Thanks Esnecca that sounds like a good recipe. I’m not really a meat eater, I do eat chicken and fish, but when it comes to cottage pie and Bolognese I do eat meat versions. I certainly think mixing the stuff with herbs or spices will help. At the moment I’m finding it pretty bland maybe because I do like pickled foods, especially herrings and cucumbers, which can be very vinegary.

Anyway, I’ll experiment today although I believe you need to take introducing fermented foods slowly otherwise they can cause problems.

I have almost put last week’s disaster behind me now and am just a smidgeon of a pound over last Tuesday’s weight so it’s onwards for me now. Tonight will be one of my occasional meat meals so it’s steak and vegetables. Not much to say about that really. Hope you all have a good day.

Hello Busybee, welcome back. So glad you enjoyed your stay with your beautiful family. Well done you with the difference between last year and this
Year ☺

I’ve had another little win with 63.1kg weigh-in this morning. That is 1.4kg less after 2 disciplined days. I know that weight loss can be capricious even when you think you are doing everything right, but by golly, I’ll take this reading! As with yesterday, I’m in no way thinking that I have the carb demon kicked but feel that I’m maybe about to go around the end of the wall so that its at my back. Then I keep working so as not to turn around and run into it again.

Just setting up a visual scene for myself ……. Brick wall across my path; evil carb demon sitting on top beckoning to me😈; me stepping back then sideways until I can see clearly that the path continues on the other side of the wall……. hmm, yes, but always was a drama queen 🎭👸!!!

Have fun everyone, one day at a time xx

I’m down south in Georgia, but my family is in Massachusetts. What a cool vocation for the next phase of your career. I’m fascinated by wholistic pedagogical approaches like Waldorf and Reggio that enlist childrens’ imagination and instill a love of learning instead of creating a regimented, dry, standardized testing-obsessed environment that drains any enthusiasm from students and teachers alike. It’s a noble endeavor and I wish you the very best. 🙂

Where are you located? I just spent a wonderful week in Montvale NJ and Chestnut Ridge NY at the Sunbridge Institute — am working to get my Waldorf teacher certificate — I have practiced law for 35 years but I want to do something different in my future — I am planning to open a Waldorf school here in Lake Tahoe, California

Good to know TJ sells it by the case. I found it at an organic market so of course it was very expensive. I checked Costco today on the offchance they carried it and they don’t. Let’s hope my local TJ here on the east coast stocks it.

You’re welcome Esnecca! So happy you liked it! I am personally keeping them in business by drinking 2 liters a day (or more) — we are having a hot summer here in Northern California and Gerolsteiner water has kept me sane. Such a weird year — we had record rain, now such a hot summer — I like to keep it cold in the fridge in the barn and when I feel cranky or thirsty, I just drink straight out of the bottle!
We can buy it here by the case at Trader Joes — I figure that with all the money I save on wine and on food this is just a small expense and worth it.
Can’t tell you how many times I drank sparkling water instead of stuffing my face….. 😜

Hi Verano,
I bought a jar recently that was pretty challenging to eat but mixed a teaspoon of creme fraiche through it and that really helped cut the eye watering vinageriness of this particular one but love Esnecca’s suggestions, a mix perhaps?

good morning everyone!!

GOOD sleep last night so raring to go into a new day……and the sun is returning to our cold little wintry patch…at least can see it hitting the ground across the road!!

The renos continue, and I’m sure that sharing an office with my beloved and washing up in a tiny bathroom sink (oh, dishwasher, I promise endless compliments when you and stove are hooked back into my life!!) will lose its appeal after 3-4 weeks….but like the BSD life we aim for the long-run!!!

Liz….Happy to be a Charlie’s Angel if we don’t have to do the hair!!! (it was a bad look even in the 70s)

Well done on the scales moving southwards Mary, and the shrinking wardrobes all….just think how much fabric we will be saving the planet!

I bought some new PJs when I was away last week…and they’re already a little looser. It was one of those luxe shops that sold pretty underwear as well as sleepwear and I was very tempted by a gorgeous silk cami to motivate me (not a good look with the underarm flab)….but I will hold the picture in my mind and buy it online WHEN it will look good!….considering joining the gym to firm up all the bits but as I work from home, I’m worried that I won’t go…..they do a trial period, so will sign up for that

love the JFTF idea Mixnmatch…If I can get back into my bushwalking pants, that will be a great start..

wishing you all a wonder-filled and cruisy day whenever you’re awake
xx
erin

Hi Maximatch,

That’s a great achievement, well down. Is that all down to B.S.D?
Thanks for reassurance. I love tea, can you take tea on B.S.D. i never carried weight around my middle until i turned 40 but i must admit I’m a chocoholic! Lol

Thanks
Claire

Thanks DUMPTYNOMORE…sounds like you’re right in the zone! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Keep up the good work! So pleased you have dumped Mr Kipling! And the toast etc..the less you have carby stuff,the less you crave it, and then yr carb monster has to admit defeat and run away! XX 😀😀😀

Californiagirl, I finally got around to buying a bottle of Gerolsteiner based on your recommendation and I love it. It was so refreshing when I got back from doing 15,000 steps. All those minerals replenished my electrolytes like nobody’s business. Thank you for the suggestion. 🙂

Hey Nonna Mary, If you an Joe get to doing the dirty and he gets that global memory thing again for Christ’s sake call me, I’ll get on the first Air Canada flight and stand outside the cubicle as you explain 14 ways of Sunday what you were doing. I swear I pissed myself when I read that account. Brilliant!!
Liz

Lee, please don’t be worried. I usually eat around 700 to 900 calories a day. Today I haven’t and I am really quite satiated, so don’t want to eat any more. I do not make a habit of this, but occasionally, it happens. For breakfast tomorrow I intend to have…smoked salmon, watercress and scrambled or poached egg. Then for dinner (I don’t eat lunch) I will probably have Steak and mushrooms, with vegetables. I really do eat healthily. I have to be careful with dairy as I am lactose intolerant, but I try to sneak in a little yogurt and fruit from time to time. I had this yesterday and today I have the shits. I am used to a restrictive diet as I have been on one most of my life, which I why I don’t find this way of life difficult. I used to get my extra calories from wine, but prefer not to now. I promise I am not being silly. Yesterday my calories were 688, and the day before I had Bacon Egg and beans for breakfast, and chilli con carne with veg for dinner. I hope I have put your mind at rest, and that your back is improving. Don’t worry about me, my Jovis makes sure I eat properly and he is eating everything I do, except he doesn’t weigh his to work out the calories.
Stay well.
Nonna Mary
xxx

I wouldn’t worry about it, this way of eating, particularly if you stay really well hydrated, seems to improve the skin’s elasticity in many of us, and I have lost 8 1/2 stone over 2 1/2 years (but most of it since last June) and have very little sag, mainly under my arms, and a little on the stomach and thighs, but improving all the time.

Re the clothes to shrink into, that was a major part of my success I think. On the Hello thread we had several people who had jeans of the future or JOTF, once loved jeans that they could no longer fit in but as the weight came off they got closer and closer until that magic day when you could do them up and still breathe and walk. I didn’t have any smaller jeans left, as I had been big for so long so I headed to the sales and bought myself a pair of skinny jeans in each size down from where I currently was (size 18, I think, having started at size 22) I almost missed the window for my size 16’s and needed a belt almost immediately but the day I got into my size 14’s was one of my best feelings on this journey. The pair of size 12’s I bought at the same time looked crazily tiny at the time, but I now need a belt for them too, and can fit into (if not entirely comfortably) size 8’s that weren’t part of my box of the future in the wardrobe as I never dreamed I’d ever get there. Mini-goals aren’t all about scales, inches and improved health are important too 😀.

Mary, I think your issue is that you are not eating enough. It’s ok to be a bit under the 800 occasionally but not by 400 😱😱😱

My weight didn’t really start to shift until I varied my intake between 600 and 1000, the average remained around 800.

Try some babybel cheese, nuts and an apple every so often. The fage yoghurt is brilliant too. Perhaps have that as a pudding with blueberries or strawberries?

Don’t mean to nag but I’m really worried about you now…..

L xxx

Hey Liz the Perv,
I can indeed eat more than 400 calories, its just that tonight I am full after a humungous salad and cold meats. I don’t eat a lot anyway but can put away a chicken kebab like a navvy!
My Joseph is very happy that we may have meat and two veg tomorrow so long as he doesn’t lose his memory again.
Sleep well.
Love Nonna Mary xxx

I have read the B.S.D & it sounds great. I am a sugar addict & love chocolate! I’m 2 stone overweight, due to really enjoying Christmas this year & stating a new job where i don’t move about a fraction of what i used to in my old job.

I am considering starting the diet after my holiday but am worried if I lose weight too quickly it may cause my skin on stomach to sag. Any advice?

Thanks Claire.

It sounds like it wasn’t fermented long enough. That’s what puts the sauer in the kraut, otherwise it’s just salted cabbage. How about using it in a modified cottage pie? Sautee whatever veggies strikes your fancy — chopped celery, spring onion, fennel, a nice sharp green like mustard or radish or the rapini I continue to be obsessed with. Since you don’t eat meat, you could use Quorn crumbles or TVP for a protein element. Add it to the veg and brown with a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce.

Enhance the sauerkraut by mixing it with horseradish and any spices (carraway is classic) or fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme, even mint would be great as long as you had a light hand with it) you like. Put the sautee mixture in a casserole dish and add a layer of the improved sauerkraut, a layer of cheese (I’d go with a strong Swiss like an aged Ementhaler) and top with a cauliflower mash. Bake in the oven until the cheese is fully melted and the pie is bubbling along the edges.

Hey Nonna Mary, You saucy bitch! I might be Canadian but I know “meat and two veg” is another way of saying you’re going to have a heaping serving of Joseph!! (wink). Sure, meat and two veg might be a good back to basics approach. I can’t think why or how you can only eat under 400 cals. Is your belly okay? have you mentioned it to your doctor? I know you have IBS but you should be able to eat more. I’m a bit worried chick.
Cheers, Liz the Perv

Lizzie Canned Cream…I may well give it a go, but not feeling hungry and don’t want to force myself to eat…think I will have meat and two veg tomorrow. Love pickles, but they don’t always like me. Still I usually have the shits anyway (ibs) so I may as well try some.

Stay well.

Nonna Mary xxx

Hi everyone,
Thanks for your support and replies… I’ll go with the heavy muscle theory, lol!

Catriona, congratulations on your degree! That’s truly excellent news. I know it’s disappointing not to get a 1st, especially if you were so close (is there any chance that you’re wrong?).

I had the results of another post-grad course last week, and was disapointed too. Very, actually, although I suppose the grade was not too bad. But I was expecting something better. And my daughters have both gone off into their summer lives. Sniff.

Ho hum. Things of life.

Nonna Mary buy some cherries and get a can of aerosol cream–bloody lush and you’ll feel you’ve had a treat. My cousin is in the UK and buys diabetic dessert cups which I think she gets at Tescos. evenings can be challenging. If you find that low carb Hovis you could have that with a slice of cheese/tomato maybe or diabetic jam with a cup of tea. Don’t forget pickles are usually free food so that’s an option. Whatever you fancy just make sure you make an event of it. don’t graze by the fridge but rather put it on a plate, sit at the table or in your chair and punctuate your ‘meal’ with a cup of tea or large water so you know you’ve eaten.
Lizzie Canned Cream xo

Hey FFBB, hit the stuff you can have lots of–sauerkraut is one! I eat it on my difficult days, then fart, then farting makes me laugh, then I’m all happy and full. Oh, and then shit for Canada the next day and lose even more weight! Tofu is another where you can go for volume. Grab some veg, some shrimp and a big chunk of tofu, get a packet of stir fry sauce and BOOM you’ve got a belly full of food and not a huge hit on the blood sugar or diet numbers. You’ve got this babe. For now, have a cup of tea, something soothing like camomile maybe and hit the hay as I guess it is night where you are. Tomorrow make a point of stopping for some special ingredients just for you. Maybe make the cauliflower pizza or zucchini noodles or something. But make it about you. Hey, pick up a can of aerosol cream at 10 cals per tablespoon and negligible carbs and a bag of cherries. You can have about 10-12 and blast yourself some awesome soul food. I spray it right into my mouth from the can–indulgent and glorious. You’re doing great. You are being mindful and attaining your goals. What’s not to love about how you did today?! I’m proud of you.
Much love for you right now FFBB. Be mindful tomorrow and love just you. You are your priority. Fuck everyone else for now. This is about you.
Big hugs, Lizzie fart fart xo

Well girls….we can all congratulate ourselves for something. I am indeed happy that it is a pound OFF….I would like it to be more especially when I know how hard I have tried. For instance, today I had a one egg omelet with some mushrooms…then tonight, I have eaten, cold meats and salad….my calorie intake for the day….352! Now what do I do…I am full…..don’t want any more to eat and certainly do not want a drink….no carbs means no biscuits, cake etc. What do I do to get my calories up? Don’t you wish you had my problem….the fact is, this happens to me a lot….so that is why I am puzzled that I don’t lose weight. Anyway…onwards….next Tuesday will see a whoosh I am sure.

Liz, my shoulder loves to feel you resting there. Please stay well. Love to our Kev and Mom…and all the other ladies.

Nonna Mary xxxx

PS… I am not despondent, I only asked for hugs, because I like them lol

Welcome clever – get back on the wagon heave and ho- get through the carb flu and you know you will be rocking again!

Julie- left my heart in Edinburgh as a student! Send my love to Carlton hill and Arthur’s seat and the elephant house!

Mmm I think restrictions often breed a bit of a blow out so go easy on yourself!

Today I ate:

Oat bran 20g made into porridge with almond milk and 30ml cream and 100g strawberries 250 k

Lunch – chipped liver with eggs – Jewish recipe fry onions and garlic add pack of chopped raw livers and fry add two boiled eggs and mayo or yoghurt. Yum. 260k

Dinner- sea bass fillet padron pepper and courgettes. 200k

Bit under but had a few coffees with milk so that probably rounds it off.

Got all meals packed for tomorrow as on the road!

Day 24 in the BSD house.

Short and sweet today. I have really struggled with my appetite and have had just over 1000 calories.

I won’t show any loss this week, well I haven’t so far but as long as there is no gain there will be no pain.

All the best

FFBB X

Hi Besties,
EC your life sounds like mine! Well done on maintaining your goals when all around you is in chaos. I know it’s hard.
Lee–splurge on some clothes–you deserve it!! When you look in the mirror it will be like seeing yourself in your very own hard work trophy.
Mary–for fuck’s sake girl it’s a pound!!!! Go to the fridge and get out a pound of butter. Put it on the counter. Pull up a chair and gaze at it. That is one less pound on your bod! Fucking well done you!!!! Kev and I were at the grocery store when I had lost my first 10lbs. He’s got the cart and is a bit ahead and turns around to see his wife clutching 10 lbs of butter to her chest. I literally loaded my arms with 10 lbs of butter. I just wanted to feel and see what it looked like. Next time you are in the shops try it–it felt amazing. Nonna Mary, I am generally strong but in my weak moments your shoulder is where I rest my head. Thank you for being there.

……and now a drumroll please……..I have just got back from the shops. Because I’m so tall I can only buy my black pants for work at Long Tall Sally and they are frigging expensive as they know here in Toronto tall women have very little choice. I only have 3 pair as they are $98 a pair. My pants were size 22 when I started this diet. After 18lbs I took them in about 1 1/2″……and today I bought a size 18. And girls I’ll tell you I FEEL LIKE A FUCKING ROCKSTAR!!!!!! They are slightly snug but they are on me and will motivate me to keep losing. Even the girl in the shop who is about 25 saw me and squealed “OMG Liz–you are really doing this!!! We get loads of women saying they are on diets but you are seriously doing this!!!!” And she gave me a ‘special event’ 15% off. I gotta tell ya–I’m feeling the love. The self-love. And it feels good.
Loving you all,
Lizzie 18

Thanks for the encouragement Yowser – yeeeeeha! (Cracking the whip good and proper now!) I did a fair bit of whingeing a couple of weeks ago but you’ll be glad to know I’m in a much better place now. I will be kind to myself – with a bit of Kale or something – doesn’t quite have the same ring about it as a Fench Fancy. Suffice it to say French Fancy and I are now divorced. And I have disowned toast and butter -and sugar – that can take a running jump too. There – I feel so much better now!
Wishing you continued success Yowser – please hang around – we need maintainers to keep us moving forward!
Slowbutsuredumpty

Mary – a big hug coming your way as requested! Mary , don’t be despondent. Look at it this way – 1 pound off a week means you will be 52 pounds lighter this time next year – nearly 4 stones. We can never go back to our old habits so I am using this transition as a dress rehearsal for the rest of my life. I know that we want it NOW but some people just lose quicker than others. I too lose slowly. I’m currently about a pound a week too.Was out on Friday and had a proper good time to myself and it’s taken me since then to get back to what I was before the indulgence – serves me jolly well right! The thing to remember is that we are in it for the long haul – I just kid on I am aleady thin and this my life. So, I try not to worry about the odd indiscretion. I have given myself 18 months before I am 60 and trekking the Grand Canyon – Haha! Well- one can dream! Stick in there friend – chin up and forward we march-we WILL be dollybirds no matter how long it takes!

Good wishes to everybody else – Liz – hope you’re mum’s ok and ‘my Kev’ too.

Hi Mermaid, you have been exercising really hard your muscles have been hoovering up water to help in the repair and building of new muscle so don’t despair. The loss of inches is a great sign that things are working and the water will go when it is no longer needed provided you keep well hydrated.

Well the wheels have come off my plan for the day with an ice cream for lunch and a paneer curry for tea (no rice or naan though) I worked through my lunch break so missed the healthy egg salad I had planned, and the ice cream beckoned. Then my trip to Waitrose on the way home, starving, reminded me why it’s better to shop when not hungry. Will stay within my planned calories today, but the macros may well be out 😊 Off to hopefully sunny Cornwall on Monday probably, for a week, followed by a trip to the Lakes. Missing badminton tonight, mainly because I wanted a nice sociable meal with my husband and a watch of the Tour de France highlights of today’s stage, rather than any weakness, and will try to stick closer to my plan tomorrow.

Hi Jan – I know I’m going to weigh daily regardless, si I don’t even know why I mentioned it. – the OH gets very sarcastic – I’ve told him to mind his own – haha – hard enough to lose weight without him chirping away in the background! Already got 7554 steps-8007 by the end of yesterday – ok I did walk afew ties around my bdroom to kick ot over the 8000). Hopefully I’m addicted to walking now – well – maybe addicted is pushing it a bit. Let’s just say, I’m not arguing with myself to go anymore. You’re right – once you’re out there , it really is lovely – the good weather definitely helps – let’s hope I don’t crawl back in at the first sight of rain!
That’s a proper breakthrough -declining sugar. Onwards and downwards Jan. I know what you mean about low mood -I think a lack of sugar does that in the beginning – I may be wrong – I’m ok just now but I’m still eating fruit so I don’t know if that’s having a positive effect. Will probably need to cut that out when the weight loss stops. But chin up girl – we got this.

Theodora – you story is very inspiring. It’s good to maintenance techniques – I am mad at myself – I lost so much weight then regained – probably because I lacked maintenance skills. I’ve a long way to go – but I’ll keep your methods in mind, because I never never want to have to go through this again. I know I can’t go back to bingeing but that’s ok. – life is so much easier when I can move easily, I’m happier and healthier, not to mention wearing lovely clothes. I have clothes of all sizes – must be over 100 items. And I have about 3 things that I can get into right now. I am proper ashamed of myself. No wonder OH keeps banging on about it!
Don’t know what he’s going to moan about when I finally lose it. Haha – I’m sure he’ll find something. Anyway lovely talking to you both and anybody else that might be reading me rambling on.
Stillonthecasedumpty

Hi Mermaid

You seem to be doing a lot of exercise, a lot more than I can be bothered with. I did yoga last Wednesday and apart from that, the usual housework and stuff. I have got below my standing still bit, but I am a bit stuck again. I got my OU result today and have come out with a 2:1 ( I think…unofficial). A bit gutted as I was hoping for a 1st. It has been an emotional week for me too. My daughter got engaged and then was sacked by her friend as a bridesmaid because the bridezilla thought that Lara getting married before her was unfair!!!! Mother of bridezilla is a good friend and I cannot bring myself to speak to her for a while. She should have stopped her daughter being such a little madam. Anyway, at least that is a few hundred quid saved by not going all the way to Scotland for a wedding, I can use it for my daughters tiny little wedding that she wants. What is the point of spending thousands anyway? I should be losing pounds due to emotional stress, but only a couple in the last week. I am consuming a fair bit of alcohol (a glass or two or three every second night recently). I suppose I will just have to stop that for awhile again. I will probably have a glass or two to celebrate my degree, either tonight or tomorrow, but hey ho…..life is too short to obey the diet rules all the time.

Let me know how you get on in the next few days. I hope the fat cells shift, cms usually means that they are.

Chat soon

Catriona x

Just to let you know I managed to get some raw sauerkraut from a local Polish deli. It was in the chiller and comes in a bag. Ok, so I’ve tried it and can only say that it’s a bit boring. I feel as though I need to add something to it to give it a bit of ‘punch’. I was expecting it to have a more ‘pickled’ flavour but it’s just salty. I feel as though it needs to be mixed with something. I’m not sure what to eat it with …. any ideas gratefully received!

I really look forward to knowing how the ones from Arnold’s condiments taste maybe this one is just not a particularly good one.

Thanks Marsie – let’s hope you’re right. The stupid thing was that there was no earthly reason for it – I’d had a lovely day and a lovely meal and I ended up eating things that I would NEVER have eaten before BSD. Chocolate????!!!!🤔

In fact my lovely young granddaughter always gives up chocolate for Lent, and every year she asks me what I’m going to give up. I’ve always replied “Chocolate, just like you” But she is growing up now and isn’t quite so gullible, bless her, and this year when we had the Lent conversation, it continued like this……..

Granddaughter…….”But you NEVER eat chocolate!! It’s supposed to be something meaningful, which you’ll really miss!”
Me……….”Like what?”
Granddaughter…………”Errrr, wine?”

Needless to say, I duly accepted that I’d been rumbled so gave up the wine, which probably helped my BSD journey immensely. But I’ve been happily imbibing again since I was released from Lent on Easter Sunday 😜

Well done, Jan – seems as though you are well on the way to kicking that carb monster into touch 😇

Sorry you’re feeling depleted though – maybe the weather? Very humid here, though at the moment we are experiencing a tremendous thunderstorm, which will hopefully freshen things up a bit.

Jande9, you’ve inspired me to give it a go after all. I might use a variety of cabbages — Napa, green, red — and there’s definitely going to be garlic in there because I’m hooked on the combination.

KrysiaD and SunnyB, congratulations on finding the good stuff online. I hope you find it as satisfying and refreshing as I did. Krysia, I had tried sauerkraut before but didn’t like it at all. When I was still on the carbs that astringent sourness tasted terrible to me so I never ate it willingly. Now that my tastebuds are no longer disabled by sugar, that hit of sour has become a favorite flavor. I actually crave it! A quarter cup of garlic sauerkraut piled on top of chicken sausage with spicy mustard is one of my go-to easy dinners. A couple hundred calories, no carbs, hearty as hell.

My brand, just to add to the excellent record on this thread, is this one: http://shop.goldminenaturalfoods.com/Sauerkraut-Kimchi/products/61/ . Mail order is probably only feasible for people in the US. They do international shipping, but the cost is likely prohibitive. I’m glass y’all found proper raw sauerkraut on Amazon and on a website in your neck of the woods.

Hi Theodora
Thanks for the inspiration, Bril work, 🙋🙋🙋jan

Ooh just had a lovely revealing moment in my mind. Today I walked the pooch, but eversince I have felt bone weary, even went for a bit of a lie down for 20 mins, I had my usual fage yog breakfast, and tuna salad for lunch, so not sure why I’m feeling so depleted, but along with it is a rather low mood. I thought I will have a cup of tea, and try to chivvy myself up. Normally at these moments I would treat myself to some sweet nibbley thing, in other words raid my hubbies sweety and bickie stash, he has to keep it in a cupboard away from my eyesight. Anyway I was sitting thinking hmmm shall I, and I realised, it was the last thing I would want to do WOO HOO, what a relief, when the carb monster, starts shrinking away into oblivion. It was such a relief to feel that I am thinking like a person with a normal appetite.
Well I’m still feeling weary, but I am definitely uplifted now. 🌞🌞🌞

Hope you enjoy it KrysiaD and SunnyB. Didn’t realise the simplicity of making saurkraut, Jande9. The one I’m eating, and in love with, has ginger, turmeric and juniper berries added.

I’ve decided that, if I’m feeling desperate for something in my mouth, I’ll have a small forkfull of either the kraut or kimchi. I found recently that it gave me crunch and flavour without damaging my numbers, and quelled my mouth hunger.

Nice idea to keep this thread going, adds a little more to the challenge thread, and is good for stirring us to something new.

Have managed to hold my food to 673 cal/52 carbs today. Will endeavor not to add to my carbs for the rest of the evening. I’m not patting myself on the back after 2 days because that’s often when I self-sabotage, usually to a fairly gross degree. What I will say is that I’ve maybe taken a couple of steps away from the wall and would hope to see around it soon, instead of just barging into it.

And it seems that the wall both Verano and I have admitted hitting recently has replicas popping up all over the place. Lovely friends, I’m certain it’s far less damaging to us to work our way around the wall rather than hitting it head on again and again. (Which has been my pattern 😕)Perhaps some lateral thinking required.

So, after 2 days under 800cals, according to my stated plan for this challenge, I now have 5 days between 800-1000cals. .

Pod, yes it is! !

Ha ha, LippyLipid, yes, always the lightest clothes, no jewellery😀

Good luck with the shoulder, MaisieMouse, hope is not serious. Have been there. …

Theodora, urk, but it’s done and is not going to happen on a regular basis is it?
You felt too awful physically and emotionally for that, but it’s instructive for all of us, I think, that just when we believe we have it sorted, up pops that damned overeating demon (sitting on top of a pop-up wall? ) just waiting to lure us into a crash. You’re too clever Theodora, and enjoying your new feelings too much to let your guard down too often. 🙅

Into the week everyone. Those walls aren’t going to hold us up xx 💜💜💜

Hello fellow challenger’s – I am back after our fabulous month in the US visiting our son and delightful grandchildren.
I am pleased to have gained ‘only’ 5 lbs – last year I gained nearly a stone! I tried to eat BSD food when possible, skipped breakfast when I could, and ate lots of lovely fish. I confess to having three days when I was tempted by the carb monster and ate all the wrong things but managed to get back on track the next day. Alcohol was consumed every night, and yes I did enjoy sitting on the front porch with a large glass of red.
Yesterday I climbed back on the wagon and it has been surprisingly easy to get back into the routine of this WOL though the lack of alcohol may prove more difficult!
Keeping on keeping on one day at a time.
It’s good to be back amongst you lovely peeps.
X B

You had me going there for a minute Julia, it runs to 1st August then I am doing one more week before family arrive and happy to come back to it after a week or 10 days off. But even on my off time I will be logging in as we are not going anywhere so have computer access.

Hello Folks,

Hope you are all okay.

I have been diagnosed with having a subtle blood sugar disorder back in 2013, i have cut out alot of sugar i used to have. My blood sugar has never been documented to go low but the doctor confirmed it was reactive hypoglycemia symptoms which were not linked to a specific disease. I have had many blood tests to name a few i have had the following checked thyroid, hormones, glucose tolerance tests, cortisol, hemoglobin A1c, i have also had MRI scans of the brain and heart nothing has been found.

However the symptoms seem to be getting worse, despite being on a sensible diet. I have been recommended if i am struggling to take acarbose by my endocrinology doctor, which is for type 2 diabetics, however i am worried about the side effects and i am not sure if this would help the condition.

I please wondered if anyone knew any vitamins / minerals i could add to my diet that might help strengthen my body, or any herbs that could prevent the low blood sugar attacks i am having? Currently i am having 2 – 3 low blood sugar attacks a day which is very upsetting and not very nice. Further does anyone please know any good snacks to have when walking around, that might be high protein and low sugar? I have tried eating a small bag of almonds when i felt a low blood sugar attack coming on, but it seemed to make my blood sugar fluctuations worse.

Thank you so much for reading my concerns and any help would be appreciated. I really am struggling and it certainly is not an enjoyable life at the moment especially with these attacks 2 – 3 times a day. It really is hard trying to manage this condition in a better way, as there is no specific reason why i am having these low blood sugar attacks. I may have to consider trying the acarbose if i cannot seem to get control of my condition.

Many thanks,

Paul

Oops – just realised 8 weeks isn’t yet up. I think we go on till the end of the month if I have got my maths right.

Well done S-G on the pound off! Getting that insulin down again too seems like a good idea not only in terms of health benefits but also in terms of future weight loss.

Just been out for a lunchtime run at work – hot and sunny up here in Edinburgh at 24 degrees! Much better than in Mallorca for running though – the heat was the reason I only managed 4 runs while there, as I had to be up early before it got too hot.

Cleverblonde73 I am with you on the snacks between meals, that was my downfall yesterday, but today I am bound and determined to make it till tomorrow morning with no extras!

Verano – being in it for the long haul means you have tenacity – but as a human, 100% stickability is not really to be expected 100% of the time. You must have improved your health massively already, and I am sure that you’ll get back in spite of the odd blip.

MnM – will be intersted to know what happens to the numbers on the scales when you increase the cals.

Question for all – is this thread finishing now the eight weeks are up, or are some continuing here or elsewhere?

Right, off to shower and get back to work, tonnes to do here after 2 weeks off.

H66 They are a great, and cheap, incentive. I imagine myself in the jeans and dress by holding them up to my reflection though I think I will be in the size 16 jeans before the size 18 dress zips up fully (boobs!) I haven’t been lower than a size 14 since puberty so I know size 16 is an achievable goal and a realistic one.

Mary BIG HUGS coming atcha.

L what a brilliant reason to have to go clothes shopping…so much better than having to “size up”.

Hi Maryschoen its my first shot at this tried other diets but nothing worked i lost 7 pound in first week 2 pound 2nd week currently lost 10 pound today’s weigh in i started at 13 stone 10 would love to see the scale go under 13 stone lol and well done to you. I did have a couple of days where i could have easily fell asleep but at the moment i am putting the teenagers to shame as i have a lot of energy and the dog is loving the extra time out on walks a border collie so she is enjoying her time out with me, i haven’t really started to excersise properly as i haven’t had the time what with work but i have been walking more, i would like to maybe try HIT training in time to see if that helps but so far i feel good. I love to read everyone’s achievements it keeps me motivated keep up the good work everyone and have a good week.

I’ve just found this!

“Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”

Yes, it is!!!!