Esnecca, thanks for the encouragement, I am looking forward to that day. Right now, even though I’m not hungry and am eating delicious meals and beginning to taste the sweetness in some vegetables and lovely mineral flavors of others, occasionally through the day a dish or an ingredient that will now be banned forever pops into my head, and I sigh. I don’t feel at risk of wavering (yet) but it’s not unlike when our beloved, aged, family cat died! Go figure …

I went to a steakhouse a few weeks ago and they mistakenly brought me someone else’s order which had a big ol’ side of risotto, mushroom it looked like. It used to be one of my favorite dishes. I told the server indignantly that this wasn’t my order and to remove it from my sight immediately. I found it genuinely offensive. When I got over the indignation, I was so happy at how repulsed I’d been. I love that I’m still encountering these benchmarks of how much my body, tastes and foods I am drawn to have changed.

It won’t be sad for long, Flick. Your accomplishments will build up and they’ll be the source of joy in your life, not some sugary poison disguised as good food. Well done! And a big round of applause and pompom shaking for you too, alibalibee!

Hi Alibalibee, that is a fantastic start! Well done you. I’m so pleased to connect with someone else starting out, so I’ll be following your progress as well. I’m planning to join the December challenge. Just need to formulate reasonable goals for the month. I’m expecting my rate of loss will slow down and achieving my target weight will likely take at least two rounds of BSD, but I don’t want to set the bar too low.

I’m also doggedly logging everything – a great tool for managing calorie and macronutrient intake, having a record to help identify any patterns if things start to go off track will be an added benefit. I’ve already had a minor 3 day stall – managed not to comletely flip out thanks to the plateau threads here – but it was a challenge.

So not hungry, lovely new consistent level of energy throughout the day and I swear I am sleeping more soundly.

What’s not to love? Hmmmm … maybe saying a sad goodbye to risotto.

Thanks, Essie – I’ll keep an eye out for them. Turmeric is a superfood!

Netrition has a really good low carb section. I regularly order things from them that I can’t find anywhere else. Have you tried the pili nuts with the turmeric spicing? So, so great.

These are delicious! Sometimes hard to find though, so it’s great to have a source
this side of the pond. Thanks, Esnecca! For those interested, they are also high
in magnesium as well. Luvtcook?

I have just discovered a new freebie and it is absolutely scrumtious. Pili nuts. They are high in calories, as most nuts are, because of the high levels of omega-3 fats but the carb count makes up for it and then some. A 28-gram serving has 1 gram carbs, .8 of them fiber, which means .2 grams net! No other nut even comes close to that rock bottom carb count. To top it all off, they are close-your-eyes-and-make-yummy-noises tasty. Buttery, rich and seasoned with a variety of wonderful spice combinations.

I haven’t seen them anywhere in shops. I got them online here: https://www2.netrition.com/pure-traditions-sprouted-pili-nuts.html

Hi, pettip, we can all sympathize with feeling that things are veering out of control for
you. I completely agree with luvtcook’s suggestion that you make some time in your
life for yourself to try and refocus. Allow it to mark a new beginning for you. As
women, we can so easily take care of everyone else but ourselves. With teenagers
to keep and eye on and a kitchen in chaos, you must make time for yourself, regardless
of how alien it may feel to you. You have done fabulously well in your weight loss so far,
and I know that you will continue to if you just pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and
place the last week firmly in the past. Focus on tomorrow, and come here for support.
We are with you!

Hugs,

Allie

Hi Flick, just wanted to say that I’m in a similar place to you (albeit a slightly heavier place!) – started 10 days ago, have lost around 4 kg so far, and am wondering why I haven’t done this before. My initial goal is to lose 20 kg, and then see how I feel. Like you I really can’t believe that I’m not hungry and keep thinking that I must have overeaten, even though I’m logging every single thing that I eat, down to the two hazelnuts that I had this afternoon.

I like that you say we’re all smart – we are! And we’re doing the right thing.

Look forward to hearing how you get on.

Ali

Hello everyone. May I join you all? I lost 2 stone this time last year following the BSD way of eating (800 cals and 20/30 carbs really worked for me). Unfortunately, and foolishly, I’ve put it all back on over the last year so this is just the kickstart I need again. Looking forward to hearing about all of your losses.

Marie, visceral fat BE GONE! I know you can do it……Look what you have achieved
so far? Really happy for you. Just keep your eye on the prize 🙂 🙂 🙂

Thanks Theodora – yes, I really am thrilled – and hope it will be encouraging for others. I’ve still got more weight to lose so my next goal is to reduce that visceral fat from around my waist as well as maintaining those bg levels for my next hba1c.
Marie x

Mariet: for parties what works for me is to head for the creamiest most fat laden thing available (cheeses, creamy dips) and do a round of that with veg dipper first to fill up and kill any hunger. For drinks….wine spritzer. Half a glass of white wine…add healthy dose of ice cubes and top off with seltzer water. Any time your glass gets low….top off with seltzer water (two refill rounds) before doing a second and last round of half wine & half seltzer….with two seltzer refills. After that….only raw crunchy veg. That should limit the real alcohol to a total of one real glass of wine for the night…..and the fatty start will keep the little wine you are actually having from going to your head. And you should end up feeling like you joined the party and did not miss out.

Pettip: at least 2-3 of that has to be water weight from the carbs, and should fall off the first 1-2 days you return to low carb eating. Treat yourself to a “spa day” to restart BSD if you can …..a message or a pedicure, or hair done, and lunch out with a wondeful healthy low carb meal to restart your engine. Good for your mind and spirit, away from the stress. Have the most luxurious low carb thing you can afford (for me….oysters on the half shell or shrimp cocktail, followed by a huge salad). Don’t let all that work you just did to get to your 30lbs off go to waste. Do what you need to in order to get your mind refocused. Be selfish and take care of you for one lovely peace filled zen day. I have let a hard won 35lb loss to slip away from me as a bad couple of days turned into a 6 mo long downward spiral. Do not let it happen to you…..stop if in its tracks as fast as you can but it all starts in your head.

Two weeks and 4.2kg down, I am so grateful (and just a little bit stunned) that I found Mosley’s book and this wonderful forum and STARTED.

This was me two weeks ago –

60 and happily retired from a demanding career, proud mother of two wonderful daughters, love to cook, bushwalk and scuba dive. So why BSD? Over the last10 years my weight has crept up and up, peaking at 82 kilos 5 years ago (my healthy weight range is between 55 and 67kg). Since then two attempts to lose weight, low carb high protein and more recently a simple calorie counting, resulted in some weight loss, but it was erratic and very hard won.

So why BSD now? Because, like everyone in this forum, I am smart. I am carrying all this weight in my middle (I look like a barrel with legs) and information on how dangerous this is, is everywhere. (fatty liver and dementia anyone?). Annual health check last year was fine, fasting blood sugar was 4.9 and that is how I want it to stay, slightly elevated triglycerides this eating style should address, oh and I would also like to enjoy yoga without my tummy getting in the way.

Progress so far – starting weight 78.3kg BMI 28.7 current 74.1kg. I find two meals a day is working best for me so have settled into a 16/8 pattern. After trawling through this forum I pay attention to drinking loads of water, keep track of carbs (mostly around 20), no alcohol (sob) and no snacking. I am stunned that I am not hungry.

My goal is 60kg (despite this terrific start 60kg seems impossible) and maintain a low carb, Mediterranean way of eating into the future. Just now though I’m having a bit of trouble keeping protein at a moderate level.

So good luck to everyone who started in November, we laugh in the face of Christmas feasting!

Hello everyone. I’ve done my 2nd round of 8-weeks (shed 30lb) & have just had a disastrous 8 days on maintenance – put on 8lb, treating my body like a dustbin. Thought I could manage but with the stress of having a new kitchen fitted & being unable to cook properly & not much space for food prep (& extra stroppy teenage daughters) my resolve has vanished. I love this WOE, but am stuck & don’t really know what to do next. The weight has to come off.

I think doing this challenge will help me focus. What is everyone doing? 800 cals?

Hi everyone, count me in! Surely, surely this is going to be the challenge when I get to goal, after confidently expecting it since September 🙂 63.2kg today and 700g to mow down.
My personal challenge will be to negotiate the parties and fun without going too far off the rails! This is my first Christmas following BSD but the closer i get to goal the less well I seem to cope with social occasions.

Hi everyone, final day of the challenge and I am surprised but happy with 1.7kg gone over this four weeks. SO many social events, I was a bit despondent for a while but there you go, plugging away in between has a good outcome 🙂 700g now or 1.5lb to my final goal, surely I can manage that during the next challenge??

Our Christmas traditions have changed totally over the past 5 years. My children are all grown and have partners which complicates things for them. Their families are spread over more than 100km so Christmas day is more like a marathon for them than a relaxing day, poor things. With that in mind we settled for Christmas Breakfast last year and that worked really well. We had the beautiful Christmas table and a huge spread of breakfast food as festive as possible, then presents under the tree and all were gone by 9.30am! Very different from any other Christmas Day but I really enjoyed it and as I go away up the coast every Boxing day I had the rest of the day to potter around and get ready.

This year my mother and brother are coming over to join us so we will have 10 for breakfast 🙂

Looking forward to it and it’ll be an added bonus if I’m at (or under) my final goal!

I am 3 kg down too after week 1. I did have a few sneaky vodka/diet tonics over the weekend, but otherwise have done well in week 1. I am actually finding week 2 harder. Felt woozy and weak all day yesterdat…seems my carb flu is a bit delayed!

So sorry, meant to say that I’m working on a boxing day brunch in honor of ALL my
new British/Aussie friends! Knowing you has brought a new special delight to my
life. Very grateful 🙂 🙂 🙂

Allie

Wow, Marie – great news. How fantastic is that😃

You must be over the moon, and it will be so encouraging to newcomers.

Really pleased to hear your uncle is on the road to recovery. Well done on being a ministering angel.

Just saying hello because I don’t appear to be getting the posts!

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 🙂