aren’t any well made clothing available
for obese women, and none of them would have looked good on me anyway!
I’m so frugal that I still use cotton oversized tunics for sleep shirts today,
who cares if my shoulder sticks out of the head hole? Sorry to hear that
infections are still active in the house of Grandies. It must be hard for
your daughter.

We are on the eve of the first big holiday of the season, Thanksgiving Day.
Already been to the market to pick up the turkey breast. Tomorrow will be
bedlam, though today was bad enough! Crowds make me claustrophobic.
Julia, Esnecca, Luvtcook, wishing you all a blessed day spent with those
that you cherish. Now it’s time to get serious about planning in advance
for Christmas and making up a few things for the freezer and unplanned
for guests. Does anyone have any ideas or holiday recipes to share?
In my family we have a tradition of reuben sandwiches on Christmas eve,
which we avoided last year. Haven’t made any decisions about this year
as of yet. My paternal grandmother and her sister were exceedingly proud
of their English roots, so always had a Christmas Day feast for 25 of us
with roast beef, yorkshire pudding, and a flaming plum pudding (with the
lights dimmed!) and hard sauce. All 10 of us grandchildren used to run
wild. Happy Days! I’d love to hear about your traditions, social or gastro-
nomically, if you have time to share!!!!

Have a great evening, all 🙂

Allie

s-g, you aren’t bringing the mood down and you have nothing to apologize for. You’re speaking the truth without wallowing or dissembling and you know that’s an important, powerful thing to do when addressing past trauma and the role it plays in any current hardships we’re experiencing.

I read an article the other day written by a woman who was sexually assaulted as a girl and she said the same thing you did. She’s glad that these issues have come to the fore and that so many women feel empowered to tell their stories, but she just can’t take it anymore. It’s so painful to see it in the headlines every single day a hundred times a day. She said she wished they could have just one day a week to call a moratorium on rape/harassment/molestation stories so at least for one day she didn’t have feel like she was in a neverending prizefight dodging blows from the newspapers, TV and social media.

This constant drumbeat has to have driven your stress levels through the roof. Cortisol could be having an effect on your weight loss progress. Is there any way you could take a day or two, a weekend maybe, and go somewhere peaceful where you don’t have to do anything but relax? You could easily pack your own food (frittata time!) or if it’s a nice spa, they’ll accomodate your dietary restrictions.

Please do not even think about leaving the forum, even temporarily. One of the ways depression twists us up is making us feel like we’re buzzkills and everyone else would be better off without us. But withdrawing only leads to increasing isolation and makes you even more prey to your mind’s attempts to drag you down into the abyss. Our moods are not your responsibility. If we are concerned about you, that’s because we give a damn, not because you did something wrong. It’s a good thing.

Reading over some of the posts, I came across my own from about a month ago (with all the stats, which is useful as I never write anything down!) At that point (about four weeks ago) I’d already lost two stone, and now I’ve lost almost another stone (I started at 14 st 2 lbs, was 12 st 5 lb in Oct, and now 11st 7 lb. I’m still basically doing the BSD 800 – I don’t find I get hungry at all. I don’t write anything down, because having worked out a variety of dishes/menus that work, I tend to rotate them, and I figure the odd 20 cals here and there isn’t going to make much difference (the weight’s coming off, so it can’t be). I’ve had to go out and shop for clothes – TWO sizes smaller, which is great! Still hoping to make it to 11 st by Christmas.

I share a house with my sister, who isn’t diabetic, but who is happy to lose a bit of weight, so we more or less eat the same things (except she has a huge bowl of porridge and fresh fruit for breakfast, while I have mushrooms/tomatoes/aubergines and an egg and sometimes a slice of ham – 27 cals, so MUCH better to put your egg on than an slice of toast!) We’ve already decided that Christmas lunch will be slightly indulgent in the sense that we’ll eat a bit more, but not the wrong things. So no roast and trimmings, but steak with celery and pepper caponata (it’s in the recipe section, and tastes fantastic). Maybe some smoked salmon to start, or a prawn and avocado salad with a yogurty dressing. No chocolate yule logs…maybe ONE box of mince pies for the whole holiday – so one each (my daughter and a friend will be home with us). No cake (we don’t like it anyway) no Xmas pud (not keen on that either). And no alcohol (again, we rarely do – haven’t had any for the last three months, and before that it was a G&T about once a month!)

I have received my appointment for “diabetic education” for February (if I really needed info, and I was diagnosed in September, this seems quite a while to have to wait!). I was inclined not to go as I am reasonably well informed about diabetes (my uncle had type 1 and his wife was in charge of nursing for an entire county, and I worked in a GP practice for several years, not to mention having researched the internet before and after my own diagnosis) and have no intention of following the NHS dietary advice. But then I figured I should go so I can encourage others to at least try the BSD plan – and show them that it CAN work! I do appreciate that it may not work for everyone, but surely everyone (type 2) should be encouraged to TRY it before filling up on pasta and wholemeal bread.

Hey there SunnyB. I think it would be silly to fret I about getting more wiggle room but I think it is still worth aiming for it, in a relaxed and happy manner. Of course, this may be why it’s taking me so long! But as long as I stay below 63kg I won’t get stressed I don’t think. Am convinced 60kg will happen, just not sure when. Maybe when the cream runs out (January?!?!) Meanwhile I am very much enjoying the journey, though it smells more like wet dog than roses here at the mo.😂😂

Xxx

Well done AnneF and thank you. Glad to have been of help.

Hi sunshine-girl, it sounds like you are finding your way through the current manifestation of your past issues. Almost certainly the lack of sleep will be disrupting your weight loss. Hope that soon you feel completely in control again sunshine and I know you will keep on keeping on. All power to you!

Please don’t doubt yourself, Sunny! Whatever works for you is a good thing.
Stopping to “smell the roses” is always good advice. 🙂 I’m going to take
it “onboard. Thanks

Allie

Just meant that as we are below target, putting pressure on ourselves to push even lower seems – for want of a better word – silly. We have already achieved our goal and now we are seeking still more and stressing about it. Seems to me, we should maybe remember what we have achieved and just try to enjoy what we have for awhile.

Sorry, that sounds stodgy and a bit preachy doesn’t it? I know having that wriggle room is a nice feeling, but I’m not sure how healthy it is to be almost punishing ourselves for not having it. Does that make sense? Beginning to doubt myself now.

Hi, Jackie! We did have a completely goofy day yesterday, didn’t we? I was
giggling throughout. It does my heart good to hear Esnecca having so much
fun with her new wardrobe! I don’t really understand why it is silly to be worried
about being substantially under target, SunnyB. Perhaps I have misread your
comment, however? I love these forums, but unfortunately sometimes,
because we can’t see each other or hear each others voice, I may get it wrong.

Have a great day, everyone!!!

Allie

Thank you for your concern. I will be okay when the bl—-dy news stops talking about it. I have had counselling, several times. I get over it until it gets stirred up. I even joke about a certain person with my daughter and hold him in contempt, as he is nothing to me anymore. Counselling is also a very painful event and can cause more harm and I am not willing to go that way again. Dont worry about me I will be okay, I am not suicidal or anything. It manifests in that I dont like going to bed in case I cant sleep for thinking and not being able to shut down my brain so I sit up watching rubbish films and eating and drinking. Surely if I can recognise it I can stop doing it, I just need to GO TO BED.

I am doing something on my own and that is the Mindfulness course. Week 2 started yesterday and I need to practice regularly just to reduce feelings of stress and tension. Today is a new day and I will keep on keeping on… I’m not known as sunshine for nothing.

Ha, Esnecca, no, I hadn’t seen your fruit based paranoia! I think I was trying to be a fanatical 20 grammer though, when I shouldn’t have worried.

Found out why I was finding yesterday so difficult – flippin PMS and subsequent migraine. I get really mad carb cravings when I’m building up to a migraine, and I mean really mad – I can’t think about anything else. But here’s the thing – my migraines when I get them tend to hang around for five or six days, but I manage them with triptans. Got the beginnings of one last night, took the usual meds, woke up this morning fuzzy headed but then that gradually lifted and no more migraine. Completely lifted. I know there is a school of thought that migraines and epilepsy are related, and I know that kids with epilepsy are sometimes put on a low carb diet, so I wonder if another positive of doing this way of eating is that it will lessen my migraines? I’m not going to count my chickens but I’ll be keeping an eye on it.It gets better and better doesn’t it?

And lo and behold today the carb flu has lifted! What a relief! I can see how easy it is to forget feeling that bad, because I feel great now. So all you newbies desperately searching for any crumb of comfort if you’re going through the carb withdrawal, it does stop! The best thing I found was a high fat snack like a bit of cheese, or warm up some full fat milk and have a pinch of cinnamon in it.Be nice to yourself, but do try and at least get out for a walk. If nothing else, it speeds the day up!

So I’m going to stop obsessively reading everything written on here – but thank you, it’s been a great help for a beginner like me. I feel like I’ve got a bit of normal life back, so I’ll chip in with the other forums and the 4 week challenges and hope to share everyone’s journeys with them.

Onwards and downwards.

Ali x

AnneF, you sound so happy! Well done to you! I too am not looking forward to coming off these recipes. They are so delicious, we are certainly going to incorporate them into our every day way of eating now.

I am stuck this week (week 8 too) at 8st 12 lbs. Still just 1 pound to lose, but a few more days to do it in. I’ve lost 3 inches off my bust and hips and 4 inches off my waist. Mine goes in too! Hurray!

Looking forward to treating ourselves to an all inclusive week in Lanzarote, where with the buffet food on offer, I can still avoid carbs. Not long to go now. So pleased I’ve managed to stick to it. I couldn’t have done it without my husband’s support, but luckily he’s really enjoyed cooking. He’s eating for England now, but still losing weight!!!! Mince pies, potatoes, puddings! Pah! I’m being strict on 800calories and staying the same! Never mind.

Silly isn’t it JackieM, to be fretting about managing to losing more weight when we’re already below target weight, but there is something very comforting about having that extra leeway, just in case. I’m keen to get back to my lowest weight before Christmas and am hoping to be able to post success in the next couple of weeks, despite the social occasions already starting to pop up – two meals out early December arranged in the last two days and a potential third to be confirmed! I guess it just means I need to be mindful of what I do the rest of the time and make sure I reign things back to keep control.

Hope you will succeed in dropping that extra 2.2kg JackieM and best of luck with avoiding those middle day ‘treats’. It’s the evenings that I’m most likely to experience temptation, but managing not to give in to more than the occasional square of v. dark chocolate. Actually, eating to a 16:8 pattern means temptation doesn’t strike too often, as I have no problem stretching the overnight fast in the mornings.

Anyway, best of luck to you JackieM. Keep us posted on progress.

Oh and thank you Verano for the link to the article. So succinct – really explained things easily. I have directed several people to it and saved it to share with my doctor in case it’s helpful on my next appointment.

And congrats on your lowered blood results – bet you are really chuffed and probably still skipping everytime you think about it!!

How are we all doing out there, never thought I would be reaching the end of week 8 and still be enthusiastic for this way of eating. Was expecting to be desperate for it to end so that I could go back to my porridge and bread and mash and chips. But I’m not!

I am loving the new way of eating, I am sleeping better, I have as much energy as ever (I buzz through life at a zillion miles an hour – running on the pure adrenaline of loving life!!) I am the thinnest I have ever been since leaving school – not skinny and gaunt, just looking good – I actually go in at the waist! Am off to a clothes swap tomorrow evening and taking nearly all of my trousers – someone gave me 4 ‘new’ pairs of size 10 skinny jeans (I even need a belt with one of them!!). I need a new swimming cozzy and new undies.

And the best bit…the bestest bestest bit in the whole world…I don’t take medication every day for diabetes any more. I have a Hb1Ac blood test next week to confirm, but i have been monitoring my fasting blood sugar levels and although a bit random (as discussed previously here) they show consistently that I am no longer diabetic!! Happy, healthy and looking forward to dinner (always!!)