Well done for last year! Did you gain it all back, or just a part? Was there one thing that triggered you, or just a general relaxation to carbs and sugar (as in my case). What can we do to stop ourselves backsliding? I think I might need to monitor myself all my life, for example, because as soon as I stop, I slide…

Like you, I have several diabetics in the family, including my father, type 2 since he was 60, and now, at 85, with serious problems with peripheral neuropathy, sight, hearing taste, sores on his feet, hypertension, memory, heart… He hardly moves, is almost deaf, can’t see too well, falls asleep most of the day… this is scary, I don’t want to be like that.

I did the 800 last year and lost I think it was 27lbs, I have a lot to lose and when I started again I knew addressing my carb addiction was the most important factor. My father and his sister are both Type 2 and over the last year or so I’ve lost the sensation in a couple of my fingers which I know (from watching Dr Michael) is a warning that diabetes is on it’s way. I wanted to lose the constantly craving sweet stuff feeling and I knew from last time this was the answer. When I did the 800 I would cheat too but with the right foods, like you MM I would have some nuts or a piece of cheese. I’m not a great cook and don’t enjoy cooking but I love salad so eat a lot of that. Every weekend I have to cook a batch of something for the freezer so I always have something in there.

Thanks sunshine-girl! Celebrating here at Lake Tahoe, sunny day and LOTS of partying going on LOL!

Well done JCH187! 5lbs down in two weeks is great. I might switch to a low carb diet like that after my 8 weeks of 800 is done, so it’s good to hear that it’s working.And well done on resisting the muffins!

I must admit I cheat just a little if I’m really hungry, but only with things like a small piece of cheese or nuts that will take me a little over 800 cals. I’m quite active, so I think I can get away with it.

Curry sounds nice! My favourite meals so far have been from the recipes on this site (like savoury cheesecake) or by googling low carb. I’ve also grown fond of cauliflower rice with mince or chicken, and the family like it too.

Here’s a brief summary of what I have learned about alcohol (sorry if you know this already); Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, like fructose is (but not glucose). The liver converts the ethanol in alcohol to aldehydes, and then into glucose. Fructose has a different chemical structure to alcohol, but both can cause liver damage through their metabolic processes and through building up a fatty liver, leading to insulin resistance.

Alcohol and sugar have similar effects on our brains (releasing endorphins and dopamine), leading to addiction. But personally, I am not much of a drinker. I don’t crave alcohol like I do chocolate, and can go weeks without thinking about it. On the other hand, chocolate makes me feel like I am in heaven. I’ve been having 1 square of 85% dark chocolate per day, and it’s very satisfactory. I don’t crave for more.

If it were milk chocolate, I would fall off the wagon.

Hi TBB — welcome to the conversations! I think if you drop in here a few times a day it will help you find the willpower to stay motivated — there are many interesting threads or you can start your own — just start posting anywhere you like!
I’m a long ways down the road at this point but I still know and even argue with myself now and then about staying the course (I got to maintenance last July) — when I am being less focused and I start to wander (eat too much/wrong choices) I go back to a couple of fundamentals that have worked for me: be really careful about measuring/weighing; write down everything and keep your daily diary with you; cut the sugar in all forms to as low as 20 grams per day to get control of your appetite; fit in some long fasts (I can’t get past about 20 hours but that is very helpful for me in resetting appetite).
Get a copy of Gary Taubes book, “Why We Get Fat and What To Do About It” — it is the perfect companion to the BSD and it finally explained to me why I couldn’t get a handle on the weight until I ABSOLUTELY changed (forever) how i ate and what I ate. Best thing I ever did for myself.
The best thing is that as you start on this journey, you will find your entire physical self changing and you will love the new way of eating and how you feel. So just start — do it perfectly or “poorly” — it doesn’t matter — it will still work and you will “learn” how to do it better and better as you practice!
Just start.

I’m at the end of my second week and I’m 5lbs down, I’m not doing the 800 but a low carb under 1200 calories a day. I’m only 1lb away from when I fell off the low carb wagon this time last year which I’m pretty pleased about. I need to vary my diet more, I started with foods I relied on last time but I’m going to make a curry this week as I need something spicy. I made the roasted broccoli and cheddar soup from the recipe section at the weekend and that’s lovely, I also discovered the cauliflower rice which I also love. As I type this there are 12 muffins sat on the desk opposite and I haven’t given in to them!!!

When I was in my 20’s 30’s I regularly used to diet on 800 cals a day, it was the only way I could lose weight when needed so I know how good and healthy it makes me feel, however the years have passed and bad habits have overtaken. TOMORROW I start this diet, bought the ingredients to start twice now but failed to even begin, guess if I join the Forums here I will get some motivation, a few days of the diet under my belt and I know I’ll be on a role! just getting started seems to be the problem so far. Anyway, there you go, look forward to reading post on the forums.

To get started with the Mediterranean Plan and feel more comfortable in my summer holiday clothes.

Happy 4th July to all our American friends

Hi dumptynomore my aim is to eventually join this club too.

I read your profile and just wanted to help a little bit if I can. Great that you lost over 3st so you can do it. I think its harder if you don’t have a medical condition such as diabetes. Often when times get hard and we want to give up because the weight loss is slow or even non-existent, we carry on because we say … ok weight loss not brilliant BUT my Blood Sugar/ retinopathy/ blood pressure etc. is lower than before BSD, so there’s my reason to carry on despite everything else.

You have had success and you have come back so that’s great. I think you are being really hard on yourself looking for the ‘perfect’ 8 weeks all the time. I find 8 very hard so way back in October last year I started a 4 week thread and they continue today. Lots of people find 4 weeks more manageable. When I’m really desperate, like now with holiday weight gain, I do a ‘short, sharp, shock’ of 7 days …. just 7 days! I usually start a 7 day thread and its amazing how many people join in just to give themselves a kick up the backside. It usually works. We just have to keep finding strategies to carry on until BSD becomes second nature.

Planning food works for me too. I use the fatsecret app but there are others too. So I weigh, log and count everything even on the bad days when digestive biscuits or crisps rear their ugly heads. You’d be amazed how it helps to log the not so good days. For me, it stops me going completely over the top, and helps me to stop after maybe 2 biscuits. I’m no saint but I do find fatsecret helps me keep control.

This isn’t a race! Some people are, or have to be, absolutely strict with every mouthful and loose weight consistently each week. The majority of us are ‘only human’ and have good/bad times but stay within the principles of this WOE and do lose weight and reduce our blood sugars etc. So, coming to the end of my first BSD year I find that I have lost weight slowly but consistently each month but more importantly life no longer ‘gets in the way’. I adapt my life to fit in with my new way of eating. This isn’t a ‘diet’ to start and finish it’s a way of life so birthdays, holidays, Christmas etc. can all fit into the plan without too much hardship. My rule is no bread, rice, pasta or potatoes. I do have wine on holidays etc and I often feel the need for ‘crunch’ so have the odd digestive. I do put on weight on holiday, usually around 5lbs in three weeks but I deal with it as soon as I get back.

You can lose weight, and keep it off, it just takes time to get into this WOE and some determination. Maybe one day we’ll both join this club! Good luck with your journey.

Good for you Mary, 👍💐🙌 don’t forget to also measure yourself, inches count as well.

Hi OiMadam and welcome. As Mary (Joes Nonna) said we are all battling addictions. Have you read the book? I downloaded an e-version for less than £3 and whilst I don’t follow the menus I follow the principals. There is a bit in there about cortisol, the stress hormone and how it stimulates the liver to release more sugar into your blood. I quote “When you feel stressed you are more likely to give into carb cravings and comfort eating”. I was a classic stress/comfort eater and binge drinker but I am not that person any more. Cutting out refined carbs will have a knock on effect on your cravings, as will decent food. Water is your friend, as is exercise. I am in no shape to run (nor would I as it is bad for the face and boobs in my opinion) but I do stretches and lift small weights at home and go for walks, I also do seated exercises for the obese and infirm (launchpad series on YouTube, he does witter on a bit but you can always listen to music). Water is your friend, you need to drink more than you think and get an app if possible. A lot of us use Fat Secret (and we all hate the name!). The beauty of the BSD is it really makes you think of how you can get the best out of 800 calories. I eat the same thing every day at the same time as I find variety makes me want to eat more and once a week I have lunch out. I am eating 5 portions of veg/1 of fruit (tomatoes) a day which is more that I ever did on LCHF. I consume no added sugars or sweeteners, the sugars are naturally in the vegetables. Have I mentioned that I started this WOE with a raging hangover!

Hi – This thread is so truly inspiring? Thank you Stewart for setting it up. And – can i just say – so many congratulations to all you 100-clubbers!
I don’t post often but I am posting here today because your enthusiasm and success has spurred me on and not to giveup. I know you all know the periods of extreme mental fatigue we experience in trying to be healthy and the physical fatigue just carrying ourselves. You would think that should give me the incentive to just do it! I just get so tired of it all. But then you read comments here and know that it can be done.

I won’t post my history here, although I have done so on my profile – (Need to update that) – and a heartbroken post on ‘New life for determined Alcoholic.’ I did well last March losing 22 pounds in 8 weeeks, went on to slowly lose 3.5 stones , then majorly fell by the way – life happens unfortunately! But I am heartbroken and really really tired of it all.

Anyway , here I am -restarted again. And i just wanted to say thank you to all for showing me it can be done.

I hope and pray one day I can join you. Thanks for listening.

Hopetobedumptynomore by this time next year.

Hi everyone, well done Verano. This diet never seems to let us down, once you get back on the loss starts straight away.

I can report that in the 4 weeks since starting this challenge I have lost just 2lbs. Not great but my BG is down around 4.3 and insulin at 23 units so I am reducing the insulin again tonight to 22 units. Slowly, slowly does it.

Julia, enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Maryschoen it is good you have made the connection between exercise and eating to replace the calories. Most people over estimate the number of calories they lose during exercise as about 30% of those lost are from your basal metabolism which is what you use just to be alive, breathe etc. If you do 230 calories exercise about 69 cals are bmr, so you have actually used an extra 161 calories. If you ate just two chocolate digestive biscuits you would have regained that amount. Doctor Mosley suggests reducing the amount of exercise when you start this diet so you can adjust. Remember it takes 3000 calories burnt to lose just one pound. Having said that, it is my view that if you are not diabetic you dont have to be super strict with the calories and also you dont have much weight to lose. Also, if you are really hungry then eat something but keep away from the bad carbs.

Hi there OiMadam, we are all addicts here, whether it be food, alcohol, or anything else.

I have just done a week! Yes a week! without any wine! I have lost a total of 6 lbs which is amazing for me as I don’t move very much, although having my 3 year old grandson and his one year old sister, is very energetic.

I want to congratulate myself, and everyone who has just got through the week. One down, many to go. I read a lot of the threads on this forum and have to remind myself this is a whole life change, not just a one off.

Sorry you are not up to scratch Lee, hope you recover quickly.

Lets keep the faith ladies. You are wonderful.

Love Mary
xxxx

I’m with you Rozy, no going back!! Glad you are refocusing and pressing ahead. Well done on getting to your lowest weight so far – even if it was fleeting, it proves it’s possible and you soon consolidate that I’m sure.

Hope everyone else is managing to inch towards that ultimate goal – look forward to reading your posts soon.

Don’t be disheartened Cls, it’s the negative thinking, that makes you vulnerable to complete derailment and I’m sure that’s not where you want to be. It’s was one day and in the course of things, not hugely significant. Reject it, forgive yourself and move on. You have already proved what you can do on the BSD and sticking with it, you will continue to reap the rewards. Best of Luck ….

Seems there are some mixed results being reported this week, but lots of positivity in that everyone seems to be determined to stick with it and get some good results next week.

After a surprisingly good result at last week’s weigh-in and an up and down week, I can report a small loss of 0.2lb for the past week. This brings me to slightly less than 2lb to get back to target weight. It’s a slow process, but I’m getting there. Not sure it’ll happen for the end of the challenge though. For some reason though, I’m feeling a bit bloated and pudgy. This might be a bit of constipation – again! Will be looking to get that sorted over the next couple of days.

Hope there will be others reporting some good results this week – look forward to reading them. Here’s to an excellent end to the challenge for all of us – good luck everyone.

That’s really interesting. I think 800 calories may some days be too low. I work shifts, so on my first night shift, by the time I get homeI have been awake 26 hours. I do then need to eat Day and night. This is balanced when On the last shift. I think it’s also important to be flexible. I do need to lose fat. Years of low fat diets has resulted in my weighing a stone less than 10 years ago but my measurements and fat %age are much higher showing how my visceral fat has increased over the years. Love these forums.

Hello again you wonderful, strong and amazing bunch of loveliness.
Apologies for not posting for a long while. I have been lurking in the background whilst berating myself for my daily ‘ let’s start again’ followed by my usual ‘ hoovering up’ as much food as I can. Whilst I don’t really drink alcohol (hope you don’t mind me nestling amongst you all) I do know that I have an unhealthy relationship with food. It ‘feeds’ my moods, whether I am feeling happy or sad and even though I know that this ‘feeding’ only provides short term satisfaction, I still do it. Does anyone else find themselves scowering the cupboards for anything that will satisfy momentous carb induced scoffs? What is that on about?
On a positive note, I know that I can get my head around this and reading your posts about how you have faced demons and dilemmas with such strength, determination and self-belief has inspired me to be more like all of you.
Ultimately, I know it is all about self- belief and worth. Maybe that’s where I need to start.
So, I’m going to go for it. I going to believe in myself, as I believe that all of you will succeeed, and, if I have a blip, I’m going to continue to believe in myself and not self-destruct. All of you have given me that strength, and I thank you all for that, and, when I am stronger, I will give it all back to you too.
Hope you all have a good day. (Sorry to hear that you are unwell Lee.)
M x

P.S. I managed to stay at under 40g of carbs yesterday but was over my 900 calories by nearly 200. Suppose it wasn’t too bad for my first day back to ‘normal’ eating. Must do better today.

Off sick today. 😥🤢
Nausea mostly but dizzy too, so worried my electrolyte levels have gone off again (test tomorrow)

I hate taking time off sick. Always feel guilty (though I’m never made to feel that by senior management) but today I have a free diary and can work from home, so it seems sensible.

Hope you are all having a better day.

L xxx

Julia you may be right I’ve lost 1.8lbs in one day! I looked back in my journal and it took me 5 days to lose my holiday gain back in April so hopefully will manage to do the same this time.

So this week I’ve lost 1.4lbs which makes an overall gain half way through the 8 weeks of 4.6lbs. I’m so confused that I think that’s right!

Anyway, today is the last day of my first year of BSD. I have done relatively well, could have done better but will post my final results tomorrow. Everyday counts!

So day 2 of 8 for me. Day 1 and I lost 1.8lbs of water . Hope to be back to pre holiday weight by the end of week 5.

Don’t lose heart s-g just think about how well you are doing with your BS and reducing the insulin. We just have to keep on keeping on….

Official weigh in today – I am a pound down from yesterday but a pound up from Friday. But the weekend was a disaster and I really need to get my head back in it. My goal is 9st but I have been 8st 11lbs this year.

Anyway, back on it from yesterday, trying to think positively and be mindful of everything that I eat and what I’m thinking about when I do. As an all or nothing comfort eater being unhappy at work doesn’t help! Hopefully it’s a temporary (and probably hormonal) thing.

Good luck to everyone weighing in today – one week of this challenge to go!

TC x

Well done Krysia. If you can maintain for 7 months you can probably do it forever.

Well home from holiday now and I think I have gained 1.4lbs since the start of this challenge. Really am confused doing two challenges at the same time and being on holiday…. not even sure what day it is today! Only thing I am sure of is that this is the last day of my first year of BSD and I feel so much better than when I started. I’ll post tomorrow on ‘My journey’ thread with my years results.

Hope everyone has had a good week.

Weigh in today – up 1.5lbs to 9st 7lbs. All of it at the weekend. Daughter and family up for the weekend so lots and lots of really lovely BSD friendly food – and I do mean LOTS.

Yesterday I was still so full that I had to throw away half my dinner because I just couldn’t eat it – even though it was one of my favourites. This morning still not very hungry. What a difference from before BSD. I would have had a carb fest which would have left me hungry and desperately craving carbs (and of course eating – or maybe devouring them is the word that describes how I act when in the clutches of the carb monster). It does make me feel hopeful that I will be able to sustain this in the long term.

Had a wonderful time clothes shopping yesterday. I actually found 3 lovely summer tops in M&S with slightly longer sleeves. Really short sleeves don’t suit my 69 year old arms.

So still maintaining – on the 10th it will be 7 months.

Thanks Kate. Although I do seem to be going through the dreaded plateau stage at the moment. The perils of being a daily weigher! I’m aiming to get down to 12st 7lbs eventually, so there’s still a long way to go, but it’s nice to have made such a quick start.

As folk have already aid – one day is just one day – you have the rest of your life in front of you and I am sure that you WILL succeed!
Mike

According to my current Priceline Chemist scales I am about 23.3% body fat at 86.2kg’s (20kg’s of fat), I’m never sure on the accuracy of electronic scales for body fat but it does feel about right and it has been consistent. I think if I can get to about 20% body fat I’d be happy and healthy.

Still feeling great on the 800, and even though I have had a couple of days falling off the wagon it seems easy to climb back on and keep going.

Hi Cls
Hope you’re feeling better and doing ok now?
I think Mariet is probably right. Bread and noodles, pasta and pizza turn me into a human sponge…i think I almost absorb water out of the very air!
Feel so much less “sloshy” on the BSD 🙂

Is that something like the Boditrax system at david lloyds? They’re pretty good but can vary…I checked myself before training and after and the results were wildly different. I think, if you’re not already, the answer is to check on the monitor maybe once a week, same-ish time of day and always pre-training and look at the trends over time. Short of a dexa scan we’re not going to get accurate answers.

I welcome the cold feeling. Before I would eat (too much/wrong stuff) & just boil up. I hate feeling hot. Was also getting hot flushes. I’ve found both now much reduced and life is a lot more comfortable.

Many thanks for the support it’s very much appreciated. The whoosh effect certainly makes sense so I am sticking with it. Have spoken to the nurse today and she is happy with what’s happening especially as sugar levels seem to be improving the last couple of days.
You have done well with your weight loss too and your right it doesn’t help to just focus on the weight loss.
Thanks again.

I had the same thing. Once in awhile, not often, I would get so incredibly hungry. I eat my 800 well: lots of “good” veggies, protein and fat..but then I’ll get a blip one day and get so hungry. I take the view thay if Im that hungry then I need to eat and Ill double up, & maybe follow up with yogurt mixed up with a bit of dried fruit, berries nuts and seeds. Its usually just enough to keep me away from Pizza Hut (my nemesis!!).
I’ve deleted all the takeaway apps on phones now 🙂

Hey you, glad you are ok! Do you think we are the only ones left?

I’ve been doing great. Not strictly 800 per day but I’m kind of listening to my body. Sometimes I need more, sometimes less, so I reckon it all balances out. I had a bit of a whoosh this week. 9lbs off! Genuinely don’t understand how as I’m now a healthy weight but I will take it!!

Like your hubby says, I have more energy and more get up and go! But oh the temptations I face in the office each day are ridiculous. Cake and biscuits everywhere, so I feel your pain!

Off to Ireland for the weekend. I suspect I will see a gain. I will stick to bsd principles where I can, but inevitably there will be lapses. I’m not prepared to offend by elderly aunts by refusing the homemade soda bread they delight in serving me, even though I’ve always hated it! That will be hard, breaking for something I don’t enjoy!! At least I can have a full Irish every morning (minus toast) and still be bsd!!

Today, I’ve had to endure that age old phenomenon. Example:

Lee, you’ve lost so much weight now, you need to stop (turns to colleague doesn’t she Maria?) Maria nods quietly. All helpfully shouted across a busy ward.

Lee. You’ve lost so much weight, is it intentionally or are you ill? Do we need to worry about you?

Lee. You’ve lost so much weight since I last saw you. How much have you lost? Lee replies (about two stone) Yeah they say, and the rest. Are you ok?

Lee. Are you eating enough? You don’t look well. Is everything ok?

Lee. You need a cake. Go on, have a cake. It’s homemade.

All day. Seriously all day!! Why do people feel that it’s appropriate to do that? I ended up leaving work early just to get away from the constant harassment!! May well work from home tomorrow….

So glad you are still around. I shall be extending as well, due to Ireland blip, so we can do this together.

Hope the stress calms down soon!

L xxx

Interesting thread. I started on 800/day which was fine. I wasnt working and not exercising much. I started doing exercise with a PT twice a week which has been having great results, my muscle mass is increasing and fat decreasing (faster than the scales say). But then I had to start going to interviews and I was finding that on 800/day I was feeling faint and dizzy & could not focus. So on interview days and training days I up the calories to 1000. I find this keeps the fat melting and all the numbers heading in the right direction.

Thank you. I think that’s where I’ve gone wrong in he past, eating too much because of calories burnt. I’ve been yo-to dieting for 30 years! Not massively over weight but I am worried about my health.

Hi ClarinetCathy thanks for your lovely post and do hope you had a fab time celebrating your son’s engagement yesterday?

Do keep in touch via this forum! I’m aiming for the 9’s and really hope to be there very soon: but am equally conscious that life is to be lived and the BSD path is sadly often overgrown with weeds 🙂 This weekend for example I was on one of my frequent weekend visits to see my elderly mother and sometimes you just have to make the best of what is before you even if in your heart you know it is setting you back – diet-wise – a day or two. Bless her, she’d bought me a pack of Battenberg cakes to take back on the train (why?!?!) and I confess to having a couple before binning them! But I did say nicely look please don’t buy these for me again as I won’t be able to eat them all. Trying to be true to my new WOE but at the same time not completely ungracious to what was intended to be a kind gesture.

Anyway have a good week everyone and let’s catch up soon xx

Hi fba12

Firstly I would say that none of us on here are medical experts and the most important thing is to continue to ensure that your nurse is happy with what you are doing. Our bodies are all different and it’s really important to adapt this way of eating to what works for you and is compatible with your specific medical needs.

I’ve been doing the BSD in phases since January and have lost almost 2 stone with another 10 pounds or so to go to target weight. the initial weight loss is indeed dramatic (though many say it’s largely water) but do stick with it and you will lose more. But two really important things to bear in mind. Firstly we’re all different and secondly it’s not linear. My weight loss has been a case of one or two pounds off here and there then a plateau for a while, then more comes off. This is “normal” (hate that word!) for this diet – have a read of The Whoosh Effect http://100down.org/the-whoosh-effect/ to get a handle on how our bodies burn fat and it seems like nothing is happening for a while then more comes off.

I’ve found personally that you just need to keep going and not worry about numbers, but the weight WILL come off in whatever haphazard fashion it chooses!

Just one other thing that strikes me from your post is that you are fasting and I wonder if that is the right thing for you? I’m not diabetic: like many others just following this WOE for weight loss and general health improvement. But I’ve noticed that if I fast too stringently I don’t lose weight, in fact my body seems to retain it. Perhaps your body needs a “little and often” eating program so that your blood sugars are more stable? Just one thing to consider perhaps.

But above all take heart and keep at it! If you are keeping your calories and carbs low then the weight will definitely come off and if you’re not seeing that externall now then do not doubt that it will all be happening inside xx

The usual answer is no, provided you are not underweight it will be far more effective to stick to 800 and do the exercise, even if your exercise totals more than 800 calories. Don’t forget we are adapting our bodies to burn the fat and we, if overweight, are unlikely to run out of that source of fuel. Regard the calories used by your exercise as a way of accelerating your weight loss.

Mermaid…excellent news on the weight loss. Well done.

The chemical structure of sugar and alcohol is similar, I’ve been told. Of course alcohol is what happens when yeast n sugar get together. And there’s an old American saying: “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker”. Esnecca has some very motivating things to say – thank you. Let’s keep on at this and as you said – face the obsessive addictive sugar pangs instead of giving in.

Esnecca and SaltySeaBird,

Thank you both. Wise thoughts, wise words.

I’ve read so much about sugar since about the year 2000, (for anyone who’s interested in some good reads from different angles: Potatoes not Prozac; Fat Chance: The bitter truth about sugar; OMG I Would Die Without Chocolate – How I Quit Sugar and Didn’t Kill Anyone) following which I tried to detox from it n-times. Each time I swore I wouldn’t touch the stuff again.

Obviously I know I have a problem, and have failed, time and time again. It’s not lack of healthy eating; I’ve long been a big fan of the Mediterranean Diet. I put on 15kg while writing my thesis (just having sugary somethings to get me through) and another 10kg since then. Actually more, because inbetween I have been yoyo-dieting for over 20 years.

I might have a look at Paul McKenna. Or meditate.

Thing is, we actually need to live in and around sugar. The hard part is staying on the wagon.

Good tactic Mary!

Mmm, strawberries and cream. That’s going on my shopping list!

Bigeater, well done for being in control. I am not ready to take that step yet, but I am confident I will eventually. I love strawberries and cream, but alas, they don’t love me. So if you would….pick the biggest juiciest strawberry and as you eat it, savour it and think, this is for Mary ….cheers.

I agree whole-heartedly with Esnecca – I gave up sugar for 3 months and still thought of it as a ‘treat’; I eventually succumbed to vanilla latte (I know….) and before I knew it I was well and truly hooked again.
I think somewhere else on this thread, it is suggested that you find something non-food as a treat for when you feel you deserve one but think of sugar for what it is – an addictive poison which will damage your body and brain.
For a nudge, have a look at Paul McKenna’s Stop Your Sugar Cravings – apart from telling you the truth about what sugar does to you (and it’s really not pretty), he has his relaxing mind-programming audios which really do help ward off the cravings.
Good luck with this – everyone on this thread knows what a monster sugar-addiction is.
SSB

Yay Lizzie, welcome back. Poor you having such a rough time. You do have a way of explaining things that is so refreshing, and I love reading about everything that happens to you.

Lee, when I was 30 I decided to lose the one and a half stone I had gained, and got to my pre-baby weight. Everyone told me I was gaunt and had gone too far. It was no good reminding them that I was back at “normal” weight. There are always nay-sayers and they get my back up. I did find however, the last time this happened to me (which was a very long time ago). When asked have you lost weight…I said yes isn’t it fantastic I feel so much better now….then they can’t give you their negative shit! Just bask in the knowledge that you have a size 14 dress that fits fantastically well. We know how great you are, so sod them if they don’t.

Love Mary
xxxx

I wouldn’t do it, if I were you (which I was). Thinking of sugar as a “treat” instead of a toxic substance that has done real damage to your body over the years is part of the problem. Detoxing from sugar and white carbs is difficult because the addiction preys on your mind. Giving in to that pull will only strengthen it and weaken you. For many of us, that one chocolate or sliver of pie quickly turns into a carb bender that can last hours, days, weeks, months. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid that fate, and given how much sugar still dominates your thoughts the best case scenario is probably unlikely, you’ll set your progress back. Your body will revert to burning carbs, not fat, and mentally you could find yourself back in the white-knuckle hell of week one.

You’re on the BSD for 8 weeks. That’s a very short time, so just do it straight. Confront your obsessive thoughts instead of giving into them. You are not sugar’s slave. Don’t grovel and abase yourself to it. You are the sole master of your body.

Hi SunnyB,
I’ve had an up/down week, too. Got things seemingly back under control (i.e. back under 10st) and even managed a new low of 9st 12lb 4oz (which is only 2oz better than the previous low). But me being me, I’ve bounced back up again. I don’t fare well when I’m feeling low/tired/headachey – I thought things were improving when I upped my intake of H2O and I didn’t feel hungry over Thurs/Fri but Saturday (even though I ate similar quantities of meals) I really started to feel hungry and I wobbled big time. But today I’ve started to feel more like normal so I’m hopeful of getting back on track…

We can’t afford to let up, just got to keep on top of things. Any going AWOL has to be nipped in the bud. I am NOT going to end up at 12.5stone again. And I’m sure you feel the same.

Welcome, Antigone! Pack your rucksack & enjoy the trip!
We’ll meet you at Rivendell!

Only you Liz!!!
I love the characters you habitually come across (and their bonkers names!)

Sorry you had such a crappy (in every sense of the word) Birthday but I can’t help but laugh at your shenanigans (isn’t that a great word??)

I’ve had to endure that age old phenomenon today. Example:
Lee, you’ve lost so much weight now, you need to stop (turns to colleague doesn’t she Maria?) Maria nods quietly. All helpfully shouted across a busy ward.

Lee. You’ve lost so much weight, is it intentionally or are you ill? Do we need to worry about you?

Lee. You’ve lost so much weight since I last saw you. How much have you lost? Lee replies (about two stone) Yeah they say, and the rest. Are you ok?

Lee. Are you eating enough? You don’t look well. Is everything ok?

Lee. You need a cake. Go on, have a cake. It’s homemade.

All day people. Seriously all day!! Why do people feel that it’s appropriate to do that? I ended up leaving work early just to get away from the constant harassment!! May well work from home tomorrow….

On a positive note, beautiful size 14 dress arrived today (which I ordered for the funeral) and it fits like a dream. So yes people, it is worth it. The battle with carbs 🍞 🎂 🍟 and 🍷 is one worth doing. So well done to you all my comrades in arms!

Sorry to rant at you all, just had to get it off my chest!

L 😘