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!

Okay, Theo, now I AM envious! I never even thought of a skater’s dress paired with
a suede biker’s jacket. I’ve completely lost my breasts and “bum”, but I still have
my long legs……so I can really buy into this look! I think that I might be googling the
night away. Nordstrom’s here I come! If I spend all my money on clothes, however,
where will I get enough $$ to fly over and take a seat at your hospitality table of good
cheer and laughter? Decisions, decisions! Definitely a tough call 🙂 🙂 🙂

New to this and previously been very confused and told all the wrong things, keen to do this as Diabetes scares me and want to take back control, any tips and ideas much appreciated 👍😃

Hi, Flick! No, we never get tired of sharing information with new, committed BSDers.
Most of us on this thread have achieved previously undreamed of results, and nothing
makes us happier than passing this information along. You are setting yourself up
for success by having the insight to click onto this thread. I’m looking forward to
hearing what your goals are for yourself, and helping you to achieve them! I’ve been in
maintenance for the past 7 months, after dumping 147 lbs. I passionately believe
that anything is possible with this WOL. All that is required is that you forget everything
you’ve ever been taught about weight loss, keep an open mind, and communicate
regularly with new friends on the forum. We will do the rest 🙂 There will be a new
Dec. challenge beginning on Tuesday. I’ll be looking out for you. The warmest of
welcomes. Your life is about to change in the most wonderful of ways…
Very best of luck to you!

Allie

Theo, you were well and truly dressed to kill. I love the idea of the neutral grey monochrome look with the bright pop of electic blue. No wonder all the cute young boy toys were chasing you! 😆

Flick, what a lovely post, thank you. I’m so glad you’ve found these threads helpful. This forum really is unique for its kindness, high-information content and supportiveness. It’s been a while since I had a proper meltdown (reaching goals and buying booties can do that for a gal), but I know that feeling of panic so, so well and it’s very hard to see the big picture when you’re experiencing that kind of acute anxiety. Good on you for informing yourself and being able to take in new data so thoroughly that the panic fled in fear of you intellectual and emotional power. I bet Theo is kicking up her electric blue booties and shaking her shocking pink pompoms to cheer your victory even as I type. 😀

Flick, thank you so much for your kind words. I won’t be leaving the forum any time soon, just not actively partaking in the challenges etc.

I will certainly be sticking around, exchanging notes and repartee with other maintainers on this thread, and sticking my oar in on any other threads where I feel I have anything useful to add, advice to offer, or encouragement to give . So please don’t think you’re going to get rid of me that easily. …..and, whilst I can’t speak for my fellow maintainers, I think most of them feel the same.

Good luck, I think you are going to do just fine. Just keep on keeping on, you will become an old hand at this WOE before you know it, offering the benefit of your experience and support, which is what this forum is all about.

Whilst I won’t be joining the December challenge, I shall certainly be popping in regularly, waving my cheerleading pompoms at you all.

Hello, new person here so far from needing advice on maintenance but I wanted to jump in and add my voice to Verano’s. Having long term, successful BSDers remain active on this website makes a huge and very positive contribution. For example, I’m just at the end of week 2. After reading a number of threads filled with excellent advice (weigh and log, super hydrate, watch carbs, 16/8) I’ve made a solid start. Despite this I’ve hit a slump (not a plateau, yet) these last three day, weight not moving and today a slight gain. I can’t describe the rising panic. Anyway, I found the Plateau Pep Talk started by Esnecca in March. Not only did the advice and reassurance in all the plateau threads I then found help calm my panic, discovering that you are all here, 8 months or so later, successful, maintaining such impressive new lifestyles, is tremendously encouraging.

It must get a bit tedious for you to be repeating information, gently inserting a bit of reality when someone is struggling but not recognising that the odd treat or glass of wine can and will slow down progress etc. (be mindful not surprised). For starters like me, however, hearing consistent accurate information from experienced successful life changers is gold. It might just be me but I value a bit of polite, empathetic straight talking.

Sorry this went on a bit. I’ll head over to the formal introduction area and look forward to joining the December challenge. Please pop over there occasionally and cheer me on or straighten me out as needs be.

Sue- keep on keeping on, one day at a time.

I’ve not been weighed for a few days as I am trying to teach myself to not be so scale reliant! WIll be jumping on them on Tuesday for the final November weigh in.

Have a good couple of days everyone!

Forgot to add, for Essie’s clothes diary, for the lunch party today I wore a little charcoal grey skater dress, grey tights, a pale grey suede biker jacket, all set off by electric blue booties, pashmina and bag. Felt fabulous 😄😃😊 And was told by host’s son in law that I looked “too hot to be a friend of his in-laws”😃 Result 😄😃😀

Yes, and so does the almond milk. To do the 16:8 straight, the 16 hours should involve zero caloric intake of any kind. Unsweetened almond milk has 30 calories a cup which means as soon as you drink it you’re breaking your fast. The calories in the protein powder depend on the type and amount, but they’re certainly more than zero as protein alone has 4 calories a gram plus whatever else is in there.

Have you read the ingredients of the milk and powder? Is there any sugar in them? If there is, replace them both with unsweetened brands. Hidden sugars/refined carbs could well be the reason you feel compelled to break your fast early. They drive ravenousness. My OH, who wants to shed 5-10 pounds to get rid of his little tummy, started IF and I wasn’t sure he could do it because for the 27 years I’ve known him, he has woken up starving and ate 2 breakfasts, one as soon as he got up, one a couple of hours later. He had to force himself to get to 10:00 AM for the first 4 days. After that, he said it became no effort at all and his morning hunger disappeared.

Maybe you can jigger the timing a little. I don’t eat until noon at the earliest because I’m not a breakfast person anyway so it’s easy for me. What hours are you aiming for? Could you try a late morning breakfast and earlier dinner?

That’s brilliant Maggie, well done!

Marsie thanks for your good wishes, but you’ve stumped me with KOKOODAAT! Have never heard of it!
Thanks for setting up the next thread – I can’t believe it’s that time again, this last 4 weeks has flown by.
I had a bit of a blow out this weekend, it’s my son’s birthday and I had a few drinks, a little piece of birthday cake and some other non-BSD birthday foods. However I’m hoping a couple of days back on plan will mean I’ll still have a loss, or have at least maintained, over this past week.
Good luck everyone for our final weigh ins this week 🙂

PS Forgot to mention that, purely in the spirit of research, after lunch today I succumbed to not one, but FIVE chocolates with my coffee. Can honestly say that I think this is a first since starting my BSD journey. Let’s see what the scales say tomorrow……….

PPS Can’t say I enjoyed them overly much. They were okay but wouldn’t rush to eat them again. But I do need to gain a few pounds, so……….all in the spirit of research, you understand 😄😃😂

Luvtook, I truly empathise with you. I think one thing this WOE teaches us is patience. All things come to he (or she ) who waits. You WILL gain your reward, just hang in there 😄

Allie, don’t tuck your feet up under you, tuck them up under our table instead. Pull up your chair, you will be welcomed with open arms. I am fortunate to live close to a large network of friends, but love and friendship is limitless, always room for more, so we have always been open to admit extra to our circle. The only criteria are a love of life, a sense of humour and, most of all, a tolerance of others, no matter what their ideals /beliefs. I think you fit the mould perfectly😃

As far as your question about husbands, mine doesn’t think anything – he is happily snoring on the sofa beside me 😀 Hey, just as well I’m so tolerant of an old man😉 Gotta love him, but occasionally wish he had more stamina😉😄😃😜

I know, Theo, I think we could complete each other’s sentences. You could easily lead
me astray, but as you say, “I don’t do anything I don’t really want to do” Truer words,
never spoken! Pure joy, talking to you every day. I’m unabashedly envious of your
full social life. We live some distance from lifetime friends now, so I will continue
to “stalk” you and yours. My feet are tucked up under me on your couch in front of
the fire. What would our husbands think? Probably head for the hills in self preservation!

Love and laughter,

Allie

Luvtcook – pleased to hear you are much more back to normal. I agree that it isn’t possible to not to have lost any real weight after eating so sensibly. It will show up at some point – that’s for sure.

PS ummm – obviously “mist bad” friendly was meant to read “mostly bsd friendly”!!

And Allie, was obviously meant to read “what you feel”.

Bloomin predictive text😨

Hi folks,
Just returned home after our very sociable luncheon party. Ate and drank far too much, mist bad friendly, but in the service of putting on weight, I did have dessert – stupid really, as I was never really a “pud” person. Just really didn’t want anyone to think I had become a “faddy” eater! Other than that, it was a delicious lunch, although probably ate too much, albeit bsd friendly food

.PS – Allie, I don’t misunderstand you. We are kindred spirits, what you feelike, I feel. Love you xxx

PPS Verano, thank you for your kind words, but I do feel really uncomfortable about posting about losing too much/ not being able to regain weight when so many people are struggling. I feel as though I may come across as “smug” and that is certainly not how I feel.

What I actually feel is deep, abiding gratitude that I found this WOE and this forum before it was too late, but having my weight drop too low, I kind of feel as if posting about it may seem like boasting, and that is the last thing on earth I want to do. I just want everyone to benefit from this WOE. Xx

Verano, thank you for your words spoken with so much grace. I’ve been feeling that
I’m a little misunderstood recently, and you’ve put all of my fears to rest. I deeply
appreciate your understanding. It’s lovely to meet a true “lady”. 🙂

Allie

Hi all
As promised, I am reporting in after my first week. I have lost 4.7kg! I know that this rate of loss won’t continue, but I am pleased with the start I have made.
I hope everyone else is successful at their weekly weigh=ins, and look forward to hearing from you all.
Maggie

I have made labneh with all sorts of yogurt and would say that having one with live bacteria in not a factor in ending up with a curdy cheese. The process is simply separating the liquid from the solid , so it’s really just a drainage issue if the end product is too soft.

Just been reading this thread. I did have it ticked but must have unticked it somehow. You are all just so inspirational and I think I read that some of you want to leave other threads because you are complaining about not being able to gain and it’s unfair to those of us still losing. It isn’t!! Please don’t stop.

Essie, if I may call you that, you brought a tear to my eye, what a wonderful achievement. Indeed you have all achieved so much, it’s great to read your stories and be inspired by you.

We are all benefitting from bettter health being here so we must carry on regardless.