Hi Marie. Have always wanted to visit England. My in-laws are from there. In fact my father-in-law comes from Northumberland. Is that anywhere near your neck of the woods? We live in a pretty little valley not far from Hobart. I often do a 3k walk up and down the valley and sometimes a circuit of 5k’s. If I walk from my house up in the hills to the village it is also 5ks.

Way to go Marie! Hope you enjoyed a beautiful walk. That is still something I am struggling to make a habit of. Exercise. When I get out there I enjoy myself but I struggle with energy having a history of CFS but I am getting there! I am impressed your fridge raids consist of yogurt! Not something like. …..the C word. …CHOCOLATE! You are an inspiration and have been off great encouragement to me. If I can do anything to help you lose your next pound let me know. 😊

Yes Kazzee am due for some measurements, will bite the bullet and measure. After this weekend am pretty peeved with myself. But I can and will do this, just settle and regroup. Where can I find your story?
Cheers
Donna

Hi Marie
This is the 4th time I have attempted a reply, each time I have written a novella, then whoop – I get kicked out – really peeving me!!
Glad your trip went well (you didn’t actually say you enjoyed it!) and bummer about the Tikka – sneaky little dish it is – I have made myself what I thought was a Carb friendly butter chick in the past (before launching into the BSD), now I wonder how friendly it really was!!
My village has hosted the annual Music Festival this weekend and boy oh boy did I certainly know I would be challenged – and I was. So I have had some glasses of bubbly and some unfriendly foods and Bg soars to 8.3 and I haven’t got it down low enough or under control yet anyway. Big regroup for me – feeling very weak and hopeless, will try and get past that and remember I am a mere mortal, with a lifetime of carb addiction under my belt!! Oh bummer!!
I also overdid the calories a bit on Wed and Thurs last week – nothing major however, bloods were a bit up also. Have decided to leave them alone again and just get back on the wagon and know that if I am doing the right thing all should be well and on the decline.
How is the exercise plan going – you should end up with the body of a youngster!!! Woohoo!!! Tapped into Panda’s posts and she is doing so very well.
Looking forward to hearing from you Marie – where in the North of England. My maternal Grandmother was from Kirkby Stephen – Westmorland (think that is Cumbria now?) and maternal great grandmother – Geeze can’t remember – but her dad’s family from Ripon – Dad’s maternal grandfather from Somerset. Lot of Pom in there of course being an Australian – think there is a convict in the Irish link – when I finally can retire am going to get researching ancestry.
Have a great week, stay away from the Tikka😀😀. I will get back on track. Go get em all
Donnaxx

Thanks Esnecca – I suppose the reason I’m pussyfooting around at the moment is because I can’t fit in the full 8 weeks before Christmas. I don’t know if it’s OK to start and then have a break for a bit. Also, I’m kind of waiting to see what my blood tests say, although I don’t know why as I’ve decided I’m doing this anyway.I need to get myself organised to take the plunge…

The longer you take weaning yourself off the bad carbs (wheat, sugar, grain, cereal, potatoes/starchy root veg, most fruit) the more painful the process will be and the longer it will take before your tastes adapt. Consider going cold turkey. It’s best for sugar addicts who literally can’t envision a life without their fix of poison, and I speak from many years of experience. Getting rid of my sweet tooth and discovering the high-octane joy of bitter, sour and salty foods has been one of the most enlightening, liberating experiences of my life.

Just go for it. Dive in, the water’s warm!

If you’re anything like me, your estimates are almost certainly wrong, like, by miles. Beans in particular can be shockingly high in carbs and calories. Count first, and that means counting everything that goes into your mouth, ideally before it does.

Muscles don’t deplete with use. They deplete with disuse. That’s what atrophy is. I think it’s true that willpower is similar to a muscle in that sense. You have to work it out to develop it. People seem to think it’s something pre-determined, something you either have or you don’t have, but one thing the BSD has taught me is that willpower is your choice to make. It’s 100% mental. And I say this as someone who sat on her ass for close to 20 years until I was so hyperobese (300+ pounds at 5’2″) that getting up to walk 10 feet to the bathroom was a monumental effort. That was a year and a half ago. This morning I weighed 122.4 pounds.

California Girl, sorry, somehow I missed your post above, but now that I’ve read it, I feel as though the words are coming out of my mouth! It’s really encouraging to hear that your metabolism, like Allie’s and mine, seems to have gone into overdrive.

Just like you, I feel uncomfortably full really easily so I’m in no danger of over-eating. I too sleep (or in fact don’t sleep ) with only a sheet for cover, because I am so hot. In fact, most nights, being hot is what keeps me from sleeping! Heading into winter here and last night I even had to throw the sheet off.

I really do think this WOE is doable for life. I seriously rarely feel hungry (that’s not to say I don’t get the munchies sometimes, but that is definitely only “mouth” hunger and easily overcome) and as long as we stay off the refined carbs which, let’s face it, still gives us an enormous array of eating choices, we’ll all be fine.

Though how on earth you manage between 2200 and 2500 cals a day is beyond me! I’m really struggling to consume between 1500 and 1700 without feeling uncomfortably full.

None of them are low carb. Some are complex carbs and theoretically not as bad for you because they are digested more slowly, but for me quinoa and brown rice cause an insulin reaction just like durum pasta and white rice do. Chickpeas are the same. Very high in carbohydrates, like most legumes, albeit less likely to bring on a blood sugar spike because they’re high in fiber and take longer for the body to digest.

I haven’t tried pancakes because I didn’t much care for them when I did eat white carbs, but I’ve had most success making breads and muffins using a combination of almond flour, flaxseed meal, oat fiber and lupin flour. The lupin flour and oat fiber I bought online. The other two are pretty easy to find in shops these days.

Good luck!

Hi everyone, I’ve been reading but not posting for a while as I try to sort out what’s happening for me. It’s wonderful to hear all the success stories, full of hope and eventual ‘normality’, but sadly I’m not there yet and am finding maintenance a scary tightrope walk with frequent discouragements!
I decided I was at “maintenance”, even though I’m still classed as overweight, because I think I had little hope of losing much more and it had become so slow. Over the past 11 months I’ve shed 30kgs = 66lbs = 4 stone 10lb, feel so much better, and I do enjoy this way of eating, I can’t say I feel deprived as such but I’m really over the constant vigilance! Seems if I have just a relatively normal day – not crazy on carbs – the scales head north again.
I think Californiagirl’s comment “people are being depressed for no reason thinking they will be a lifetime with restricted food intake — I think we lose a lot of people because they fear they will never eat again.” is very true….certainly struck a chord with me when I read it!
I’m not going to give up….I’ve achieved too much and am too scared to quit anyway. But right now there’s not much joy in it. Sorry for the ‘downer’, I know this is meant to be an encouraging place…..
My guess is that in order to experience being able to eat more normally (not carbs, just Mediterranean-style) I’m going to have to lose a lot more, and get out of all ‘overweight’ categories. Maybe another year of vigilance…..which right now sounds like Mt. Everest! I’m also concerned that if I lose much more I’ll start to look really haggard, with way too much skin?!
Anyhow….it does feel better to be able to share all that, and I am profoundly impressed and excited for those who have seen this through to places you never thought you’d be. What a bunch of heroes!
All the best from Western Australia,
Sue

Hi Jackie and Theodora

Theodora – Thanks for confirming you believe it’s the diet. The print-out from the scan is titled Inbody Data Management System – I assume the one you use and this one do a similar analysis. Maybe yours provides more detail but if not, I’m always happy to hear I’m getting a bargain!

Jackie – yes, that is exactly like me – 2 stone to lose – 46% fat and I’m 5ft 2ins. So yes, it’s doable isn’t it.That’s a really good thought for me. Brilliant.

Thanks both.
Marie x

Hi all,
we have almost completed a week and I have lost some weight and I do feel slimmer, but my official weigh-in day is Sunday. I have not been as careful with the 800 calories as I would have liked but I have a considerable amount of frozen chicken and bean stews that have to be eaten or they will get frost damage. I have been estimating a reasonably small bowlful at about 500 calories and the rest is taken up with a good amount of steamed veggies mainly frozen, but some fresh depending on what I have lurking about. I am so glad I have found this forum, it has been instrumental in keeping me on the almost straight and narrow foodwise

One problem I thought that might encounter is that I have cut most of the crap out of my diet a long time ago and that this would make it harder for me to lose weight , but I am hoping that as I had a really bad habit of eating good stuff on a LCHF diet as espoused by many eminent doctors, but far too much of it, but my take was, if it’s good for you more is better. I just love butter and cream but luckily have shunned margarine for years as an unnatural product and it seems that I was right. Even though I definitely had enough to eat during the day, I always had a substantial snack in the evening which mitigated against me losing any weight.

I hope that we have all had a good week and next week will be better, and we all go from strength to strength and lose fat bigtime. 🙂 I will evaluate my progress and lower my calories and watch more carefully what I am eating. I was on a blog this morning and it didn’t fill me with joy making me feel that I haven’t prepared nearly enough for this WOE, but we are all on a steep learning curve. I included a small snippet of the blog below, and have included the web link if anyone wants to read the full article.

Quote
[“According to psychological research, your willpower is like a muscle. It’s a finite resource that depletes with use. As a result, by the end of your strenuous days, your willpower muscles are exhausted and you’re left to your naked and defenceless self — with zero control to stop the night-time munchies and time wasters.”]

https://journal.thriveglobal.com/willpower-doesnt-work-here-s-how-to-actually-change-your-life-9fb9a85762ca

I had better end now it’s almost time for bed.

Kind regards, taurusmmuk.

Cheers Pancita – not sure if I’m allowed to call myself a Scot, but I’ve been here for 26 years now, so as good as.

I’ve not started the diet yet,but am trying a few lower carb days anyway and can’t wait til I can pass by a plate of spaghetti or say no to a scone. I’m not even going to think about doughnuts…

Hi Nittinlass,

A sentence in your post reminded me of something I read on another forum.
This phenomenon of “gaining a pound, losing a pound, repeat”, weight going up and down a bit, has a name. “Bride’s nighty syndrome.” I like this name!

Good luck with curing it! xx

Hi there,

I’ve made buckwheat pancakes, not unlike Breton crepes I suppose; they are wonderful, but I don’t think buckwheat is “on plan” if you have blood sugar issues. In terms of “proper BSD” I think all those flours are off limits.

If you’re doing this for weight loss only and have some off-plan meals or days, then a few pancakes of any kind, or indeed a bit of whatever you fancy, is okay once in a while. That’s certainly been my attitude throughout, and although it’s not made me any friends on the Facebook group 😮, it’s still allowed me to improve my health immensely.

Best wishes,
P xx

Hi Alibalibee,
(I’m guessing you’re a Scot from that name!)
I just wanted to say as a fellow sceptic, Can there possibly be life without cake, bread and macaroni cheese?, Yes, there is!
I’d never have believed it. I feel so alive and awake and well. Reducing carbs (though, don’t tell anyone, not completely eliminating them) has been a revelation, and my tastes have changed, I think for ever. My partner too.
I hope you will feel similar benefits.
One day you too may turn up your nose at a Paesano pizza, an iced jam doughnut, a plate of spaghetti. 😀😀
Good luck!

I have had success with this programme before and find the fast weight loss really motivating. I am not great on persisting though and would love some buddies to share the challenges and successes virtually!

I am based in NZ, 45 years old and I struggle with my weight after a breast cancer diagnosis 4 1/2 years ago. I have stages of being really reckless with my eating and drinking, my exercise is either all on or non-existent and I am looking at a new plan for life….not just in the short term. Consistency is key!

I am doing a kind of induction week this week before I start formally. I am dropping all processed carbs, reducing fruit (I love the super sweet options like mango and grapes so will replace with berries) and reducing calories. I am spending the week reading and preparing for a focused start!

Anyone keen to join me?

Thanks Kazzzii and Jackie – it’s really heartening to hear from you both and know that others are going through the same thing. Did you both do the 8 week diet?

I think, my main worry at the moment is how I’m going to live without cake! And spaghetti! And toast! I think I have to change my way of thinking – I don’t need those things. And actually, cutting out all the snacking is going to do everyone in the family good.

Thanks Theodora, it’s fascinating – whole new world and so different from standard diet advice!

Hey there Ali, I am 48 and at beginning of August was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Like you I had size 14 jeans and they still fitted (ish) but I had just given in and bought some size 16 knickers. Approx 4 months later I am not overweight and need a belt for the jeans. Haven’t been retested yet but no longer ache, don’t need a nap in the afternoon, havevstacks more energy and feel so much better. 2 stone gone! Like you I exercised enough. I was also eating healthily – though then adding some really bad stuff on top!

Lots of others on here who have far more impressive stories than mine in terms of diabetes reversal and amounts loss, but this diet totally worked for me and radically reducing carbs is the best thing I ever did.

As they say on here – onwards and downwards!

Never fear, Mary, the nether regions are always covered, no need to
shock anyone with my bony, wrinkled old lady bottom! Or lack of
one, I should say. Yep, I’m a sex goddess, alright. Nothing for
Victoria’s Secret or other lingerie catalog, just an old flannel night-
gown 6 sizes too big that covers me neck to ankle! It’s cold.
I’m so sleep deprived at the moment that I’m indulging in a duvet
day today. (I love that British expression!) I’m feeling extra slothful
thinking about Julia filling her lungs with beautiful clean air at
Lake Tahoe during her hike today, while I lounge about. Everything
isn’t totally sedate, however….As I type this, our male bluepoint, “Rocket”has already walked across my keyboard once, and his sister, Pippiis now drinking water out of my bedside glass. I’m using my elbow to keep Rocket from a repeat performance, but he’s realized I’m
not really paying attention, so he’s now dipping his paws into my
yogurt lunch bowl, and transferring the contents to his mouth.
Shortly they will both crash for @ 2 hrs, using my legs as their
back support, and then we’ll begin the cycle again when I start
prepping the fish for dinner. The 2 of them will be on the counter
within inches of the cutting board and my elbows will be in use
again to fend them off. I’ve tried locking them in the bedroom,
but as you probably know, the siamese breed is very vocal. I’d
rather have the countertop interference than the howling, so I
just accommodate them. (They seem incapable of learning the
concept “NO”!) And yes, they are spoiled……….I never give them
any scraps, but hope springs eternal just the same. Just a little
slice of life from the “House of Lewis” for you today 🙂 I’ll save
their nocturnal adventures for another post. Think mice in the bed!
I’m completely entranced by your lovely day. I’m smiling at the
screen of my laptop. I can see your arms around little Joe,
whispering in his ear. Great news too, about his new and improved
seating arrangements! These are the moments that fill our hearts
to bursting, aren’t they? Sometimes people don’t recognize these
beautiful days til they have past. You are blessed to appreciate
them in real time. Than you SO MUCH for sharing them with us!
I’ll be thinking of you dancing with the stars tonight. Doc Martin
better be on or I won’t be happy. Enjoy your glass of fizz!

Sweet dreams, my lovely,

Allie
xoxoxo

Mary – I didn’t see your earlier post, they must have crossed! thank you so much for your congratulations! I can’t wait to be able to do cartwheels with or without drawers! snigger! Yes, I will certainly join you and aim for the 15s by Xmas. Wouldn’t that be a feather in our caps? We have 6 weeks, so looking at no less that a 2lb loss per week for me. It would have been doable a decade ago but I’m a slow loser these days, but I will try and get as close as possible!
Your afternoon sounded idyllic – I’m a bit envious as all my nieces and nephews (my bestie’s kids} are all grown up now but I used to love reading or telling them stories and watching Toy Story with them. Yes, must go and get comfy ready for Strictly. And then Terminator, Genesys! Love a sci fi!

Bye for now xxx

I’ve tried making pancakes, from the BSD recipe book, with ground almonds and they fell apart. Coconut flour helped, but I wondered about other flours? I went to my local wholefood shop and they have a dazzling array of them, including quinoa flour and carob flour, both of which are low GI, I believe. Does anyone know of any good low-ish GI flours, other than almond, which is way too expensive. I know chick pea flour is low carb.

These were the flours they stock, if anyone has info on what GI they are or whether they are low key carb, I’d be grateful:
Quinoa
Polenta
Maize meal
Soya
Brown rice
Buckwheat
Carob
Semolina
Tapioca

Hi Nittenlass

A superb result for you both, absolutely well done!

You can buy Michael’s The Fast Diet by clicking on the resources button above which will take you to Amazon. This is probably more of a slower way of following the same BSD principles but have two days out of 7 on much less calories. There are many authors that have produced books on The Mediterranean diet so I would read the reviews and pick out the best from there.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Kazz

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!

I could not be happier for you Kazz. It is lovely to get the support on here and everyone is incredibly supportive, but ultimately you are responsible for it working. Your dinner sounds wonderful. Enjoy your drink mindfully! We are having Gammon and “Red Slaw” from the cookbook.

I was very shocked to see Aston go out last week. I thought he danced better. His back wasn’t as straight as it could have been, but all the steps were there and it was a good dance. I know it wasn’t traditional, but he shouldn’t have been penalised for his partners’ choreography. I will stop there as I can chat for hours about that sort of thing.

Now I have to go and prepare the slaw before I have my shower. Enjoy my lovely Kazz. Later…

Love Mary
xxxx

Hi Alibalibee

A very warm welcome to you – you are in the right place for plenty of support and tons of experience knowledge from our veteran BSDers.

I’ve had the tests and am not diabetic although, like you, I half suspected I might be. I have psoriasis and diverticular disease which has been giving me quite bad IBS symptoms which is what lead me to this particular lifestyle change – giving up refined carbs really helps with the IBS type symptoms and my P is calming down now. I’m 3 months in and am 55. Lived on bread and drank way too much red wine! I was also a size 30 UK and am now a 26. After my first few days, I started to feel pretty amazing, no more unexplained twinges, creaks and aches, more energy, walking more easily. It takes a while to unlearn everything we have been told over the last 40 years, but once you do get your head around it, it’s pretty easy. Thinking ahead and possibly batch cooking when you can find a spare couple of hours works for me. I had my groceries delivered for the first couple of months because I could still be swayed by the bakery aisle and the wines on offer!

I’m excited to be able to support you and follow your journey. 🙂

Kazzzii

OK, so here I am after years of being in denial. I’m a middle aged, overweight woman with a strong family history of diabetes. I’ve been telling myself for too long that I’m not that fat, that I eat healthily and exercise enough, I really am only a UK size 14 – honest! I can still (just about) fasten my jeans.

I’m awaiting the results of a blood test ordered by my GP after having several bouts of oral thrush. I’m fairly sure that I have type 2 diabetes, or am at least prediabetic : I’ve thought for a while that I might be but just ignored the tiredness, the small cuts that take ages to heal. But while I wait for the results, I’ve decided that I need to do something no matter what the outcome. If I am diabetic, I’ll do the full on eight weeks, if I’m prediabetic I’ll give it a go for at least four weeks and then go low carb, but even if I’m lucky enough to be OK blood sugar wise, I’m going to still do that.

So my questions for people here: have you all had your blood tested? Are there people here who aren’t diabetic? Have you managed to shock your body out of prediabetes?

I’m feeling quite anxious but also positive about starting this change in my life. I think I’m going to need some support…

Thank you so much Allie. Your post about doing cartwheels at 4am in your nightgown really made me laugh. The picture of scrooge in a christmas carol came to mind – the bit where he’s jumping for glee around his bedchamber! 🙂

The doc confirmed coeliac negative – good news! But there could possibly be a borderline sensitivity perhaps. Liver function test normal, but the inflammatory marker still slightly raised. When I mentioned Mary’s comment about psoriasis perhaps, she said, oh yes, that could well be why. She asked about my bathroom habits and I confirmed no more bloat, wind, gurgling and only one visit per day and non dia but quite soft (sorry)! Anyway she said even a sore throat or a cold could show up an inflammatory result so … nothing to worry about although she wants me to have another test in a couple of weeks to see if it has come down now my psoriasis has stopped flaring so much. She also mentioned that I should keep an eye on stuff and if I should see blood, then to go back straight away! Scare me why don’t you! I guess with these IBS type symptoms, the dreaded C is always lurking at the back of your mind! Overall she was delighted to hear of my weight loss and this BSD lifestyle change and told me to keep up the good work!

I then went and got my hair cut into a cute short bob style. My hairdresser, Sue, said with your much slimmer face Kaz, it really suits you! Yey, NSV!! If only I could achieve the same volume that they do at the hairdressers but I shall try using one of those combination hair dryer, round brush contraptions!

It’s all good and tonight I am going to treat myself to a couple of vodkas, lime and soda whilst watching Strictly come dancing. Mary – can you believe that Aston went out last week?! I’m also having a lean pork chop, smothered in mustard and baked with cauliflower and steamed green beans and a bit of gravy! Yum yum

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend where ever you are my wonderful friends, and thank you all for your support and delight and routing me on. Who needs a slimming club?!

Lots of love
Kazzzeeeegettingslimmer! xxxx

Ooh, right! Sorry, it’s just that I’ve been reading the blood sugar diet book and I could have sworn there was a recommendation to get a digital blood sugar tester to test levels and track improvements etc…. did I miss something??

Hi there, as you are not diabetic the readings on a meter would mean absolutely nothing except that your BG goes up when you eat and goes down between meals or is low when you are hungry. Why on earth do you want to be stabbing yourself for no reason.

Sorry if this is not what you want to hear or think this is not helpful but testing has to be to some good. It would do nothing but make you paranoid about something that should not be concerning you.

Hi, I want to get myself a blood sugar/glucose tester but don’t know where to start. I’m not diabetic (I think!) and just want something affordable, basic, and accurate. Does anybody have any suggestions as I’ve looked and am overwhelmed by the options etc.?

Also, how often should I test myself? What time of day? Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks.

Hello my lovelies..

Kazz you are amazing. So effing well done! Welcome to the 16 club. I am looking forward to reaching the 15 club too. Hopefully, before Christmas…fingers crossed. Join me? I hope the news from the Doctor was good?

Allie, the image you paint is startling. Please remember to put your drawers on before doing those cartwheels lol.

I have had a wonderful day. My DD brought my lovely grandies around. One went to bed and my lovely boy and I made Gingerbread People. While his mother went shopping. When they were cooking we watched “Polar Express.” He loved it. Then when they were cool, we painted faces and buttons etc. Considering he is only 3 he did amazingly well. He also enjoyed eating two smaller members of the gingerbread family, plus hundreds and thousands (sprinkles) and silver balls which we used as eyes. As we were watching the rest of the film. He sat on my lap….ON MY LAP…not on top of the huge belly that used to be there! He was able to lean back and rest his head on my shoulder! I whispered in his ear “I hope you will remember this when you are older.” It was a magical moment for me. When his mother was his age, I didn’t think I could ever love anyone the way I loved her. Now I love all my grandies and my daughters. I am so, so, lucky! I wish I could bottle my happiness and send it to everyone in the world.

Today, being Saturday, I get to watch my dancing programme and have a drink. First I am going to have a lovely hot shower. Thank you all for being here and supporting me and everyone. We are such a family!

All my love
Nonna Mary
xxxx

A wee update from us. A belated thank you, Mixnmatch, for your advice, the diet worked for us. My husband and I both lost 13 pounds over 8 weeks, my blood sugar is lower as is my blood pressure and a loss of 3.5 inches off my waist. We have continued with the diet but to be honest, we’ve kind of lost a pound, gained a pound – repeat. We are still on a loss of 13 pounds total each and we want to continue with the diet plans. We feel we want to move over to the Mediterranean diet, or maybe the 5:2. Can anyone advise where we can find the guidelines for the Mediterranean diet? The book we have is the 8 week blood sugar diet book so we need more information on the Mediterranean diet – I’m happy to purchase another book, I’m just not sure which one to go for. I’m in the UK. Thank you!

Sounding as though you are all doing well in your refocusing, so still jumping here, still cheering, and still waving those pink pompoms for you all.

V – hope the blood test goes well. x

Hi all — some interesting thoughts Ancient weaver — I agree, skin tone keeps improving as we eat the BSD way! I have read that sugar is particularly damaging to skin and probably cutting the sugar (in ALL forms) has made a huge difference but I also agree that wild fish and lots of veg like parsley and greens of all sorts must also be helping.
I saw an old acquaintance the other day and she stopped dead and said “don’t you ever age?” Which was an incredible compliment and testament to the BSD! (She doesn’t know I go to bed at 8 pm which I think is a sure sign of aging ha ha!).
By the way, regarding sleep, this may not apply to you because your sleep pattern is old but the research says we should turn OFF our computers and cell phones and tablets very early in the evening — I don’t use mine after 6 pm — because the specific blue light they emit interferes with your production of melatonin. Melatonin has its own daily cycle in the body and rises at night to set us up for sleep.
I have started to go back to reading at night to help me sleep (and don’t look at phone during night, use a regular alarm clock)

How lovely to see you all logging in here again. Really great to have “our thread” reactivated and to hear how you are all doing – which, by the sound of it, is great so well done to everyone. I am convinced that the support and encouragement we give and receive on this forum is the absolute keystone to our success – so please keep on keeping on, and please keep on logging in to update us all.

Big pat on the back to you all.

Great to see you here Cathy, and thanks for the “bread” recipe.. I may be trying that one soon, may be nice with a bit of cheese?

Jackie, I think it’s the reverse dieting that is responsible – it apparently teaches the metabolism to “readapt” to more calories. There is loads of info on google, and I think most of the science behind it is anecdotal rather than scientifically proven, but it seems to be working for me – you can have a read here to start with (it’s just one of the first that popped up just now when I googled)

https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/the-ultimate-guide-to-reverse-dieting.html

Marie, as far as body fat percentage is concerned, I think it is the diet, although obviously the exercise helps to build muscle. I have always been reasonably fit, even when overweight, and I started with a body fat percentage of 33.6. It has been slowly declining since I started the diet – when I reached maintenance way back in early May it had reduced to 24.7 and has continued to drop slowly over the past 6 months, and is now 22.3. I assume your leisure centre “body scan” is a bodytrax? If so, £5 is a bargain – I have to pay double that!!

Interesting reading on how many calories you are needing every day to keep from losing more weight Theodora — I have found that I seem to be in metabolism overdrive since I got to goal also — I can eat a lot of food and not see any gain if it is BSD-friendly and low carb and I probably average 2200-2500 per day.
The only problem I have run into is that my stomach doesn’t like big meals anymore and if I eat a big amount at one time, my stomach actually hurts and it seems to take forever to get back to the point where I feel “empty” — I am not sure if it is physical or mental or both — but I consciously stop eating now to avoid that feeling, even with BSD-friendly foods.
But the increased metabolism is amazing and I am also warm all the time and I sleep with less blankets (and I am post-menopause hot flashes, mostly at 62) ha ha
So weight loss alone clearly does NOT lower your metabolism and people are being depressed for no reason thinking they will be a lifetime with restricted food intake — I think we lose a lot of people because they fear they will never eat again.

Thank you for the very warm welcome to this thread. I woke up this morning feeling really positive and have decided that now I am a healthy weight I am going to optimise my health with more good food. I had a glass of sparkling water with apple cider vinegar which wasn’t that pleasant. I’ve ordered some raw honey and some Ceylon Cinnamon from Amazon to enhance the flavour! I have got the clever guts book but not read it yet. However, I’ve just been to see my mother-in-law who reads the daily mail and I’ve just made a recipe from yesterday’s paper and I’ve eaten my first “bread” in 10 months. It is called “bread you can make in a mug”. It was delicious. It makes about 4 slices and I had two slices with cream cheese on it with salad leaves . Here is the recipe and you won’t believe how lovely it is and all BSD friendly.

2tsp coconut oil
1 large egg
2 tbsp ground almonds or ground walnuts
3 tbsp ground flaxseeds
Half tsp baking powder
Generous pinch of salt

Microwave the coconut oil in a mug with straight sides for 20 to 30 seconds. Use the oil to grease the sides of the mug.

In a small bowl thoroughly mix together the egg, 2 tsp water, the nuts, ground flaxseeds, baking powder and salt.
Pour the mixture into the mug. Stir the mixture with a fork to incorporate the coconut oil, making sure the top is level.

Microwave for one minute. If the bread still appears moist microwave for another 10-20 seconds. Avoid overlooking as this will make the texture rubbery. If it is still runny at the bottom put it back in for another 10-20 seconds. Allow to cool for a few minutes then cut into slices.

I had to share this with you as it was a revelation. It is 100 calories a slice but I haven’t worked out the carb content.

This is so quick and easy to make and a nice change.

Weight this morning was 132.2.

Let me know if you make it and what you think.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Cathy

Marie – I had 2stone to lose at the point I was 46% fat too! 5’3” height – is that like you?

Can’t stop thinking about Theodora and Alliecat and your continuing weight loss, especially given during the process it takes people a long time sometimes and lots of plateaus and stalling. I would love (as I am sure you would!) to know what is happening – do you think your muscles are now just so good at converting energy from fat you are in SuperDrive? I’d love to know at a biological level what was going on, it’s fascinating. Maybe MM would know?! Maybe you should drop him a line?! I love that our bodies are so responsive to change, after years of struggling and never getting anywhere, given the right ingredients.

Hi JackieM

Thanks for getting back to me so quick. Yes, I remember reading you had been working with a Personal Trainer for a while before BSD – wasn’t it the result of a back or shoulder problem, through rehab?

Ok so onward with the diet it is, then, which is fine as the ultimate goal is to control my blood sugars and this will be my woe long-term. I’ve still got approximately another 2 stone to lose so still time to reduce that body fat %. I plan to have another body scan (£5 at leisure centre) at the end of the 12 weeks – as you say, no point before – so will see then if there’s been any % change.

Given that exercise has been an alien concept to me I am actually enjoying the gym. Of course I know me and it’s very early to say about the long-term but enjoying something is half the battle.

Thanks again for responding and hope maintaining goes well for you.
Cheers
Marie x

Hi Marie123 – it is isn’t it and crept up on me as I normally get off scales before I see %. I’ve been weight training longer than I’ve been on BSD so I have to say I think it’s the diet. Also, it took a while to change, partly why I stopped checking.

I love weight training, it gets you out of breath without noticing! And compound exercises using your own body weight. My PT is an ex-gymnast and big into core work. I joke I’ve done so many squats and lunges I must be good enough to stop now! But they build up the big muscles in leg and bum which then keep on burning calories. I am in no way bulky, though, but I do feel very strong and centred.

Best of luck with it, I hope the PT suits you and you find out it’s something you love xx

Hi everyone, still at the same weight but happy to have already lost just over 3lbs which means I have 7lbs to go to reach my Christmas goal so will make an all out effort starting Monday but still being strict over the weekend. Today I have had a blueberry and green tea smoothie which was only around 75 calories then tuna and cream cheese dip with red pepper and celery around 170 calories and tonight I am having steak with a mushroom sauce and cauli mash – around 400 calories – so a total of 650 calories leaving space for a couple of glasses of wine.

I have just watched a video by a nutritionist which helped me understand overeating (which I rarely do now). She talked about white carbs and processed food creating pleasure sensations stimulating the production of dopamine which makes us want more of that feeling hence desire to eat more. Then she explained that creation of more insulin (the fat magnet) cut off the production of ghrelin which decreases appetite and then cuts out the leptin which tells us when we are full. I guess a lot of you already know about these processes but it just put into perspective what it is that bad carbs actually do to our bodies, giving a scientific explanation why this diet actually works and why we can survive on 800 calories. We lose the desire for those trigger foods because we have cut down the dopamine and insulin. If you are interested her book is called If I Am So Smart Why Cant I Lose Weight. Not promoting it, just a similar study as the Gary Taubes book – this one is American and I didn’t check out the price.

Hope you are all having a good weekend. I walked to the market this morning and bought a new foundation (face cream) in Yves Rocher and received free gift of hand cream, winter berry shower gel and a body scrubber (washer). I then bought some gold earrings which in the UK are called sleepers and in France they are called creoles. Now I dont work I rarely wear earrings and the holes have been healing up so I want something I can wear daily and to sleep in. Oh and I bought some spinach then realised it was organic hence the outrageous price. Hey ho. Keep on keeping on….

Hi Dreamscometrue thanks for your encouragement it’s great news that we only have 7lbs to go ! I’m starting a renewed effort and that means no wine until Xmas ! I will report in to let you know how it goes !

Hi JackieM

That drop in your body fat % is brilliant. Can I ask what you (and others, Theodora ?) think it is down to – is it the diet or more the weight training? I had a body scan a couple of weeks ago and my fat % was 46 – and that’s after I’ve lost a chunk of weight, which is a bit shocking.

I’ve just joined this 12 week exercise on referral programme. As part of it I’ve just started going to the gym. The trainer has set me a programme to do but I thought if there’s any particular exercises which people think are particularly helpful I could ask the trainer to incorporate them into my routine.

Any advice would be really appreciated. I’m a complete novice so think it would be good to try things out in the gym where the trainer can check I’m doing them right.
Marie x

Good morning … WEEK 3 / DAY 4 … heading towards the last week …..

I hope refocusing is working for you. I had another day yesterday without breakfast and I think I have cracked it now because I’m no longer hungry in the morning. So to today I will have brunch around 1pm. Also I’m finding it’s possible to cut way back on carbs eating this way. I know missing breakfast isn’t for everyone but if you are finding it difficult to stay low carb give it a go, unless you have diabetes when it may be unwise to ‘fast’.

Very interesting post Ancient Weaver I’m going to read it again thoroughly later.

Good to ‘see’ you Sueonit think maybe we all suffer with bingo wings …. those that don’t are bound to respond!

Have a good day/weekend all.

Panda Bear – isn’t that brilliant to have lost 10% and be so close to losing 15% of your body weight. But also to have gone from having bgl readings in double figures to 5s and 7s – that’s a fantastic result. You do right to record it – and celebrate it.

I’m 1lb away from being 10 stone 13lb instead of 11 stone and I’ve just plateaued for ages. But, it’s nice and sunny here today (not warm of course). That doesn’t happen often this time of year in the North of England so that’s cheering. I’m resolved to re-ignite my BSD today. I’m going to make some green soup (Verano’s recipe), go for a long walk, up the water and record everything again – even that spoonful of yogurt (or two) I have, standing up, fridge door open.(What, you mean that counts ?!?!?).

Ohmy – I’ve read success stories on here of people who upped their calories from 800 to 900, or even 1000, and still kept losing weight so I wouldn’t worry about going over on the calorie count too much. Best to go over than stop the BSD altogether. Also, the cravings for carbs really do get easier as you go along. Whichever way you do it – stick with it and you are going to be one of those success stories!

Marie x

Good morning all, it’s been great reading your posts, they do motivate me onwards. They can also make me feel very emotional as they are open and true and honest, I applaud all of you on your journeys! I have very high BP and have started taking meds’ for it, I would prefer not too. So here I am doing this way of eating and enjoying it!! Albeit I miss some treats but
week 3 1lb off so I am happy with that😊
I am away staying with relatives trying to make sure I can stay on it!! Thinking about my BWs will do some hand weights💪 And try to add some more exercise😱 good luck all 👍

Kazzi, if you hear a dull roar in your ears, those are my cheers from
across the ocean! You are just going from strength to strength,
dear heart, and I couldn’t be more proud of you if I tried. It’s 4:00am
here, so imagine a crazy lady doing cartwheels and backflips in
in her nightgown. How do you expect me to get back to sleep NOW?
If I didn’t think O/H would wake up, I’d be yelling “YES!!!” at the moon.
More later 🙂 🙂 🙂

Allie
xoxoxo

Thanks for your concern Jackie, this forum is so caring. Yes, I think it’s just my metabolism gone into overdrive, which is a helluva lot better than going into starvation mode😉

As you say, my fat percentage is quite low these days (I’m pretty fit) at only about 22%. As it happens, I have just weighed myself and, having had a couple of glasses of wine and a few extra nuts/olives last evening, I’m registering a 1lb GAIN overnight 😀

Hope everyone else is doing okay?