Hi caz1973, as long as you are not too hungry or fainting away, as my doctor said to me, but you still have room for a small snack if you want to. Sometimes you might be having a bit more as trying to calculate can be quite inaccurate so at 690 you could be anywhere from 690 to 750. Dont worry and let your body guide you.

To answer directly, yes I try to keep around 800 but mainly have between 670 and 750. Sometimes when it is as low as 670 I realise I didn’t count that teaspoon of olive oil and the cauli rice or something small and insignificant, but that gives me a bit of wriggle room.

Well done Mike. I too am a chart maker and record everything. One thing is my doctor always wants to see my notebook so I have to fill it in for him so not just being anal. It shows weight, exercise, date and time with BG measurements and units of insulin used. When I am feeling a bit cheesed off and not losing weight I can look back to last year and see how far I have come. Not lost a lot of weight just 21lbs at the moment but I am not massive anyway but I have reduced my blood sugar from 190 to 90 reduce insulin from 40 units to 21, HbA1c as 11.4 now 5.4, cholesterol was 6.4 now 3.4 also triglycerides and blood pressure are also well down into normal range. I have blood tests every 3 months for diabetes and now he keeps testing my cholesterol (3 times in a row) but once a year I get a full blood and urine screening. I didn’t know what the sedimentation rate was for but mine was 24 mm in the first test then 54 in the second, that was in May 2016 now it is 14 in test one and 34 in the second. Notice that I should not be higher than 15 and 35 so mine is under that. Whatever it is it has improved as has everything else so something else to be pleased about.

Keep on keeping on…

Not whinging, venting. So vent away, SunnyB. We’re all allowed to vent when needed. Moving on is the important bit🙅, hugs on their way.

I’m hating the sight of the scales at the moment, knowing I’m not going to like what I see. But, following my day out today (described on another thread), and after having a burger lunch on a day out with grandson and friend on Friday (ate the bottom half of the bun), and being so tired after chasing the two 9yo boys around the Lego exhibition for a few hours I agreed with OH that fish and chips from the local shop sounded like a wonderful idea for dinner ……
so … I’m determined to have a “fast” day tomorrow, Monday. I won’t have eaten since about 4 pm today, (with the exception of a couple of forkfuls of kimchi a short while ago to ward off a bout of mouth hunger), so I’ll have a light brunch. Nothing but water and green or herbal teas until dinner time.

See if that gets me AROUND the wall instead of constantly banging into it.

SSB, was that your version of my wall? I think we all run into them from time to time. Keep on keeping on, as we say. 🙅

Sounding good pod, keep it going xx

Keep checking in with us Theodora. Let us know how you’re going. It sounds as though you are a wonderful hostess, just don’t forget to look after yourself first xx

‘Nighty night everyone, I’m off to bed 😴

Hi everyone can I ask do most of you stick to as near to 800 calories as you can as I find some days I am only reaching like 690 and I feel as if I have had 3 meals aday like 2 boiled eggs for breakfast, for lunch fromage frais with frozen raspberries and main tea steak with red and white cabbage with mayo and salad lettuce cucumber and on my fitness pal it comes out at 690. Do I need to eat a little bit more or is it ok as I don’t feel hungry for more food and have lost 9 pounds now on day 13 look forward to your replys hope you are all having a good weekend.

Sunnyb and Clarinetcathy feeling for you both today. Sending weight-loss thoughts through the airwaves!
I’m being very good today cos I had three Campari last night. Sooooooo many carbs, but I enjoyed them, perhaps a little too much cos I was only gonna have 1! Alcohol really does affect the mind set!
Anyway, hope we all have a really good couple of days!
Let’s Keep on keeping on!
Ann xx

Hi Everyone.just read all your posts and goals Im still on holiday in thailand so not currently weighing or following Bsd.In fact after a week of binging on pastries etc Im no longer enjoying that type of food.So tonight I settled for a clear broth with vegies and minced meat.I will continue to eat whatever is around that takes my fancy but I will be back to BSD next week when Im home .in the meantime I hope you are all achieving good results
Cheers

Hello ClarinetCathy
I feel for you – your gain is much the same as mine. Going back and forth over the same couple of pounds is really frustrating and when this is for an extended period, it makes it even tougher to take. I’m with you in hoping this blip will soon be consigned to history and we can report better things on Tuesday.
Keep drinking that water and let’s try to make today and tomorrow really count. We both know we can do this, we just need to find the motivation to stay focused and keep on keeping on. Best of luck CCathy

Marsie – I have been searching for real sauerkraut here in East Anglia but can only find the fake stuff. We are going to have a go at making some ourselves this week – it hopefully isn’t too difficult and should be a gut healthy way of adding a bit of variety to meals.

SunnyB – I too am feeling glum today. I weighed 140.6 on Thursday and today my weight is 143.0! It’s so demoralising! I didn’t drink much yesterday because I was performing but like you I am drinking a lot of water today. II don’t understand the science of weight gain or loss but when we are sticking to such a low calorie diet it’s not a good feeling to see such a gain. I was so hoping to break the 140 lb barrier this week! I haven’t lost any weight now for one month because I am up and down the same two pounds. Let’s hope we get through this blip and have some happier news on Tuesday.

I am almost at the end of my Sunday so ever closer to the end of our week. Apologies for not being much help along the way with this thread after joining in so willingly.

I spoke earlier about Green St Kitchen’s delicious Sauerkraut. I’m also enjoying their Kimchi, the Korean version of fermented cabbage. Again, utterly delicious, with similar cal/carb numbers.
Came home this evening after a day of eating while watching football with friends. Everyone brings a plate of something for the table and, while I had small serves, there were many serves and it was mostly BSD unfriendly. No dinner by choice for either OH or me but just now, 9pm-ish, I wanted something, anything, in my mouth. Not stomach hungry, mind you, but mouth hungry, just wanted to eat. Looking for control, tried water, not enough, so I had a couple of forkfuls of the kimchi. I think that will do it! Crunchy, with a chili bite. I know I’ve had something to eat but no overloading. Excellent!

Oh, and Esnecca, thanks for the reminder about looking for properly fermented foods, not just cooked down or pasteurized. I’m sure about this boutique producer but equally sure you’re right to warn about the more mass produced product on supermarket shelves.

And I’m with Verano …. more quotes welcome, SunnyB.

Having a doom and gloom day today, as the scales tell me I have gained 2.2lb in 2 days. Pretty certain that although I haven’t counted over the last couple of days, this is not a ‘real’ weight gain, but is more likely to be largely water retention, however, as I had been within 0.8lb of target weight again on Thursday, I’m still struggling to stay positive today.

I’m making sure to up the fluid intake today, in the hope of seeing the bulk of the 2.2lb disappear rapidly, keeping upbeat is proving a big ask right now. Keep telling myself, I still have 11 weeks to my deadline to be maintaining at target weight, not helping much at the moment though.

Sorry, whinging over! Hope everyone else is having a good w/e and will be reporting positive results at the end of the first week of the challenge.

Hey Verano

From the online research I did, broccoli rabe is similar to tender stem broccoli, which we have in the UK. I actually have a fig tree in my garden (Somerset) and there are a few varieties of this tree which survive well in the UK. N.B. you don’t actually eat the leaf, but use it like banana leaf, to wrap food for cooking, whereas vine leaves are okay to eat of course.

I’m struggling today, as the scales have told me I have gained 2.2lb in two days. Haven’t been counting for two days, but am confident that I haven’t consumed enough to have really made this gain in real weight. However, whilst on some level I recognise this is very unlikely to be a true gain and is most likely water retention, I’m still finding it tough to think positively today. So, I offer these quotes from the 101Thoughts and Affirmations to Create Positive Change by Michael Austin Jacobs:

“Some people argue over whether ‘the glass’ is half empty, or half full. I say, just be thankful to have a glass with something in it.”

“Anything you desire, can be attained through the correct thinking and direct action. It is a personal decision, that can only be made by YOU!”

And finally an affirmation: “I release all negative thoughts that I have been holding onto, and in turn, let go of the negative energy associated with those thoughts.”

Sorry, no foodie tips from me today, as I’m not quite in the right head space and am trying hard not to think about food right now.

Mike – I agree that the message from this American Professor is misleading. Thank goodness I didn’t see this clip before I started the BSD as i might have been very confused and it might have stopped me starting the BSD. This would have resulted in me hurtling towards even more severe problems with diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema and neuropathy in my right foot.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes my resting heart rate was 122. When I started the BSD it was 98. It has very very slowly dropped since starting BSD in May 2016 and is now 65. I am sure it will continue dropping.

Even the American Professor must concede that the 3 stone weight loss has left me much healthier with diabetes in remission, diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema and neuropathy reversed and a resting heart rate much more in the normal range. Who knows what other good things are going on unseen inside my body.

I started to make an effort to lose weight in August 2015 after advice from a friend (a German GP rtd). My Hba1C was 72 and my blood glucose was nearly 9. My weight was just on 100Kg and my BMI was around 34. I am a retired engineer and a believer that data is my friend<G> so I approached the diet in a structured way. I measure my weight in the morning before I dress and in the evening after I undress and note the data. I have a spreadsheet that I keep up to date and, using this, I get an average weight for the week and plot this as a graph. My target has been to keep the weight reduction to around 1kg per month and I have managed to keep close to this. I bought the BSD book last year and started using the advice in it and I am progerssing well – a bit faster since I got the book – towards my goal of a BMI of 25 by Christmas (currently it looks as though I will do better than this).
My weight today is 78.8kg and my last Hba1C was 44(June 2017) My blood glucose, which dropped quickly when I started the effort in 2015, is averaging 5.3. I am still taking 1 850g Metformin tablet a day (down from 2) and 1 glycoside tablet and I am wondering if this can be reduced.
One unexpected result is the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) which is a measure of the state of the polymyalgia rheumatica I was diagnosed with in 2010. This has measured between 36 and 16 when the normal range is 2 – 10. To keep the symptoms at bay I take 10mg of steroid/day (prednisalone) this has many side effects including weight gain and suppression of the immune system.
My last measure (June) was 9 and I am considering stopping or reducing the steroid. I plan to talk to my GP as soon as I can.
Another unexpected result is my underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) measures in the June blood test would seem to indicate that I am now over treated and could reduce the thyroxine I take.
I have also noticed that the LDL cholesterol measure is now in the good area for trhe first time although the HDL measure is a bit low (1.43).
I always get a printout of my blood test results and keep them filed and I would recommend that everybody does this.
I would welcome any feed back

Mike

Thanks mixnmatch, that’s really encouraging! I guess I will just have to do it slowly. 130 seems to be the absolute bottom of the healthy range for me, so may adjust goal up to 135, which would allow for any extra weight loss while I navigate maintenance….
I’ve started increasing my calories a little already to mitigate my electrolyte disorder and I’m still losing, so that makes sense.

All still seems surreal to me. Wish I had done this years ago!

Good afternoon lovely rowers!
Yesterday went well I managed 820 calories and tried to stay less carby, but only did 6000 steps. I ate 2 boiled eggs for breakfast, huge salad for lunch and apple and then a count on us M&S meal that was 243 calories- I know ready meals aren’t ideal but I was super pushed for time and it seemed quite clean. Can’t believe how much you can eat! Feeling crap today though- very little energy and very grumpy 😡 going to make myself go for a shuffle jog in a bit tho. Your recipes sound delicious. I shall be watchingclosely and I’ve just bought ‘the clever guts diet! X

On Thursday this week I was really pleased to see that my weight was the lowest ever this year at 140.6 lb. However, despite upping my exercise and sticking to the plan as I wanted to get down to 139 lb for my Saturday weigh in, was 2lb up yesterday and today am up another pound up! I was performing in a concert yesterday and didn’t drink as much as usual and so appreciate the gain from yesterday but I just can’t seem to lose any weight at the moment. Today I weighed in at 143 lb! This trend has been going on for a month or so now. Can anybody advise me? I don’t want to eat less and I do fast regularly 16:8 and have done 22 hours to try with this persistent plateau. Today I am drinking water 💦 and more water. Feel really disappointed that my plan to get in the 9s by 15th July didnt worked despite trying so hard! Will keep going. BMI gone up to 27! This is getting hard now!

Going to try the cabbage and pepper mackerel stirfry this evening – think it’s going to be v tasty!
Managed to get my ‘walking head’ on yesterday, walked half hour last evening and half hour this morning. Determined to do at least two half-hour walks each day from now on. Looking forward to Tuesday evening weigh-in at WeightWatchers.
I joined WW beginning of February when I started my first 8-week BSD so that I would have the discipline of a weekly weigh-in on very accurate scales.
Nancy x

Hi all, MnM wish I could shrink away, still maintaining and BG 5.4. Did 40 mins in the pool yesterday and going in again right now. Better if I do 20 min stints as it is not so boring. How can I possibly complain with a pool right outside my door, familiarity I guess. Bought mutton for dinner, on the bone so going to very slow cook it and add some Moroccan spices served with cauli mash.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Hi Lee, if you don’t mind me butting in I am living the BSD maintenance dream at the moment, and want to reassure you that it is possible. The only tricks you need are not to go back to your old eating habits, although occasional indulgences don’t hurt and you need to increase your calories gradually up to at least your calculated TDEE or even a little beyond it, and then get used to the portion sizes it allows. If you do it gradually you may even lose a little more doing this, I did and I increased my calories by a full 50 calories each day.

Hi all

HRH Liz, welcome back to you and Kev. I’m so sorry about your mother. It adds to your burden but it will keep you strong. You are right, it’s time to look after yourself.

The alcohol is really not an issue for me. I didn’t really enjoy the few drinks I had in Ireland, so I’m happy and confident that this is a permanent lifestyle change for me. My bandits are bread and junk food. They literally sing to me.

I’m now just a max 12lbs away from maximum goal. I’m currently 142lbs and the max I want to drop to is 130lb. So I’m getting anxious about maintenance. The 800 plan is easy to follow. We know what we have to do and we know when we go wrong. I imagine I will have to log everything I eat for a long time to come. I’m worried if relax at all I will regress to carb hell. I will need your strength and support for months to come! 🙏🏻🤝

So, sat here enjoying my usual Sunday tv treat of “obese: a year to save my life” followed by the biggest loser with a cup of vanilla coffee with full cream milk. Waitrose are on the way and menus are being planned for the week. My back is still bad. Hoping to get back to swimming in the next week or so which will help it. So going to have a lazy day today. I figure I’ve earned it 🤣

I have an ultrasound of my stomach on Wednesday to try to get to the bottom of my electrolyte disorder. It’s at 5pm and I have to be nil by mouth for 5 hours before (and that includes water!) why they couldn’t schedule for the morning I don’t know but I know that’s gonna be hard to cope with as I’m still going through withdrawal following Ireland 😱

Also have my first review at the diabetic clinic tomorrow. I suspect that they will be anti bsd. So that will be an interesting consult.

So, a full on week for me. Bring it on!!

L 😘

Well said, we only have one life, so we need to make it the very best life we can!

Thanks so much for the advice, very much appreciated – I’ve just this moment been reading about increasing the calories gradually but I’ll also have a look into my TDEE and think about what I might find best

Queen Elizabeth I, you go girl (your majesty)…like I always say…this isn’t a rehearsal it’s the real thing…so make the most of it. Wish I could take my own advice lol.

Mary I
xxx

Mum has settled and is doing the best we can expect. The doctor says that sadly there is not much anyone can do but rather ride out her life journey making the best of what we can. She is back taking meals in the dining room but largely uses a wheelchair with assistance. She is in good spirits but very very confused. It has certainly added to the battle of trying to get in shape.
And you guys are right. Why is it that anyone that learns I’m trying to shift a few immediately launches into “well that diet sounds ridiculous” or “oh you’re one of the no carb brigade”. I show them results–weight loss and blood sugar stabilized. And throw in the odd “I’m sorry, remind me where you got your medical degree” snarks. I am learning that people do not like to see others succeed for some odd reason. Like the girl across the street, she went to Weight Watchers and lost 30lbs, then over the next year gained it back as she went back to old habits (wine was a big one and sweets). She told me I shouldn’t bother with this journey as it won’t last. I very pointedly told her that her experience was because she had failed to learn. What we are doing is a whole body life style adjustment. It is learning a new relationship with ourselves and what we can do to really love ourselves. Stuffing our gobs with biscuits or bottles of wine is not self-love. Taking time with ourselves, not over-extending ourselves–like women often do, and respecting our bodies. Like I said to my Kev when we were on the road, I’d hate to die and people say “she cared for everyone but herself.”
I’m putting me first and it feels great. I have said “no” more times in the last month than ever before in my life and it feels wonderful! Sure I’ve had to distance myself from a few heavy drinking friends but that is a self-preservation move. Many of my friends have been absolute cows in their determination to sabotage my not drinking commitment so I’ve kicked them to the curb. This is about me. Period. One important thing I have learned is that it’s okay to put me first. I’m allowed.
xo Elizabeth I

If you really want to have a break you can try 4 weeks or so on 5:2, using 800 for the fast days and your calculated TDEE for the non fast days (calculated TDEE of your target weight if you want to carry on losing more weight but slower). Many people have also continued on 800 until they reached target weights or just increased slightly to 1000-1200 for a period. If the weight loss slows too much then do another focused 8 weeks after that to get to the finish line, but don’t forget to increase calories gradually, if you don’t want to regain any weight.

Morning Dnmore
Bril work on the walk, I was the same when I started taking over walking the dog, and now I itch to get out there, even look forward to it 😅😅😅 yep converted I am.
The fish recipe is page 126 in the large 8 week BSD recipe book A4 size book, I got it of amazon and it was a bargain, paid about 8.99 for it should have been 14.99. The recipe is a bit fiddly to get done, but well worth it very tasty.
So your first week has had a slow start like mine, strange isn’t it second time around how it’s so much slower. There’s an incentive if you are on it for the first time keep going. My days are seeming to average about 1200/60, but I don’t want to be too pedantic about it. But I find a fish meal day always, make the lower totals easier to achieve.
So of for a walk now, hope everyone has a good day.
🙋🙋🙋jan

Hi!

After three knee operations my weight had crept up to 13st 3 (I’m 5ft 4) Despairing at my ever increasing girth I embarked on the BSD with little confidence but I have found it incredibly easy! I have had no problem sticking to the 800 calories / 50g carb a day and after 12 weeks have lost 2 stone. I need to lose another stone to return to a healthy BMI (and lose the remainder of my wobbly belly) but am concerned that I might need to take a break from the very low calorie diet. I am really nervous about upping my calorie intake and the effect it might have on my weight loss, has my base metabolic rate changed, do I need to introduce more calories gradually? I wondered if I increased my calories to 1200 would I still continue to lose weight or would I be more successful trying to 5:2 (I did attempt to follow the 5:2 a few years ago but found I didn’t lose much weight)? I am so happy with how everything has gone so far but am just a little unsure / nervous about where to go from here – I’d be really grateful if anyone has any advice / experiences to share
Sas

Welcome back Liz. I bet “cheese sauce lady” is trying to lose weight the “conventional” way.

Mary – I will sort out your son in law for you.

Lee – People always have an opinion on how we should lose weight. It is as if as soon as I say “I am trying to shift some weight” it gives them permission to tell me where I am going wrong. I’d rather not picture him naked, I am just about to have my breakfast.

Have a super Sunday all, I will do my daily report later.

FFBB X

DAY 6 of 7

Well almost at the end of our week and there have been some great tips, exciting recipes and some unusual foods. Not sure that broccoli rabe is available in the UK and SunnyB where can you get fig leaves? I must admit I have heard of cooking with vine leaves and palm leaves but never fig leaves.

I love your quote and it is so true. Can we have another one please? I may have to dip into that book for some inspiration!

Today I am out for lunch so my tip for eating out is never go out hungry and don’t worry what others think of your food choices. Usually people are so interested in their own food that they don’t actually notice what you are eating. I know we all come to realise this in time but for any newbies reading here it really is true.

Have a good Sunday

Oh Liz, it is so good that you are back. You are our inspiration and I am so proud that we were of help when you had your crisis. I am here and sending the biggest virtual cuddle right now.
You are right. Booze is good for nothing, except bollocking up your body and making you more miserable. It is a well known depressant and when you already have a bit of a black dog about you it makes you worse. Not when first drunk, but later when you come down.
We owe it to ourselves and to you not to drink Satan’s Piss again.
Love you lots.
Nonna Mary xxxx

ps, How is your mother?

just finishing week 1 of the diet and lost about 5kg so over the moon about that. I started at 102kg, where i’d been for the last two and a half years. The bit I’m not happy about is my usual runs ( they’re waddles really – I pretend km’s are miles to gett more acceptable times )… the short 5k takes 5 minutes longer and laves me dead, and my 8k ended up with a 1k walk home today – and I still feel terrible.

Any ideas??

Another day, another pound off 😀 10 stone 6.2 pounds so 1.2 pounds off since yesterday. I am glad there are only two more days of this or I’d be shrinking away to nothing. I am still feeling well on it, but my sleep is strange, I always seem to wake after three hours and then sleep very lightly after that, no matter how tired I am. Skin on my legs was tingling slightly this morning when I woke, could possibly be a sign of autophagy happening? I hope so. My body seems to have adapted again to the restricted calories very well, and I haven’t been feeling super hungry. I have started putting the apple cider vinegar in mineral water, tastes fine. I just use the oil for either frying the veg or a salad dressing. Today I have planned a treat with a fresh orange for breakfast although that probably won’t be until 12:00 to keep up the intermittent fasting as well.

Thankfully, I’ve already succeeded pretty well with the diet and am managing to maintain things – my concern was what, to my mind, is a misleading message to folk who are obese that it’s nothing to worry about. I’ve been trying – without success – to find any stats that back up Professor Mann’s claim that obese folk survive diabetes and cardio-vascular illness better than the non-obese, but on the face of it it seems very counter-intuitive.
Mike

Lady Loves,
I’m in bed now and going through your lovely, thoughtful and honest posts I’m seeing a pattern….the booze is still an issue for many of you. So I’m going to crack the spiritual whip and say “You know it isn’t easy but you must fight harder. You know where you want to get to but you won’t get there on a 1/2 bottle of wine/night. Now bust out the cucumber water, the pots of tea, the dew from a gooseberry bush if it helps but please my allies in this journey, this battle that we are waging, fight harder. We’ve never met but I love each and every one of you as we are on the same journey. We have bared our souls to each other on these pages and we know the joy of success and the pain of defeat. What has booze ever done for you? It sure as shit did nothing for me but make me fat, endure countless hours of hellish hangovers, on a good day I would be droopy, billions of dollars spent, okay, tens of thousands for sure over 20 years. So please my angels, and you truly were angels when I was battling a full blown panic attack, I reached out to each of you and gripped your hands for all I was worth. I could hear Nona through her chest like you did when you were a little kid and you were cuddled up to your Mum but she was talking and her voice resonated–but I heard Nona Mary say “Liz, it’s okay, I’m here”. We have each other in our little niggle moments when we still aren’t quite at the bottle and we have each other in the depths of our days when we want nothing but to take the edge off the strain of life. Go into town, pick out a special mug that is just yours, or a nice tall glass and fill it with water or tea that will wash away the demons. I stand by my kitchen door with my steaming mug of tea and look out at a lovely tree and remind myself that hungover I’d be in the basement watching tv with an icepack on my brow wasting the day. I promise, we have the strength of each other and we will succeed. You only fail when you stop trying. Now let’s make our tomorrows count, one day at a time.”
Much love, Liz

Hey Chicks, Well, we’re finally back home, truck unpacked, and drinking tea by the vat at the kitchen table. I can’t tell you how much each of you helped me through the journey. At one point I had a huge panic attack–worst ever in my life, and thought I was losing my mind. To get through it without booze was the worst battle I have ever faced. It really shook me and pulling into a gas station to refill but knowing I could just run in and buy beer/wine/hooch was so hard. I just dove into this site and grabbed your hands and rested my head on Nona’s shoulder and thought–I’m doing this. I won’t go crazy. I don’t need booze. I’ve got support.
While in Florida I managed to gain 3lbs but most was water weight as everything is so salty in America. Today after 2 days home I am peeing for Canada. I am back on the 800cal/day and feeling great about myself. Kev is on nights so I sent him off with grilled chicken and veg and I had a little chicken and 4 zucchini boats with a squirt of pizza sauce/parmesan and baked them 25 mins–lovely!
When we were on the road it was really hard to eat well. 30 hours over three days and I wasn’t really wanting no carb healthy stuff. BUT, funnily enough, by day three I was craving proper food. So, in the morning as we were leaving the motel (having eaten the complementary boiled egg and one sausage) I spied a grocery store opposite and dashed in for a couple of apples when I spied a “gourmet takeaway”. Reading the sign– they will pack you a lunch or your dinner for work or home etc. The girl was a little too chipper given the time of day and insisted on telling me all of my options. I chose two grilled chicken, cucumber/tom/onion/parsely/vinegar salad, and a chickpea number–well done Lizzie. She went on to explain they give it to you in BPA free containers that can be reused. I was at the point that she could have served it up an alligator’s ass and I’d have been grateful. I kept it in the cooler until lunch then Kev and I feasted and food never tasted so good!
About 5pm we were starving so Kev pulled into another grocery store as eating just the patties of a McBurger like I’d done the first two days just wasn’t going to work. I went to the deli and picked up some grilled salmon from the ready to eat counter but they had no veg!! Mac and cheese or spuds in 2,364 different ways but no veg!! Not even salad so I went to the veg section, picked up a bag of broccoli/cauliflower mix that you microwave for 3 mins and went back to the ready food counter and asked her if she could nuke it for me. “Oh sure sugar! You like your veg I see!” “Well, truthfully, I’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I have to really drop some weight.” “Oh me too! And I’m on a diet–have to lose nearly half my weight!” then regales me with the longest three minutes of her failed diet experiences. Finally the micro beeped and she opened the bag and kindly dropped them in a container for me and closed it up……but not before calling over her shoulder “Honey, you want cheese sauce with yer veg?” fuck it thought my inner voice “Yes please.” After all, I had for sure earned virtue points for at least trying and virtue points burn calories–in the world according to Liz.
I am back on track and looking forward to continuing with my journey along with each of you. We will each have days where we think–fuck this shit but we have each other and we will soldier on.
Much love,
BPA free Liz

Thanks Lee & Mary for your support & understanding , and advice , you’ve had your own challenges Mary having to eat spaghetti Bol and cake , did you escape from the wine ?
Your SIL needs a few words from FFBB to put him in his place !
Well it’s onward and upward , ‘ try a bit harder ‘ is ringing in my head , let it ring
Xx Hello 66

Woohoo – just back from our evening at the yacht club and they have a new chef, who specialises in “fire cooking” and everything I had was both ultra delicious, and BSD friendly. To start I had seared king scallops in a Thai broth, and as a main course (so utterly delicious, I will have to try to replicate at home) fire seared cauliflower and beetroot in various spices, served with hummus, salad with a few nuts thrown in for good measure ☺There were also other things which were bsd friendly on the menu – nothing came automatically with potatoes / rice / bread etc, which was so refreshing. Haven’t worked out the calorie / carb content, but then as I’m on maintenance, I don’t feel I need to. Suffice it to say, it was very much within BSD principles (apart from the copious amounts of wine) and all so utterly delicious that it made me wonder what ever tempted me towards carb laden foods. I just wish every restaurant could have such an enlightened chef. I genuinely cannot remember when I enjoyed a meal so much.😊

Hi I watched the clip. I know what you mean about getting some comfort as I too struggle with obesity. From what I have learned, eating large amounts of low carbs and plant based food will prove impossible not to lose weight due to the low calorific value. Keep at it, it will work even if nothing happens in the first few weeks.

Wow everyone – it is so encouraging reading through the last few messages how “do-able” this eating plan is. I think most of us would agree that losing weight isn’t rocket science, but the keeping it off part is somewhat!! It seems to be the absolute key in keeping the blood sugars low and never getting into the craving way of being. I’ve certainly found it easy to carry on sensibly if ever I’ve “lost it” over eating a piece of cake that someone’s made for me! Great to hear all the positive vibes – thankyou!
(Managed to now give up the ryvitas at bedtime so hoping my weight loss this week will be rewarding!).

Interesting, I’ve got some mineral water in the fridge, I’ll see what’s in it.
I remembered I had some mineral salt sachets in my bag from when I was sick last year, so I’ve taken one of those. My husband said “you must be worried!” Well, when you’ve had a racing heart with palpitations for days amongst other things, it is a bit worrying!

My go-to for magnesium is Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water (in fact sitting at kitchen table with bottle right in front of me). It is great for this kind of thing, fills you up, hydrates and even has 25% of your calcium per bottle.

Whoop whoop StJames. 👏👏👏 that’s an amazing result. You have done brilliantly.

I’ve only lost 25lbs so far but I’m well pleased with that. I’m officially a normal weight now and aiming for another 10lbs or so to get me to 9.5 stone which will give me “wiggle” room for hols etc.

I’m back to Galway on 7th September, so that’s my goal date and I may indulge a bit then. I’m not looking forward to maintenance. I suspect that will be harder. I’ve calculated that to maintain my tdee is 1500 calories 😱 I think I will have to log all my food for a long while to come….

Hey all,

So tomorrow marks the end of week 7.
This weeks been a weird one because until this morning despite living by the book the scales told me I had gained weight. I had a magical whoosh last night and woke up this morning to find i have lost a total of 42lbs (3 stone) which I’m most pleased about. I have about another 3 stone to go to reach my goal weight. Throughout this initial 8 weeks I havnt really exactly measured my intake but I’m going to maximise my weight loss over the next run of 8 weeks by measuring my exact carb and protein intake.

I’ve been using the book but making up my own menus as I don’t like a lot of the foods listed.
I’ve just been doing a bit of research and see plain yoghurt is high in it. I’ve been eating Greek yoghurt most days, but it says normal is better so I’m going to get some tomorrow. I’ve been sprinkling my yoghurt with flaked almonds and sunflower seeds, both good, but perhaps not enough.
I always use salt in my food, so I’m probably OK for sodium.
I’ve been really thirsty all the time, despite drinking loads.
I read that potassium is bound up in glycogen and is released in the first few weeks, and something about low insulin levels making a difference too. I maybe should’ve researched this first, I just bought the recipe book and thought I’d have a go.

That’s a good craving to have!

I’m just back from Ireland. My aunts baked for me (and I coped) I had a few drinks one night (which was inevitable) but they did deal quite well with a non drinking Lee which surprised me….
My cousins ranged from saying “you look fabulous, keep it up” to “are you ill?” “Do you have an eating disorder?” “Eat some bread for goodness sakes” 🤣
Just under 3lbs on 😱 I know it could have been so much worse but it’s disheartening nonetheless. I shall be back in Galway on 7th September and I’m determined to be under 10 stone by then. I’ve got time for a full 8 week cycle of bsd, so it’s achievable if I attach myself to the wagon again 😳😇😈
Just waiting for Waitrose to deliver my lovely healthy food. But I may have a pack of stunning Irish sausages to use up first…

L xx

What are you eating? Are you following the meal plans or going your own way ? I didn’t have any problems, although I did supplement occasionally while doing the 800 calories, not specifically, just a general multivitamin and mineral tablet, once every couple of days. I am supplementing daily on my current fasting mimicking diet as well, but that is only a short period. The cramps could be sodium rather than potassium depletion, all lower carbohydrate diets cause retained sodium to be released from the body which lowers blood pressure among other benefits of the diet. If you don’t already, make sure you are adding salt to meals or use salty ingredients regularly like feta cheese or anchovies. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Try looking for some foods high in potassium but lower in carbs and incorporate them into your meals.

Hi all

Thanks for your good wishes…I’m practically high on painkillers but was up and about earlier. Note to self, M&S foodhall while fasting is not the wisest move 😳 But I escaped relatively quickly with protein filled goodies!

Have just practically inhaled a poached egg 🍳 on toast. I know bread is not bsd but the painkillers make me sooo nauseous I figured it was the lesser of two evils. 😈

Loved the poem Mary. Liz is obviously not the only one on here with a literary gift!!

H66, don’t worry about the “ginger” wine. It’s probably still less than normal. I find weekends the hardest if I’m honest, so tend to up the calories. Weigh day tomorrow, so I will know then if the bread has damaged me! Still I was going to have two slices and two eggs but halved the portion….

FFBB way to go. I don’t know why people feel it’s ok to comment on eating habits, weight etc. Just imagine how great he looks naked!! 😱😳
I’ve developed spaniel eat boobs) great phrase so have booked myself into rigby and peller next weekend. I shall be perky again in no time 🤣

L 😘

Has anyone had problems with mineral deficiencies? I’ve had tingling in my arms and hands for the past few days and it’s been a lot worse today. I was having a look online and the symptoms of potassium deficiency matched other problems I’ve been having, heart palpitations and muscle weakness. I’ve had some cramps as well.
I’m starting to get a bit nervous about this diet but don’t want to stop and would appreciate some advice. What should I do to quickly boost my levels (I think magnesium might be an issue too) without resorting to supplements? I’m on day 10 and have read it can be worst in the first 2 weeks .
Thanks.

Hey Hello66,
Sometimes you have to do what it takes to get through the day. Today my family visited. Love my girls and their kids….not so keen on one of the sons in law though. He is an arse and I get so angry at his lack of manners etc. As I was cooking a meal for them, they opted for spaghetti bolognese. I forgot to buy courgette, so ended up eating it with them. Then (they had to have cake it was their birthdays), I just had to have a piece of cake, I am not a great cake eater, but I just had to have it. My problem now is to compound the misdemeanor with wine tonight or be good….only time will tell.

You will get there Hello66, I did…and didn’t drink for 2 weeks…I think I may go for 3 next time…but maybe not tonight.

Take care.

Mary xxx