Latest forum posts

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on When do people eat
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    I personally eat 3 regular meals a day, breakfast at 8.30 lunch 1pm and dinner around 8pm I also save some calories for a small snack in the evening, before bed to stop my blood glucose from rising during the night. I still manage 800 calories and sometimes less so allow an after dinner treat of a square of very dark chocolate (10 grams at 50 calories). Being diabetic I cannot go without food for long periods but it really is up to you.

    By the way, you do have a support system now. Good luck – you should be able to reverse you diagnosis.

  • Thanks Linda, Ec and snoop on the fasting resources. Definally will check them all out. Like trying new things, least want to try the 5 day fast once, if only just to tick it off my bucket list. Been a trying time lately with fighting with my other half about my new found obsession of walking/jogging and exercising. Its been my no 1 priority for almost 10 months now. I almost find my self doing it in secret these days to stop the nagging. Any one else having issues with other half cracking the shits? Well done snoop and fatty on ur recent weight loss, brilliant effort. Yes fatty i cant even believe my self that ive loss 56kg, its been a hard slog but worth the effort. Have a good one all and remember never bloody give up!

  • posted by  Jenni from the Block on To exercise or not…
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Kate, I imagine your quote of the book saying ‘average weight loss over 8 weeks was 44kg or 52 lbs’ are typos. Just in case can I say 44kgs would be 96-97 lbs and 52 lbs in 8 weeks would be at the higher end of losses, as that is 3 stone 8 lbs or 23 kgs. Sometimes we can get dis-spirited with aiming for losses beyond the usual or possible in 8 weeks. Good luck with whatever you achieve but try to celebrate what happens for you on this journey.

  • posted by  Madmare on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Thanks for your support it means more than I can say.
    Liz thank you – I was giggling, imagining me bellowing at a bottle – it is the sort of thing I would do!
    Mary – your post made my day – its not only Liz who can deliver great ancedotes.

    Got home last night feeling good – been to see the aged relatives (parents, been shopping) OH had made dinner (think there is a bit of guilt there!). I got in unpacked shopping, then put a bottle of wine I had bought on the table.
    I sat and looked at it and it looked at me.
    Silence.
    I waited.
    No flapping of leathery wing, no whispering from the Dark Passenger. I sat a minute longer savouring the silence and then went upstairs to change the bed.
    When I came down for dinner the OH had opened the bottle and poured me a glass thinking he was being thoughtful. I was staring at the glass, the silence in my head was deafening.
    I drank that glass of wine and instead of guzzling it back, I sipped it, I savoured it, I enjoyed it.
    I had another one and a half glasses over the whole evening then put half a bottle of wine in the fridge and took a cup of tea to bed. I cannot remember the last time I had more than a smidge of wine left at the end of the evening. I used to not quite empty the bottle so I could pretend I had not drunk a whole one.
    I am not going to be foolish enough to think he is gone, you don’t become the Prince of Lies by taking me on when I have my ‘come on if you think you’re hard enough’ head on. But when he does I am going to be shouting” MY FRIEND LIZ SAYS FUCK YOU AND SO DO I”
    Its so weird, after telling the truth to you all everything seems so much clearer, like you said Liz its if a burden has lifted. I like the idea of poker chips – and I am going to start putting the money I save away and treating myself. I have my eyes on some earrings – fake diamonds!!

    Anyway enough about me
    Lee I too am so surprised at your doctor, since the doctors are always warning about rising levels of obesity
    Don’t be demoralised – in situations like this I am starting to think WHAT WOULD LIZ DO?
    So for your diabetes appointment fill up with sauerkraut and Brussel sprouts a couple of hours before hand and when they give you the high carb spiel give it the reception it deserves!!
    Much love to all
    Madmare

  • Oh and Inka, you can do this. You have the brakes in you, I promise!

    I don’t classify myself as dependent, more a binger! So it actually hasn’t been the hardest bit of this for me. But I haven’t really been challenged yet in a social situation. My trip back to Galway next weekend will be interesting!

    The improved sleep has been the best “side effect ” for me. So perhaps think how great you feel waking up sans wine…

    Good Luck xxx

  • posted by  SunnyB on When do people eat
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    We’re all different and have to find our own way to work with the BSD. How you use your 800 calories is up to you and needs to be what suits your body and lifestyle. Some people will stick with three meals a day; some might save some calories for a snack; some extend their overnight fast and eat a brunch/lunch and a dinner in the evening. It really is up to you and it might be trial and error, to see what suits your body best.

    When I first started I found I needed three meals, however these days I extend my overnight fast and generally don’t eat after 8pm or before 1pm. That’s not as long as some people manage, but it suits me. Sometimes life happens and I do eat after 8pm and occasionally I will eat a breakfast and then skip lunch. What is important is to try to stick the your 800 calories (or close to), keep an eye on the carbs, include fats to help with feeling sated and drink plenty to stay well hydrated.

    Good luck with your quest and please keep us posted on your progress.

  • posted by  WAGILL on Hi everyone
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Right guy’s

    I went for my eye test yesterday and so far nothing bad has shown up. I told the optician I had blurry vision and she confirmed that it should only be temporary .

    Went to see the nurse for my 2 week check up and she nearly fell off her chair. She was amazed at my B.S. levels. Today it’s 6.8.
    I’ve maintained my weight at 13st 7lb. And my BP is down again at 127/79 along with my heart rate.
    So I’m very much in a positive mood today.
    Thanks for your feedback and support. I’ll leave it for a week now before I update.
    Have a great weekend.

  • posted by  caz1973 on When do people eat
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi all i am starting the 800 and just wondered when do people eat i mean is it like brekky dinner and tea and then say no eating after 6pm is there like a window if that makes sense many thanks

  • Hello all

    Late to the party due to copious amounts of wedding celebrations. Dared to step back on the scales yesterday and have found an extra 5lbs from when I ‘started’ this challenge. Went straight back to this WOE yesterday and have already pulled back 2lbs. Boy did I have a good time though 🙂

    Still, back to it, back at work, the humdrum of normalcy is kicking in and there are still two weigh ins on this challenge. I started this challenge hoping to go under 9st. I need to lose 7lbs in 10 days. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Still – you only get married once (mostly)

  • FFBB 👏👏👏

    Well done you. You should be very proud and deservedly so! Isn’t tea the true amber nectar??!!!

    Poet Laureate Canada Liz, great idea. I’m a fb girl too so have friend requested you! Lovely pics. I can imagine myself having tea in your lovely kitchen now with the lovely Kev rolling his eyes in despair at the gaggle of women invading his kitchen! True United Nations gathering!

    Bit of a weird morning for me today! Went to docs for a check up following my hospital excursion. First time I’ve seen him since my formal diagnosis of T2..

    Now I love my GP. He’s always been ace and as a semi clinical person myself, we have a great rapport. So I was somewhat surprised that he wasn’t interested in my weight (I did want to show off a bit I think! 😇) my bs levels ( he said I don’t want you to test at all) or my bp (which on my assessment is dropping so significantly that I think my medication should be titrated as I’m now borderline hypotensive)

    He also said, I could have done nothing to avoid T2 (it was all too prevalent in the family) but that my weight loss since 2012 had probably delayed it)

    I have been booked into the diabetes clinic for the 17th July with the nurse and based on the experiences I’ve seen across this forum, I’m expecting to be given the high carb talk. Grrrr!

    Can’t help but feel a bit demoralised. It’s almost like they don’t want me to be actively involved in my own health management. Well fuck em. It won’t be them losing their vision or a leg or all the other complications that could make up my future, so they will just have to deal with me as I’m the one who will be making decisions here!!

    Fortunately, I have a day off today. I work compressed hours allowing me to have every other Friday off. So I will re-group and chill today. Have bought “that sugar film” on DVD and thought that Wouk be an interesting watch while snuggling with my beautiful cat Kerry!🐱

    L xxx

  • posted by  Inka13 on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hi everyone, hope the week has ended well for you!
    Have been laughing so much reading this weeks posts, thank you for sharing everyone and madmare and others struggling with the beastie, I feel your struggle, I’m doing the same, have avoided the word dependency but that’s what I have, to be sure! Looking back in shame I realised that apart from pregnancy and breastfeeding I have been drinking almost nightly for 30 years!! And I wonder why I can’t lose weight… it’s also all or nothing for me, if there’s wine in the house I’ll drink it, but weirdly if there isn’t I’m ok apart from a couple of twitchy moments! On Monday I decided not to drink for a month. Was gong well then felt a little down and found myself in the bottle shop. Drank the bottle. Husband away so no brakes!! ( lucky I only bought the one 😐)
    Well now I’ve just done two nights sans wine and feel great! Sleeping well, minimal food cravings, great mood. Can I last?? Sorry to ramble but it really helps to write it down. Will take it one day at a time..

  • posted by  Joes Nonna on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hey FattyFattyBB,
    Wow….well done. I was feeling virtuous because I have managed 3 days. You are marvellous and strong! Keep going.

    Liz…what a great idea…can I join.

    EC…I envy you so much. I hate the heat and exercise much better in the winter. Plus i love snowy scenes.

    Take care for now.

    Mary xxx

  • posted by  sunshine-girl on SERIOUSLY DOING THE FAST 800 AGAIN, JOIN ME
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Morning everyone, I have been watching Lorraine again and motivated to do some simple exercises whilst watching TV, 50 squats, 50 leg raises 100 biceps curls each arm and 100 triceps dips each arm. Still raining so no swimming.

    Verano, sorry that I rambled on, I knew what I meant and my conclusion is. More weight loss = less need for insulin, less insulin = more weight loss. Therefore I still have to lose more weight and not stick happily where I am just because I look okay (and only okay, could look better).

    I appear to be losing as I can see my midriff disappearing but not weighing for a few days so I dont think ‘ah ah I have lost, I can have a treat’ then go and ruin it over the weekend.

    Keep on keeping on…

  • posted by  Michael5 on What to cook the kids when you're on 5:2 BSD?
    on in 5:2 BSD
    permalink

    Hi Sambascuba,

    I’m a single man, so I don’t really know much about living with kids, but I do know that cooking for one is a pain in the backside. I’ve been batch cooking at the weekend and freezing individual portions to reheat as and when I need them. Is this something you could do while cooking for the rest of the family?

  • posted by  Theodora on High Exercise
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Hey Morten, you may be right. I did say ypu would need to be extremely fit to maintain 10% – top athletes only probably. I was working on the basis that men should have between 5 -10% less body fat than a woman. I am 68 with a body fat % of 23 and, whilst slim these days, certainly not skinny, and pretty fit, but certainly wouldn’t call myself athletic. I am, however, very happy to bow to your superior knowledge.

  • posted by  kate368 on To exercise or not…
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Thanks Rob for the reassurance and I hope that over the longer term and as I move into week 3 I can start to emulate your amazing loss. Well done you 🙂 I read in the book that average weight loss over 8 weeks was 44kg or 52 lbs, so as that’s an average I’ve managed my expectations somewhat and am aiming for around 40lbs which will be a significant chunk of my overall goal. I started a daily 20 minute brisk walk this morning as mornings are when I have more energy so that will now be part of my routine.

    SunnyB…I have seen your posts on these forums and you are a great motivator, thanks for the response and reading all of your experiences and the other posters’ stories is just making me more determined to carry on with this. Oh, and also because I’m enjoying it! I’m eating things I haven’t tried before, or I haven’t eaten in years and my plan for week 3 includes smoked haddock with poached egg which I am ridiculously excited about 🙂

    Nervousnellie…I totally know what you mean about gyms and changing rooms! Zumba sounds fun but I have almost zero coordination and don’t you have to do things with your legs and arms at the same time?? Not sure I could cope with that either but am sure there will be something out these that floats my boat. For now I’ll get into the walking routine and check out the Davina DVD, thanks for the recommendation.

    Thanks all for taking the time to reply to my post x

  • posted by  EC on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    good evening everyone!!
    oh my goodness, what an amazingly supportive, honest and spunky mob you all are!

    Mary, you deserve the best sex life ever after that experience!…may it be thus! and thankyou for sharing that wonderful story, with a thankfully happy outcome

    Madmare, thankyou so much for your outright honesty….like many of you, wine is my demon and also never tempted during the day. I realise its a way of “winding down” usually after a non-stop work day…so am trying to quickly get in with a walk too dark, too early atm) a hot bath (useless advice for those of you in summertime) or sometimes some yoga (doesn’t quite feel like such a treat….but Oh the virtuous feeling if I do it …maybe 4 times these 4 weeks, so not pathetic)…so far this early evening, I’ve distracted myself with Liz’s trick of tea, and then more tea!

    fattyfbb…seven days is Brilliant…I’ve done no more than three or four at a time, buts its still an improvement! (though my amounts were smaller it was getting WAY too regular)

    I’m heading up to Nth NSW next week and loving that a few of my warmer weather clothes (its at least 10 degrees warmer there) look much better minus the 5kg I’d added this last couple of years. I’m short…only 164 cm or just under 5’5” so don’t carry extra weight well. Still about 15kg or 30odd pounds to go til I’m back to my younger weight (up until my 40s apart from all those pregnancies)…but headed in the right direction.

    I KNOW that this wonderful group has kept me keeping on each day, so thanks from the bottom of my heart

    another dusting of snow overnight….so pretty, but it does impede the motivation for early morning walks (even with gloves and thermals) and my garden hasn’t dried out in weeks!…north for a hit of warmth next week and I’ll be looking forward to returning to my temperate climate nest….oh, and a massage booked for tomorrow…yeah!

  • posted by  MortenOsloNorway on High Exercise
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Theodora, I think you are a bit on the low side in your recommendation for fat % for a 51 year old man. From my own experience I think a fat % of anything below 20% is quite excellent – but I have no statistic to back this up. I have read that fat % of 10 % is healthy only for top athletes…. Another aspect is perhaps whether fat % should be considered in isolation, to maintain good health muscle mass is also important.

  • Congratulations, FFBB. That is fantastic. You must be really pleased. It’s really motivating when you see a big drop. Good luck for the coming week.

    And I agree on the fasting thing about people losing and gaining the same weight and even putting more back on. That’s why I think it’s not for me.

    My weigh-in: 82.3 kg
    0.6 kg loss for the week
    7.4 kg total loss

    Have to go away for a bit to see my mum, who’s not coping very well at all after my dad’s death. The aim is to weigh the same on 14 July as I do today. That would be an improvement on my usual weight gain when I’m there.

  • posted by  Canadaliz on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hey Fatty Fatty B you rock my world. I know the hurt and the journey and I am walking every recovery step with you….with Nordic poles and ankle weights in my case….oh–and looking like a total douchebag.
    We are doing this and every moment is a victory.

  • posted by  Theodora on High Exercise
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Obviously men should have a much lower body fat percentage than women, and I reckon that at 51 you’d be doing ok if you could maintain at about 15% -18%, unless you are particularly fit and very athletic, in which case you could go as low as 10%, but you would need to be VERY fit to maintain at that sort of level.

  • posted by  Verano on SERIOUSLY DOING THE FAST 800 AGAIN, JOIN ME
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Well I think I’m ‘trained’ at last.

    Last night I was in a restaurant that serves a particularly good quesillo, which is a sort of firmer creme caramel, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with dark chocolate. Sorry I know this isn’t what you want to wake up to! Anyway, my friend suggested we share one and for the first time I had absolutely no desire to eat this dessert. Despite her cajoling there was no way I could be tempted and I thought to myself at last I’m getting into the zone. Now I just have to train myself to dislike crisps, my latest go to in times of needing ‘crunch’ in my life!

    So another step forward. I realise that I don’t want or need sweet food after a meal but that a couple of squares of 90% would do the trick if necessary. I just need to remember to take them out with me to have with coffee!

    S-g I understand that you are in a vicious circle but you didn’t come up with an answer or conclusion, unless I missed it. It’s so very much harder when you are starting from a lower ‘number’. When you BS was very high it was easier to bring it down by altering your eating habits than it is now to reduce it from a more normal level. I guess the only answer is to persevere and in time your weight will drop, then the insulin, then the weight etc. Will there come a point when the insulin can be replaced with another medication that would let you get off the insulin ‘hamster wheel’?

    Happy hols Julia. Best of luck keeping to the principles. I’ve managed reasonably well but have put on 5lbs in nearly 4 weeks. My biggest gain was in the first week and since then I’ve maintained pretty well. I’m sure that much of the gain is water retention which I think I will lose pretty quickly after I get home on Sunday. Despite drinking lots of water I know that my body is hoarding it. Maybe I should have been drinking even more! Anyway have a great time and enjoy!

    Hope everyone is still keeping on ….

  • posted by  b44 on High Exercise
    on in BSD Way of Life
    permalink

    Thanks for the advice. I have updated my weight (currently 86.4kg) on MFP and I’m 182 cm.

    Will take what you said on board and start slowly bringing calories back in when I reach my target which is currently about 83kg. What do you guys reckon is it a good body fat percentage for a 51 yr old male?

  • posted by  Canadaliz on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hey Peeps,
    I’m a photo kinda gal and I’ve maybe overstepped the mark being Canadian with an inclination to unreserved abandon in a gaggle of Brits, Aussies and a Tasmanian but I’ve opened a FB account Bsugar Diet. I’ve posted a few pics so you know who you are talking to. If you want, friend request and maybe share or not. That’s okay too. I will post thought here but photos on the FB thingy.
    Much love.
    Liz

  • posted by  Mariet on 20th Feb Starters
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi everyone from Taiwan, halfway through my holiday and I have been trying to hold dien- is hard because it’s SO hot and sticky and water is sometimes hard to get hold of on shoRe. So then it’s a choice of fruit juice or soft drink.

    Lots and lots of walking and if I’ve put any weight on its only a little. Good to see you are all still keeping on, congratulations on the losses and we’ll done for the good work! ‘See’ youin a week or two ☺🚢🍸

  • posted by  Lucia on 2017 Lucia
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi julia to go,

    Nice to hear from you.

    Anyone want a challenge for tomorrow?

    Its 30th of june or the sixth month.

    Can you do 30 mins of walking for me?
    Or 30 mins on a bike
    Or 30 mins tap dancing
    Or 30 mins of house work
    Or 30 mins of jogging

    AND?…….

    6 smiles
    6 silly jokes
    6 skips
    6 hops
    6 giant strides
    6 times try and touch your nose with your tongue
    6 times of singing different tunes

    So thats 30 bits of exercise and 6 times to use your chuckle muscles or be light hearted and young.

    Want to play?

    Come on, you can do it behind closed doors….

    Love lucia
    Xxxx

  • posted by  Lucia on 2017 Lucia
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    So is the world on your shoulders.
    So you havent got time for all this diet mumbo jumbo?

    Let me put it to you another way.

    If, god forbid, you got very bad news from the doctors.
    And he said you either die or just tweek your diet…
    What would you do?

    You would run not walk into the kitchen, grab a bin bag, throw the junk food out and hug an apple/salad or whatever.
    Phew!
    Is that all it took to stay alive and well?
    Just a bin bag?
    Is that all?
    No pills, , potions, no expensive gadgets.
    Just eat healthy salads, fruit, veg, meat or fish most of the time ( not even all the time).

    You dont have to pay a gazzillion pounds for a gym membership, you only have to take a free 30 minute walk ( or three 10 min walks) . You dont need lycra, sweat bands, cardo bands, just a sensible pair of shoes you can walk in.

    Is that all?

    And what do i get in return?

    Your longer life
    Less illnesses
    Less sweating
    Less being out of puff
    Healthy tummies
    Less wind or heart burn
    Less flab
    Less medication
    More fun because you can get out in the fresh air and walk
    More smiles as you are happy in yourself

    Eddie izzard the comedian did a sketch … death or cake?

    This is death or less carbs ?

    I know which one i am reaching out for.

    Want to join me?

    Love lucia
    Xxxx

  • posted by  Leeleecheechee on Started 29th May 2017
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hey guys, all quiet on this front.

    Hope you are all ok? We are a month in (well 5 weeks for me) and I’m pretty happy with the way it has been going. Would be thrilled to have some updates from you all

    L 💋

  • posted by  Hellyshear on 20th Feb Starters
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    Hi all
    I’m really sticking to the WOE but the weight loss has slowed down but I’m still going in the right direction- I have been readying Jason Fung books – really interesting and I’m planning to introduce 24 hr fasts twice a week to see what difference it makes!
    I’ve gone from size 22 to size 14 and at 5 ft 8 I feel really good- just want to get to goal (11lbs to go) as I have never ever reached a goal before!!!

    Hope everyone else is doing ok –

  • posted by  Canadaliz on New life choice for determined alcoholic
    on in Welcome to the BSD
    permalink

    Hey Madmare, My door is always open and my kettle just off the boil. And for anyone that needs it–my hand is here. I know your struggle. I was a hardcore drinker for the better part of 25 years and still would be but something clicked when I got the Type 2. I don’t want to lose limbs to diabetes or heart disease. Near everything I do now is an investment in me. I’ve even got a new little thing I do–I went to the dollar store and picked up a few boxes of poker chips. I have a pot in the kitchen and every time I make a good investment in myself I put a chip in a jar. Just looking at the jar growing more and more full reminds me that I can be the Liz I want to be.
    You’re talking to a girl who would dump half the water out of a bottle and fill it with vodka to consume at a funeral, office meeting, anything really.
    For me I can’t have just one. I can’t be trusted. You give me one and I will drink the next 26oz of gin/vodka or 3 bottles of wine. Once I said to you guys I’M LIZ AND YOU KNOW WHAT? I’M AN ALCOHOLIC and truly admitting that it had a grip on me I felt a burden lift from me. If you had a friend that constantly wrapped their arms in a clingy vice grip kind of way around you you’d finally want to say FUCK OFF. That is what I think of when I think of the weight booze put on me. I am getting my buzzes from feeling so good. So independent and the weight loss is amazing.
    I am discovering a new confidence growing within me. I went to a tits out spa for fuck’s sake! I pry myself into my size 22 bathing suit and hit the community pool. Sure I only do the breast stroke but I do it to the best and fastest of my ability and as for what others think–I couldn’t give a shit. As for the Skinny Wives of Satan–fuck them and all. But especially fuck you booze. I treat myself in other ways. I make beautiful pitchers of water with cucumber /mint/lemon/ginger–whatever mood strikes me and I sip if from a crystal glass. You know the shit you only use at Christmas and Easter. Well I busted out the good stuff for me. Because I’m worth it.
    I don’t miss anything about the suffocating relationship I had with booze. I don’t miss the DADS (day after drinking shits) I don’t miss the lethargy. I don’t miss the puffy face. I sure as Hell don’t miss the cost!!! I now love marching around the neighbourhood with my ankle weights, my big chick lycra outfits and my nordic walking poles looking like a total douchebag because it is for me and fuck anyone who judges.
    I’m not saying I don’t have weak moments but when I do I distract myself, put the kettle on, usually stand by the kitchen door and say out loud, “Liz, you’re doing this. Just stay the course. Keep trying and you won’t fail. In this moment you are doing this.” and I drink my tea, I breath in the steam and I invest in the me I want to be. I know the voice you hear that says ‘just one.’ believe me–I’ve been to the bottom of far too many bottles that started with just one. Now when I hear the “just one” I visualize those clingy clammy hands of an irritating person trying to grab hold of me and I say ‘FUCK OFF–YOU OFFER ME NOTHING.”
    At 7:30am this morning, as I thundered past the local gas station with looking like a turbo nerd with my poles a’swingin’ and my hair clinging to me as I busted an almighty sweat, a fella that was filling up looked over and hollered “looking good sweetheart looking good! keep up the good work” and it buoyed my spirit. I don’t know his journey, maybe he had to battle weight at some point and knows how hard it is but in that moment he affirmed that I am doing this and it is a good thing.
    I’m just about to put the kettle on and have a cup of tea. I’ll stand by the kitchen door and think just of you. We are doing this. In your moments of weakness take my hand and I’ll help you through. When the voices start calling you tell them “MY BIG FRIEND LIZ SAYS GO FUCK YOURSELF!!” then you’ll probably laugh and walk away thinking what kind of a nutter would talk to a bottle. But in that moment you will take pride in having invested in you. Just you.
    The friends on this site have truly moved me. I actually was brought to tears when receiving all of the lovely recipes. That people cared about me to take the time to share their ideas and inspiration was fuel for my soul and helps me soldier on.
    Much love MadMare. Much love. You are not alone in your journey–you have us and us is one hell of a good thing. We’ve got your back.
    Liz

  • posted by  Nervousnellie on To exercise or not…
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    my experience over the years is that I over egg the amount of calories I think I have lost when excercising and the excercise stimulates my appetite , there is a NY journalist , Gary Taube I think, whose article I read from a link on one of the forums which asks how you would go about preparing for a lovely meal in the evening, you would cut back on what you eat and do a little excercise to stimulate your appetite- hmm sound familiar.
    Excersie is good for your health, bone, heart and lungs and often mood so is important but I don’t use it to help me lose weight I use calorie counting for that.
    I personally dislike gyms- the trauma of the female changing room, the skinnie Minnie’s in thongs , the side glance as you wiggle your body to edge up your snug Lycra pants , the fact they all seem no older than 25-Yuck. Then there’s the muscled blokes in the weight area doing weird movements with kettle bells which meant I never quite ventured into that area, I feared I might grow a beard as I absorbed the fug of testosterone. Sadly the menopause has got me there anyway despite by protestations.
    I do a Zumba class in a church hall with no mirrors with a group of overweight mums and ladies of a certain age, it is funny, feels like you are dancing and only costs a fiver. I then do a High intensity training , HIT, DVD , Davina , if you are interested , in my front room. The dog sometimes joins in as does my five year old nephew , I could only do a bit of it at first but over time have really seen by muscle definition change. MM recommends HIT and it has worked for me , apparently it stimulates your mitochondria.

  • Oh Mary, thank you!

    Your story did make me giggle! I know it actually must’ve been pretty scary at the the time and I hope Joe has recovered. You are definitely a sex goddess now!

    Mad mare, another courageous post. This forum started with one and it’s been so heartwarming to be part of such a warm, inclusive group who have shown such amazing strength in baring their souls. I hope we continue in the same vein. There is no judgement here. Remember that every journey starts with a single step and you are on your way (and doing it while having a bad hair day!) I’m not making light of it. Men just don’t get how our hair affects our sensitive lady psyche.

    Thanks all of you for your kind messages following the death of my cousin. Apparently when I was 5, I told him I was going to marry him. The fact that I was attending his wedding at the time just did not compute!! I shall miss his smile and amazing laugh. It was one of the best!

    Planning my food for tomorrow. Terrible craving for a McDonald’s breakfast (double sausage and egg muffin for which I blame Liz for following her drive thru tea debacle!!) so I plugged it in to mfp (just for the hell of it) and it was very easy to see where my excess weight came from. I could easily do two of them in the past (with hash browns obvs)

    Thankfully sanity has returned and it’s a poached egg for me, though I am feeling a little resentful 😜😫😱

    Anyhow, stay strong everyone. We’ve got this xxx

  • posted by  SunnyB on To exercise or not…
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Kate ….. Rob is right, weight loss often slows for a while in weeks two/three and sometimes even stalls or plateaus for awhile, so don’t panic about it. I’m 61 and don’t exercise much at all – the odd walk, a bit of pilates and that’s about it – way less than I should do for sure. However, I have lost over two stone now and am 1.8lb off my target weight – actually, before going away for an extended vacation, I had actually hit target weight, but gained 4lb while away, so now I’m back to it.

    So, although exercise obviously helps with general fitness and wellbeing, it is not essential for losing weight on the BSD. Think it might speed things up a little, but not exercising won’t stop the pounds from dropping if you stick with the programme. Keep going and those pounds will soon disappear.

  • posted by  RobOnAMission on To exercise or not…
    on in Fast 800
    permalink

    Hi Kate,

    I’m coming to the end of 12 weeks and because of knee surgery I haven’t been able to exercise beyond some walking for almost the whole time. I also have a sedentary job and I’m 52. As of this morning I have shifted 49lbs (just over 22kilos) in the 12 weeks and dropped my blood sugar levels massively. I know that it is easier for men (unfairly but biologically!) to shift weight, but you should get good results on this regime, even without the exercise, though that does speed things up (and adds other benefits too, of course). You’ll also see from posts in other forums on here that lots of people hit some sort of temporary plateau in one of the earlier weeks, especially after such a big loss in week 1 – continue to keep your eye on the big picture, as you clearly are doing, and it’ll all come good.
    Very best of luck.
    Rob

  • posted by  RobOnAMission on Week 1, Day 1 – here we go!
    on in Starting the BSD
    permalink

    I’m with sunshine-girl and I now always tell folks in advance what I’m doing and what I eat. I also say that I don’t expect them to do anything special just for me and that if it’s easier, I can bring a salad or something to replace any carbs they are cooking. Of course these are all good friends so I don’t feel too awkward about asking.

    There’s another great benefit I’ve found to telling people – unlike previous diets where I have been reluctant to say I am trying to lose weight, I have been very open with friends and at work about the BSD, which in turn has made it easier for me to stick with it (maybe cos I now don’t dare fail having told them all!).