Hi Mary – Hello66 said to say hello to all soldiers on Lizzie’s thread so not sure if you saw it?

Just us today methinks what with it being Thanksgiving. I got to 24 hours with my fast last night but then had an impromptu invite to my Auntie’s for dinner on the way home from work as my other uncle was over from Cyprus for a visit so it was lovely to catch up with him. She very kindly did me baked salmon salad. Two of the others tucked into cheese and mushroom toasted sandwiches. I would have drooled at that once upon a time, but it just didn’t look that appealing. Would much rather have melted cheese and mushroom wrapped in an thin omelette these days!

Yes, that was a very entertaining story of yours, Allie. I’d love to have been a fly on the wall that day, watching your OH’s face! Must have a been a picture! I love “oldies” that rock! 🙂 I’d have fitted in extremely well at your table!!

Well I had a potato-less turkey dinner just now at work – small portions but tasty with roasted cauliflower, carrots and braised cabbage. I am going to try again now with the fasting and see if I can last until brunch Saturday morning which will be approx a 46 hour fast!

I have a Xmas story for you…. I hope I can do it justice – difficult cos you need to know the personalities… here goes…. it was quite a few years ago now, my late grandparents Nanny B and Grandpa never would go anywhere and every year it my mum would start in October to cajole them to come over for Boxing day (day after Xmas). Every year it was the same, no, nothing to wear! And this visit included being collected and brought back home…! Well, around 1982 this was, my then boyfriend and I drove the 14 miles to pick them up in one of his “cars” which he was going to do up! He never did get around to doing it up in the 3 years it was parked on my parent’s drive much to my mum’s annoyance. As we were driving along, I could smell burning and there was this rythmic chaffing sound… We got nanny and grandpa squeezed into this old Ford Prefect and brought them back to my mum and dads house. They had a very pleasant visit and around 11pm, we drove them back home… more burning and chaffing but we just ignored it! They lived in a suburban area with an off licence (liquor store?) on the corner opposite. It wasn’t the safest of areas either by the 80’s with lots of strange nocturnal goings on in the shadows by the local residents – just painting a picture here! We got to the front door and found they’d both forgotten their keys! Nanny’s sister lived next door but one so we knocked on her door to see if she had a spare key. She didn’t but she did have an empty ice cream container full of old keys! You know, everyone has a container with “stuff” in case it becomes useful, right?! She also produced a torch so that we could rummage through this box of keys, trying various ones, hoping to find one that would fit! Problem was, the torch battery was starting to dim but we struggled on gallantly …. Grandpa then came up with the idea of trying to jemmy the wooden strip off the door frame on the side which acted like a draft excluder. His idea was to then slide a thin credit card between the tiny gap by the lock, in the hope that the curved side of the lock would spring back into the door. Problem was, it took such a lot of effort and panting trying to get this strip of wood off that we were stirring up interest from the surrounding houses and shops! We could see two shadowy heads peering over the half frosted pattern on the off licence window, so my nanny turns around and waves to the two sisters and in a large stage whisper says… “we’re locked out so we’re trying to break in!”. Meanwhile, this very large Caribbean lady comes strolling down the street, scuffing along in her backless slippers and stops outside the house and openly watches grandpa. She doesn’t speak so I explained what had happened and satisfied, she tutted and continued her very slow walk up the street! My nanny, totally unperturbed, is just standing politely waiting with her arm linked in mine. By this time, grandpa is struggling so much to remove this strip of wood that he brakes wind with the exertions! I started to shake and squeak with suppressed laughter and my nanny just elbows me and says “nothing to laugh about!”. Well that just made me worse! My BF was holding the rapidly dimming torch for my grandpa and I could see the pinprick of light suddenly moving up and down as he tries to control his laughter! Ten minutes go by and the large lady strolls by in the opposite direction for another look…. by this time, the neighbours on the other side arrive home and park up outside. About 10 of them emerge from this 4 seater car…. it’s like watching a magician and his hat… no seat belt laws in those days. The father says… I have a ladder, would that help? Oh yes, replies my nan, I’ve just remembered, I’ve left the back bedroom window open a crack! With that, my BF goes with the neighbour, gets the ladder and climbs in the bedroom and opens the front door! It was such a relief! We got home and told my mum and dad the tale and we laughed until we ached! That story often gets told at Xmas. Of course, nanny never saw the funny side of it and neither did grandpa!

Happy days
Kazzzeeee xx

Thank you to all those who sent words of encouragement. I am very very hard on myself, personally, and in work and that sometimes manifests itself in some kind of self sabotaging blowout. I think I’m in the middle of that now and it’s good to get some perspective so thank you. I am going to change one thing – I’m going to start exercising again – just a couple of times a week to start. When I look back at my diary I was going maybe 4-5 times a week – I always do this, go hell for leather for months on end and then’ kersplat’ – hit a brick wall, slide down face first with a mouth full of cake…

I’m going to set realistic targets – and face the fact that I’m not going to lose 20lbs by Christmas. I can, however, lose 1lb per week to start to bring things under control again. So my Xmas target is 5lbs lost – 9st 11lbs…just putting it out there.

I can not tell you how much the support means to me, it makes me cry a bit – there’s probably loads for a counsellor to go at but I will just keep on keeping on
TC xxx

Good morning, everyone! Just a quick one before I have to get busy in the kitchen, but I
want to share some news. I heard from our dear Hello66 by way of the “Happy Thanksgiving”
thread last evening, to wish me a happy holiday. She’s having lots of rounds of medical
testing done at the moment, but plans to be back when all of that is “sorted”. My eyes
lit up when I saw her post, just like her to be thinking of others when she has so many
concerns of her own! She sent love and hugs, and asked that I say hello to all of her
sisters here. Sending a warm, giant hug her way! Take good care of yourself, cutie…
I’ll be waiting for you when life resumes some sort of order for you.

Lots of love,

Allie
xoxoxo

Lots of antioxidant properties too, Alibalibee! 🙂

Haha, Kazz, sharing the feast with all of your American friends! I love this! You can
have an honorary seat at our table anytime. Were they serving pumpkin pie too,
or would that be a bridge too far? 🙂 🙂 🙂

My technique is to have a small cup of warm milk with some cinnamon in it – somehow the cinnamon tricks my brain into thinking I’m eating something sweet, and there’s some evidence (according to the BSD book) that cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugars.

Sunshine-girl – hope that you feel ok today. You have done so well to stay on track this week. Have been meaning to thank you for ages. I was suffering from horribly painful leg cramps at night when I read your post about putting a bar of soap in the bed. I have to confess that I really didn’t believe it could possibly work – but your advice is always so good that I gave it a try. Amazingly I haven’t had one single cramp since then.

Mokovex – it is so true that within this framework we can find a form that can work for where we are in our lives. I think that is why we are all doing so well.

I would love to be able to fast – but know it isn’t for me. I am a very very slow loser – but I did get there in the end. I have had to go very low carb – whereas others haven’t. We are all so different .

Mariet – your test results look good – the cholesterol is going the right way.

SueBlue – I loved the poem also. We had an amazing weekend – it was husband’s 70th – then I hit a real low when it looked as though the VAT threshold would be dramatically lowered in the Budget so that even very small businesses like mine would have to register. Oh the nightmare of VAT returns. After several days of severe stressing out – it didn’t happen and the Chancellor didn’t bring it in. What a waste of energy – all that worrying.

Had kept to BSD friendly foods – but too much of them – especially the nuts and stilton – so have nudged up a 1lb on last week.

Thanks Luvtcook. i just wish I’d known about this sooner!

Guess what I’m eating right now? A Thanksgiving turkey dinner! – our restaurant at work are doing a Thanksgiving themed lunch! So I can join you with you celebrations! I have turkey, roast cauliflower and carrots, braised cabbage, cranberry sauce and a bit of gravy. No roast potatoes. Cheers!

Kazzee xx

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING to the US folks. Great low carb eating to all. Esnecca, you plan sounds spot on. Enjoy your lovely menu.

And thanks for the wishes and support of the UK and Oz folks. Do we have any Canadians on the post? Don’t think so but so sorry if I missed it.

Just so very thankful for all of you. See you all tomorrow.

Congratulations Alibalibee…you did it! Good for you. Great first week….onward and downward.

Hi Cameron,
You could try a technique I suggested on the Mindfulness forum:
Close your eyes and imagine you are eating the thing you are craving; really imagine it – the taste, texture, smell. Imagine enjoying every bite and feeling satisfied. Then open your eyes and see if the craving has diminished or even gone.
The theory behind this technique is that the subconscious doesn’t know the difference between reality and imagination, so with a craving (as opposed to real hunger), the ‘imagined’ treat could well be just as satisfying..
SSB

Hi Cameron, we are all different but I am eating 90% dark chocolate after meals (1 square per meal) and still losing weight,. I find I can’t eat much of it as it’s so rich. I nibble it to make it last and concentrate on it completely. It’s lower in carbs than 70%. I cant eat any higher % than that, but if I get too accustomed to the 90% I will ‘allow’ myself chocolate but at a higher %.

It’s all headology isn’t it 😂😂 – can’t be doing without my chocolate.

Although as I progress I find it isn’t the sweetness, it’s the fat I crave, so I may have a swig of cream (tablespoon) or some creme fraiche or yoghurt instead and I find that solves the feeling of needing ‘something else’’ as well.

I’ve just got the results of my blood tests and I’m so relieved! My cholesterol and LDL are finally coming down! In April cholesterol was 7.2 and LDL was 3, that was an increase after 3 months of BSD. today both are down, still high at 6.2 and 1.9 but heading in the right direction! Next test in March and hoping, hoping that the trend will continue 😁

I’ve fended off statins again and my doctor has agreed to wait and see. So happy!

Just wanted to add that I’m starting week 2 today, weighed in this morning 3.3kg lighter than this time last week and 3cm off my waist. That’s about half a stone and just over an inch in old money. Blimey. I’m actually starting to believe that I can maybe get to a healthy BMI: it was at 32.5 and has been since I had kids. I’m finally starting to lose the baby weight…16 years later 😂

Good morning all, I’m kicking off with a fast day – I find this really does help me to focus and gives me a sense of achievement when I’m starting out.
As I said, I haven’t put on weight but I’m sure my waist size has gone up and as I am a TOFI that isn’t good news.
Have a great day everyone.
SSB

Morning all,

Well, it’s only gone and happened!! today – 129.6lb (I’m in the 120s 😀😀)

so that is -1lb from yesterday!!!! What? How?

Never thought I would get there in this challenge.

Reading the posts on the forum are so helpful for understanding that this process of loss/gain/loss/ maintenance etc. is so individual.

I have been mulling over what I need to fully get my head around in order to keep on keeping on. I hope you don’t mind me putting my reflections down here, I just wanted to crystallise them for myself. Yes, we have a formula to follow, eat x calories, x carbs etc and the magic will happen. In truth, that has to fit into the life that SueBlue’s poem talks about. The amazing, the good, the awful, the mundane.

I have been conscious that I haven’t wanted to say that I actually don’t count carbs (gulp, there said it!), I have reflected on why I haven’t mentioned this, I really don’t think any of you would judge me for that but I guess there must have been something around me not making peace with how I do this as an individual. For me, I was aware that creating and following a BSD meal plan which averaged out at 800cals a day was going to be tough enough. I KNEW, that given my temperament, adding a tracking element (on an app) and a carb count would further tie me up in knots from which I might never escape. As a perfectionist, I naturally seek the ‘best’ way to do things, which can usually be quite complicated and involved and then it is all or nothing. I am really working hard to not allow the ‘perfect’ be the enemy of the ‘good’ and, ‘near enough is good enough’.

Reading through the posts totally confirms for me that, within this framework, each of us finds a form that can work for where we are at in our lives, whether that is carb counting, fasting, just getting through a difficult season etc. I recognise the temptation to compare what I am doing with other people and be self-critical as they must be doing it better.

I am, of course, pleased with the fact that I am making progress and need to be content with how I am doing it. It isn’t linear, but it is progress.

Thanks all, x

A very happy Thanksgiving to you all across the pond from a very stormy UK!

Enjoy your holidays … 🙂

Love
Kazzeee xxx

Talking of jumpsuits and evening wear, I picked up a French Connection black slinky jumpsuit with no sleeves and a high collar last week, only another charity shop ‘just to try it’ purchase at £1.99 since I’d never had anything like that before but I love it, now all I need to do is work up the courage to actually wear it in public 😁

The black tie ‘do’ went off without a hitch, I drank a whole bottle of prosecco, bar half a glass my OH spilt, but over the whole night that wouldn’t have been a problem, but a friend offered me some gin too so I had a bit of a headache the day after. The dress was a definite hit, it just shows that you never know what is round the corner, the dress was hiding in my wardrobe for so long never seeing the light of day and now it is my favourite party wear, as I always knew it would be.

I hope the various Thanksgiving celebrations were a success, and I am certainly giving thanks this year for finding this WOE.

Hi Maggie, that’s great that you’re not feeling hungry at all. I’m just going to bed on day seven, and I have to say that I found days three, four and five really difficult, total carb flu. But the thought of having to go through all that again kept me on the straight and narrow, and I feel fine now. Think I’ve been nearer to 900 calories most days, but minimum carbs. Not even tempted by the home made cakes at work today, which I don’t think has ever happened before. It’s a revelation this diet.

HAPPY THANKGIVING Allie , &’ all our Forum Friends across the Atlantic Ocean , you will be thinking about your Thanksgiving Dinner about now , it is November 23 rd here in Oz , so was yesterday here for all those who Celebrate .
We are enjoying a few lovely warm days , mid to late 20 ‘s Celsius at “THE SHACK ” …. Not trying to make you jealous at all 😂😂😂😂 ❤️

I’ve been a bit strung out , a few weeks filled with health issues , tests etc.etc.etc., not over yet , but a few days break , prior to the next one !

I just haven’t been able to get enough time to participate , so have jumped on now and again , had a brief look latest Forums , and that’s about it .
Have noticed ‘ you ‘ go on the prowl each night ,
Like an ‘ Alley Cat ‘ ,
Looking for some new delight ,
Like an ‘ Alley Cat ‘ ….🐈
Catchy song from way back when , I find myself humming it when your name pops up .

Will just say to catch you up to date , in terms of my weight loss , 6 .3 kgs overall since I first joined in , on lovely Lizzie’ s Forum , and although it’s a very slow loss , I’m happy with the fact that I’m at least losing .

Do say Hello & give my love to everyone on Our Lizzie’ s Forum , hope they are all soldiering on , will get back as soon as I can .
I must fly as we have visitors for lunch , so making a cauliflower pizza based pizza , time will run out if I don’t get that caul rice started .
Hot coffee with a big dollop of double cream floating on top smelling good , made kind favour of O.H . ❤️
Enjoy your Thankgiving dinner with Jim .

Love and hugs ,
Hello 66
😘😘

Hi SunnyB thanks for the advice. Drinking plenty of water but still mindful of fats so will change that up a bit ( many years of avoiding fats takes some getting used to)

Will try the brushing teeth method if will power alone does not work.

Appreciate your suggestion, thank you

Same from here…..happy thanksgiving guys – enjoy your special time with your families 👪👫👬👭🎈🎉🎊🎈

SueBlue – thank you for sharing the poem . We have all experienced amazing and awful in our lives. Keep breathing and relaxing everyone through the good and bad times.

I’m in my first week fully and strictly on the BSD and have lost 1.3kg in the first three days, but I am seeing my fasting BG rising from my starting 6.2 to 7.4. I had not heard of the Dawn Phenomenon before I hit this thread but I have now read several scholarly articles about it and feel assured that I know what is going on. Thanks, folks, and especially Squidgy for pointing me in this direction.

Just dropped in to say HAPPY THANKS GIVING to all of our friends across The Pond. Have a fab time everyone!

Thank you, SueBlue, what a lovely poem to start the day with! 🙂 Sometimes all of
those possibilities can be a part of the very same day, can’t they? But there is
always something beautiful just around the corner, and we need to hold on always
to greet the sunrise and a fresh, new day. Thanks so much for the positive
sentiment!

Thanks for the poem, SueBlue, it’s relevant to all our lives I’m sure and is certainly thought provoking. Thank you for sharing.

Hey Cameron – Wow, fabulous results so far! You must be justifiably really pleased with yourself.

Personally think that cravings are largely in the mind, rather than the body, so diversionary tactics might work – find a way to take your mind somewhere else, maybe going for a walk, or reading, or drink another glass of water. Alternatively, save enough of your cal and carb allowance to allow yourself a square or two of very dark chocolate, a few nuts, or a small portion of yogurt and berries in the evening.

In case it is your body asking for something extra, check you are including enough fat in your meals, to help with feeling sated; also check you are keeping your hydration up too.

Finally, if all else fails try brushing your teeth, as we rarely fancy eating anything immediately after cleaning our teeth and it will probably give you time to focus on something other than a snack.

Hope you find an answer that works for you, but it seems to me you have the BSD cracked!

Alliecat it certainly is a wonderful time to be alive!
This lovey little poem came up on my Facebook feed this morning, and I felt it was appropriate for our group, as some of us have been facing challenges this week.
“Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again.
And in between the amazing and the awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine.
Breathe in the amazing, hold on through
the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary.
That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life.
And it’s breathtakingly beautiful”
LR Knost

Hi everyone!

I am so late to this party it’s unreal BUT I too (according to my doc) have also reversed my T2 diabetes. I am now at normal levels (Hc1a is at pre diabetic levels too -38!) and everything from blood to cholesterol is normal. Doctor says I may well have added 15-20 years to my life.

I started at just under 17 stone and after the week of carb flu we got into the habit of more exercise and doing the 8 week 800 diet. Very hard at first but with the help of My FitnessPal we managed to work out the best things to eat and keep energy up as well as make sure the protein was high and the carbs low. It was a rough start as I put in here, I got so weak I collapsed. But this turned out to be me not looking after my Iron levels, A few days of scoffing Broccoli and Kale sorted that.

Cut out Bread and Potatoes and to this day don’t miss either. ,Kept carbs to under 25G and Protein to I think about 200G. Dinner was often some meat from the butchers and a load of veg, very filling. Also Diabetic Ice Cream was a good desert, made no odds to anything (which of course is it’s point) and we also carried on drinking Coke Zero (which turns out also had no effect)

My doctor didn’t seem annoyed or surprised when I confessed that I haven’t taken a pill since Jan 2017 because I wanted to see if the diet worked and I told myself I would never know if I carried on taking the Metformin. Also I am unfortunate to be one of the few who gets constant toilet urges from taking it. So Metformin, Statins and Naproxen all stopped. In fact I asked Boots to cancel my prescription as I didn’t want to waste any more of our taxpayers money.

All I ever spent on the BSD apart from food was a few quid for the recipe book.

I am now 14:9 and feeling healthier. I walk a lot more in my job now and I feel the benefits. I don’t get any problems in my feet and my Myopathy has been clear since I had diabetes. My doctor tells me that whilst it can always return if I let it , as I sit here today Its gone and he wishes he could get me to go out and tell other diabetics how to sort themselves out and get away from pills and pain. And I wish I could too! (and I guess I sort of am!)

20 years of bad diet and lifestyle choice – reversed in 5 months. I stopped using the BSD in June and just stuck to eating what I liked in moderation. The rest has just fallen into place. All because I changed my diet and state of mind. Don’t get me wrong I still scoff the odd bad thing, but luckily it does not seem to matter.

I wish everyone the best.. and I will carry on eating what we do, enjoying what we eat!

Aha! so it was!

She’s doing good thanks – also lost a lot of weight – gonw down 2 dress sizes I am told 🙂

The doctor told me today he thinks Ive put on 15-20 years. And now only need to have yearly checkups on eyes and blood as a “precaution”

I’ve now given my BSD receipe book and other stuff to a friend who is type 2 but has to have an injection every week. I am hoping this will stop his problems too!

Greetings from Melbourne Australia . I am fine adhering to the BSD lifestle during the day but find that I crave chocolate or some form of snack after I have had my evening meal. Any suggestions to curb these cravings would be gratefully appreciated .

I have had great success to date having lost approximately 13 kg’s in the last 12 weeks but have rently found my resolve being tested.
Thank you for your assistance

Regards

Cameron

Hi everyone
End of day 4 for me and, like veerle, I am not feeling hungry, though Sunday (1st day) was hard. It sounds mean to say it, but I think I am coping better because my husband is away this week – if he is here it is all too easy to flop onto the sofa, crack open the wine and then get out the cheese and biscuits! I have kept myself busy which is helping too.
How is everyone else getting on?

End of day 3 and going good. I find with the small, light portions that eating slowly, chewing more helps to feel filled up, and makes the meal last longer when having a family meal. Sipping coffee, water and herbal tea in between meals means I’ve not actually felt hungry.
I thought I would be craving food more, so glad that’s not the case.

Thank you so much, Mary! This one of the “big ones” for us 🙂

Hi Julia, the program you were listening to today substantiates what I have read, also!
It’s not a bad thing to try and narrow the odds, is it? There is a large study being conducted
by the National Institutes of Health, ongoing for 15+ years where dementia patients are
followed. It’s fascinating. You might be able to find the program on you tube. Not only
do we feel so well following this WOE, but the projected benefits are only now being
explored. It’s a wonderful time to be alive, isn’t it?

Hi SunnyB, I’ve not braved the scales yet, but I will do at the weekend! I’ve been doing ok – the new veg concoction tastes (and looks!) so much better than the old one so thanks for that – is bound to make a difference. I struggled a little today as I work in a very touristy place, which is full of cafes etc. and I’d not had the chance to make anything for lunch. As you’ll know, the problem with cafes is virtually everything on the menu is a carb, sugar or both! Anyways, I ended up having a white bread cheese and mushroom toastie – but I made sure I went for a brisk 30 min walk to compensate! Small steps etc. 🙂

Interesting discussion this morning on our public radio statio. KQED — Dr. Brettison talking about Alzheimers — recommends absolute low carb/high fat diet, ketosis, 14-16 hour fasting.
He has a book out — “End of Alzheimers” — more evidence of the benefits of this WOE

I just have one thing to say….

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

Love Nonna Mary
xxxx

Thank you for the description alliecat, it sounds delicious. Our son lives in US with his American family and will be cooking pumpkin pie. I wonder if it would freeze so I can taste it when we go over for Christmas?

Mary, I’m absolutely certain the wait will be worth it!!! I’m delighted that you like my
stories, but you only encourage me to include more of them 🙂 🙂 🙂

Hi Travelling Rose,
I will happily join you as I need a serious re-boot (or kick up the a***)!
I was doing really well and had all but vanquished the carb habit but I have gradually slipped from the path. I haven’t actually put on weight but I feel bloated and lacking in energy and I know I will feel so much better if I can get back on track. It’s 4 weeks to the solstice and 3 to when we move house! So I have a sensible gap of time to get myself sorted.
Looking forward to a New Year full of health and happiness.
SSB

Right…I have 5 minutes to myself before Jovis gets back with the shopping and we start dinner…

Little Joe continues to have a nasty cough and a high temperature…not a fever, but high none the less. His mother is keeping a close watch on him but assures me he is ok. However, he is sleeping at the moment, despite his 16 month old sister bringing, sheets and blankets out of the clean washing basket, to cover him up! God bless children everywhere, they are so wonderful.

Noodle was lovely and gave me the most amazing smiles. I munched her and loved her and enjoyed every minute. She is so great. I am so blessed.

Lovetcook…that sounds horrible. Makes me mad when the medics can’t find anything wrong! I hope you feel better soon and enjoy Thanksgiving.

Allie, I love your stories. The aunt on the heels reminds me of one of my dads sisters. She wouldn’t use her bus pass (enables free travel) because she didn’t want anyone to know her age. Her hair was blonde and piled on her head and she wore high heels until she died. I wish I had their fortitude. I like to feel comfortable! The idea of the gravy arriving before the boat made me laugh!

Kazz…I have a Christmas Album by Nat…on it he sings Buon Natale (forgive the spelling if its wrong). A lovely little ditty! We have been watching Christmas Films and listening to Christmas songs for a few weeks now. Jovis loves the spirit of Christmas and we always make sure there is plenty of love in the house for him. Explaining our Christmas will take too long now…so I am keeping Allie on tenterhooks a bit longer.

Later lovelies,

Mary
xxx

Thank you, Californiagirl! And right back atcha.

I’m going to pass on the pumpkin pie (and mashed potatoes, mashed turnips and assorted preparations of cranberries) because I’m even more of a fanatic now than I was a year ago when I made an exception for my mom’s potatoes. Gotta keep my great new burgundy floral suit from popping buttons. 😀

I’m late again too after a funeral, travelling up M 6 again and doctors appointment and I am really pleased to have lost another 2 1/2 pounds. That is a total of 9 pounds on this challenge. It’s very unusual for me not to comfort eat with all that’s gone on lately, but I just have not been hungry. I am also determined not to gain again whilst taking the steroids (which may be very long term) and keeping the carbs really low helps to not overeat. I think I am now eating the correct portion sizes although I haven’t had the time or inclination to count calories and mainly I am eating just two meals a day with no snacks.
I’m tantalisingly near to the three stone off with just 1 1/2 pounds to go.

Happy birthday Marsie and well done on on your weight loss.

Love and hugs to you Sunshine Girl.

Keeping on………..
X B

Enjoy the holiday, Esnecca! Why do I always want to pull up a chair when you start to
describe food??? 🙂

Thank you, Verano! I will enjoy this most traditional of American holidays in the most traditional of ways: with near-constant bickering with my family. 😀 It has already begun because I will not be eating my mother’s famous mashed potatoes this year, even though I did last year when I weighed 130 pounds more than I do now. She gave me the old “But it’s just one day. You have to have a little joy in your life!” speech. I indulged her in a little back and forth before shutting the whole conversation down. “Mother, I love you. I love your mashed potatoes. I just don’t eat potatoes anymore.”

I’m making cauli mash mixed with chopped up steamed spinach and garlic plus ricotta and parmesan for a low carb but delectably rich side. Also roasted aspargus served cold with a dressing of Dijon, roasted garlic and parmesan. Between that and my father’s incomporable roasted turkey and stuffing, I am ready to feast on my terms. I even scored a little dessert, mini pumpkin spice cloud cakes that I plan to frost with vanilla and cinammon cream cheese. Twenty calories a pop for the cakes, 35 for the cream cheese. No carbs. Not one. Ten’ll get you twenty that everyone’s going to want to try one of these cute little guys even though they can have all of my mom’s fabulous pumpkin and mincemeat pies they want.

Bring on the insanity!

Hi, Busybee! Pumpkin pie is a little hard to describe. Imagine pumpkin puree to which
is added cream and eggs, then heavily seasoned with ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice
and cloves. You pour this mixture into a blind baked crust. It has the texture of a custard,
but denser than an egg custard because of the pumpkin puree. When a knife inserted
comes out clean, it’s done! 🙂

Yes, best wishes from me as well. Pumpkin Pie?
X B