Hi Liz, FFBB, Nonna Joe et al, sounds like quite a few of you are going through some tough times right now and absolutely blitzing it. Well done all of you, so proud.

After two weeks ‘off’ the diet, particularly last week when I did indulge quite a bit I desserts and morning tea, I was relieved to get on the scales and find that I had not gained. Must have been all the extra walking between accommodation, dining hall and workshop. Even better, the BS was 5.2. I was expecting it to be higher because I am still finishing off a couple of things from the ‘off’ weeks.

So, back into it this week with renewed vigour. Next blood tests in 6/7 weeks. Want to have lost at least another 5kgs and hope to reduce the metformin further. Then, first full week in September I am off again to another workshop. Not staying on campus so will be more in charge of my own food.

So Liz etc, keep on keeping on.

Liz, your situation is particularly difficult. I remember when a day after I got back to Australia from a trip home to the UK I got the call that my mother had had a massive stroke. No way could I go back to see her or for the very small funeral. I did go back a few months later when we had a wake for which she had left instructions and some money. It was emotional but I’m glad I waited until I could see more people associated with mum’s life and join with my brother and sister in organising the event and hosting all the various family and friends from around the world who came. This was all after not getting along with my mother for some time. She was a very grumpy old lady, alcoholic and multiple little strokes had reduced her self editing capabilities, so she could be very nasty.

Hugs and support through the ether to you all from this dedicated sugarholic.

Liz,

I am so sorry to hear about your mum but so fucking proud that you resisted temptation when super stressed.

You are more than welcome to draw on our strength and support as we all do from each other.

This forum helps me more than the Fat Secret journal (though I post there every day as well) as we are all struggling with the same base issue.

Love and hugs to you all.

FFBB

CCathy, Seasidenana & Dreamscometrue, its lovely to hear how well you are all doing, and how fantastic that you are so close to your goals now 🙂
Theodora, it’s great that you have been able to reverse your gain too, such a good idea to have a bit of wriggle room.
I’m still a long way from even thinking of maintenance and certainly have a lot more than 10lb to lose, but am still plodding along. I’m now in Week 26! Can’t believe that next weekend marks a whole 6 months of following this WOE. I can’t recall ever sticking to a diet or
WOE for this long EVER. Although a life
Long dieter, I was always on again off again, trying different diets, giving up when they didn’t work, then starting something else when I got fed up with being fat again!
Anyway I have learnt so much since January, and feel so comfortable eating this way. I’ve lost 10kg now, with another 18kg to go, so getting there. I was so happy this morning when I tried on a pair of size 16 trousers – and they fitted! Admittedly they have an elasticised waist, but it made my day seeing 16 on the label instead of 20 😊

I will have a look at the programme, thanks. Just finished my degree, BSc Psychology with the Open University. Last module result due out and this is the one that will finalise my degree classification. Nerve wracking wait. I have done 5 years of study for this degree, it has been difficult, especially with the move to France. Delighted that it is all over. Sitting down and working on my computer for all this time has not helped my fitness levels, also the packets of biscuits that I don’t realise I am eating while studying have not helped. Good time to lose it all though!

Looking forward to energy

Ha ha! Anxiety eating… know it well. I put on 15 kg when I went back to studying.

The energy will come, I suppose. I did have a week of tiredness, but seem to have gone through this.

The 12 week programme is on the 1st page of this site. We pay £99 (early bird discount) and get a forum supported by doctors and sports experts, meal plans, videos, etc.

Well done on your OU course! What are you studying?

ok so officially starting the blood sugar diet today. 3.5 stone to lose. Lost sight of how fed up i am at this weight but renewed motivation after seeing a terrible picture of myself at the weekend… bring it on.

Not allowed to change my name….sorry. Think I might try more water too. I am also waiting on my Open University degree classification which is due in the next week. Becoming a bit anxious and usually that leads me to eat more. I will prevail however.

Glad the diet leaves you satisfied Mermaid, I wish I had the same energy though.

What does the 12 week paid programme entail?

I’m also disappointed. I’ve done hard workouts, avoided temptation, and should have lost more. I weigh everything carefully,. Perhaps I could drink more water on some days.

But the good thing is that my diet leaves me satisfied and free of craving. I’m full of energy and my skin looks good. It feels like a diet to continue.

If it continues like this, I might join the paid 12 week programme. Anyone done this?

Hi Bloke41

yes the losses slow down LOTS as you get towards a long term goal

I found focus was a key and i had to be VERY strict the last few weeks to shift what had been quite easy to shift previously.

Maintenance is a whole new world, eating in a non 800 calorie way is easy but easy to 8000! if not careful

I decided to keep on those scales every day and eat what i like mediterainian

I find still planning weekly meals helps

54andfatnomore

Liz,

I am so sorry your mother is ill. Mothers are so precious and you were so many miles away, no wonder you thought about Satans piss and extra calories. Your determination is amazing and you are one hell of a Woman. We all love you and I am holding your hand so tight it must be hurting. I also offer my shoulder to lean on. Take the greatest care of yourself, Kev and MommaLiz.

Lots of love,

Mary xxxx

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but couldn’t think of a better.
There is a short (2 ½ minutes) clip currently (10/7/17) on the BBC News website featuring an American Professor of Social and Health Psychology who claims that there is no such thing as an obesity epidemic. She claimed:-
1. Obese people do not have shorter lifespans than non-obese people – the underweight are more likely to have reduced lifespans than average
2. Only the very obese (but she doesn’t quantify what she means by very obese) are likely to have shorter lifespans.
3. She accepts that obese people are more likely to become diabetic and suffer from cardio-vascular disease, but she claims that obese people are less likely to die of these conditions than the non-obese.
4. More important than weight is lack of exercise and that the real killers aren’t obesity but a sedentary lifestyle, a low income, and insufficient health care
5. It is blood pressure that is the true health indicator, not weight.
The lady didn’t quote any facts and figures to support her claim, although to be fair, in a two and a half minute sound bite that probably was never going to happen – but her comments do seem a bit odd, to say the least. Coupled with screen shots of a variety of high carb foods, the professor seems to be encouraging a total disregard of diet. I can image some people thinking ‘Oh, well – getting fat is no big deal’
Oh, and blood sugar didn’t even get a mention.
Anyone else seen the item?
Mike

Sounds like a plan Julia. For me daily weighing is essential so there’s no way I would have the willpower to stay away from my scales for a whole week after I return from holiday. Think I must be a masochist. Enjoy the rest of your stay and the heat because the weather here has changed and we are back to ‘normal’ summer weather!

My life has been ‘lived’ as well this weekend s-g! I’ve found that half pound you keep losing but you can have it back if you want it!!!

Actually I’ve put on 1.4lbs over the last two days but only 0.6lb over my pre-holiday weight. I must admit I’m finding it really hard to get back into a proper rhythm. I have tried 900/40 for the last week but have been averaging closer to 1000 calories a day with a couple of higher days. Think it’s time to bite the bullet and go for 800/30 again. So last day of week 5 and my day 8 of 8 and I’m aiming for 800/30. It’s only one day surely even I can manage just one day …..

See you at weigh-in tomorrow. Have a good day!

Gone backwards. Same weight as last Monday. Going to keep at it though, just wish I could get a whoosh~! Will change my name now.

Garden challenge seems to go on and on, to date just over 4.75 tonnes of material into garden, new supporting wall built be me, looks good for my first wall, now onto footings for new summer house, as there was a concrete base already there, I was just going to extend it. Base was built by my eldest son many years ago either it has moved or he used a broken spirt level? I am now levelling out using concrete blocks; worst misalignment is about 2” drop? Bigger job than I thought, once done build new summer house. To date half a day’s help from son-in-law, couple of afternoons from 32yrs youngest son back living at home, (mother makes his life to easy) but moaning all the time, most of work by myself I will be 59 next month, registered disabled with bad back, both knee severely cream crackered, both ankles knackered, and both thumbs have joined the pain game (osteoarthritis) so been slow going. Latest is the wife has decided that 16SqM area in front of new summer house is going to be slabs as a patio? Wish I could get a digger into my garden which didn’t look like me with a spade, dig 6” top soil, get rid of grass bit recycle soil lay 4” hard core1”OF SAND AND CEMENT MIX, put my feet up, no chance, hot tub ordered now to arrange a crane for an over the house lift, big lift my house is 30’ back and 20’ above road level, once this is all done turn attention to front garden?
To go with all of the pain and struggle I am enjoying myself doing something physical.

Well the first week is over and i couldn’t believe it when i got on the scales today i even took my glasses off gave them a wipe and hopped back on the scales i starting this time last Monday at 13 stone 10 now cannot believe i am 13 stone 4 and i feel great. Every other diet i tried i just could not get under that 13 and a half stone mark but now i have i am soooooooo chuffed to bits and i cannot thank everyone on here for there advice and support if i had not of come across this forum i would still be struggling. I will say its not always been easy as i do feel hungry sometimes and want to have a little snack but i have told myself no and have a black coffee no sugar instead and i am so glad i did. Would love to see a little bit under the 13 next week but i know sometimes it slows down so i am just going to carry on as i have been and take my time but for now i am happy and thanks everyone who have made me understand the BSD xx

Liz….so very glad to hear that you’re still with us!!! My overactive imagination was preparing me for some type of worldwide callout for a woman called Liz who used to look a little like an eggplant and is one of the funniest and most life affirmingly decent people around!!

Really sorry to hear that life has been dealing you rotten cards though…mums!! the joys and tribulations…..
Consider yourself wrapped by not just outstretched hands but arms from the far-flung corners

sleep well and (as I constantly reminded myself through 30 years of frontline parenting) “this too shall pass”

love to you …..and to all you wondrous women!!
xx
Erin

hi Canadaliz
Have read most of your posts and just wanted to say, bril work, you have a special gift of inspirational speech, wonderful to read.
I am back on plan, as I did this last summer, have put back on 10kilo, I am never ceased to be amazed at the powerful effects of this eating plan.
I was being investigated for S.L.E. had pre diabetise, and everything was reversed by the 5 th week, for me that was a miracle.
But the reversal of your over indulgence, and anxiety, is a effect I’ve not heard before.
We are all so fortunate to have the info of this plan, hope you have a bril day 🙋🙋🙋 Jan

Hi string breaker.
Hands by your sides and feet together.

Then.

Raise your arms to the side nad do a little jump so your feet are far aprt.
So you look like X

Then jump back.

You dont have to do anything not in your comfort zone.

Little bit by little bit.

Love lucia
Xxx

Liz! Glad to hear you’re ok, we’ve all missed you but very sorry to hear about your mum. Hope she is doing ok now. A super-stressful time on top of everything else but you did so well!!!
That shows massive strength and I hope you are feeling proud, life is sure giving you a workout but you have stayed true. I raise my cup of tea to you!
Keep going, you a a champion. Xxx

Thx, Californiagirl – and to everyone posting – I’ve increased the exercise quite a bit – someone at the gym who trains people thinks I am down to about 20% body fat – age 60. On this WOE I rarely feel hungry and the cravings for junk have really subsided – if the Butterfinger bars start looking tempting then I know its time to get a meal going. Re: the <20 Gm carb – yikes ! I just started charting my foods again in My Fitness – generally under 40 – that berry mix in the morning protein shake may have to go for a couple weeks. I have also been doing some intermittant fasting – 24 hr, 16 hr but I don’t work out when I do that . May start doing some walking those days. My Fitness says my maintenance calorie count is about 2200 – sounds like a way lot to me – but they’re also figuring on about 240 gm of carbs – not any more !! I will be playing around w/ the foods/exercise balance and see what happens – will stay connected here.
Sumo – good on you for coming back here and for doing all that work ! I took down a garage once then used a sledge (?) to break up the cement pad – ( it was already pretty cracked but needed to be in manageable pieces to transport) – niece and nephews (boys were strapping teenagers at the time) took one look and bailed – their dad and I did the work of loading, etc.

Hi! I’m starting today too. Can I join in? 🙂

for sure! huckleberrydream@hotmail.com is me. I appreciate your support–it’s a battle!
Yours, Liz

I’m alive but as you might recall Kev and I have sold our home in Florida and came down here 10 days ago but we just got over the drive and had the sad news that Mum had had another stroke so I flew back to Toronto from Tampa to be with Mum. I am back in Sarasota now as Kev and I have to drive our stuff home. It is 12:20am here and we are leaving tomorrow for a three day journey driving a Uhaul (rental) truck with our stuff plus a trailer with our car…..fun times. But Chickadees–you saved me from a monster choice–When I was in Tampa Airport’s departure lounge, alone and stressing huge over Mum I was literally surrounded by bars and food and caught myself getting up and saying “fuck it–drink/eat” but I didn’t. I thought of each of you with the same battle and thought if they can, then I can. I had the garden salad and added shrimp. and no booze. I desperately have to get to bed as I’ve a monster day ahead but I am here and love your stories as with each of my reads I get strength. I’ve extended my hand in the past but right now it is me that is clinging to yours.
Stressed as fuck,
Liz

Hi Dolly,
Yes,
I like the cookbook for several reasons:
1. The recipes I’ve made so far have been very good (Thai fish cakes, chickpea flatbread and tonight I made the chicken korma which has probably turned out to be the best curry I’ve ever made.)
2. In the back it gives 8 weeks of daily menus to follow if you’re someone without much time or needs a bit more direction or just doesn’t want to sort out what to eat each day. I know that unless I have meals planned for the day, I’ll start grazing which does nothing but add unwanted calories.
3. You know the recipes from the book are food you can eat and you don’t have to reinvent recipes to fit the bsd.

hi Mars,
you have good instincts there, your body needs carbs to repair muscles after a vigorous workout, protein alone doesn’t work, and to get maximum repair you need to eat within an hour of working out as “your body will automatically use the calories you eat for good (repair and recovery) and not bad (fat storage).” I saw a ratio of 3 carbs to 1 part protein. It is also the only time you can eat higher g.i. carbs normally forbidden for BSD such as banana, raisins, other higher g.i. fruits of your choice. Just try not to choose empty calories like white bread.

Nilesedge – just discovering carb info – how do i find and track them without endless google searches?

Hey everyone, down another .5kg so that is 2.4 kg in 5 days!
Had a lovely venison steak today – only 100 cals!
Frazzled – yes, we are currently trying IUI ( sperm donor) -we got pregnant first time but miscarried. Hope the lower BMI does the trick.

Re: going off the rails, check out Neverbingeagain.com really helpful. Also consider how else you coudl relax – maybe a lovely bath or a walk?

Gday all,
Hope everyone has been well. Week 44 and 45 done and dusted. Been testing times with trip to in laws for a funeral, a very long journey in car and feeling nausea on the weekend, catching a tummy bug going around at the moment. Ended up losing 1.4kg for the last two weeks.

Weigh in result:
102.4kg
waist 111cm
1.4kg loss for last two weeks
57.5 kg loss to date

Still need another 3.4kg loss to reach my 99kg goal, seems far away, the losses have not been as big as at the beginning, though I’m powering on, almost see finishing line and conditioning myself on maintenance life style by staying on Mediterranean diet. Just one more thing before l go, remember, never bloody give up!!!!

Hello Ancient Weaver,
please share the recipe if you get the ice cream to work!
P xx

I would also like to replace dairy with legumes etc.I’ve pretty much stopped eating meat but feel I’m eating too much cheese now but feel I have to in order to keep the carbs down.

Hi all

I have just started this 8 week this morning. What I want to know is if I already train 2 x a day. Gym morning and cardio class in the afternoon. What will happen to the muscle that I have under the fat layer? Will it be maintained or will it be lost?? I have always exercised but my diet has been not been the best. I would like to reboot my metabolism and feel I could have a fatty liver etc but not sure if i’d be eating enough to maintain it?

I was a sassy little squirt when the low fat nonsense started. They were trying to sell the new spreadable margarine as healthier than butter. I wondered how can they possibly know it’s healthier than butter, it hasn’t been around long enough, and refused to believe that something so new and artificial could possibly be better than something that we had evolved with for at least a couple of thousand years. Thankfully my mother agreed with me and kept buying butter.
When they moved on to saying all fat was bad, I applied the same kind of logic, that it was fine for our ancestors so don’t blame the fat, blame the lack of exercise. These days I don’t even blame lack of exercise, I blame poor dietary choices and in my case especially, bad official advice.

I’m on my 4th or 5th day of 800cals now, and my biggest concern (because I was losing weight so fast) was that I’ll hit the ‘glycogen plateau’ and go into starvation mode, but this diet is completely different from the official advice of simply reducing total calories, that I don’t think it will happen. (Thanks also to some good advice and encouragement from others on here 🙂 )
Yes, I’m sleeping more, but that’s probably because I should be sleeping more anyway. I’m actually feeling much more awake in between times than before. I think my brain likes ketone bodies!

I’m also finding it weird how ‘unhungry’ I am on so few calories, it does make it easy to keep on track though. 🙂

I am slightly missing sweet stuff, but usually manage to fit some fruit in and still hit my targets. I am thinking of trying to make some proper old fashioned ice cream with just fruit, cream and eggs. I figure that actually, however it turns out, it has to be yummy!

Hi, I will be starting this diet Tomorrow too. Great to know there’s lots of support out there 😃. All the best….

Hi everyone – was wondering about getting the cookbook to help with meals – Susanna949 sounds as if you would recommend getting this – do you think it helps because it is calorie counted?

Thanks Pod
I still can’t believe it! Just trying to get the last stone off but it’s hard!!
Going away in three weeks and I know I will stay on this WOE but just want to get as low as I can!
Think everyone is amazing! It just sticking with it!!!

Count me in too! I started a couple of weeks ago (and down 7lbs.) but would love a group for the extra support. I did get the companion cookbook last week and I must say it’s been very helpful in sorting out what to eat.

That is something to think about, thanks sunshine.

I do the same Mary.

I have now showered and I am in my scruffs that I wouldn’t wear in public. I have brushed my teeth and I have passed the tipping point for another day.

We can do this.

FFBB X.

Just change your name to catinfrance, much nicer! 😀

When I started this diet and saw the fantastic results (for me it is my Blood Glucose levels not so much weight) I just wanted to tell everyone about it. My husband banned me from talking about it at nights out with friends but I banned him from talking about the RAF. Now if I mention it everyone has heard of it. Job done. So pleased so many people are following this plan for what ever reason. Keep on keeping on…

Hello FFBB, try to keep something back during the day. For example when I have a massive frittata for dinner I cut a small wedge for my hungry time, I made lamb meatballs last night and kept back 2 small ones for supper, I am diabetic and find my BG raises if I dont eat before bed so I have become adept at hiding snack from my main meals. If I have the Ploughmans it says a handful of walnuts, I put these to one side and eat when I need to nibble. I think you get what I am saying, I dont miss the small amount I leave off my meal and it has already been counted in my days calories.

Catriona- the best bit of being on this forum is the friendships we make along the way. The invaluable advice from fellow BSDers has helped me get to where I am today. It also is encouraging to share the highs and lows. This forum and way of eating beats any of the slimming clubs I have been to over the last thirty years! I would love to share my journey with you. When you get confident with the plan you will allow yourself the odd dalliance – yours could be a scone like mine was- it was delicious but the best bit was that it was a considered decision and I didn’t feel bad after eating it! Now that is what I call a plan! No guilt!

Cathy

Hi Mermaid and ClarinetCathy (may I call you Cathy?)
I dream of scones…in fact any carbohydrate! Yesterday’s slice of bread was divine, but I am ok with it. Each time I say no, I congratulate myself. WE CAN DO THIS !!! Thank you girls for the support. I have not made many new friends here as the language barrier is a bit of a problem. I am learning French, but confidence to speak it is lacking. Diet buddies are important, so I hope we can stay in touch with our progress, highs and lows.
cheers
Catriona

Use the search box at the top of the page and recipe tab.

Easiest breakfast is full fat yoghurt with added berries (I use frozen as value for money). You could also add Chia seeds, nuts.
Cold hard boiled eggs (do them the night before)
1/2 an Avacado
Coffee with some double cream
Or just don’t have any, lots of us don’t eat breakfast.

Salads and soups are always easy to prepare and take.
Cottage cheese mixed with tuna (I use 1/2 a 200g tub of cheese and 1/2 a tin of tuna)
All sorts of raw veggies are good, Imogen, like broccoli cut up small and asparagus, snow pease and mange tout as well as or instead of the usual suspects.
You can make “sandwiches” using lettuce leaves, Little Gem are good for this
Breakfast muffins are good for breakfast or lunch, just make them and freeze until needed.

Really whatever you want that is low carb, med protein, high is fat. The trick, especially in the beginning, is planning. If you have the book which is a good read you will get more ideas and the background of this way of eating.

Best wishes for attaining your goals

Oh FFBB, I wish I knew the answer….I am sure there is a clever someone on this site to help you. I think I read once that fat helps stop the hunger pangs….not sure whether I dreamed it though.
My Black Dog always visits of a weekend, because everything seems to intense….I would kill for a drink tonight, but have had a shower and am in my pjs so I cant go out.
I hope you feel better soon.

Mary xxx

Hi Catriona and ClarinetCathy,

I’m also post menopausal and 56. I got up to a shameful 87.5 kg ( 13 stone, 11 lb) this year, and started my annual diet, reluctantly, several times before finding this diet. I regularly lose 5 or 6 kg with a great deal of effort over several miserable months, only to put it back on again in winter.

I’m tall, so I can cunningly disguise the blobby bits (skinny-ish on top). But I need to lose at least another 10kg to be reasonably OK (and fit into that favourite old dress hanging in my wardrobe since 2003). I used to be just under 10 stone, many moons ago, but suspect that my face may show its age if I lose too much (no wrinkles on an inflated balloon, etc.)

So, go girls! We can do this!

Brilliant ClarinetCathy! That is exceptional and very inspiring. My goal is a total of 37 pounds. I want to get to 10 stone flat. I know I will never be the same size as I was when a lot younger. I am 56 and find that any weight loss is much harder than before. Keep it going Mermaid. With all this encouragement I should get there.
Many thanks
Catriona (fatinfrance is not a nice name, I might change it).

I had a clotted cream scone with raspberry jam on at my sons birthday party earlier in the summer and thoroughly enjoyed it! The only refined carbs to enter my mouth since January. Are you eating enough fat? It’s difficult getting your head around the low calorie high fat aspect of this way of eating after years of being indoctrinated to follow low fat diets. Once you get your head around the different way of eating you’ll not look back. 10lb in three weeks is amazing! Incidentally, I don’t do any exercise apart from a little walking!!! Keep positive and believe in the plan- it works. If it can work for me it can work for everyone!

Thanks ClarinetCathy, that’s encouraging.

It’s true that we’re all different. I’ve lost about 10 lbs in 3 weeks (compared to 10 lbs in the previous 2 months on a normal diet). I also started off at a tight 16, and I’d love to lose another 20 lbs or even a bit more.

I’m not very strict, in that sometime my calories have gone up a bit (but never over 1000), and my carbs have sometimes been just a little over 50g a day, but I haven’t touched sweets, cakes or bread etc. apart from my 1 square of dark chocolate. But I have very low cal/ lower carb days too. I’m working on the basis of making this do-able. So if I’m starving, I eat a few nuts or a bit of cheese, but mostly I’m eating healthy low-carb, low-calorie meals, and exercising a lot.

Good for you Mary.

Day 16 and I confess I struggled again today. There are only so many chores I can do to distract myself, I have even done my mum’s ironing. I went for a walk and it just made me hungrier!

Has this “hump” happened to anyone else?

I truly expected it to get easier….I haven’t felt faint, nor seen the “black dog” and my mood is still level so I am sticking with it for the full 8 weeks (well actually I only have 40 days left) My sleep is still top notch though I woke up at 2 am craving an orange Kit Kat and that hasn’t happened for ages.

I just wish my hunger would lessen. I am sure it will.

FFBB x