Morning all!

Goodish day yesterday. Back held up throughout work and I was very short staffed so that was impressive. I actually got loads done without having everyone interrupting me so a great sense of achievement and I went home satisfied.

Food went well too, so I think I’m back on the wagon again. Got a lovely garlic prawn salad for lunch today and back to old faithful fage Greek yoghurt for brekkie as well.

Good luck with the build EC. It will be tough now but think of the end result . That’s what we are doing here after all!

H66 that’s a great idea for your mug and glass. I positively have a bucket of a mug for my morning tea. It’s a Guinness one, so perhaps not entirely appropriate but works for me…

FFBB I will tell all about the bread. I normally don’t do processed stuff but I think I need it right now and for getting ready for maintenance. If I can have that, I will happily stay away from potatoes and pasta permanently!

Genuinely running out of clothes to wear now. Put one of my favourite summer dresses on yesterday and I looked like a little girl in her mothers clothes. It was not a good look. Time to peruse the next sale???

L xx

Me! My last cholesterol was over 7 after 16 weeks doing BSD. I have to be retested next month though I may put it off until September. I was pretty upset but Keeping on and hoping for a better result next time. I’ve upped olive and coconut oil and increased leafy greens, not sure what else to do. Good luck!

Hey Charlie’s (Angels) for those old enough to even have a clue what I’m talking about,
What a day of challenges….but even having been challenged I didn’t punch one moron in the throat–well done me. (insert irritating smily emoticon bullshit thingy here as that is what one is meant to do like a grumpy face amiright?)
Okay, so I’m in a mood. ish.
I had a grand day of food although my neighbour is a total douche canoe unrelated to anything about dieting. But seriously he is as helpful or inspiring as a bag of dick tips. And he’s a minister (the God kind not political). Right, that ‘s me on the Japanese bullet train to hell. Whateva.
I thundered through today and sent out monster strong vibes to each and every one of you.
I wanted to share this one thing I do each night that might help you as it sure helps me. I wanted to say “sure as fuck” but am trying to clean up my potty mouth. Anyway, once the kitchen is put to bed, you know that feeling once you’ve loaded the dishwasher, wiped down the counters, turned off the light above the range, filled the dog’s water bowl, pushed the chairs under the table and turned out the light. Well, once I get upstairs, had a pee, brushed my teeth and climbed into bed I lay there. I mean I truly lay on the bed. Fuck, is if lay or lie. Whatever. I let my body sink into the mattress and I feel every part of the sensation and then I reach out to every friend I have on this thread. And I shit you not I take a deep breath and I hold hands with you. I let peace fill me knowing that I have you. I let my body sink into the mattress and I picture your hands there for the holding. Try it. Take several deep cleansing breaths (I’m no tofu yoga crazy I promise–I took a yoga class once but spent most of my effort trying not to fart) No, I’m talking after a shit day where your boss is a total asshole, you want to sell your kids and the cat just barfed on your best cashmere sweater–complete your day on your own terms, then, when your time is yours, sink into your mattress, and feel yourself melt. Take breaths, deep breaths. And celebrate your success.
see you on the rainbow of success tomorrow Chickadees.
Much love, Liz
P.S. and if the fucking cat hurled a fur ball onto your finest cashmere give the bastard up for adoption. Peace out. 🙂

I am a little confused about the best books(s) to buy to start my BSD. I would like to look at the BSD Fast 800 but suspect that I will opt for the BSD 5:2. Which of Michael’s books contain info on these plans? Thanks.

A sheepish hello to you all!

I would like to join this challenge even though I didn’t post my results at the end of the previous one. Reasons; 1) My weight is plateauing, although I’m following BSD principles alcohol and portion size may have gone out of control, 2) Recent blood and stool tests have revealed high blood cholesterol and a helicobacter pylori infection.

I’m seeing the GP tomorrow to discuss (and receive antibiotics and protein pump meds) and on the phone message he mentioned he wants to check my weight (3+ stone lighter) and blood pressure. I’m stressed at the thought of the examination.

Has anyone else experienced a rise in cholesterol levels whist going low carb? I thought a Mediterranean style diet led to improved blood results.

Confused

I saw my exercise physiologist today, our second session. She’s finding me exercises I can do with sore hips and shoulders. It’s going well so far, now I need to match the extra exercise with sensible food intake. Day and a half so far!

Best wishes for everyone’s weigh-ins, I won’t wish you luck because we all know that has nothing to do with it! Though sometimes when the scale goes all do-lally it seems like it does.

Hi all ,
OMG how I needed and felt that crack of your Majestic spiritual whip Liz , I quickly read posts on the 16 th , your words resonated with me , as did the sound of that spiritual whip !
I’ve read and re read them over and over , and how right you are on all counts ….
Have to say you’d be a fantastic motivational speaker , no doubt about it ! I’m definitely going to buy myself a special mug , & a long tall glass , both will be filled accordingly with tea and water to wash away the demons …. I’ve already started this plan and it’s going well with mugs and glasses we have ( way too many actually ) , but i see extra benefit in choosing the new special mug , as it will always remind me of ALL your wise & caring words , and the glass , it will never be contaminated with Satan’s piss ( to use your words Mary) and both will always be capable of washing away lurking demons !
The situation with your Mum must certainly be adding to the pressure and your resolve to stay away from stinking booze , so much admiration coming your way that you have come to the realisation that booze has done nothing for you , and you’ve been cope with every obstacle , without succumbing to its sweet lies , including that shocking panic attack !
That you were able reach out and grab those hands from here , & rest your head on Nonna ‘ s shoulder says what is to be gained from these wonderful fellow warriors here , I do hope everyone here knows my hands are always outstretched , arms always open , virtual hugs always coming your way when needed …..
Your words are very true too Mary about booze , good for nothing etc etc !
Do hope you lost the weight you hoped for , I must measure my waist so I can check both inches loss & weight loss too .
Any loss for me will be gratefully accepted !
I was up 200 grams from yesterday’s weigh in , after what I believed was a better effort since feeling the Royal whip on my butt , so I skipped breakfast , just black tea so made it a 17 hour fast by the time I lunched at 1 , so I’m very interested to see if that long fast helps me to lose at least that 200 grams .
FFBB The new jeans and dress a great idea for incentive , I may just add a pair of new jeans or a new dress to my shopping list !
Lee I do hope your back improves , and your ultrasound gives some answers about your electrolyte imbalance , all the best xx
& yes ‘ Here’s to shared resolve ‘ EC .
Look forward to checking back here soon .
H66 xx

Good morning and good wishes all on this Tuesday weigh-in day, the first of this challenge round.

My plan to fast yesterday was successful in my terms. It was never to be a full day, I waited until lunch time, (light salad), then dinner (egg, Haloumie, sauteed vegs) 1 square 85% Lindt = 510cal/34carbs. This has led to a drop of .7kg from 64.5kg y/day to 63.8kg this morning. So the same weight I started this challenge.

Today’s plan is to not exceed 800/50. I’ve spent 106cal/15carbs on breakfast. Nothing more until lunch time. Just about to head to the gym for a pilates session.

One day at a time …….

Hello please can I join? Started 4th July- Independence Day innit! I have lost eight pounds so far- and really enjoying it. I fast eating between 10-6. I find the later I stave off breakfast the easier the day is as I get eight hours of three meals- yum.

Today
Omlette with turmeric, spring onion, coriander and mushroom
Home made green soup of leeks spinach lettuce fresh peas and kale whizz up add dollop of 30g st auger creamy blue cheese yum
Snack 100g strawberries and 30g double cream
Dinner three roast chicken slices from a pack, roast aubergine, spoon of cottage cheese and non liquidised green soup as sauce.

Total 797 cal and 30g carbs I reckon.

Hi Topac. I’m really looking to loose weight much more slowly after the initial 8 weeks so as to minimise the loose skin problems that come with weight loss. I have found that I am able to exercise, and have managed an hour at the gym without feeling too bad at the time. However, it has left me very tired later in the day. After two gym sessions a couple of weeks ago, I ended up sleeping for 3 hours in the afternoon due to tiredness.

I did used to weigh around 12st 7lbs and was exercising regularly. At that weight I found I could eat around 3000 calories a day and that my weight was pretty constant. I’m a decade older now, so I might not need so much, but I am hoping to get back into the 10k runs I used to be able to do.

How have people been finding MyFitnessPal’s and Fitbit’s accuracy? After a long day of decorating today, it reckons I should have eaten a ridiculous 5000 calories!

early start here with the plasterers in at 7.30 AM!!! (I was, thankfully up and showered!)
also, thankfully Michael will be doing much of the work himself, and the builder and plumber are both good friends of ours, as I’m not great at having strangers in the house for long stretches

Managed to cook fish in the microwave last night…I’ve never owned one before, so this few weeks will be a huge learning curve in many ways…I know how to defrost and re-heat with it, but never actually cooked in one before….pretty good result. rubbed the fish with miso, surrounded by shitake mushrooms and lemon juice and app 4-5 mins later with some reheated baked beetroot…dinner!!
I did give in to a slice of sourdough and cheese but still came in well under 800cals….and NO WINE (thanks for the spiritual whip, Liz)
Luckily the workers were drinking beer and I’m rarely tempted by that unless its a stinking hot day

craabycams, you’re right about that roast caps/cauli soup….I can’t take credit for the recipe: I found it online, but I was a very early adopter!! and have even shared the recipe with a generally non-cooking friend to great success

Also, made my roast pumpkin/chickpea soup on the weekend and roasted globe artichokes with it as they are in season at the moment…tastes just fine and they are supposed to be useful for reducing BSLs

Power is off at the moment, so am considering the camping stove for a second coffee (too cold here for cucumber water!!)

here’s to shared resolve all!!

Broke my fast tonight with a small glass of white wine to celebrate the safe return of my husband from France, but will still expect a loss overnight possibly as I was good for the rest of the day. It is a toss up at the moment whether I will choose greek yoghurt or cheese to break my fast, possibly both 😁

FFBB, I use Myfitnesspal, and a calorie counter book….I weigh all my food even when using a recipe from the BSD recipe book. I am hoping to lose pounds or inches, either is a plus. Last week one pound and no difference elsewhere. I have been on the loo all day so I presume I will have lost a bit tomorrow. Lol.

I will let you know. Be careful when crossing everything though, you will do your bladder some damage!

Take care.

Mary xxx

Well, my weight has stoked at 66.2 which is ok, sticking to the principles (apart from the bridal shower- such yummy did and they had worked for days to peripatetic it all, would have been so rude…)
Measured today and somehow have lost another inch from my hips. Sadly it has migrated to my waist 😯 But in happy news I’ve found a lovely dress and jacket to wear for the wedding, so happy! Now only shoes and purse to find and with 7 weeks to go it should be fine.

Hope you are all still hanging in there.

1st week of this challenge done. Blowout at the bridal shower for my son’s wedding but that was my only blip for the week. 2.20kg gone but I think it was a post travelling loss. I’m 700g above my lightest weight.

I’m back at work now and the structure of working is easier for me.

My toning and strengthening regime is only so so. I keep forgetting! I need to find something to associate it with.

While I was away the birdies had a poop party on my deck so I spent a lot of the weekend scraping, scrubbing and staining it, hard work and the muscles in my arms are complaining so that may have helped the bingo wings! It looks like new now, very satisfying.

Keep plugging away, it will happen if we don’t give up ☺

Hi dnmore – thank you for your lovely comments. No problem at all with telling you my total loss – 47lbs. My original aim was to lose 28lbs, and thought that may be a little optimistic, given my chequered dietary history. But the pounds started falling off and I really enjoyed the food and, before I knew it I had completed 2 rounds and lost 3st (42lbs) so I went onto maintenance – with some trepidation I might add. I gradually increased my calorie /carb intake but still lost a further 5lbs over the next few weeks. Now I am relatively stable – if I gain more than a couple of pounds I throw in a fast day or revert to bsd800 for a day or two and any damage is reversed. I have now been maintaining for approx 10 weeks, having had a holiday and a couple of long weekends away during that time. I am really beginning to think that this WOE is sustainable and can easily be adapted to allow for holidays /social occasions etc.

I think you just have to believe in yourself and this WOE and the results will come. So keep on keeping on and you will get there. Good luck xx

Cyster- I am hanging on in there but beginning to feel my resolve waning a little! Have been here before getting disheartened about plateaus etc. It’s been a slow journey since January and I am getting impatient to get to the finish line. I will take your advice about lowering the carb count and seeing if that makes a difference.

I wonder if I have become a little complacent about my food choices and perhaps haven’t been calculating the fat/calories etc accurately enough. I do drink a lot of water as I know how important that is. I am going to try a week without fasting and then a week of intermittent alternate day fasting. I also think I need to seriously miss things up a bit dietary wise. It’s difficult being a vegetarian to have a big repertoire of recipes but I think it will help stem off some of the boredom. I am a fighter and I am determined to see my BMI get down to 25 this year. I think part of the problem is that I wanted to achieve my goal by September. Maybe I should just go with the flow and it will happen when it happens and that might make the rest of this journey more enjoyable.

Lyn g- thank you for your kind words.

Dreamscometrue- we are neck and neck in our journey. Thank you for some inspiring tips regarding fasting. Won’t it be fantastic to be 9.7 stone!

Thank you everyone for your support. The January starters are so lovely. Keep going everyone- we can do this and we can inspire each other to achieve our goal.

Am hanging on in there – I want this too much! Today I weighed in at 142.2 so it is doubtful that I will report a loss tomorrow. I was 142.0 last Tuesday. I used to struggle to lose about 1lb per week but now I am only losing 1lb every fortnight on average! Today I’ve eaten Greek yoghurt with a passion fruit for breakfast. For lunch I ate two mini babybel cheeses and some walnuts and a few strawberries. This evening I have had salad leaves with hummus and two falafel. I have had about 6 pints of water today so far. This journey seems to have become really difficult for me over the last month. Thank you for the suggestions to help boost things along- I do want to achieve my goal of a BMI of 25 but at the moment I don’t know if I have the resolve! The effort to reward ratio isn’t great at the moment. There are a few of us struggling at the moment – but like the title says keep on going!!!!! Good luck tomorrow everyone!

Mary, it is inches that count as well as weight. I have lost 2 inches off my jelly belly in 3 weeks so do not get disheartened if you don’t show a loss on the scales. Out of interest how do you record what you eat? I have crossed my fingers and toes but not my eyes for you.

On the topic of low carb bread I would want to know the ingredients and how it is made. I have this issue with vegan cakes. Call me old school but a basic sponge is a simple 6 oz of s/r flour, caster sugar and unsalted butter + 3 eggs (if I am being technical I weigh the eggs in the shell and match that weight with each ingredient) you don’t even need baking powder. It is a shame I am off cake because I make the best buns/shortbread EVER! And my mum is the queen of cakes. We don’t ponce around decorating them….it is the taste that counts. FYI my liqueur chocolates are to die for……..4 will take you over the legal driving limit!

Hi Jan – you’ll be happy to know I’m up to 7501 steps I got a right shock yesterday with 1879. Made myself move my lazy butt. I normally do eat when I’m happy, sad, angry, blah blah blah…… but all that needs to stop. I tell myself food is nutrients to keep body healthy and my body is not a dustbin – haha – hope this lasts – I know what I’m like. Hot in Scotland too – lemon watwr is great – I grate some ginger into it too – supposed to thin the blood lowering the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Plus I do actually love ginger – I even chopped some up into tiny pieces for my salad today – nice. Good luck with whoosh tomorrow.
Not sure if I should weigh myself weekly or daily. Daily , you do get minor increases depending on how many carbs and salt i’ve had – weekly tends to make me take my eye off the ball. Decisions decisions!

Theodora – you’re definitely living the dream – woo hoo! You go girl! Can I ask how much weight you lost – it’s ok if you don’t want to say. I have put all my stats on my profile page if you are interested. Good to know where everybody is coming from and where they end up.

Welcome to the forum 0053, you have come to the right place! If you have any questions or concerns just ask, someone will be able to answer. Do you have a final target weight yet or do you want to go with smaller targets? I can recommend the latter, it is always nice to have something to celebrate whether scales, measurement or just life victories. I suggest you have a look at the various mini-goals threads using the search box to get some ideas.

Hi SG — yes, I was responding to July 17 article referenced by MitalG — I read the article and don’t think it is good advice given the parameters of BSD so suggesting people take the advice to sleep more, but not the rest of it😀

Hello all. I started a week ago after at 52 thinking, I need to do something now or perhaps I never will. I started a week ago at 23 stone 5lb. If I’m honest it wasn’t an easy week, although I guess you can’t go from eating whatever you pleased at goodness knows how many calories to something between 800-1000. However, as difficult as it was, I did not falter and stuck to it religiously, including having 3-4 litres of water a day.
I am amazed that firstly I did it, albeit my slim and sporty wife has been incredibly supportive and for that I am totally grateful, but also that I clocked off the week at 22stone 4lbs, a very pleasing 1stone and 1 pound loss. I know that this week won’t be anything like that, but it has certainly made the headaches very worthwhile.
So, I have a considerable way to go, but will aim to do it a day at a time. Thanks for your stories on here, they are very inspiring. And thanks for reading, if you got this far 🙂

I usually went a few calories above the 800, just to get good general nutrition, getting as close as I could to the reduced calorie optimum nutrition model within 800-850 calories a day. I just didn’t like the idea of being below that, although when I started doing 5:2 I did stick to the 500 calories, I felt much better on the 800.

Hiya all,

EC, sounds like you are in a state of upheaval….congrats for being strong and sticking to this WOE.
FFBB…again well done for being in control.
Lee you will have to let us know how that bread is, taste, looks and toastability!
My weigh in day tomorrow and apart from one slip up, I have adhered faithfully to my 800 and low carbs (no potatoes, bread, rice etc) if I haven’t lost any weight I may just cry or get angry. If I get angry I will use it up by cleaning the house…so it’s a sort of win, win situation.
So fingers crossed for tomorrow and I will let you know.
Love Mary xxxx

Hi topcac, I am up nearer 2100 calories on average to stand still and I am not that energetic, with a very sedentary job during the weekdays. If you build up muscle to burn it and increase your calories slowly you may find you can eat more than you think and not increase your weight.

David, I continued playing badminton right through my fasting period, in the early days I would hit a ‘wall’ where my legs would just stop working, but after a few weeks I found I could even do two back to back hour long sessions again. Just keep an eye on your carbs, and when your glycogen is depleted and your body converts to burning fat it will get a lot easier. The fitness will come, and I certainly found that heaving my (former) bulk around was very helpful in building muscle 😀

Sorry to read of your woes, Pod (or should I say Heyho?). I suggest being easy on yourself today and picking the reigns up again tomorrow – hopefully with a new mind set. Strange isn’t it, that quite a few of us are struggling at the moment, but we need to try to refocus and get back to basics. Every single one of us KNOW we CAN do this, so need to find a way of applying ourselves to the task.

Hope we will all be able to report something positive tomorrow, even if it doesn’t include an actual loss.

dnmore, thanks for the welcome. I have posted on loads of threads, but apparently not this one before. Well done on increasing your steps too.

Geenjanet, enjoy your whoosh day.

Krysia, what a lovely compliment to receive so unexpectedly from your husband of 48 years. A similar thing happened to me today. I bought a beautiful Mint Velvet nubuck leather fitted biker jacket, size 8, online and it arrived today. I tried it on, and asked my o/h if he thought it was a little on the small side. His reply………….. “No way, you’ve got a fantastic figure now, be proud to show it off!” 😊 We too have been married for 48 years😋

Not doing great today either! Typical sabotaging. Just eaten 60g of cheese, for comfort!
Not comforting my self-esteem though
In the pits, been there a lot lately. heyho, I can always skip dinner.
I like using the phrase”heyho”. There was a lady cricketer called Heyhoe, second name, I’ve often wanted to change my name to heyho!!

SNAP! S-g up until this morning I had gained consistently but have dropped a little so now just 2.4lbs up on last week. I know that’s not a great deal of help to you but maybe we need to either weigh less often or just accept that in hot weather weight fluctuates much more because of fluid retention or dehydration or whatever.

Sorry I’ve not been posting much but have made a conscious decision to stop ‘overthinking’ which California girl suggested was happening.

I’ve not had time to catch up on all the other posts just noticed this ‘cry for help’ from you s-g. Wish I could be of more help.

Will weigh-in tomorrow and try to catch up on the posts but for those struggling …. hang in there… and for those doing well …. great !

Day 23 in the BSD house.

I have had a lovely lunch out, it was on plan but not within my 800 calories (or within my 50 g net carbs).

I had a lovely Ploughman’s but I didn’t eat the pastry from the Gala pie nor the meat from the scotch egg (looked unappealing) but don’t know how to alter the item to adjust for no pastry (pie) so I just guesstimated the size of the meat without the pastry and just added the boiled egg. Didn’t have a glass of wine or dessert and my daily average for July stands at just under 900 calories…. and do you know what? I am totally happy with that.

Under 1000 daily average calories is OK with me, it means that I can have an unplanned lunch out and manage my weight loss at the same time.

I am still sleeping well and my energy levels are up today, but then I have had a bigger lunch.

Did my 6 reps of 16 arm exercises as well.

Like I have previously said, life has to be liveable!

FFBB X

Hi caz1973, I too am starting week 3. Did have a go at this earlier in the year but only cut out the white carbs rather than measuring it all properly. So lost weight very slowly. I do stick to 800, but like you it’s sometimes less. (It was also more at the weekend as I succumbed to wine.) I was still under my carbs of 30-50 grams. My loss is 9lb. 7 week one and 2 week to. Like you I am not hungry, and feeling energised.

Hi dumnmore
Hehe I so know that everything going well today feeling, enjoy, and don’t do what I do, eat because I’m happy 😱But yep I’m having a good day also, well done on the steps, I find it’s a good avoidance of food. I’m having a whoosh day, so I’m sure that will make the scales,look even better tomorrow, well here’s hoping.🤗But phew its hot here, getting through loads of fizzy water. With fresh 🍋
🙋🙋🙋

The article on sleep was interesting because I really do believe that sleep is important. Not quite sure how drinking sugar cane juice is fine for people with diabetes. I think the author states that sugar and carbs do not cause diabetes which in my case very sadly they definitely did.

Mike – great news on your numbers. You have done so well. Good luck with your GP appointment.

Feel your pain and frustration sunshine-girl. My guess would be water retention, so your ‘time of the month’ theory is probably the correct one. Keep the hydration up and with luck it will shift almost as quickly as it appeared. I know it’s tough trying to stay positive when these anomalies happen – been through that myself in the last couple of days – but try not to let it get to you too much. Stick with the plan and it’ll come right in the end.

Hope the scales are kinder tomorrow – best of luck.

I have a phone chat with my GP booked for Wednesday to explore the possibilities for drug reduction. I will report his recommendations
Mike

BTW: I think that Californiagirl was responding to the link posted by MittalG about sleep stuff not the stuff in the first post

I seriously need your support today, stuck to plan and did 60 minutes in the pool yesterday. Today I have gained 2.5lbs. Will see if it shifts tomorrow for official end of week 6 weigh in. Hubby said I am gaining muscle but that is not true. One thing it could be is, even though I dont have periods, around mid month I still get the bloating and sore boobs, maybe it is that time. See you all tomorrow. By the way, it is not a gain this week, it is a gain since yesterday.

Hi Dolly,

Me too!! Managed to stay of the crisps, really chuffed with myself.
I did have 2 glases of red wine, but was very careful.

I have not weighed myself, will do at end of week , I am back on the 800 today, but sometimes do go over.

Hope we all haev a good week :O)

I dont get your point Californiagirl, what article are you talking about. I read it as a post of someone who does the BSD to lose weight and get control of BG and found that other things improved. I think a lot of us have seen that affect.

This article is sort of the antithesis of the BSD — if you follow this nutritional advice, it will undo all the good the BSD is doing. Sleep is good, but the rest of their advice is not in line with BSD recommendations and indeed, might be actually harmful to a diabetic.

Had a good week, (minus the ryvitas!) and have lost 3 lbs, so I’m chuffed to bits with that! I’ve started fasting during the period I am at work (volunteering at a large charity shop) and I think that has helped the weight loss. So that’s 15.5 lbs in about 5 weeks I think.

Seeing as I usually stop losing weight at this sort of time period on SW, it’s a real boost to see the scales go down! I very occasionally have a treat – a small piece of gluten and dairy free home made sticky toffee pudding last night, and it doesn’t start any cravings off which is absolutely fabulous. I can really see this way of eating taking me into the future and beyond – just bloody marvellous if you’ll excuse the language!!

How is everyone else doing, and what inspires you to carry on, and can you see this way of eating lasting a lifetime?? Sending lots of encouragement and hope to you all xx 🙂

Thanks for the support yesterday – I have a more positive head on today, helped along by seeing a pound less on the scales this morning. This means I’m in with a chance of reporting a small loss tomorrow. Back in control today and counting everything again. Stretched my overnight fast to 17 hours and have had a 230 cal meal to break that and have planned a meal of lamb and veggies later. Am doing well on the hydration front – managed to keep intake up over the w/e and doing okay today too.

ClarinetCathy – thanks for posting the video on walking at home, watched yesterday and it’s sparked my interest. Will definitely be giving this a go, as I’m not keen on walking on my own outdoors without a purpose.

Take control Natalie, go for it! Having that break from study can be a positive thing. Take the time to do some meditation; plan your meals; experiment in the kitchen; and of course exercise! This break could be the opportunity to really push forward with your BSD quest.

Verano, I agree that much more than we realise depends on our mental state, when it comes to what is happening with us physically. I also agree that it would be good to have this thread run longer, or alternatively, a new thread for trying something new should be started – or both? Think it really helps have new ideas and inspiration offered by others, as you are right Marsie, it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut, recycling the same few dishes – I guess it’s easy, but after a while it can become tedious and – I think – actually contribute to defeating our efforts.

So, what can I offer for today? Well, on the mindfulness thing – and again from the same book – “I let go of my constant need to always ‘do’ something and allow myself to enjoy the present moment.’ Think in modern day life, this one is especially important – how many days go past, when we don’t take any time for ourselves and allow ourselves to centre on the present. It is important to take time to just ‘be’.

Food-wise – Jande9 has some excellent ideas there and making friends with your spice rack again is well worth the effort and can really lift the mundane. Cinnamon works great with lamb in a tomato sauce, a sprinkle of chilli can add a spark to prawns or squid. The possibilities are endless.

Hope you are hanging on clarinet Cathy. Just a few things that helped me. Doing intermittent fasting every other day instead of daily was beneficial for me. Lots of water and the main thing was keeping carbs at 20g or less a day. I’ve noticed I lose most then even if my calories go over 800 and I eat about 70 to 80 g of fat

Whatever happens you are eating and doing so well hopefully you’ll soon get to your goal. Keep going. Keep powering through.

Theodora that fire cooking sounds delicious. If more places had food like that wouldn’t be so hard to eat low carb. Maybe I’ll try cooking something like that. See how it comes out lol.

Well done guys! You are such an inspiration!

I’m approaching this week with renewed determination and focus. Going to try to properly count calories this week rather than hazarding a guess lol! May even actually plan some meals properly too!

Had yogurt with strawberries and blueberries today and have a ham salad for lunch. Tonight will be yesterdays roast beef and salad as well (because I need to eat up the salad and I am too tired to cook today)

I’ve strawberry and blueberries in my water infuser today and I’m determined today I will meet my water intake target (rather than coffee intake!)

HI Michael

You say earlier that you aim to get down to 12st 7lbs. With the best will in the world it’s unlikely you will reach that by the end of your first 8 weeks so thinking about transitioning may be a little premature. However, if you really want to start transitioning at the end of this 8 week programme (and it’s quite OK to carry on after 8 weeks – lots of people do it) then I would suggest taking it really slowly as you really want to be able to gauge the amount of calories and carbs that you can eat whilst still losing weight. Everyone is different of course but I can almost guarantee that 2400 per day will be too many. I am on maintenance now and can still only eat around 1200-1600 per day – nowhere near the 2000 recommended for women.

With regards exercise, I don’t think that two 15 minute bike rides will require you to eat more than your 800 even though that sounds counter intuitive. I worked out regularly while losing weight on this plan – 5k runs three times a week, swimming, rowing and free weights. I won’t lie, I did get hungrier, but timed my workouts and my meals to make sure that I could eat soon afterwards.

Good luck with week 6!

Hi everyone! I’m still lurking and keeping up with everyone’s progress. Not doing so well myself, in the past few weeks I’ve put on a few kegs which is depressing but not surprising considering what I’m eating. Cold weather, sleeping badly, exercising (a little) more, bored because it’s a five week break from my study – all contributing to me eating everything in sight. But I just poured the rest of the chocolate covered licorice bullets in the bin and I’m ready to start again.

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)!