Smaus, what a WONDERFUL summary! Great advise and so well put.

And by the way…..congratulations to you. Well done!

Hi Allie,

You are lovely! Thanks
I’ve been away looking after my uncle for a week. He lives on his own and had a fall but he’s much better now. We’ve always got on well so I enjoyed the time with him.

Old Timer, I don’t know your chronological age (who cares) – but you’ve always struck me as a young soul – and long may you continue to be.
Marie x

Hi, Marie, I’ve missed your posts, so happy to see you back with us! I’m so proud of you
and your accomplishments – I’m sure they will give hope and confidence to others
who are burdened with T2D. I don’t mind in the least being referred to as an “old
timer” either! The truth is that I feel a good 25 yrs younger than my chronological
age, thanks to the BSD. It’s a miracle! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Allie

Hi Marsie, thanks, I feel better doing 2 x 4 rather than 8 too. Well done on your weight loss, I hope to be able to say the same thing, I have just over 2 stone to loose.

Well done to you, too, veerle, and thank you alibalibee!
Maggie

Hi All,

I was away all last week but came back on Thursday for my HbA1c blood test. I’ve just accessed my medical data online and my result is there.

At the beginning of August (at diagnosis) my HbA1c level was 106 mmol/mol. After 4 months on BSD my HbA1c is now 35 mmol/mol – in the normal range! Genuinely, I can’t quite believe it. In fact, I’m half waiting for a phone call from the GP practice to say sorry they’ve mixed up my results with those of someone else!

I’ll report in my weight loss tomorrow as usual on the Remember, Remember, November Challenge, but wanted to post this separately in case it might help anyone who has started recently with the hope of getting their blood sugar levels down.

I’ve kept pretty rigorously to the BSD – 800 cals (most days), low carbs (every day). At the start, I bought a pedometer and started walking 10,000 steps – although this has tailed off a bit with the cold weather. Recently I’ve been doing more exercise through an Exercise on Prescription programme (but only the last 4 weeks). I’ve struggled drinking the water, had ‘transit’ problems, had weeks with no weight loss etc.

What I’m trying to say is I’ve kept to the plan, but made plenty of mistakes – and it’s still worked!!! So, if you’re just setting out, stick with it, keep listening to the BSD old timers (oops, maintainers!), and it will work for you – promise.

Marie x

Amazing! Well done. After my week 1, weight is 3kg down. And that’s despite the dinner party I had with friends on Saturday eve, where eating fish with quinoa was perfect for the light dinner, but I did enjoy a few glasses of red wine.
It starts to feel easy to stick to the eating plans now.

Thanks JackieM, I will do as you suggest, not too keen on burgers unless I know where they came from so hopefully that won’t be too bad!

I thought I’d pick things from the menu that where recognisible meat or fish. I had prebooked a meal that starts with cauliflower soup so I’ll have to watch that as it will be thickened with flour.

Thanks Esnecca, I had reset my numbers but not adjusted for fibre so I’ll do that. I’ll also adjust for negatives as you say. It current says I’m on negative numbers for the day as I have done more exercise than I’ve eaten! I don’t feel good, but I think it’s a real cold rather than carb flu as I have a sore throat and runny nose.

Thanks sunshine-girl – can’t see an issue with getting OH to have a snack before bed … it makes sense, will try it this evening (well he will).

Thanks for your message Californiagirl – I’ve been lucky, the OH got a ’48’ in a random HbA1c test carried out when registering with a new doctor. Good to catch it early, but he was very upset by it. Hence the diet. I really thought it would be hard to keep him on the ‘straight and narrow’ but actually he’s been very focused – a bit too easily tempted by snacking on nuts – but otherwise very focused and so far so good it’s paying dividends.

I’ve tried low fat dieting for years, with initial success followed by failure and feeling rubbish, which in turn led to weight gain. This has been a real eye-opener, I haven’t been this weight (65kg) for the best part of 15 years. I can bend down and even ride my bike without my tum getting in the way.

On the other hand OH was TOFI – quite trim, with a small tum but not ‘soft’ so he didn’t feel there was an issue. Fortunately we both saw the Michael Mosley documentary about T2 and low carb – been trying to find it again, but to no avail – so he was quite keen to give the diet a go (anything instead of tablets!).

Onward and upward. Next step is to tackle the GP about a second HbA1c before Christmas to (hopefully) show it’s working. We may fall off the wagon slightly over the holiday period – but at least we now know it’s not too hard to get back on again 🙂

VictoriaM, click on the Settings tab in MFP and uncheck “Enable Negative Adjustments.” That should take care of it. While you’re in there, you can change which nutrients are tracked on the main table. I’ve selected carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber and sugar so I can easily keep an eye on net carbs by subtracting out the fiber and make sure the carbs I do eat are as low in sugar grams as possible.

Hi Buggerlugs, I’m a day late getting to this thread to welcome you. I hope you have
a long and successful journey here with all of us. There are as many different ways
to do the BSD as there are personalities here. By trial and error, you and your husband
will find what works the best for the 2 of you. I’ve lost 50% of my body weight doing a
strict form of Fast800 limiting carbs to under 20/day. I came to this decision when
I wasn’t satisfied at my rate of loss prior to that. After I made the adjustment I never
experienced another plateau. With the help of the generous people on this forum,
learn everything you can about the carb content of foods, drink up to 3 liters of
water each day, and recognize that healthy fats will prevent you from feeling hungry.
It’s really no more complicated than that 🙂 I wish both of you the very best of luck.
See you out and about on the threads, and please join in wherever and whenever
you like. This will transform your life!

Allie

Hi Scotslass, do you have the book, it is well worth investing in as this site (the official part of it) only goes into the diet briefly. The first thing you need to do is clear out any rubbish food and completely stop eating white carbs like sugar, cereals, pasta, rice, bread and potatoes or processed foods and any substitutes like polenta or bulgar wheat (couscous). There are carbs you can eat in small amounts like oats, quiona, beans and pulses, chickpeas etc. You can see why you need the book as it is not just a list of things you can and cant eat, it goes into the science and what happens inside your body when you have certain foods. Take a look at some of the recipes. And drink plenty of water. There will be lots more things you need to know. Just ask as things occur to you.

Sorry buggerlugs, should have been clearer. If you follow the 800 cals rule you will probably be having around 50 to 70 grams of carbs and that is okay. As Verano says it will be trial and error. Some people go as low as 20 grams but as I said, that is rather too low for me as I find it gets complicated as to what you can or cant eat and if you are extremely low carbs you will be extra low on calories and having to find something to add to keep the calories up. Right now you might think that you will never get as low as 800 calories but with practice you will and find it pretty easy once you get rid of the junk carbs.

Happy Monday everyone, still at the same weight but hoping for good news tomorrow. Making an all out effort.

We (me and my husband) are spending the Christmas period with our daughter and two grandsons aged 12 and 9. Unfortunately it is not going to be a traditional Christmas Day for us. We will get up early for the usual present opening but then the boys are heading off to their dads as my daughter had them last year. We are then heading to a restaurant for our Xmas lunch with daughter and her new boyfriend. We have met him before but only a couple of times so he is basically a stranger to us. I am with you Luvtcook in being ambivalent about a change to what we know. Daughter has put her house up for sale and intends to move in with the boyfriend until they can buy a house together. Although they will be no further away from us (we are in France them in England) it is a different set up as we feel comfortable at our daughters but will it be the same in someone else’s house. Maybe when they jointly buy we will feel better but it is a big step when she has only known him for 9 months. I can talk, I met my hubby in December (1989) and moved lock stock from England to Scotland with a 10 year old daughter in tow some 8 months later, so I cannot criticise or object. It will be whatever it is and change can be good for everyone. It is my husband who is getting so upset about it. Should say, the boyfriend is a very nice, steady chap with a good job, ambition and financially secure. So what is not to like.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

Hey VictoriaM, welcome and that’s what I did, and am 14kg down now and gone from obese BMI 30 to healthy BMI 24 since August. I prefer the very low carbs (thus proving Marsie’s point that there is more than one way to skin a cat) and haven’t always measured calories (maybe for a core 5 weeks or so) and tend to find just focussing on carbs works well. Beware hidden carbs though! Those pesky buggers turn up in all manner of unexpected places!

Minimise the carbs all time to avoid hunger too, in my experience. And embrace fat as your friend! And water, so much water!

Best of luck.

Hi emu, the liver dumping can be eased by having a small snack before bedtime so the liver detects food and doesn’t think you are starving. It is known as The Dawn Phenomenon – I can never spell that, look it up and read about it on here or generally on the internet.

Good morning emu! Wow, your post is a fantastic report of your very very successful 8 weeks — you and your husband have done so well! Obviously the two of you are a good team — which one of you discovered the BSD and was it easy to talk the OH into following it too? I’m sure there are many people who would love to get their Other Half involved — what is your advice on how to get going together?
I know what you mean about how much easier exercise is without all the excess to carry around — it is fun to feel light on your feet again — for many of us that was an old childhood memory and so much fun to rediscover.
Best wishes as you go forward (with your bit more to lose) and move on to maintenance! Sounds like you’ve got it cracked — well done!

Good morning/afternoon, all! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I can’t believe
we are so close to the beginning of Dec. Time to buckle down to try to get some
extra wiggle room to offset any little indulgences over the holidays. I think there
will probably be as many strategies as there personalities on the forums. What ever
works for you 🙂 I expect to remain my usual “rigid” self! No desserts of any kind, to
begin with. Not any hardship though, because I have no appetite for sweet things
any longer.

Kazzi, I’ll be saying a prayer to the weather gods that the wind blows from the right
direction and deposits your leaves on someone else’s lawn. Just think about what
a good upper body workout you got over this past weekend, however. After so many
years at the same firm, I can’t imagine what “improvements” in your performance
that they can possibly come up with! You probably could save them the trouble and
write your own review, then sign it. 🙂

I’m thinking of coming up with a Boxing Day brunch in your honor. I’ll need to do
a little research toward that end, and hopefully issue a few invitations later today.
Wish me luck!

Have a good one,

Allie

Hi Kazz…this is my favourite time of the year. I love cold crispy weather where you can see your breath. Even better if it is sunny! Good luck with the review.

I weighed on Friday…16st 6lbs….same again on Saturday! Sunday…16st 10lbs. Today…the same! I CANNOT have gained 4 pounds in one day! I was drinking lots of water yesterday and today, so hopefully it was a water weight and will go overnight today. I am also fasting until 7 tonight. If I haven’t lost at least a pound by tomorrow I will have to chop a leg off to lose!

Waiting in for online shopping to be delivered. My Grandies are going to love Christmas this year. I get to spoil them rotten. I love it.

Love to all who are losing slowly and to all losing fast, to those maintaining and those beginning.

Nonna Mary
xxx

I won’t be able to post tomorrow so am taking today as my final weigh in for this challenge. Well I’m ecstatic!! 8st 12lbs which means I’ve lost four pounds this challenge!
I’ve got loads of events to go this month and I feel so happy to be this size, I was pretty unhappy about the way I looked back in May when I started this woe, I’ve lost two and a half stone since then! Am just delighted to be in the 8’s, what a result! Will see you on the next challenge as a) I’d like help getting through Christmas and b) I’m thinking it would be nice to be more safely into the 8’s, maybe 8 & a half!
Good luck for final weigh-ins everyone!

Just popping in to wish all a great start to a new week. I really appreciate all the notes of encouragement. Scales still not my friend today but one hoping for the big “tada” somethime this week when a loss shows up. Clothes fitting better….but do not plan on measuring waist but once a month on the 1st….so will do this coming Fri when DEC 1 rolls around. This fall sure has flown by quickly. May be due to having such funny weather. Has been so warm with trees still hanging onto their leaves in DC area. This is a full week beyond what is average. Started seeing Xmas lights on some of the homes & apts in the area this last weekend. Too soon for me. I rather like the 12 days of Xmas idea…..might stretch to 14 and put up my Xmas decorations two weeks in advance but that is enough for me.

Allie: I liked your idea of sharing Xmas traditions. In my little family of 2 (self and my 38 yr old son who lives about 5 miles away) we have a tradition of a late night supper on Xmas Eve at one of the area’s ethinic restaurants. For several years it used to be Peking Duck at one of the good Chinese restaurants in the area, but it got to be that even at 9:30 or 10:00 at night the lines was still an hour plus wait even with reservations. So last year it was Korean BBQ….I do love all the Bon Chon nibbles they give you while you wait for your entree (kimchee, but also the pickled daikon radish and other little bits of this and that).

For Xmas Day we get off to a slow start after being up late the night before…..always do a brunch of Eggs Benedict , a faux hash made with butternut squash instead of potatoes, fruit salad, and Mimosas around 10:30, then open gifts afterward. We have a lazy afternoon (usually rent an online movie to watch) and dinner at 6 or 7 pm, usually of a small rib roast or filet dressed up a bit (did Gordon Ramsey’s Beef Wellington last year. Will not be repeating that one….too much work!).

Xmas 2017 plans TBD…still a blank slate so some planning is in order. Brunch will be the same…..but need to find a venue for Xmas Eve. Planning is half the fun.

Although he has brought girlfriends home for the holidays to join us before, I think we may have an engagement to look forward to this year. Lovely young woman, but very close to her family in the New York City area and wanting to live near them….so big changes may be in store for all concerned. But that is the way life is….yin and yang, a gain paired with a loss. Must make like a twig able to bend with the wind…to bend is better than to break.

Hi VictoriaM, welcome along. A few of us have been here for a while and find the thought of 8 weeks too much, so the 4 week challenges have hit the spot. Re your questions: I’ve personally never been able to do very low carbs, but many do, and will advise further Im sure, but your plan looks good. Any diet has to work into our lives, after all. With MFP, yes it adds the exercise cals, but don’t eat those cals, ignore them, consider them an insight into how much you are helping your body adjust in this new WOE (way of eating). Keep posting, let us know how you get along.

Hello gang! How’s it going on this lovely grey day?

It was such a gorgeous weekend both days wasn’t it, Mary? But cold! Got some of the leaves swept up be we need another big blow to release all the others from the hedges and hopefully blow them into next door!!!

Allie – hope you enjoyed your walk by river. Thanks for your email. I shall respond duly! 🙂

Right, just a quick drop in today… I have my half yearly review…. must go and find out if I’m on track with my 3 objections… (sorry – I mean objectives!). 🙂

toodlepip!

Kazzeee xx

Hi, newbie here, started yesterday, and I’d like to get this thinking at least partially embedded before Christmas. I’ve decided the best way for December is to stick to 800 with 20g carbs when I’m not going out, but focus on v low carbs when I am. Do people think that this is best? I don’t want to wait until January, and I don’t want to give up my social activity..

Also please can you help with MyFitnessPal. It keeps adding the calories from my exercise to my calories limit, but I presume that isn’t what we should be doing. Apologies if I’ve missed this in the book, I’ve just reread the chapter on exercise and couldn’t see it.

Hi guys. Yes, I’m in. My goal is to get to 16.6 – 231 lbs by the morning of 24th Dec! That will be 2 stone – 28 lbs lost in total. So going to do my best to go as far as I can. I have buffet/drinks/board games evening at a friends on Sat 9th (a tradition), work team Xmas lunch on 14th, work team Xmas party on 20th. I shall be intermittently fasting. The two work things are both 3 courses. I’ve requested gluten and low carb. We’ll see how it goes but I’m planning on making out I’m too full for dessert – one of my colleagues will eat it! A girl’s gotta do, what a girl’s gotta do!

Kazzee xx

I’m in.

Marsie, thank you for creating a DEC challenge. Good to have mutual support rolling into the Holidays….always a minefield of potential problems.

On 27th March I set myself a goal to lose 65lbs following the BSD.
With a nice touch of serendipity on 27th November I have nudged through that goal, losing 30% of my starting weight and 3 dress sizes along the way. Frankly I am amazed.

Why do I think this has worked for me?
1) most importantly I was in the right frame of mind, I still have no idea why the switch flipped, but I’m incredibly glad it did.
2) I have never felt deprived, that’s not to say I haven’t missed things or been peckish, but I have eaten well and enjoyed food.
3) It’s an eating plan that is incredibly flexible and accommodating. No one really notices or cares if you pass on the potatoes.

I am acutely conscious that this is the end of the beginning. The real test is not to fall back into previous habits and let weight creep back on but I feel as if I have a better toolkit to manage that. The main lessons I’ll be taking forward are:
1) Higher protein breakfasts – but I will be allowing some oats back in, I have missed them!
2) No starch with my evening meal – I have finally embraced cauliflower rice and its kin.
3) A little bit of intermittent fasting can help mitigate eating out.
4) Meal planning helps avoid bad accidents on the way home from work – frozen fish and chicken fillets have been a lifesaver.

If you’re on the cusp of starting for either blood sugar or weight loss reasons I’d really recommend giving this regime a go. There is masses of really helpful advice on these forums for which I’m very grateful. The only tips I’d add are:
1) If you’re doing the Fast 800 keep an eye on your protein levels
2) Keep wearing a smaller sized pair of trousers to keep you honest – you’ll feel good about how they get easier and comfortable clothes make me complacent!

So, ‘Bon Courage’ if you are setting out on this programme, and if you’re part way to your goals please keep the faith, you will reach them.

Smaus

Following the support and advice gleaned from across the forums I thought it only fair to offer an update. We’ve just entered week 8, and the 800 target is not feeling quite such a challenge now. OH suffered with carb flu in the early days but is now just intermittently hungry. I’ve generally felt better, though have been battling a tummy bug for three weeks – which has made me lust after ‘comfort food’ – but I’ve only given in once (mac and cheese when my stomach was yearning for something ‘else’).

To date we’ve both lost 7.5 kg, that’s almost 10% for OH and 10% for me. I’ve got a little further to go, but OH will be aiming to stop weight loss shortly.

Other good news – OH’s blood sugar is down. To us it never seemed that high, but today we were thrilled when it came in at 4.6 before breakfast and just 4.9 two hours later. He’s really struggled with the liver dumping glucose in the mornings (consistent fasting readings of 5.5-6.0 and then lower post-prandial readings) – hopefully we see today’s pattern replicated in future. I’m not doing BG as I’m not diabetic (just overweight and conscious of the need to act before my diet really impacts health).

Exercise is a moot point. OH has increased his dog walking but with a knackered knee and shoulder anything more enthusiastic is difficult. That said, he’s now waiting for a date for shoulder surgery, so he should be back on track next year time. I’ve found the weight loss fantastic as I run, and it’s amazing how much easier it is with 7.5 kg less to lug around!

We’ll hopefully get an HbA1c review in the not too distant future, and we’re looking forward to working out how to increase intake with out increasing carbs at the weekend 🙂

Hi Verano, thanks for your reply. Yes, I’m using a couple of apps already and weighing food. We’re learning more and more as we check different foods out as to how many carbs it has. At the moment we are concentrating on carbs, counting those and just being mindful of calories.
Best wishes
Buggerlugs

Many thanks for the support, it is much appreciated.

Luvtcook, I have that Horizon Documentary on my iPad, alongside the Panorama Documentary – “Diabetes the hidden killer” to remind me to keep going.

Californiagirl I am eager to find out what BA’s diabetic meal choices will be, but am traveling with a couple of protein shake mixes just in case. Will try to post pics if I can work out how.

Verano this has all been a whirlwind for me, I was diagnosed on the 24th October, with a BS of 17. I took Metaformin for four days and abandoned it having read Michael Mosley’s book and the incredible posts on this forum. I have not had a fasting blood sugar reading higher than six since the 2nd November.

What has astonished me is just how good I feel. My Ketone reading was 2.4 today so I know my body is changing the way it derives energy and I think this is something I want to continue to maximise the benefits. I’m getting better at balancing my nutrition now – thanks to the wonderful posts here.

The weight loss has slowed and I do want to shed a further 5 Kg over the next three weeks so fingers crossed. Another 100 mins on the bike, 22,000 steps and 20 mins on the rowing machine today. 🙂

Ah! Here it is! I was thinking of joining the ‘into the next stone’ thread while waiting for the December thread to start, but thanks to a miserable experience with a friend, I am all fired up to try and go for a whole eight weeks with no wobbling, other than days off when my son visits, (like yesterday!)
As a result of said visit, I am still at 11,3, but the signs are looking good for steady loss from now on. I have a system that is easy for me to stick to, as it only needs minimal calculations/mental effort and only requires willpower to refrain from nervous nibbling. The nervous nibbling is currently aggravated by the arrival of a benefits assessment form, and the high probability of this being followed by a ghastly interview, and ending with absolutely no income at all. I’ll just have to keep reminding myself that the stomach ache is nothing to do with hunger, and eating is not going to help it.
So, back to more positive thinking, and my first mini-goal is to get into that next stone by the end of this first week! I can do this!

Well I guess I really do need to join this challenge. I would love to end the year on a high note showing a loss for the second half of the year. I have spent the last five months losing and gaining the same few pounds over and over. So time now for me to knuckle down, dump the complacency and get back on track. So yes I’m in!

Hi I think sunshine-girl has answered your query in as much as there is no definitive number of carbs. Low carb means something different to each person. Lots of people aim for below 50g a day, many stay around 30g but for some below 20g a day is the only way they can lose weight. So it’s a bit of trial and error to find your best level. Maybe if you try one of the apps or computer programs such as Fatsecret or myfitnesspal and weigh and log your food you will get a better idea of what your intake is. As sunshine-girls says if you keep low enough with your carbs the calories will take care of themselves. It doesn’t always work the other way. For example a small apple can have 19g of carbs but not a huge number of calories. So if you are keeping really low carb an apple, or half, is a real treat!

Morning all,

So, birthday on Friday, not too bad, had my much anticipated strawberry daiquiri and a bit of birthday cake. But I think it opened the gates to the total cheese fest of the rest of the weekend. now +4lb 😱

Biggest gain since I started this w.o.e back in August but drawing the proverbial line in the sand and moving on.

x

Hi Sunshine-girl, Thank you for you reply and tips, much appreciated. We’ve cut out all the usual high carb foods, but definitely making mistakes and learning on the way. I’m very interested to see what my weight will be after the first week and a bit of low carbs. I have looked through forums but couldn’t find the answer to my query, but then I could just be blind and it’s staring me in the face!! 🙂
Best wishes
Buggerlugs

“BUSY, BUSY WITH SANTA’S ELVES, WHILE CARING GENTLY FOR OURSELVES: 4wks to 26 Dec” now active.

There is apparently a limit on the number of characters/keystrokes in topic titles, so the word “challenge” is missing from the title but not from the intent!

Cheers all,

Our new 4 week challenge, please join in, actively participate, and take the message to heart (says one who is always harder on herself than on anyone else). All welcome, triumphs and struggles, share and share alike.

We will be effectively starting tomorrow Tuesday 28th, after our final weigh-in day on the Remember/November challenge which has been looking good.

lol, Theodora, Keep On Keeping On One Day At A Time. Mashing together sunshine-girl’s keeping on keeping on and my one day at a time. I think busybee beat me to the mashup:)

Am just about to set up new thread, ready for tomorrow. The months are flying by!

Welcome Scotslass – you have come to the right place. So many BSDers here, all ready to give you the benefit of their experience. But you have already taken your first step towards a healthier (and thinner) you.

Good luck and shout if you have any specific questions, or need support, and someone will come running.

Theo

Well done Tasberry. Really pleased to hear such promising week one results.

Don’t become concerned if the weight loss slows down a bit as you enter ketosis. Just keep on keeping on (our favourite mantra on the forum) because this WOE really does work. Good luck with week 2.

Sshhh, Essie – your secret is safe with me😉

Assuming US sweater tights are the same as UK thermal fleece lined?

They are warm, aren’t they. I bought 3 pairs – grey, black and navy blue, and they’re sooo soft too. Just loving them in this cold, wintry weather 😃 Whoever said fashion couldn’t be practical too? 😉

I bought two pairs of sweater tights last week! One charcoal grey herringbone, one plain black. They’re so warm I wore them under my floral pants on TG and was toasty all day.

Errrr – MnM, got the keep on bit, but still struggling with the rest. Are you and Marsie going to keep us less cryptically minded individuals guessing forever? 😉

Allie, just a week or two behind you in maintenance (almost 7 months for me) and, like you, I feel I need to make it a full year before I feel I’ve cracked it. And, even then, will always feel it necessary to eat “mindfully”.

Hoping to hear some good results from everyone on Tuesday. Can’t believe that month has gone by so quickly 😱

PS As a footnote to the above post, as long as you keep it quiet from all my new-found fashionista followers, I’ll let you into a little secret. It’s bloomin cold in the UK atm and, a skater dress being quite short, and not yet being a total slave to fashion, the charcoal grey tights I wore today were of the thermal, fleece-lined variety😉 My new found weapon against the bone-penetrating cold which is, to date, the ONLY downside I have found to being thin😃😄😀

I’d seen KOKO before which is keep on keeping on, so the rest was possible to work out. Cocoa nibs are brilliant just on their own as a nibble too, mixed with pine nuts sometimes. I sprinkle them on yoghurt as well, and include a few grams in my chocolate protein shake, makes it distinctly ‘bitty’ to drink but certainly helps the taste, and adding chia seeds as well seems to help transit speed up a bit. I am going to start making ‘protein balls’ or similar I think, and will certainly use the nibs in those.

Hey, Allie and Essie (sound like a couple of teenage pop stars😉) so pleased you both like the sound of my outfit. I wore a similar outfit last week to a dinner out with friends, but with bright red accessories. I received so many compliments, I thought I’d reprise the look, with a different accent colour (hey, listen to me – sound like a fashionista 😉). Already had the pashmina and never-used bag so, encouraged by Essie and her outrageous booties, bought some electric blue suede booties.

I never in a million years thought I would ever wear a skater dress but saw this in the sale several months ago (wore it with killer heel sandals in the summer ) and loved it so much that I went back and bought another – only colours they came in were charcoal grey with fine blue stripe, and black with fine red stripe. And I really need to get plenty of wear out of them because they nearly broke the bank 😉 On knock down at the eye -watering price of…………wait for it…………… £4.90 (at current exchange rate, that’s approx $6.50). No wonder I bought two – oh how I love being thin enough to find tiny clothes on knock down 😃

Allie, my friend, don’t fret. It’s not a choice you have to make – I’ll send my angel wings over to borrow for the flight (one careful owner, so in pretty good nick) so, as long as you promise to return them safely after your visit, you can do both 😃

Thanks Esnecca, to be honest, that’s what I expected. I’m not really all that bothered about Breakfast and I guess the only reason I was having the protein and almond milk (both completely sugar/sweetner free) was because I have this huge tub of the stuff and I just thought I’d use it in the morning rather than seeing it go to waste.

I’ve no problem going back to the 16:8 though, I guess I just wanted a second opinion about the protein etc. and I’m glad I came here because at least I know it’s definitely breaking the fast now (I guess it was obvious with hindsight :)) , and not to have it in the morning.

Thanks again, appreciated 🙂

SueBlue, I’m glad that I’m not the only one who is confused by what KOKOODAAT means 🙂

ClarinetCathy, I’ve been trying to discipline myself not to weigh more than 1 x week!
It’s a challenging habit to try to break. Like you, I’m trying to get more comfortable
with maintenance and trusting my own judgement. In my case, I don’t think I’ll be
truly free until I have 1 year of maintenance to report. Sigh, only 5 more months 🙂

At the end of my first “proper” week of the BSD (the first week of 800 calorie days and no alcohol) I have lost 2.2kg. Against my background of finding it almost impossible to lose weight even on very low calorie diets, I am extremely pleased!