Fast day going ok so far. In fact, held out until lunch time, 12.30. Dinner will be in an hour or so. We don’t eat until 7 or after and I’m starting to feel hungry now, but I’m sure I can wait until then. I don’t think it will save me on the scales tomorrow as my usually comfortable jeans are feeling right around the middle. My choices, right?

We had a lovely sunny winter’s day today 21c, went for a walk along our nearby beach. Making the most of it as its been grey for days with more to come.

Good luck with overcoming all the frustrations and with tomorrow’s weigh-in xx

KrysiaD, like Esnecca, I’ve checked the gsk website and they currently only have limited, but apparently growing, distribution in three other states and none outside of Australia. Sorry to tease you about their deliciousness😔

Verano, trying something new each day sounds good. I do tend to get stuck in a rut. Should maybe revive the “one day at a time” but with a new twist.

Hey Theodora and KrisiaD – good to meet you both – come on all you maintainers out there – join these lovely people to help the rest of us! I’m in a good place right now but I know that can change very easily, so all encouragement welcomed.
Mixnmatch – you have done so well – losing all that weight is no mean feat! You have ALL worked so hard and now reaping the benefits – I take strength from that and intend to work hard too to join you in about 18 months.

Hi Elaine – good to read your post. You have a very busy life! I know that can make healthy eating a tad more difficult but damage limitation should see you right. A part of this programme is meditation- it doesn’t take long and I am convinced it helps reduce stress levels. Thanks for the heads up about Wagamamas – another place to consider if eating out! Good luck with your interview. Please consider going – I have missed out on too much in my life because of my fat and I really wish I hadn’t. A change is as good as a rest,they say – a new job just might be the catalyst for future success. Obviously it’s how you yourself feel about it in the end.

Me – I am proud and delighted to say I have already been for a walk and already clocked up 5000 steps. Go me! Lol.
How you doin’ Jan? Right – need to go and be useful and stop procrastinating. Amybody else with procratination problems?
Ontopofthe worlddumpty (today anyway)!

Hi Elaine.
I love Wagamamas used to go to one in Canterbury, but now we have moved to Norfolk, there’s nothing anywhere, they are about 30 years behind the south it seems 😅😅😅 but lovely simple living. Hope your week goes well, and if you stay on plan that will help you feel even more empowered, well it works for me. 🙋🙋🙋

My, my, what a lot seems to have gone on while I have been on holiday! Great to be away, but it was long enough that I have come back energised and with renewed focus.
Hello to all, especially to the new folk on this thread. Back Saturday midnight, and away much of Sunday as I had to take my daughter to a sports camp at the crack of dawn. Yesterday I was back to seeing veg again and easing back to low carb – but today is the first day of 800 in a while. After all my plans, the running was awkward to manage – I only got in 4 in the 2 weeks we were away, partly due to the location of one of the apartments, and the second week, due to not being up early enough to run before it was too hot to do so. Stayed low carb initially, but the last week really told in the scales on my return (in spite of my plan not to weigh immediately, I couldn’t stop myself as have always been a daily weigh-er as I find it helps keep me on track). Up 3 kilos! I was seriously cheesed off, but fully expected it as we had several meals at friends’ houses who we haven’t seen in 15 years, and whom I wasn’t able to pre-warn.

Susnshine-girl, so impressed with that reduction of insulin – that is a bigger success than weight loss in my book.
Verano – sounds like you have had an up and down time. Hope today is proving a better day so far.
Mixnmatch, well one and wish I had that dogged determination on a limited diet! I would miss dairy hugely.
NancyB – wishing you success with the walks – I am going to be back to running first thing tomorrow morning, so am with you in spirit on the exercise front.
1960smp – how are you getting on? Hope things are going well, the important bit is not falling on the wagon, which happens to us all now and then, but getting back on and working together towards better health.

B: half avocado and an egg
L: Greek salad
D: aubergine and lamb from the book, minus the pomegranate because I don’t have any – might sprinkle a few raspberries on top instead.

Have a good week, all!

Morning all – late to the party yet again but have been on it since last Tuesday even though I haven’t posted. My goal is to get to 9st dead (not literally obviously!!) by the end of this challenge. This means a loss of 8.5lbs over the 4 weeks. I started in earnest last Tuesday. Haven’t weighed in yet but will do that tomorrow – it’s not official until then anyway lol. However, rough weekend, wine, chocolate cake (tiny sliver) out for dinner – did choose wisely but you just never really know what’s in it! – then more chocolate to help me cope with Wimbledon stress….

My exercise has been shocking also – managed a run on Saturday but that was the first for a month. So my other non scale challenge will be to get back in the gym / pool and tone those muscles!! I got fed up with my Fitbit telling me I wasn’t hitting my goals so I’ve taken it off and am ignoring it!! Who needs the stress…..!

Have a good week all, looking forward to hearing your successes tomorrow and if there aren’t any, well, roll on another week!

TC x

Good morning all. Well we have reached

DAY 7 of 7

There have been some goods posts but for me the one that is top of my list is SunnyB’s reference to ‘101 Thoughts and Affirmations’. I had just read the ‘glasses’ saying. I’ve always though of my glass as half empty but have been trying to think of it as half full. Now I can just be grateful that I have a glass with something in it!

Roger Federer, after his win yesterday, said, more or less, that if you believe and dream and keep believing you will achieve your dreams. Maybe we should be looking more towards our mental state to improve our physical condition.

There is no reason to finish this thread because the 7 days are up and we can carry on or maybe start a new thread …. ‘ Today I will try one thing new’ . Lots of things have cropped up on this thread that are new to me such as sauerkraut and kimchi, fig leaves and affirmation. I think trying something new each day, no matter how small, could help lift our spirits and bring us nearer to our dreams … we just have to keep believing!

Mixnmatch – as well as the health benefits I adore being slender also. We went to watch a local band on Saturday and half way through the evening my husband (we have been married for 48 years) suddenly said how lovely I looked.

Now he never ever comments on how I look – and has never done so over all the years of yo yo dieting – so it felt really good. I think it is not just looking slender but because I look much healthier and full of energy also on this way of eating. I just couldn’t go back to how I was before – and this forum has been a lifeline since I have been on maintenance.

I need to stay accountable or I might just drift back into bad habits.

Thank you my lovelys that all makes sense at the moment i am just not that hungry just didn’t want to ruin what i have done already, only done 2 weeks, week 3 starts today time is going quickly thanks all have a fab week x.

Thanks for the tip Mixnmatch. I’m hoping to get fit enough to cycle the 15 minutes to work without being a horrible sweaty mess when I get there, but there’s no way I could do that twice a day on 800 calories. Did you find exercising difficult on 800 calories? If so how long before you had enough energy to do it?

My advice about transitioning is do it gradually. I added 50 calories a day and just kept going but in control until I got where I wanted to, and that worked very well for me, but may cause more weight loss as you transition, as you are still effectively fasting for a while. That equates to about 260 calories extra on average each week so would take 6 weeks ish to reach your new level. Keep it the good stuff though, just more of it and limit white stuff and alcohol.

Week 5 is done and I’m now weighing in at 17st 6lbs. I’ve found the last week tougher than some of the previous ones. I often felt tired and it took me 3 days to re-decorate my kitchen, when it normally would have been a 2 day job.

The cricket yesterday wasn’t too bad, although not doing much did remind me how hungry I was feeling. I still managed to stick to the 800 calories I’d planned and didn’t let the smells from the burger vans distract me.

I’ve now only got 3 weeks to go and, while it feels difficult, it also feels achievable. I’m looking to transition to eating around about 2400 calories a day once the 3 weeks are up, probably by adding around 400 calories to my daily allowance each week until I’m back there. If anybody has any advice about transitioning to a regular diet after the 8 weeks, I’d love to hear it.

5 weeks down, 3 to go. Starting weight 19st 8lbs, current weight 17st 6lbs.

You are absolutely right Dnm, I started BSD unusually slowly having adapted straight from 5:2, and slowly increased the number of fast days I was doing while controlling the intake on my non-fast fast days too, so all were low carb and calorie controlled. (800 on fast days and 1600 on non fast days, 40g carbs on fast days, 80g on non fast days, but all the good stuff) I went from 5:2 to 4:3 to 2:5 with just 1600 on weekends, and then hit the ground running with my 8 weeks that took me almost to my target. The rest has been losing that last few pounds and maintaining since Feb 1st. I do feel that the 5:2 approach is under used, it is so flexible, and allows you to gradually get used to the idea of fasting and control without feeling deprived in any way, but I do understand that many people just want a quick fix. That wasn’t an option for me with still 5 stone to lose when I started this WOE.

Last day of fasting mimicking today. Observations are so far, I think it may be helping my skin recover just a little bit, it feels smoother and looks maybe a little tighter, I still feel quite well on it, and I miss dairy a lot more than meat. Weight this morning is down to 10 stone 4.8, just a fraction above the 8 1/2 stone lost marker, so considerably below where I was when I began maintenance, so this seems to be an excellent ‘short sharp shock’ to get rid of the bad effects of an extended indulgent period such as Christmas or birthdays. Will almost certainly plan another one in for January and my birthday next year. After another week of 800 calories, some of the loss must be fat as well as water, so I will be interested to see what my weight increases back to as the glycogen stores are built back up again from tomorrow onwards. I am on holiday almost immediately though, so weighing will be infrequent. BMI now 23.3 but I fully expect a rise over the next week’s back into my comfort zone of the mid 24s, and hopefully no longer bouncing around the top of it, near 25.

Hi Elaine,
Hope you have a good week. When you say you are not good with stress- does it cause you anxiety? If so let me point you in the direction of DARE response, it helps me and has helped so many people 😊

Hello lovelies!!
‘pologies for the long silence: travelling was good but difficult on many levels…..many slip-ups re BSD on the last week when a lot of moving around, and stopped counting calories for almost a week….though kept up most of the BSD principles

Glad to hear ALL your collective and lovely stories again
Lee….go easy with your back and Liz….go easy on yourself. I went through all that with my mum a few years back…when just after her 90th (!!) birthday, she developed dementia….never an easy time. I spent most of Friday in Sydney visiting a friend in hospital going through horrendous chemo and cancer treatments…I felt grotesquely robust looking at her poor ravaged body. Life and health are often so random

I’ve returned after almost 12 days with only a 1kg gain (from my 6-7 kg loss…when I couldn’t locate the scales, so a little unsure), which I feel is already heading on its way, so not too disappointed.

We arrived home Saturday morning and spend all weekend dismantling the kitchen and dining rooms to put in underfloor heating. I spent all yesterday stocking the fridge and freezer with BSD friendly soups (at least five varieties!), frittata and veg meals….so NO excuses even in the bedlam!!! Fortunately the office is away from all that….and next winter, I will warm my slimmer feet and body on the heated floorboards!…and will finally get my years-awaited kitchen tiles/splashback!

Son no 4 has come down from Melbourne for a week to help our builder-friend…he served eggs and veg for breakfast yesterday and didn’t even offer me toast…another ally!…so I’m pretty lucky that I haven’t met many detractors as yet, but I’m storing all your wittisims for if I do!!!….. the journalist friends we visited for dinner last week did serve a very BSD friendly salad and fish, but I lacked the resolve to say a firm no to the prosecco x many!!…..anyhow, as I said, the fridge and freezer are stocked with pre-prepared meals for at least 10 days. Mary, said to hear re your SIL also….again I am so far very lucky…all the boys’ wives and girlfriends are just lovely…though not all hitched yet, so I won’t be complacent!

Today’s calories at less than 400 so feel as if I’m truly back….had a five hour meeting today so truly back at work too (ugh…and a seriously bad headache to show for it!)

thank you all for being here

go well
xxx
Erin

Esnecca – I have washed some jars – run off the recipe for sauerkraut – and have suddenly got ‘cold feet’. It is easy – but if everything is not scrupulously clean it looks as though things could go wrong. I probably shouldn’t have read the article about the dangers of home made sauerkraut.

So have looked on Amazon and they do sell the proper sauerkraut but I am quite keen to try the garlic sauerkraut from your producer if you could let me know the name of the brand.

Marsie – I am going to try your brand also. It is really helpful to get recommendations of good brands to try.

Exactly – and like so many folk on here, you have recognised the dangers, dangers of which she seemed to be in denial. What really puzzles me is her claim that the obese survive diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases better than the non-obese.
Mike

I generally have a plateful of vegetables to go with my lean protein of choice at night and they are almost always sauteed with some kind of spice.

Cumin, coriander, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, individually or mixed in any combination, sauteed, with spinach or kale or broccoli or any veggies you want. For instance, sauteed mushrooms and coriander with spinach added at the end is nice. Cauli and broccoli sauteed with cumin and mashed when done is also nice. Mix and match just to try new tastes. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano and zuchinni all sauteed together is good.

Fresh green beans sauteed with a glob of sambal olek, an Indonesian spice paste available at most supermarkets. Really good.

Hi

Had very social weekend – managed to keep steps up but did slip foodwise 😕 back to logging food today and off to aquafit this morning. Determined to improve food choices this week and keep to 800 cals.

Hope everyone had good weekend and we all have good week 👍

Marsie, I checked the website of the sauerkraut brand you buy, and it’s definitely done right. Krysia, it’s not just East Anglia. I’m afraid the mass-produced stuff has taken over most markets. I had to track down my favorite brand online and order directly from their website. Their garlic sauerkraut is worth every dime of the shipping cost. They make great kimchi, too, which my OH loves with a fiery passion. He keeps a whole jar of it at work for a snack. 😀

Good luck making your own. I’ve been too intimidated to try it but from what I’ve read the actual work is minimal. It’s just a waiting game. I’m looking forward to hearing your report. 🙂

Well said Dreamscometrue! Don’t despair ClarinetCathy. I lost 8 kilos last time I did the 8 weeks and am at the beginning of week 7 and have only managed to lose 4, with many ups and downs on the scales with very few explanations for it. I always weigh myself at the beginning of the day after my morning walk. I think it is important to try to be consistent with the time of day and such. It can be very disheartening to seem to be putting in all the effort for no return, but they do say that muscle weighs heavier than fat, so that can be a factor. Have you taken any other measurements that you can compare? I have only measured my waist and my blood sugar and they are still excellent and as I stand at my desk in my once squeezy tight stretchy jeans and feel how loose and baggy they are, I am encouraged that all is well. My scales are very used to me asking “are you kidding me?” when I am expecting a very appreciable loss and find I have actually put on weight!
My middle son’s birthday yesterday, so went off task there and with my soon to be son-in-law’s birthday tomorrow and my daughter’s birthday on Friday and a long weekend down south to meet the aforesaid soon to be son-in-law’s mother, I expect the drive towards my goal will be seriously curtailed, but that’s life and it is meant to be lived, and besides, I can always start again, because I have control of it ! Yay! My goal is 60k, not sure what that is in stone, but I think we are all looking for around the same weight.
Keep it up girls , and remember it’s the long haul and not a sprint…… although that does remind me that you might want to check out what Michael says about ‘Fast Exercise’ because I think it has made a big difference to my benefits from exercise.
Cheers

Hi Nilesedge thank you for your comments. Ditch the prosecco, which sometimes gives me headaches due to the sulphites although champagne is ok as sulphites are taken out and go for gin and diet tonic instead.
I challenge you to do it and lose that stubborn 1kg. Don’t forget that wine has a lot of calories in it.

Thanks Mixnmatch, good to know it won’t last too long – I felt so ill yesterday. Re running low on body fat… I used to race at 67Kg – so coming down from 102 will take a looong time to get there!

Dnmore, I’m a maintainer – though only a few months in, so can’t yet claim to be long term, but decided when I hit maintenance that I would stick around for (a) tips and support on how to maintain and (b) just as importantly, to encourage others to get there. During my bsd journey it has helped so much knowing that, not only CAN it be done, but that there are people out there that ARE doing it. So thank you to all you great maintainers who continue to help and encourage those of us following in your footsteps.

Krysia, great adage and a complete no brainer. Good to keep our health in the forefront of our minds. Have to confess that, being neither diabetic nor pre diabetic, I embarked on my journey purely out of vanity, but cannot believe how much better and healthier I feel, and really don’t want to revert to the old, sluggish half-life I now know I was living. Mind you, I also have to confess that, not only do I love the way I now feel, I also adore being slender again after all these years 😜 No intention of back sliding any time soon 😊

So keep going everyone, it can be done and you are going to do it. Just believe in yourselves.

Well done Onetowatch!! Are you finding it easy?

AngieTW, at least they were home made so you know what was in them, the lavender shortbread sounds amazing by the way! Good luck with your interview 🙂

I’ve been losing and regaining the same 1kg for 2 weeks, all my own fault, too much prosecco etc on the weekends.

Hello Ladies!

All going well – day 4 for me. We went to see Planet of the Apes last night and went to Wagamama’s for dinner beforehand. I LOVE Wagamamas but when hubby suggested it, I’d had a relatively large lunch and was planning on salmon and courgetti for dinner. But I need not have worried – they have a fabulous new salad on the menu – c350 calories and it was SO tasty. I did succumb to ebi katsu – another favourite of mine – but hubby had 2 so not so bad. I came in at just under 1000 calories so I’m fine with that. I’ve averaged 856 cals and 49 carbs per day and 8100 steps. I’m trying to keep away from the scales for a few days as my weight has dropped by 4.6lbs and I don’t want to see it bouncing back up!

I’m hoping that we are going to book a holiday for October. I am studying for a Diploma and have an assignment due on 8th October and my eldest son has exams right at the end of September so we’re a bit restricted for when we can go. I’d really love some sun so it looks like we’ll be going to either the Canaries or Cyprus. We’ve been to Lanzarote years ago when the boys were little. We really enjoyed it but I do like to go to different places. Do any of you have any experience of these places in October/November?

Dietwise – I may have a challenging week ahead. We’re going to London on Tuesday to a Proms evening and meeting eldest son for lunch. Then on Thursday I’m back up to London for an interview. So eating out and a bit of stress will be coming my way. I’m not great with stress – hence I’m so fat! I may not go to the interview – I’ll see how I feel!

I’m going to aim for 10k steps each day and as long as my overall weekly calories are a tad under 1000 then I’ll be happy.

Right, I’m off for a soak in the bath before I start perusing the cupboards!

Elaine x

Dnomore – I agree that slipping into old habits does so much internal damage and that alone should stop us from straying. Whenever I am tempted by the bad stuff I do a little calculation in my head – it goes ‘ which do I prefer – my eyesight and feet or this sweet treat’. So far (not surprisingly) my eyesight and feet always win and I don’t succumb to the sweet treat.

Hey Mixnmatch- I agree-there probably are maintainers that are not posting. I wish they would – people like you really provide hope for people like me. I feel there are people struggling -might be wrong- me being one of them. The message has to be ‘Every little helps’ which absolutely backs up your point of not slipping into old habits and just do what you can do. I guess what I meant by my post was -if you think you might give up because 800 cals is too stringent then do what you can and hopefully, with time, you can cope with the 800 cals. I think I am just trying to be supportive and forge a ‘Let’s keep this going no matter what’ momentum.

Also, slipping into old habits will not only put weight on, but it does a lot of internal damage too and that alone should stop us from straying. For me it’s more about staying healthy given my age – although I wouldn’t be upset at looking a whole load better too!

Your story is very inspirational MixnMatch. I aspire to you and your success. Thank you for being one of maintainers that are around to keep us going. I really hope, one day, I can join you in inspiring and advising. And thanks for clearing this up – would hate for people to give up before they have even started. Take care.

Didn’tmeantomisleadanybodydumpty

Love the Ecclestone Dr Who era. I have the box set too, though I’m curling up with the Victoria box set! Good news for the new clothes though…👏

Hovis have just introduced low carb bread and it’s on offer at 90p in Waitrose, so have ordered for next week. Got a craving for cheese on toast now thanks to HRH Liz 1st!!

L xx

The good news is this is temporary, and once you have adapted to burning fat instead of carbs/glycogen your endurance will be back, you are just literally running out of energy. Once your body fat is available as a fuel source, and your metabolism is working properly again, you will be able to use that nearly unlimited fuel source. (Although running your body fat too low is very dangerous). Everyone is different but I would say in a couple of weeks the adaptation should have occurred and it will get much better.

Hi Nickix, I am still here. Still mainly plodding along with the woe.
Just arrived home today after 9 days away in our motorhome.
Lots of walking and relaxing. Had four of our grandchildren with us over the weekend and found myself wandering over to what I cooked for them. Not worried about what I have eaten over the past four days as tomorrow is another day. Even managed to walk over 10,000 steps most days and actually did over 18,000 one one day. So pleased with myself as I could not have done 800 this time last year. Not weighed for two weeks now but will hop on the scales in the morning. Hope everyone is well.

In general if it ends in -ose it is some sort of sugar, and beware the ingredients lists on some supposedly healthy food which make use of this fact to confuse people. Fructose is particularly bad in large quantities as it tends to head straight for fat in the liver which is damaging to the health, luckily on this eating plan fruit and therefore fructose is limited as well..

I think the research says that “sugar” is sugar is sugar — whether it comes from sucrose, fructose (fruit) maltose (beer) or lactose (milk) or sucrose/fructose (table sugar) — doesn’t really matter — your body converts or uses it mostly the same (with a couple differences).
I would check the ingredient label for “added” sugar (AKA corn syrup, rice syrup, high fructose syrup, aloe or other “nectars”, fruit juice, maple syrup, honey etc etc etc — they are getting tricky these days) — avoid that as much as possible then just use the carbohydrate count for general purposes — you probably don’t need to count sugars separately.

I think some more have maintained successfully but are not on the forum anymore, and some only pop back in occasionally to the Target Weight thread, but there are a growing number of people who are there or nearly there. The important thing is to not slip into those old habits, because it will result in the weight going back on.

Hey Jan – no walk today – too involved with Wimbledon – a bit of a let down (the no-walk and the tennis) – might have to get a dog by the sounds. Ashamed to say I have only clocked 1412 steps and the day is nearly over. That’s my usual sedentary lifestyle – I didn’t realise I was that sedentary. Going to have to get my butt in gear! The tennis over so I can really get going now, especially since I have eased myself into the food side of things. Would be a shame to get myself too stressed out (chance would be a fine thing – lol).
I’ll be honest – I think i’m a bit over 1000 cals too. I found last time I was really lacking in energy – fine this time around – so I don’t mind taling it a bit slower if I can stay the course a bit longer with lasting results. I’ll look up that fishcake recipe and let you know how I get on. Hope you’re getting on good too – you sound quite chipper! So I’ll take that as a good sign. Happy and healthy – way to go! I hope I don’t cave in again – I know what I’m like. But good to chat with you.
Hi Hughsey – sounds like a good start. Don’t worry too much about the weak /tired/grumpy feelings. Cutting the carbs does that too you and things will settle down. Personally, I’ve have had to up the cals a bit – hey ho! But keep going. Our health is important.

Hi Lainie – hope you are doing okay! Give us a shout – would be good to see how you are getting on! Ups and downs – all worth sharing.

The feeling I’m getting from reading these forums and personal experience is that while much success is achieved only a handful have managed to maintain. I’m not a maintainer as we all know. I am hoping for better success to be a bit easier on myself. I really hope that works, otherwise I am well and truly ‘gubbed’ as my son would say.
Good luck everybody – keep going –

Many thanks to mixnmatch for your assistance in my dilemma, I’m a little now the wiser, but why do manufactures insist on putting sugar when life would be a lot easier if they put lactose, at least you’d know whether it was a natural ingredient instead of manufactured sugar.

Day 22 in the BSD house.

I am shattered! Really busy day in the shop and my energy was really low. This is either an after effect of Friday night or I need to increase my calories a bit. I am after a perfect daily average for the month. I want August to be the same. So I am going to monitor my energy levels.

I have bought a pair of size 16 jeans from the shop (M & S new £4) I tried the size 18 dress on and it zips up a little bit more but I still have a long way to go (fucking back fat and boobs!) I will get into these items and then play it by ear.

Going to chill out with a Doctor Who box set (Ecclestone era) now.

Regards,

FFBB X

I haven’t come across this here yet, but I will keep an eye out for them. Thanks for the info.
Mary xxx

I’ve been naughty!! For the first time in 8 weeks I had a home made sultana scone with raspberry jam and cream and 2 lavender shortbread. All made by me this morning for friends who were coming round for coffee. Sat out in the garden and really enjoyed it. I will now get back on track and pull my socks up for the next 2 weeks (but will have a gin and slimline tonic) this evening as stressing about an interview and assessment centre I have to do on Tuesday.
Well done Onetowatch for losing

It is lactose from the milk, always present in dairy products. Don’t worry about it (unless you are lactose intolerant in which case I guess you wouldn’t be buying it) but if you are limiting carbs, remember that along with the white stuff starches it should be kept to a minimum. I regularly check carb levels on yoghurt and try to buy the highest fat/lowest sugar.

Ah commiserations ClarinetCathy but don’t despair – you WILL get there! As we all know this diet has its own rules and weight can come and go inconsistently. But keep on and there will definitely be an ongoing downward trend.

Just one thought that may help. I’m at a similar stage to you and have found that fasting (including 16:8) doesn’t help me at all: in fact my body seems to take that as a cue to hang onto the weight. We’re all different, and some things work, some things don’t. But I’ve found my most consistent losses have been when I’ve eaten regularly rather than going for very long gaps without food. Being specific, starting the day with one scrambled egg in butter (around 100 calories) is always good for me; I can then go through till lunchtime (when I may have something like tuna or chicken or another egg with salady things) then eat again in the evening (eg fish and vegetables or maybe a small stir fry). For me, balancing out the eating that way seems far more effective than going long periods without anything to eat.

But as I say we’re all different and I hope you find what works for you!

I’m heading tantalisingly slowly towards 10 stone – hovering around 10 stone 2/3 at the moment: but I do find that with me it takes a while for a proper loss to “bed down” and settle before becoming a permanent fixture. I’m still aiming for 9 and a half stone and – like you said in one of your earlier posts – hope to be there by September 🙂

Good luck and keep us posted X

Dear all,
I am a newcomer to the Blood Sugar Diet, and no doubt you’ve seen this question before but I’m really confused and need your help regarding label information on ingredients. As I’m trying to follow the dietary programme I purchased a pot of natural full fat sugar free yogurt only to find the information on the label was not as I thought. It says typical values per 100g Carbohydrate 6.3g of which sugars 6.2g is this as stated in the book that the body turns the carbohydrate into sugar or is this added sugar I’m none the wiser…..help!

Hey Lovelies! I’m not sure if it is happening in your parts but here in Toronto the low carb thing is making off to the degree that a reputable bakery now makes Carb Smart bread! It is a rye type bread with 3 net carbs per slice!!! Thank you Jesus. AND there is a new Carb friendly grocery store that is my frigging dream!! It has everything like soups, condiments, tortilla wraps, snack foods that are all low to no carb. Even a pasta that is carb friendly!!! I think due to the Western lifestyle loads of people are developing type 2 so the money will be in low carb foods. Keep an eye out in your grocery stores. I am just having 1 slice every couple of days as it is 80 calories/slice but what a heavenly treat! I love cheese and tomato on bread or toast and had that yesterday….fucking bliss.
Yours, Liz’s Low Carb Options Detective Agency

Love it sunshine-girl – love the fact that I am not the only one who finds the crunchy delights of ryvitas rather moreish! Still, like my sister says, if that’s the only think you’re losing control over then you’re not doing too bad!!! One or two strawberries just before bed does the trick now!! 😉

Thanks for the support Pod and Marsie, it’s much appreciated. Just frustrated that I can’t seem to get myself sorted and back to target weight again. I know of course that I CAN do it, but just can’t seem to get it done. Going to start some daily meditation and mindfulness exercises from tomorrow, hopefully that will sort the head out and the rest will follow. You are right about the alcohol and the mindset, Pod and I have had a couple of drinks this w/e too.

Anyway, think I’m doing okay today, although I have had yet another day off counting – of course the scales will tell me tomorrow morning if I’ve made things better or worse. For tomorrow it will be full on back to counting and extending my overnight fast. Hope your fast day goes well tomorrow, Marsie, keep us posted.

Hope we can all post some sort of loss at weigh-in on Tuesday – keep going everyone.

As we are in this for the long haul, don’t worry if there are days when you are quite a bit under, as long as you are comfortable with that. There will probably be days when you go a bit over occasionally and these will be balanced out by those days you manage to be under. It will all balance out over the 8 weeks – or however long you elect to stick with the 800.

Keep going and best of luck for the next weigh-in.

Hi Mike
I started this WOE last October whilst into the second year of PMR. I lost two stone whist reducing the steroids and my ESR slowly reduced at the same time, and I am now symptom free with a normal blood result.
Although my weight has fluctuated (due to my lack of control), I am convinced that the anti inflammatory foods in the BSD helped to rid my body of the horrible condition.
Good luck!
X B

Hi ruthydoo, your post struck a chord with me as I like my ryvita with ham or chicken and with butter it probably adds about 50 to 70 calories then the meat too. I have to give up because I am on my last packet and no chance of buying any more until October. Glad to hear it is possible to live without.

Hi hughsey
Don’t worry those feelings will soon pass , and then you will feel marvellous, keep up the good work.
🙋🙋🙋jan