Yay Mary and FFB! Proud of you!
Have a great time away EC, enjoy those warmer temps. I’m in the Southern Highlands and it’s FREEZING today!
Lee and Liz, are you on the mend?
OiMadam, you are in safe hands here!! It’s a great group and I’ve never laughed so much!
Hi dumpty and madmare, hope today has gone well for you.
I’ve done well food wise and just have to get through till bedtime…..

Hi everyone

great to hear everyone is doing so well congratulations on motivation, weight loss and, well, being generally marvellous ….and Liz AND Lee hope you’re feeling well again soon
spent all day travelling yesterday…even managed to have a healthy/low cal lunch at the airport in Sydney (Hobart airport food is dreadful!) and resisted my urge to have a drink at the airport which is normally a bit of a ritual….but failed to resist with my dear friend last night…I’m OK with it as I’m only just over calorie wise (the alcohol hits earlier/harder with not much food on board!!) and I will be easy on myself while away as I don’t see this as being just for eight weeks….thank goodness for all of you to keep me motivated….thank you thank you!
Dumpty…I slept for over 10 hours last night…can’t remember the last time that happened
I’m going to try to take the mindfullness stuff on board this week

Australia is such a crazy country…left home (I know I’m ALWAYS going on about the weather….its a Tasmanian obsession!!) in 2-3 degree temps and alighted in Nth NSW in the afternoon to 22!

Shopping this morning for all my “good” foods (luckily my friend is always happy to let me commandeer her kitchen) The weekend may be a little harder as we’ll be at an event an probably eating out most of the time……but my cortisol will be low as I’ll be having fun!!

Marsie sorry to hear that you are not in a good place right now 🙁 You are always so supportive of everyone else, so I think we all need to send you some support, and virtual hugs right now 🤗
I haven’t had good results either this week and am late to post this week. Am up 400g, or 0.88lb (actually that sounds better!). My excuse is that it was no.2 daughters birthday last Friday and instead of showing restraint, and only having 1 glass of champagne like Cathy did, I had 4 or 5. Which then led me into having a grilled chicken burger, instead of the grilled chicken & veggies I had planned during our meal out (I didn’t eat the chips though so showed some restraint). Then I had ice cream birthday cake. It didn’t stop there… the next day while out shopping I had Cinammon donuts with my coffee… oh dear! So it was no wonder then on Monday that my weight had gone up a whole 1.8kg from the week before! Some of that must have been fluid because my weight dropped again over the past few days. So where has this left me in terms of the challenge? Am actually at my original goal weight for the 4 weeks, but not the revised one.
Where is all this leading? Well I’m accepting that I CHOSE to eat those foods, I’ve accepted the consequences,
a gain this week, and now moving on.
Life happens, we are all human, there’ll be slip ups from time to time. Also it’s one thing to stick to the BSD for 8 weeks, but it gets a lot harder when it’s long term.
So please don’t be too hard on yourself Marsie! there are many of us in the same boat and all we can do is as you say, keep on keeping on x

Just wondering if anyone has ever tried hypnosis to try and manage the sugar/ carb craving? I have often thought bout trying it but never got around to it and I don’t think it particularly cheap.

He he Polly – forgot to say that I was going away!!!! Went to the Lakes from last Weds and got back this morning – bliss! It was great in that my twin and her hubby came too and they are both following the same diet as me – we took the recipe book with us and tried out some lovely dishes – the meatballs was lovely, as was the broccoli and cauli gratin – truly tasty!!

So I should have weighed myself on Monday just gone, but will do so in the morning to keep tabs on how well I’ve done. I have definitely eaten more than 800 cals per day – possibly up to about 1200 I’m guessing on some days but it’s been all the “right” food, so feeling really positive and happy. The only thing I slipped up on was a panini in Bedale as I really don’t like minestrone soup – the only other alternative. Had a big salad with it though!

I love your attitude with starting again if you have a poor week – it’s just so important to treat this as a lifestyle and not a one off 5 week fad! Have a slightly stressful day tomorrow so it will be interesting to see how it affects my appetite! Keep up the good vibes Polly!! 🙂

Amazing success on this forum lovely to read. I started in January and haven’t posted in a long time. Was obese then starting at 13 stone 13 pounds or 14 stone could have been and did the 8 week twice with a break then have done intermittent fasting and then went on holiday. So have dropped to 10 stone 9 pounds. A healthy weight for me is between 7 stone 0 pounds and 9 stone 7 pounds my goal is to get to 8 stone 7 pounds so I still have 30 pounds to lose. I have lost a total of 47 pounds so more than half done. Reading all your amazing success stories and just your dedication has motivated me to do another strict 8 weeks to try to shift these pounds. Thank you

Ruthie you’ve gone very quiet. Is your head stuck in a biscuit barrel? ! Come back! You could have a quick regroup and carry on. This is for life and slip ups are part of it…! I managed to gain weight last week and have decided that I just chalk that up and get back to it. None of us got these issues because we have good discipline. Sugar is a terrible drug. Come n give it another poke in the eye?

Hi JCH …I had a similar weight regain after doing the blood sugar diet last year. I kept off half a stone. Which I’m quite impressed with as I’ve been a serial dieter all my life and have usually ended up fatter each time. This time some of the better eating habits stuck. My dad is also diabetic and got some serious issues. Mother on the other hand is hopping along just fine with no diabetes at 78. I just feel so much better currently in week 3 with no sugar.

Have to remember that it’s an addiction and to fight the pangs, not give in to them.

Dumpty, I agree with Verano. I write everything down, good or bad…it helps. I also dont think about how much I have to lose as it is at least 100 pounds. Too big to contemplate, so I am doing this for 8 weeks to see how much I can get rid of. I also have an underactive thyroid which slows everything down, and I need to move more to use up calories. I just tackle each day as it comes. I used to say…oh its Tuesday, I will have a drink and start tomorrow. But there is always a tomorrow.

We can do this. I am rooting for you, Go Dumptynomore!
Love Mary
xxxx

Hi Narnea, I personally only count the readings either on an empty stomach i.e. first thing in the morning and just before eating in the evening. If you test after eating you are bound to be high. As 3 sites gave you different responses you need to find a mean average but I wouldn’t test 2 hours after eating. I am diabetic but dont know about your results or your machine, what you need to do is test at the same time every day having eaten exactly the same thing or, as I do, on an empty stomach and look at your results now and again when you have been on the diet for a few days / weeks. I guess it is like going on someone elses scales, you will weigh different from at home but experiment and get to know your normal. By the way, what had you eaten. I rarely eat fruit but had a small piece of melon because I was sick of eating meat to snack on, 2 hours later my BG was 11.0, so be aware of what you are having to eat.

I have just noticed you are not diabetic, so why are you testing, just because someone had similar symptoms, you might be jumping the gun. In which case your BG readings are irrelevant. My husband is not diabetic and his readings 2 hours after eating are always higher than mine, admittedly he usually has a sandwich.

Back already – Verano’s post on ‘100 club!’ helped me put things in perspective. Worth a read.

Night night!

Hi all –
Mary thanks for your good wishes – glad to hear you are doing so well – Verano gave me some good advice today – a step at a time! I can really see the sense in that. Keep going – we will get there! Loved your story about OH – I wasn’t sure if I should have been laughing it must have so worrying for you at the time. I would probably have taken umbrage at everybody thinking being cuddly means you can’t indulge. As I say to my OH – at least you don’t have cuts from my bones (Actually, I don’t think I have any 😀 )

Snoop – good to hear your back story – interesting to see where everybody is coming from with the same destination.

Oimadam – welcome – your story sounds very familiar – let’s do this together!

Menstrual Liz – I am counting on you to give me my daily fix – getting my laugh out loud sessions is a must if I am to succeed – it’s all in your hands!

Everybody else – love reading about your lives – shows it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.

I’m aiming to be in bed for 10 sleeping for 11 – apparently lack of sleep makes you gain weight! Hormones, etc! So, I better pootle off.

Good luck

Stilldumpty

Hi Verano – thanks for that very lengthy reply – it would have taken me ages as I am one finger typer :). Well – maybe two – :))

You have been a tremendous help – I always think ‘What don’t I know about losing weight?’ Your post has shown that to be quite a lot, actually! I am very lucky I have escaped a medical history at the age of almost 59 but my luck will run out at some point! I’m guessing soon if I don’t get my act together – might need to make that my incentive. You’re right when you say you have that when you already have a condition. I think I self sabotage for some reason. I managed to get from an all time high of 17stone 2 pounds to 10stone 10 pounds 2011-2012 – what the hell goes on in my head – honestly – so cross with myself. Then worked so hard last year and did it it again.

I’m so bloody stupid trying to think I could have a perfect 8 weeks , then just ended up gaining weight. I am a perfectionist by nature – all or nothing – it was never going to work. Again you are right to break in to small chunks. Much as I poopoohed journalling, I redfacedly admit That is exactly what I am doing – one day at a time. Even seven days would probably be too long for me. My name is dumptynomore – I am a sugar addict! There – I have said it! Onwards and upwards! With food planning – thanks.

Everything you have said makes so much sense and brought calm and order to me. You know how your mind goes in a whirl and you can’t think straight! So -I’m in it for the long haul – 95 pounds to lose – will be over a hundred if you count the initial starting weight of 16 stones. I want to get down to 8stones 7 pounds – however long that takes – no race as you say.

How much have you to go before being initiated into the great halls of this club. Hopefully , there will still be room for us. Going to take me at least a year and a half.

Feeling so much more positive – thank you so much, Verano! Some very supportive people around, thankfully. BTW – any suggestions what could replace a biscuit to go with a cup of tea – it’s ‘too wet without one.’ :))

Stilldumpty

It’s super quiet in here as of late!

Hope everyone is doing well. So 2 days into week 6 and it’s going well so far. Had a total loss of 35lbs and still moving along at 4/5lbs a week which is great I’m thinking 24 weeks at this rate I’ll be at goal weight if not before hand.

Iv deffinatly found it’s easier and easier to fast for longer periods of time (last week due to extended working hours and choice) I managed 24 hours and didn’t feel any ill effects.

Iv also noticed the ‘softening’ of the fat on my body (can’t remember who mentioned that as fats being used for energy it’s solidity breaks down and becomes soft) so I’m hoping with an uptake in water it will pass through nicely.

Up until the last 2/3 days iv been super diligent in my water intake but I need to get back on it tomorrow and start drinking more again! I think being flat out busy meant it took a back seat but no more!

Otherwise all going well, long may it continue!!!!

Well done FFBB…I know exactly what you are saying. I am suprising myself at the moment. Many times I have thought, I would normally have a drink after this happens…but managed to deny myself. Let’s lean on each other and not drink.

Mary
xxx

Hi all

I am going to start my 800 calorie diet but just need to choose a day!
I currently don’t work as i have chronic pain so am home on the couch all day so good is my only comfort. And as you can guess my weight is just going up and up!
So I think this will hopefully help but I’m worried about cravings and hunger.
My family ate all away next week and think I will start either before they leave or when they leave…but I usually turn to food when alone.

Can I ask if there’s any tips you al have?
Maybe if I snack on raw veg and have higher protein as I find high fat doesn’t satisfy e like protein does.
Thank you!

My official weigh in today is distinctly birthday celebrations affected, and just out of my comfort zone again at 11 stone 0.6. Missed yesterday’s fast day as well, it was going well until I got home and found the birthday cake again 😊 Not badly over TDEE though, thanks to 16:8 fasting not leaving me so much time to over eat. Will do my planned second fast day on either Thursday or Friday, and then hopefully back on my new plan. Well done to everyone for keeping on keeping on.

Hello all,
I have been feeling tired and unwell for a while and the other day I watched “dr in the house”. It was an episode where the lady (same age as me) was diagnosed as prediabetic, she had all the same symptoms as I do. Then I remembered that there are a number of close relatives with diabetes, my aunt has lost part of her foot because of it. Anyway long and the short of it is I got dr moselys book and am going to start the plan on Thursday.
The thing is, I received my blood glucose monitor today and did a test 2hrs after eating. Result was 8mmol/l. And so looked this up on line and found one site sAid I am diabetic another said normal and another said pre diabetic!!
Please can anyone clear this up for me?

Hello all I have just signed up ,I began the BSD last Monday, I’ve been having trouble with my glucose levels for months 19-20 usually 2 hours after eating. On Friday of last week 9.9 after breakfast ,today 7.3. Lovely food much to my surprise I’m not missing bread or potatoes.Also never hungry before starting I was always hungry. Pulses and vegetables rule. One very happy bunny.😀

Day 11.

Went over my 800 calories today, but only by 124, still on track for a monthly average of under 800 calories and that is what counts.

I was really, really hungry and instead of coming and going in waves it was consistent for hours so I added cheese to my tea. Notice that I haven’t used this to think “fuck it, crisps and dip and booze here I come”. Believe me the old me would have used any excuse to binge.

This WOE really does make you think.

FFBB

Am up 0.4 lb today. A little bit disappointed as I did a 24 hour fast on Friday/Saturday and a 16 hour fast on Sunday, the reason being that it was my son’s engagement meal on Sunday and when I looked at the menu there was only one vegetarian option for main course which happened to be cheese and onion pie but I had that with green beans only. I had Waldorf salad to start but did opt for creme brûlée for dessert! . I had one glass of champagne. I am really struggling to get below 144 lbs at the moment and have hit another dreaded plateau. I so want to get below 140 lbs. Anyway, now that there is a wedding on the horizon I have more of an incentive to keep chipping away. Am going to challenge myself to lose 2lb before next Tuesday! See you next Tuesday for the final weigh in of June to July.

Oh Liz yet again eating my breakfast with tears running down my face. Your ear for dialogue is superb. I am sorry that the birthday trip was so uncomfortable but as ever you turn it into gold.
Lee this is jealousy, pure and simple. Take it as a strange twisted compliment that you are looking fabulous! You are certainly unsettling them. Hope you are feeling better.
Made that cauliflower soup last night absolutely gorgeous
Had two AFDS!!!!!
This mainly due to me tweaking my back and being totally unable to sleep. I can walk stand sit etc but cannot lie down so could not sleep for the last two nights.
Any way been to the chiropractor who caused strange clicking noises in my spine and found a couple of spots in my back that made me squeal like a pig but much better now!

Sounds like you had a hell of a year, JCH.

I’m also an emotional eater. Not only negative feelings, though boredom, anger, anxiety etc. will push me over the edge, but also positive ones; celebrating, rewarding myself, going to the cinema, etc with chocolate. And I can’t stop when I start… doesn’t matter if I hide the chocs in the highest cupboard, I’ll be up an down a ladder all day till their gone.

I feel calmer without sugar. It’s like sugar fuels and soothes the wobbles at the same time. Today, when I need to do some serious writing and thinking, I crave the sugar like a baby craves its dummy. That’s part of my psychological, not phsyical addiction. Sites I’ve been on say things like “go for a walk when you feel a craving”, but if I’m craving because I have to sit down to work, it doesn’t help. It’s anxiety, and I suppose I need to work on calming myself through meditation.

Here’s one that I use (and need to do more): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91NmnS2py40

I very nearly did not post. I’m in a dangerous place, re my weight/health. I’m feeling very like the myriad times I’ve dropped off the regime I’d set myself and that’s where I am right now. I’m not settng in stone today’s weight but i am up more than a kg. Overeating and off piste.

I will take time tomorrow to do some naval gazing, sort out this head of mine. Good luck all.

Have a great holiday Butterlover

I gained 17lbs of what I lost, I started calories counting in January lost 11lbs, but switched to this a couple of weeks ago as when calories counting I allowed myself too much sweet stuff. I’m an emotional eater, any excuse, bored, lonely, you name it. I hated my job last year, split with my fella and then had a house move all of which threw me. I changed jobs and am settled in my new home so no more excuses. I struggle with the mental side, stopping those wobbles and I’m not sure how to address that.

Diabetes is a horrible disease, my dad doesn’t seem quite as unwell as yours but has many of the same problems. I’m determined to sort this out before I get to the same stage.

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.